The Essential List 05. Anne Corgan’s Small Everyday Delights
The interior designer shares sculptural candles, festive cocktail napkins, toilet paper that sparks joy, and how design and aesthetics can really inform the way we feel.
The monotony of everyday life can easily blend together in a blur of routine. Interior designer Anne Corgan believes that even the smallest touch of joy can help make those ordinary moments more fun. From sculpted candles to a perfectly chosen spoon, she's all about infusing your day with simple pleasures.
First, Anne shares her favorite little things that can bring delight into our daily routines. Then, I share our conversation about her three-month Vogue internship (that everyone loves to talk about), her path to launching her own interior design business, and lots of useful tips on designing the spaces around us. Plus, a *very important* recipe involving a life-changing Garlic Chili Crisp.
Gold Mini Spoons (gateway to the Kari Kari Garlic Chili Crisp) These have pride of place in a small dish on my countertop because they are used multiple times a day, everyday, for all the things. I’ve mixed them in with some vintage cuties that I’ve picked up along the way, but there’s something about that perfectly rounded top that is just so delightful.
Heather Taylor Home and Furbish Studio Fabric Cocktail Napkins Some assortment of these is always available on our coffee table. I firmly stand in the camp of “kids need to learn to live with beautiful things” and having these out means there is always a (cute) spot for them to put their bevvy down so that it doesn’t mess up the coffee table books! It’s also the easiest way to shake up your decor seasonally—these are the ones I have out right now to usher in Spring.
Square Taper Candles I stock up on these from my favorite local shop Watson Kennedy for myself, but also as an easy hostess gift. I love to tie a ribbon around them and add a vintage ornament around the holidays, or tuck a few garden snips in during the warmer months. They burn beautifully and have a nice sculptural vibe that is usually the modern contrast I need to the rest of my tablescape (bonus item: museum wax!!). Also, since this is all about small delights, take note from my three-year old that any meal is made better with candlelight, including breakfast—no need to save them for a special occasion!
Coupe Cocktail Glass Everything tastes better in a coupe! Are these the absolute chicest of coupe glasses? No, not really, BUT they are inexpensive, dishwasher safe, and sturdy which makes them the perfect party addition! I have more of them than I probably should, but they’re just as good for sipping bubbly with Friday night pizza as they are a Paper Plane cocktail at a holiday party.
Charmin Scallop Toilet Paper The amount of sheer delight this brings me, and all of my unsuspecting guests, is what earned it a place on this list. Perhaps it’s not the chicest or most expected of choices, but I’m telling you there is no denying the joy that a scalloped edge can bring to even the most mundane of practices. And the best part?! Charmin made this update (the first one in 100 years) PURELY for functional reasons to allow for a smoother tear and it just so happens to hit the mark on form too. The ultimate expression of form follows function.
Ferm Living Animal-shaped Wooden Boards Kiddos deserve small delights too, non?! Our most requested meal is “charcuterie” which is ten times more fun when served on a personal cutting board, so that’s what we do!
Anne and I were high school classmates and at the end of senior year, we all wrote predictions for where we'd be in twenty years. We rediscovered them recently, and Anne had written: "I'll be designing homes and married to a man named Kevin." Today, she runs her own successful interior design business, lives with her two kids, and her husband... Kevin (they met long after high school). Impressive manifestation, eh?!
Let’s talk about your path to interior design. Did you always know this is what you wanted to do?
I’ve always had an interest in aesthetics— the classic story of constantly rearranging my room, redecorating, and shaking things up from a young age. When I went to college, I decided to major in French (much to the dismay of my parents) because it was the only way to study abroad for an entire year. That was my real goal—I knew I wanted to be in Paris for an entire year. So that's what I did and, naturally, it further informed my obsession with all things design.
Returning from abroad my senior year, I had to write a thesis. It could be about anything, it just had to be written in French. I went to Scripps College and the library there had an archive of 1950s Vogue magazines that I decided to look at. Surprisingly, I found the magazine incredibly supportive of women in an era that was often seen as oppressive. Though fashion is often overlooked as this superfluous, surface level thing, Vogue’s message was: “Put on an outfit and feel confident. Pursue your goals, or simply feel like your best self.” I took this concept of neuroaesthetics1 and ran with it from a fashion-focused angle for my thesis, but I always had this sense that design and aesthetics in general can really inform the way you feel.
My advisor ended up sending my thesis to Vogue, and I landed a three-month internship after college (which, funnily enough, is still the number one thing anyone wants to talk about on my resumé). I was miserable—I was the lowest of the low on the hierarchy and it was a real-life Devil Wears Prada experience. I survived for three months, but was ready to leave that world, though not New York. So, I did PR and marketing at Club Monaco, but quickly realized I was not cut out for fashion or the city. I jumped ship to San Francisco where I became a buyer at Pottery Barn.
I made a list of 50 or so designers in San Francisco to reach out to, hoping to gain insight— should I go back to school, or was on-the-job experience more valuable? The overwhelming response was to skip formal schooling (outside of core CAD and technical skills) and learn directly by working with an established designer.
Pottery Barn was an amazing eight-year experience. It perfectly combined design and aesthetics with the world of home and decor. Plus, it appealed to both sides of my brain, which I loved. There was a lot of analysis of what sold and why and how we could improve it, while also creating beautiful products. As much as I loved it, seeing the career paths of the women above me made me realize that wasn't my ultimate goal.
I always knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in design, but wasn't sure of the best path. So, I made a list of 50 or so designers in San Francisco to reach out to, hoping to gain insight— should I go back to school, or was on-the-job experience more valuable? The overwhelming response was to skip formal schooling (outside of core CAD and technical skills) and learn directly by working with an established designer.
So that's exactly what I did—I interned for three different designers, absorbing each of their unique approaches to business and aesthetics. It was a whirlwind experience, which led me to become the only employee/designer for Allison Caccoma, a Bunny Williams protégé with incredible taste. She had a storefront, and I did everything – from taking trash out to schemes and ordering. It was an amazing opportunity to learn every part of the business that I possibly could.
I love deciphering their lifestyles, preferences, and that inevitable husband-wife design debate. Ultimately, it's about understanding what makes them tick and creating a space that reflects their unique personalities.
I worked for another designer, Julie Rootes, then I moved to Seattle, had kids and started my own thing, Anne Corgan Design, specializing in residential interiors. I had a brief moment where I thought I should be a psychiatrist or psychologist— I think that’s why I love the drama of the client side. I love deciphering their lifestyles, preferences, and that inevitable husband-wife design debate. Ultimately, it's about understanding what makes them tick and creating a space that reflects their unique personalities.
I'm curious about how working as a buyer changes the way you look at shopping. How does it influence your taste and shopping habits? Do you find yourself thinking about cost and how things are made more often?
It makes me want to buy vintage and antiques way more, which I love for their unique aesthetic. There’s a place for the Pottery Barns and Crate&Barrels, and I do occasionally source from them— but I am a lot more strategic about which pieces I choose from big-box stores. For example, side tables or lighting from larger stores can be great finds. However, for upholstery, I prefer to go custom. I find it's often surprisingly affordable and unique, a perfect way to differentiate yourself. Then, you can easily complement it with a side table from CB2, for example.
My experience also showed me the vast differences in design trends across the US. As a buyer, you learn to be strategic and prioritize business needs over personal preferences.
When designing an interior space, where do you think it's most worthwhile to invest in quality pieces?
Window treatments and custom upholstery. I think window treatments (and custom pillows) are places where people tend to have a jaw-drop moment when they see the pricing (and not necessarily in a good way)—and I totally understand why—but usually if they can sit with it and come to terms with it, they'll find that they are the most transformative pieces in a room—the quality is night and day. You can just tell: the hardware, the fabric, the fullness, how it drapes, it’s perfectly measured—it's just a whole different experience. It's the same thing for custom upholstery although I will say there are more creative ways to get a beautiful custom sofa or chair for about the same price as a retail one and it will last longer and feel more special, guaranteed.
When sourcing vintage, what are your favorite pieces to look for? Do you have any tips on what things are easiest to find?
Vintage fabrics are one of my favorite things. There's this great gal, locally, that I met in line at an estate sale, and I love to go to her with my existing scheme and try to find one little thing that I can pop into it to make it feel a little wacky. I also have a hard time not purchasing things from her that don't necessarily have an immediate home, so if there's something I love I'll just grab it. Recently I had two of those fabrics, and I showed them to a client, and they became the cafe curtains in two of her bathrooms. It's fun to have those things in your back pocket.
Accessories of any kind are a no-brainer—bowls, plates, vases—you can pop them anywhere. I also have an obsession with vintage side tables (though I really need to stop). I steer clear of vintage upholstery— some people love it, but it’s not really my thing. Some shops I love:
Circa Fabric local and women-owned! My fave spot to find a vintage textile
Suzy Antique give me all of the Hungarian ceramics please!
kanthaNtapestryart so many good bed covers!
Casa Patina Ingrid is the ultimate treasure hunter and it's a no-brainer for me to use any of her incredible pieces (art, sculptures, etc.) to finish off a space. She has a wonderful point of view that is slightly more modern than my aesthetic and therefore brings the perfect amount of contrast to a space. Plus, she's a whole lot of fun!
There's so much talk about “the algorithm” and spaces starting to all look the same on social media. Where do you like to turn to for inspiration or to discover new ideas?
My tried-and-true go-tos are design books. I have quite a library. That was something that Allison Caccoma taught me and was very supportive and encouraging of—she always said that you have to find inspiration beyond the screen. It’s such a special treat for me to flip through these old books and see things you don’t see everyday. It’s also great for training your eyes. One of my favorite games is to pull up a room I love and to dissect what it is that’s really working—not just what looks nice, but really trying to understand that “why” better informs your inspiration and direction.
I love vintage books too, eBay has so many things like old House & Garden issues and I always see what I can find at an estate sale. I recently found an antique furniture directory and used it to inform the furniture legs of a bathroom vanity I'm working on. It was really cool to look through there and see what are some old, different types of furniture legs that were popular in the 18th century, for example. It’s fun to get really specific on that stuff. The inclination is always to scroll, but I find it's just so much of the same.
Aside from that, I try to get outside and find inspiration wherever I can. There are always amazing art exhibits and gallery openings, and I love hunting in antique shops. It reminds me of my merchant days at sample sales, searching for that one diamond in the rough— it's the best feeling ever. I need to be able to sift through lots of options and find the one thing that truly speaks to me, and this really helps with that.
I don't think you always need to travel far and wide for inspiration (as much as I'd love a trip to Marrakech!). I'm focused on finding it in the day-to-day, too.
Part of my morning routine for a while was reading The Artist's Way, which suggests a weekly artist's date. I aim for once a month (it's more realistic), and it can be anything from trying a new restaurant and analyzing its design inspiration and how the space makes you feel, to visiting a museum. I even enjoy talking to my favorite local framer, learning about his process and how he chooses finishes.
What about travel? Beyond France, what other destinations spark your creativity and influence your design aesthetic?
I feel like I'm in quite a travel rut due to my two (lovely) small children. But, I was in France last fall and we popped over to London for 48 hours and it definitely made me want more. I really want to get to Mexico City, that may be a little more achievable in the near future.
Honestly, at this stage of life, it's good even to revisit places I've been before. A trip last year to Connecticut and New York was so fun— I loved creating my usual Google map and scouting out all the different shops. I don't think you always need to travel far and wide for inspiration (as much as I'd love a trip to Marrakech!). I'm focused on finding it in the day-to-day, too.
What interior design trends do you wish would disappear, and which ones are you obsessed with?
I find the trend conversations so challenging— it's obviously so real and so important, but so much of it is cyclical too, right? I'm always asking myself: Is this a trend? I don’t want it to be a trend. Did I love this before? Is it coming back?— it's really hard. My no-brainer answer is not even interiors focused, but the modern farmhouse just needs to go. That bright white exterior with the black windows—we’ve gotta get past that. I'm also not a fan of open floor plans—it has advantages for sure, but I love having defined rooms that are intentional and make you feel a little more cocooned.
I've always been a little more East Coast in style. Even with my fashion, I loved wearing pearls and I loved a good bow (I still do, but I try not to be totally juvenile). I love everything that's happening with the love for British design—I love florals in everything I do. I love florals with a stripe. I love antique furniture. You can argue that a lot of that is quite trendy right now, but I like to think that I will continue liking it, even if we go back to monochromatic, mellow, all-white everything.
Are there any lesser-known brands or stores—across any category—that you love and think deserve more attention?
I always tell one of my friends that I really just want to be a professional sourcer—my greatest joy is finding new and exciting things. To highlight a few:
EKA Design Studio I love the hand embroidery on their pieces. I have a pink tulle dress with the most colorful embroidery and it makes me SO happy to wear.
Tori Jones I dream of going to her actual storefront on Block Island, but until then I've found plenty of gems for clients and myself from her perfectly curated collection
Bon Tucson I was introduced to this brand by my Mom who has honed her style perfectly (think oversized linen caftans) and I somehow have hopped on board with the vibe entirely. I love that their pieces feel special, but wearable, and ride the line perfectly between masculine/feminine. They also have some fun home, gift and kiddo items thrown into the mix— I mean, come on with these floral pjs.
Lastly, we must discuss the Kari Kari Garlic Chili Crisp that you mentioned. As a recent convert (and someone who's usually not big on condiments), I'm obsessed. What’s your favorite way to eat it?
I will start by saying that it truly goes on everything, but my tried and true recipe that I frequently eat for lunch is this:
Farro as a base (I use the 10 Minute Farro from Trader Joe’s and make it fresh)
Kale sautéed in a pan (I use the chopped up bag from Trader Joes) with olive oil and garlic salt (also something I eat every single day)
Protein (whatever I have on hand)
Piles of cheese (I like to add parmesan cheese while the kale is cooking to melt it)
You can add all kinds of additional crunches: pistachios, toasted panko crumbs
Lastly, douse with Chili Crisp
If I don’t have time to make the farro, I just do a piece of bread with avocado smushed on it as the base. Lately, I’ve also been making breakfast sandwiches with an English muffin, fried egg, sausage patty (Trader Joe’s has good frozen ones), tons of the kale, plus Chili Crisp all over it. 🤌
Drooling! My current Chili Crisp go-to also involves Trader Joe’s: the Squiggly Knife Cut Noodles (do we need a Trader Joe’s Essential List?).
Thank you, Anne, this was such a delight. I’ve already been influenced to buy the toilet paper and it’s spectacular. I’m excited to bring more special little somethings (and more Chili Crisp) into my daily routines.
website: annecorgandesign.com
instagram: @annecorgandesign
Let us know if you have any questions for Anne in the comments. And if you know anyone who might be interested, please pass this along to them.
If you have your own small delights (or ways of consuming Chili Crisp), I’d love to hear it! Share in a comment below or hit reply to send me a note.
Business of Home recently had a good podcast on neuroaesthetics if you want to learn more.
I’m so glad to find someone who loves a coup glass too! Another excellent read - I love reading about these tiny details, the scalloped loo roll (so chic!) and agree re Farmhouse aesthetic….