The Designer’s Journal: Maximalism with Meaning

For designer Anna Versaci, great design isn’t about following rules—it’s about creating spaces that feel lived-in, loved, and uniquely personal. With an eclectic, maximalist style grounded in intuition and curiosity, she brings a fearless sense of play to every project. Her home serves as an ever-evolving design playground, and her latest work—a richly layered condo along New York City’s High Line—is a true reflection of her creative spirit.

We caught up with her to learn more about her design philosophy, the inspiration behind her boldly personal style, and how she turns collected materials and mixed patterns into spaces that feel serene, soulful, and full of life.

Describe your design style in three words.

Eclectic, layered, and maximalist.

Where do you draw your design inspiration from?

I visit flea markets and antique fairs everywhere I go. I’m also inspired by New York City street fashion, Palm Springs Mid-Mod, and Old Hollywood. Not to mention Paris cafes, where you sit outside and people watch for hours, and then I’m always inspired by nature.

What is your design ethos?

My design ethos is to keep it easy, imperfect, improvisational and never be afraid to mix patterns, textures, and materials in whatever way expresses your style.

What does your home say about you?

My home hopefully says that it is very well loved and cared for and that I have a lot of fun decorating it, changing it up, and living in it with my family. My home has been my design playground for 16 years.

What design “rule” do you always follow, and which was made to be broken?

I always follow the rule that good design first starts with lots of measuring and working out the proper floor plan. A rule I always break is to mix up metals when it comes to hardware, light fixtures, drapery rods, and more. It has to be done thoughtfully and with a certain eye, but when the metals are mixed, it makes the home look much more custom and interesting.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on a condo on The High Line in New York City with a homeowner as brave as I am with mixing patterns, textures, wallpaper, and color. It has been nearly a two year process of getting every detail just right. When you design with a lot of layers, I think it takes more time. There is so much going on from a design standpoint but somehow the vibe is so serene and cozy. It’s truly a place where once you are there, you don’t want to leave. An oasis in the city.

Do you have any design mentors?

Melissa Benham of Studio Emblem has an amazing design sensibility, such a good eye for editing and has been so welcoming to offer me her wisdom over the years. We also grew up together in the same town, so it’s fun that our paths have crossed again in this way. I also have a mentor, Dr. Gail Parker, who is a longtime friend and teacher turned client. Gail is the definition of a mentor because rather than tell me what to do, she helped me see what was possible in myself, and that’s how I started my own business ten years ago.

Can you share your favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room?

Wallpaper the ceiling! You can use a texture, a faux wood look, or a super graphic pattern. Especially in a powder room and a primary bedroom. But really, this works just about anywhere.

What’s your favorite piece of decor in your own home?

The gallery wall in my home office. It is a collection of about 15 pieces of art all centered around a Samsung Frame TV that I can also use for presentations (or watch the Lions—big football fan). The artworks are a complete collection of everything that makes my heart sing: paintings my son made in school, tiles collected from random trips to Spain, a painting my grandmother did of me (she was an artist), photos, collected objects from French flea markets. All of it reminds me of an experience or a person I love. It’s something that perfectly fits the space, functions just the way I need it to and makes me happy everyday.

Can you tell us about your favorite Schoolhouse product?

The Sidnie Lamp. I used two of these in my New York project as nightstand lamps in the guest bedroom. They are set against a super vibrant gray and white palm tree wallpaper with walnut nightstands and a gray upholstered bed. They have the coolest boutique hotel vibe.