Anna Wood’s path to becoming one of Melbourne’s most sought-after interior designers is anything but conventional. After initially training as an accountant, Anna discovered her passion for design during the renovation of her own home in 2011. What began as a personal project quickly evolved into a new career, prompting her to leave the corporate world and pursue a Diploma in Interior Design.
Now the founder of Picchio Interiors, Anna is known for her sophisticated approach to heritage home restorations, blending modern elegance with timeless charm. With a focus on “elevating simplicity,” she crafts bespoke interiors that honour the history of each space while creating fresh, inviting environments for contemporary living.
Outside of her design studio, Anna juggles her role as a business owner with being a mother of three. Her structured approach to time management has been key to maintaining balance and scaling her business. In this interview, Anna shares her design philosophy, creative process, and insights on building a thriving design practice.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
Hi, I’m Anna Wood from Picchio Interiors, and I run a residential interior design studio in Melbourne, Australia. I have a penchant for heritage homes and love nothing more than to restore and modernise beautiful homes of yesteryear. I’m also mum to 3 kids and a golden retriever so that keeps me pretty busy.
I actually wanted to become a vet…I was in love with animals from an early age. My love of homes and architecture (and the people who live in them) came a bit later.
Image Source:Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
I undertook my first major renovation in 2011. My husband and I bought an art deco home in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne that was in desperate need of an extension and spruce up. I trawled through magazines to find unique and quirky suppliers and I just loved the design process and of course the outcome. It was at that point that I realised how good it felt to live in a well-designed home that was personalised to me, my family and our lifestyle. I was working as an accountant at the time and went back to university at night to study interior design & decoration (a cert IV at RMIT). 1 year into my course I knew that design was my passion (I was also onto my second major renovation by this time) so I quit my day job to start my own business.
Running my own design business is so incredibly rewarding but also so incredibly demanding and time-consuming. It’s a full-time job and more and so the only real ritual that I have is to set out a plan for each week and create “time blocks” for things like client work, phone calls/site visits, supplier trips, marketing, admin etc. I like to do my client work in the morning when I’m feeling fresh, awake and at my most creative.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
My business tagline is Elevating Simplicity and Crafting Elegance. My style is actually very simple but I do like to pay attention to the small design details that add elements of uniqueness and luxury to every project and every family that I design for. So I would describe my design style as - Elevated, sophisticated, modern, approachable & quirky.
Quite a few different places actually. Sometimes it could be an existing shape, feature or building material used in the original home. Other times it could be a piece of art, a decorative rug or a particular style that my client has an affinity with. I’m currently working on a beautiful federation home for a family that has a lot of chinoiserie antiques that they would like to incorporate into their home post-renovation. Whilst the renovation will have a clean modern feel the existing pieces have definitely led the direction on the colour palette and choice of fixtures and fittings.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
I like to keep an eye on them but I wouldn’t say that I follow them. I would like to think that my designs are pretty timeless. I do go a bit wild with a paint colour or wallpaper every now and then, but these are things that people can change if they get sick of them.
I do definitely try and design to my client’s brief but yes there would be themes. I’m definitely drawn to certain materials and finishes such as natural stone, timber, beautiful tiles and feature lighting (wall/pendant) so whilst every project is different these are my favourite materials/finishes to use. The way I space plan a kitchen or bathroom is also probably variants on a theme as certain ways of setting out a space just make sense to me.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
Oh, what isn’t!! I’ve just moved into another renovator’s delight and it’s in the process of a major spruce up including a furniture upgrade. Because you asked, I have my eye on a Tabernas rug from Halcyon Lake, a tulip buffet from Zuster and a curved Doug sofa in navy velvet cord fabric from Harbro…the list is long but I think they are my top 3!
Professionally, the business is going really well. If demand continues the way it currently is then I will look to grow the business and expand my team. I have also really enjoyed collaborating with builders and architects/building designers over the last few years so that is something that I would always look to do more of. And lastly, I would really love to participate in a product collaboration with a furniture maker or lighting maker.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
“If you love it”….then do it, buy it, paint it, install it…. I think that people can really overthink and over complicate the design process by second-guessing everything.
I have recently moved into a studio in a beautifully designed connected workspace called Eclat. It’s a wonderful space to create, connect and network and a great place to bring clients for inspiration.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
Running & working in the business and being a mum of 3 + pooch is an absolute juggle and weekly whirlwind. I probably don’t have the balance quite right but it is something I’m very conscious of. I definitely try to take time off when the kids are on holiday so that I can be present for them.
Being with my gorgeous crew – family and friends. And a little sunshine thrown in!
Image Source:
Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
Absolutely. Apart from word of mouth and referral business, the online community would be my biggest marketing tool. I’ve also connected with a lot of other designers online which has been wonderful in terms of the level of support that we can give each other and also to strategise or have a giggle over common pitfalls in the industry.
Having my own home featured in Home Beautiful was a bit of a thrill! Being nominated for The Graduate of The Year Awards with IDI. A trip to Queenstown last year with The Design Coach was wonderful from a business, wellness, networking and design inspiration perspective. I’m all set to go off to Palm Springs for Modernist Week early next year with TDC, which I’m certain will also be a highlight.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @dylanjamesphoto.
Ocean swimming.
Blue.
Assumption is the mother of all failures.
Boy Swallows Universe, Home Beautiful, Drive to Survive.
Image Source:
Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
Jimmy Rees, Alexandra E Style, Jacqui Felgate, random Golden Retriever Videos.
Me&Em, CDK Stone, SketchUp.
Emily Persson, Mim Design, Jillian Dinkel, Michelle Hart.
Personal, relaxed, sophisticated.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
It was lockdown and I loved the ability to study online and go at my own pace with the course.
Probably SketchUp…I find it relaxing!
It’s a lot of work but stay focussed and get it done! It’s worth it!
A beach house with an 80’s vibe, federation house with a twist of chinoiserie and a few other projects that are about to complete construction. I can’t wait to share these with you.
Image Source:
Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
“I am so pleased to be an Interior Design Institute graduate! I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and found the real-life examples to be so helpful as I continue to pursue a career in interior design.
The flexible, self-paced program was just what I needed and I found the tutors extremely responsive when guidance was required. I would highly recommend this course to others looking to start a career in interior design. Thank you so much IDI!”
– Anna Wood
Want to see more of Anna’s work? Step inside this gorgeous home at Wattle Valley Road, a project curated by Anna Wood.
Anna has also had her work featured in Home Beautiful magazine. We can’t wait to see what projects she works on next!
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Anna
Wood from @picchio_interiors.
Photography by @suziappel_photo.
Anna’s journey from accountant to interior designer is a testament to the possibilities that come with following your passion. With The Interior Design Institute’s comprehensive and flexible online courses, you can make a similar career switch or take your existing skills to new heights.
Ready to explore a future in interior design? Enrol today and start turning your creative vision into a reality!
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