Everyday Inspiration: A Tastemaker Series Featuring Anne Pearson, of A – Erin Donahue Tice

I’ve had so fun connecting with tastemakers across various industries since I launched my art business, and as such, I’ve decided to launch a new blog series to shine a light on these amazing and talented creative types and entrepreneurs.

I’m never more inspired than when I’m talking to another business owner, or someone who has come up with a really unique concept to share with the world. Interior designers in particular are uniquely inspiring to me - both in the way their work shapes my art, as well as how they are able to successfully layer a space and make it come to life, and you’ll see many designers interviewed here down the road.

As a design enthusiast myself, I have continued to watch and follow many designers on instagram and in the press, and one who has continued to speak to me is Anne Pearson, of Anne Pearson Design. So for our kick-off Tastemaker blog, I’m thrilled to introduce y’all to Anne.

Anne's design philosophy centers around combining classic elements with updated and unique materials (just my speed!). I love how effortless and collected her spaces feel, and love how she is influenced by traditional design, but always puts her own spin on things. A Southern girl at heart, Anne lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband Joel, two children, Thomas and Mary Collins, and her 2 cats Ella and Maddy.

I loved getting to know more about Anne through our conversation, am thrilled to share it (along with some photos of her eye-catching work) with y’all today.

Everyday Inspiration: A Tastemaker Series

1. Where did you grow up and what did you want to be when you were older?

I grew up in Charlotte. When I was younger I was always creative and into art. I don’t know that I knew that I wanted to be a designer but was definitely drawn to anything creative. I also remember a friend of mine’s mother was an interior designer. I definitely noticed all of the beautiful details in her home, and loved how welcoming the home felt at the same time.

2. Tell me about the genesis of your design business - when was the initial seed planted?

I lived in Atlanta after college and worked as a merchandiser. I think merchandising can lend itself to interior design. I was surrounded by friends and acquaintances who worked for some of the big designers and I was definitely intrigued. I decided to move back to Charlotte and go back to school at Queens university to get a second degree in interior design. I went off on my own after I finished school and have slowly grown my business. I was late to the game on Instagram but once I started, that took my exposure to a new level. I am glad I waited because I had curated some beautiful pictures that I felt were worthy of showcasing.

3. Have you had any mentors during your career?

I have several colleagues that I met at Queen's University that I enjoy connecting with to discuss business. I have also met some other designers and we have fun chatting about our profession. I also love studying other designers’ work. I am definitely inspired by the work of Ashley Whittaker and Mark D. Sikes. They are so talented and their work is flawless!! I admire so many other designers and save their work as inspiration.

4. Where does your inspiration come from?

I am definitely inspired by so many other designers. I also draw inspiration from artwork, fabrics and even color combinations.

5. How does art influence your creativity? Who are some of your favorite artists?

Art definitely inspires my color palette. I love using some of the unique color combinations I see in artwork. I love your work. I have been eying your monochromatic white textured paintings!. Caleb Mahoney is a favorite. I just commissioned some pieces from Catherine Booker Jones. George Read is another favorite. I really love to mix modern art in traditional interiors to keep it from getting too serious. I also love small works! That is one of my most favorite types of art to collect because they can fit into so many places in a home, and they also are great for budgets.

6. What is one thing that never goes out of style?

I think traditional classic interiors are never going to go out of style. I avoid trends. Clients ask me if something is trendy and I tell them if something is done well and is beautiful, it will never go out of style.

7. Favorite travel destination?

Paris is my favorite travel destination by far. It has been a long time since I have been there. Everything is just beautiful.

8. What do you do to get out of a creative rut?

Take a break. I tune out and hang out with my family and friends. I have found I feel recharged after short breaks.

9. What is one failure you’ve encountered, and what did you learn?

Gosh, I feel like every job I do I learn something new. Things are going to go wrong but it is how you handle it that matters. I had a client tell me she appreciated how I handle mistakes. I think the biggest thing is figuring out how to solve problems. Our job is not cookie cutter and you need to be able to think outside the box.

10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I think some of the best advice is to have perspective. What we are doing is not life or death, and mistakes can be fixed. I had a client who had been through a serious health issue tell me these are all “fun decisions.” If something is not exactly what she wants in the end, we can change it. She has such a great perspective on life and realizes design is supposed to be fun

11. If you could have one “do-over” in life, what would it be and why?

I think if I was doing it over again I would have gone to work for a big designer to learn from….I think that is why my design evolution took a little longer because I had a lot to learn. But I also appreciate how long it took me to get where I am and I am so appreciative of the clients and projects I am getting to work on these days.