How did you start your career?
Anke van Goor: “I started working in the fabrics industry almost twenty years ago. In 2013 I founded my own company. I immediately started visiting ETC Design Center Europe, the place is truly amazing!”
What inspires you?
“Trade fairs such as Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, Paris Déco Off and Decorex, but also presentations of new collections from brands in my range. I love seeing all the new ideas and innovations. I don’t follow trends, because in the end, I simply present what the companies offer me. I have no influence on what they create. Following trends in interior design is a bit difficult anyway, because when you’re investing in your interior you always invest for a longer period. Personally, I believe beautiful materials and quality are very important.”
Who is your favourite designer?
“My favourite current designer is Lorenzo Castillo. He designs collections for Gaston y Daniela. His designs are the perfect mix between classic and modern. He uses extremely eclectic materials. At the same time, I also admire Bruno Triplet. He has a completely different style. He work is almost minimalistic in terms of atmosphere. He works exclusively with natural materials and high-quality craftsmanship is central to his fabrics.”
Why did you decide to exhibit at ETC Design Center Europe?
“It’s the number one place in the Netherlands for interior design and I think it’s important to collaborate with colleagues. I think it’s a great idea to come together with almost a hundred different companies in one building. This has led to a central location that all Dutch designers and decorators visit. Simply said, it is the place to be for interior design and I believe it will only continue to grow in the future.”
Has a lot changed in recent years?
“I have experienced a lot of change. In the past, I was the person who visited stores with a suitcase to present a new collection. The shop would then purchase sample books and that would be it. However, these days I’ve become more of an extension of the interior designers. I help them in the showroom to create all kinds of interiors. I always say: I’m the computer, all fabrics and colours are in my head. You simply come to me, explain your needs and I’ll start working with you to complete the interior.”
What does the future of the profession look like?
“I believe there’ll be increasingly more designers who work from home and visit me every week with their customers. At the same time though, I believe interior designers should have their own shop window, or a place where they can receive customers in their preferred style. That doesn’t necessarily have to be a store that is open five or six days a week. It could also be a studio, for example. Whatever you do, these days you can no longer just set your items up for display and leave it at that. You need to have a proper website, manage several social media accounts, make yourself heard in the showroom, regularly show your face and participate in fairs and events. Openly present yourself! You have to be everywhere.”
How do you collaborate with stylists and architects?
“The first thing I do is ask questions. What is the intended goal? What is the situation like there? Before you start with advice, you should first ask a lot of questions and view some photographs and/or plans. I give advice on the composition of a fabric, what a fabric does and how you can treat it best. I also advice them on visiting certain upholsterers or studios that have more knowledge about a certain fabric. I can go very far with my advice. If I don’t have the product they are looking for in stock, then I’ll refer them to a colleague here in town.”
