Annalisa Ferraris
Step into the incredibly chic Sydney home of artist and furniture designer Annalisa Ferraris – her interiors are a reflection of her minimalist brutalist inspired artwork, with touches of Art Deco and Hollywood regency.
Words & Photography: Hande Renshaw
Annalisa Ferraris on her CLAUDIO occasional chair in her Sydney home, which she shares with her husband and French bulldog, Peanut! Photo: Hande Renshaw
Annalisa Ferraris’ home exudes a minimal, art-deco style with a touch of Hollywood regency. Photo: Hande Renshaw
A corner in Paris by Annalisa Ferraris. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Annalisa Ferraris’ PAOLA sconce in her Sydney home. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘I’m drawn to the simplicity of minimalist, brutalist architecture – the ability it has to use very minimal materials and shapes, yet convey so much. I guess that’s why I keep coming back to it, there’s so much depth behind the simplicity, and that’s what intrigues me.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
Green blinds, pink curtains and the sea by Annalisa Ferraris. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Inside Annalisa Ferraris’ Sydney home! Photo: Hande Renshaw
Design details in the home of Annalisa Ferraris. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘I don’t know that there was any pivotal moment, but more of a conscious understanding that if I didn’t paint, draw, design, I felt agitated and unfulfilled.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
Sydney-based Annalisa Ferraris weaves her creative talent between painting and furniture design – her skill sets intrinsically aligned, speaking a familiar design language.
‘Not only do my skill sets complement but they entirely inform each other, my brass PAOLA sconce was designed in direct reference to my panel paintings. You can see the hard edge minimalist qualities of my paintings, reflected in my furniture,’ shares Annalisa.
Creative from a young age, Annalisa’s foray into painting was truly cemented after she studied fine art at The National Art School. ‘I’ve been painting for about a decade now, and whilst I still have a lot I want to pursue with my art, I found I was ready to explore something new simultaneously. That’s when I started studying interior architecture and ended up designing furniture.’
After finding it challenging to source furniture that was contemporary, art-deco, minimalist, a touch masculine and Australian made, Annalisa became motivated to design her own furniture range, delving into the intertwined relationship artists have with functional objects and design.
‘I looked at Paravent by Le Corbusier and made a couple of my own Paravents, which I debuted during the pandemic with The Assembly Label. They were received really well and it got me thinking about artworks as functional objects – I started dreaming and sketching up all kinds of pieces,’ says Annalisa.
Annalisa’s Italian heritage plays a role in her work and in her home, although not an obvious distinction, but more through furniture pieces and the overall significance of her interiors. Growing up, her parents, nonnas and nonnos all loved cooking, hosting, and were incredibly house-proud… everyone and anyone was made to feel welcome, with the European open-door policy ever present.
‘I wanted the pieces to be chic and minimal, but still have a warmth to them – that warmth is something you feel in any Italian home,’ shares Annalisa, ‘Pieces to be host to long nights filled with conversations, food, drinks, laughter, card games – everything you associate with an Italian household, whilst having the hint of opulence and sophistication of an Art Deco hotel on the Riviera,’ she adds.
Annalisa is drawn to the simplicity of minimalist, brutalist architecture and ‘the ability it has to use very minimal materials and shapes, yet convey so much. I guess that’s why I keep coming back to it, there’s so much depth behind the simplicity, and that’s what intrigues me.’
Continually drawn to art, design and fashion, Annalisa is often daydreaming of her next painting, furniture piece or outfit planned for the next occasion, ‘I’m a firm believer that daydreaming is very productive for creatives,’ she says.
The coming months are set to be busy for the artist, she will exhibiting at Sydney Contemporary in September, she will be also be part of a group show at Michael Reid gallery in Sydney in October, followed by a solo show in November at James Makin Gallery in Melbourne, ‘The shows will be a culmination of both works on paper and paintings, inspired by interiors, light and nostalgia,’ says Annalisa. ‘I’ll also be releasing a new piece from my (slowly) growing collection – something for summer. I’m humming with excitement to get it out!’
A corner in Paris by Annalisa Ferraris. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Bold green features in the sunroom. Photo: Hande Renshaw
“I love that [what I do] makes me so excited – I’m a pretty big dreamer and because of the fluid, sporadic nature of my industries, it kind of feels like nothing is out of bounds.”
‘I love Art Deco, for its sleek sophistication and masculinity. And, a touch of Hollywood regency- because there’s nothing like a hint of opulence and its invitation to dream big like its namesake.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
Annalisa Ferraris’ incredible wedding dress (one of two she wore on the day!), designed by macgraw, on display in her bedroom space. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘Art, design and fashion are always the first things to enter my mind when I’m daydreaming, and I’m a firm believer that daydreaming is very productive for creatives.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘I love the space, contemplation and simplicity of minimalism, it has a calmness to it.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
Design details in the home of Annalisa Ferraris. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Any time I was working a bar shift and it was quiet, or when I’m stuck in traffic - the first thing I’m thinking of is my next painting, design or an outfit I plan on wearing.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘I found my kitchen island at a Lawsons auction, it’s quite old and weighs an absolute tonne - I adore it. I think antique/vintage pieces have a warmth in the history they hold.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
The sunny outdoor courtyard. Photo: Hande Renshaw