Buy Once, Buy Well: Creating a Home That Lasts with Anna Straw

Choosing well is something interior designer Anna Straw has always understood. Inspired by pieces her parents bought from Habitat in the 1960s – and still own today – Anna believes the best homes are built slowly, with quality pieces, natural materials and details that gather meaning over time.

Image courtesy of @annastrawinteriordesign & @sophialandellscreative

From foxed antique mirrors and French confit pots to simple modern furniture, statement lighting and switches you’ll still love years from now, Anna’s approach is all about creating spaces that feel personal rather than perfect.

We chatted with Anna about the beauty of buying once and buying well, how to mix old and new with confidence, and why the everyday details you touch, use and see each day deserve just as much thought as the bigger design decisions.

Why do you think the ‘buy once, buy well’ mindset is becoming more important in home design today?

I think homeowners are becoming more aware of how their interior choices can impact the environment.

Investing in a quality piece from the off, rather than buying several lower-quality items that eventually end up in landfill, is something my clients are really buying into.

It’s actually something my parents first embraced in the 1960s when Habitat launched. They still own pieces they bought back then today.

Image courtesy of @annastrawinteriordesign

What do you look for in modern products to ensure longevity? Is there a common thread – material quality, timeless design, durability?

When sourcing modern products, I look for simplicity of design. Simple, modern pieces tend to sit well alongside older items and feel less tied to a specific era.

I love to work with natural materials such as marble, wood, linen, leather and wool – they all age beautifully and have a timeless quality. For me, it always comes back to simplicity, quality of materials and an element of craftsmanship.

I love incorporating vintage and antique pieces into my interiors. I look for items with signs of age and a real sense of history.
Anna Straw, Interior Designer

Image courtesy of @annastrawinteriordesign & @cmstudios_photography

And what do you look for in vintage or antique pieces?

I love incorporating vintage and antique pieces into my interiors. I look for items with signs of age and a real sense of history. These can work well as decorative features or functional pieces – or ideally both.

Turkish olive oil pots make wonderful planters, French elm stools are perfect as side tables, and antique mirrors with foxing (which occurs naturally over time) create the most perfect soft reflections.

French confit pots are great for storing kitchen utensils or displaying fresh flowers, and antique rugs in natural materials, with their subtle wear and muted tones, add both visual interest and comfort underfoot.

Older pieces that can be reupholstered are often better made than modern alternatives and tend to have more interesting shapes. With the right fabric, they can become something really special.

How do lighting, switches or handles play into long-term design thinking? What makes a fitting truly stand the test of time – both visually and functionally?

It’s worth investing in the fixtures and fittings you interact with every day, such as switches and sockets. They’re not something I’d want to replace time and again. Well-made options can elevate an interior in the same way accessories complete an outfit – plus they’ll stand the test of time.

It’s definitely worth giving consideration to door furniture too. When fitted well, handles can create a satisfying, solid feel and offer another opportunity to enhance your overall design scheme.

Lighting is one of the most important elements in any interior. It has the power not only to look beautiful but also to determine how successfully a space functions. I love statement lighting from different eras – antique Italian chandeliers from the 1950s are real showstoppers, while simple XL white paper lanterns are timeless classics. Vintage industrial lighting works in many settings, and there are some fantastic modern options too.

What role does emotional connection play in creating a space that lasts? Do you encourage people to hold onto ‘imperfect’ pieces that have history?

I talk to clients about emotional connection all the time. I’m quite a sentimental person myself – my home is full of inherited pieces and items from both my own childhood and my daughter’s. These are the things that bring me joy every day.

I would always encourage people to hold onto imperfect pieces if they feel a connection to them. For me, those are the elements that truly make a house a home.

If someone is just starting out and wants to mix old and new consciously, where should they begin?

Your local charity shop is a great place to start. Many offer house clearance services, so you can often find high-quality pieces at a fraction of their original price.

You might even come across something like a mid-century dining set that would look fantastic in a modern open-plan kitchen.

I’d also recommend having a plan. Keep a list on your phone of the items you need – both new and vintage – and try to stick to it. That way, you’re less likely to get carried away and buy things you don’t actually need.

Shop the look

Follow @annastrawinteriordesign on Instagram for more tips, and keep an eye out for updates on her new Yorkshire design studio, opening June this year.

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