Anaca Studio · Small-Space Living

Anne-Claire Petre is a citizen of the world. After studying industrial design in France, followed by a Bachelor of Arts (Furniture) in Scotland, she relocated to Australia. She worked at the Jam Factory in Adelaide, before settling in Melbourne, where she channels her global experiences into designs for her furniture label, Anaca Studio.

This week marks the launch of Anaca’s latest collection, Small-Space Living. Comprising of four pieces, it’s set to inject a European flavour into Australian apartments and small-space living. Our new contributor Fiona Killackey gives us the lowdown.

Written

Fiona Killackey

Furniture by Melbourne designer Anne-Claire Petre of Anaca Studio. Camille sofa and Edgar coffee table from the new collection mixing with the Coco ottoman and Zoe side table from the existing range. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Ruth Welsby–

Furniture by Melbourne designer Anne-Claire Petre of Anaca Studio. Felix sideboard from the new collection with the Elliot coat stand and Coco ottoman from previous Anaca Studio collections. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Ruth Welsby.

Furniture by Melbourne designer Anne-Claire Petre of Anaca Studio. Camille sofa and the Emi stools in solid American red oak, come in two heights and with an option of flat tops to use as side tables. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Ruth Welsby–

Furniture by Melbourne designer Anne-Claire Petre of Anaca Studio. Edgar coffee table from the new range. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Ruth Welsby–

Furniture by Melbourne designer Anne-Claire Petre of Anaca Studio. The Emi stools in solid American red oak, come in two heights and with an option of flat tops to use as side tables. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Ruth Welsby–

Furniture by Melbourne designer Anne-Claire Petre of Anaca Studio. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Ruth Welsby–

Writer

Fiona Killackey

24th of August 2016

Anne-Claire Petre is the creator behind Melbourne-based furniture company, Anaca Studio. After 16 years of study, and experience working for multiple furniture houses, interior designers and architect firms across Europe, the UK and Australia, she launched her label in 2012. Despite her wealth of experience, she says it still took almost another year to get products into market.

‘I started Anaca Studio in early 2012, although it took most of that year to actually set myself up, find the right manufacturers and have a small collection of locally-made products,’ mentions Anne-Claire.

The ability to be able to work with and learn from others is something Anne-Claire savours, choosing to set up her ‘mini’ furniture showroom and office surrounded by likeminded creatives. Working out of a small studio in Wellington Street, Collingwood, Anne-Claire creates designs that have become known for their minimalism and a slight quirkiness.

‘I have been drawn to the modernist aesthetic, and the lightness and refinement of Danish and Japanese designs for many years now’ Anne-Claire explains. ‘Each product is designed not just for a purpose, but to also have its own personality.’

Expression of personality through design is something Anne-Claire witnessed in the houses and apartments of friends and family in Europe, and it’s something she hopes her new four-piece collection will help do for Australians choosing to live in apartments or smaller spaces. ‘Having spent half my life in Europe, I have been influenced by beautifully-styled small living spaces,’ mentions Anne-Claire. ‘I wanted to create a line of products that would offer this European flavour to the growing number of Australians shifting toward small-space living.’

The four-piece collection includes the Camille sofa, the Edgar coffee table, the Felix sideboard and the Emi solid timber stool. These are, Anne-Claire says, ‘a blend of Scandinavian style and modernist aesthetics, simple and light, and an expression of substance through sustainability.’

The Anaca Studio Small-Space Living collection is available to order directory by phone or via email. Anaca Studio, 64 Wellington St, Collingwood.