An excerpt of Janneke Schrey in conversation with Anne Claus for 1605 Magazine No.3 Duality

Images: Anne Claus

In a quiet atelier on Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht, a conversation between 1605’s Janneke Schrey and celebrated interior designer Anne Claus unfolds. They touch on creative freedom and intuition, on boundary-setting and the moment a project comes to life. Navigating between hospitality and high-end residential projects, Claus continually explores the balance between her own signature style and the client’s.

What’s left unsaid or unarticulated in a space is just as important as the overt expressions for interior designer Anne Claus (b. 1978). Light and shadow are powerful players in her work. Negative space, too, is critical. Celebrated for her deft hand and her power to create spaces that feel both intuitive and timeless, Claus favours natural materials and restrained palettes. While she has her opinions, of course, she deeply values her clients’ perspectives. 

The history and context of a space shape her approach; nothing feels irrelevant or out of place. Furniture, art and decorative pieces are considered. They feel as if they’ve been there since the start of time. And as if they’ll having staying power, able to remain essential in a room for years to come. Claus and her team craft concepts for both residential and commercial projects from their lovely, light-flooded studio overlooking one of the city’s most beautiful canals. 

Janneke - When I look at your portfolio, I notice how recognizable your work is despite never repeating itself. You don't seem to rely on signature materials or colours the way some designers do. Do you resist being pinned down, or does each space just demand something completely different from you?

Anne - In the beginning, I really wondered if I was recognizable enough. But now, I think that might actually be my strength. And apparently people do recognize my work, even if I don’t always use the same colours or materials. I keep challenging myself. Every project is tailor-made. Clients usually choose me because they already connect with my style.

Janneke - There's this interesting dance you do. As we said, your aesthetic is so clear, yet you seem genuinely open to what clients want. How do you navigate that? And what happens when someone sees your work taking shape and suddenly realizes they want something completely different?

Anne - As for my signature: I really work with my clients. It’s their home, their space. So, if someone wants a gold kitchen, we’ll do it. But we’ll do it in a way I know will work. Luckily, clients often already know who I am and what I create, so their taste tends to align with mine. And sometimes I show them something they didn’t expect; that’s where the magic happens.

Janneke - And when it comes to creative freedom, what happens when anything is possible? Do you find more freedom working with business clients versus private clients? I imagine the emotional investment differs quite a bit between the two.

Anne - Creative freedom how involved the client is and their specific requirements. With business clients, there’s usually less emotion involved and quicker decision-making; however, there are often more practical constraints. Private clients can offer more freedom, especially if they’re open to ideas or bring creative input themselves. That’s when I really go the extra mile, and I even keep thinking about the project at home. Those are the projects that challenge me and make me proud. So, yes, my creativity definitely grows when anything is possible, especially when there’s space for collaboration, depth and personal input.

With business clients, you work from a concept, and there's less emotion involved from the client side. You get a 'go' faster; they say, “Just do it.” Private clients are completely different. Some have no idea, while others come with a very specific vision. I had one client recently who brought so many creative suggestions that it was challenging, but because they had real taste and flexibility, it pushed me to go deeper and offer things at a higher level.