Anna Carin: Scandinavian Design in an Australian Landscape

Step inside a world where Scandinavian elegance meets Australian charm, and you’ll quickly see why Anna Carin McNamara is one of the most inspiring interior designers working today.

Born in Sweden and now transforming spaces across Australia, Anna Carin is the vision behind Anna Carin Design, a studio celebrated for its timeless style, clever functionality, and that rare ability to make a house feel like home.

If you’ve ever flicked through the glossy pages of Elle, House & Garden, Vogue Living, or even wandered into Kikki.K stores across the country, chances are you’ve already been touched by her magic.

Anna Carin’s signature Scandinavian style isn’t just about clean lines and soft palettes—it’s about creating spaces that look beautiful, work brilliantly, and bring joy for years to come. There’s something deeply grounding about her approach.

“To me, it’s about the small things—it’s not just a space or a place, so much as it’s a mindset. It's where you gather, how you feel, and how you connect within that space, rather than what it looks like.”

Her philosophy is simple: the energy in your home shapes the energy you take out into the world. In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing society, creating a home that fosters peace and harmony is more than a design choice—it’s a way to reconnect with your true self.

Sustainability and longevity are at the heart of Anna Carin’s work. “We buy too many things we haven’t quite considered,” she says. “I believe in acquiring things with a sustainable mindset. If you make a piece of furniture, it should last as long as it takes a tree to grow.” Every item in her designs is chosen with purpose, sentiment, and longevity in mind.

Anna Carin encourages us to ask ourselves: What is the purpose of each item? Functional or sentimental? What emotions or memories does it evoke? Why did I choose to put it there? The answers to these questions help shape multi-generational spaces filled with meaning, where minimalism, simplicity, and functionality work hand in hand with lasting beauty.

Scandinavian design has found a natural home in Australia, where we value functional, enduring spaces that tell a story. It’s this blend of timeless design and emotional connection that has cemented Anna Carin’s success in the Australian interior scene—and ensures she will remain a guiding light for style lovers for years to come.

For a deeper dive into her tips, tricks, and design philosophy, grab a copy of her book: Make A Home To Love.