At Anaca Studio, you might just find something for your home that feels like it was made just for you.

Every piece of furniture at Anaca Studio tells a tale, with each sofa, table, and chair designed by Anne-Claire Petre and crafted locally. 

"I’ve studied industrial design, furniture design and applied arts and Anaca Studio was born in 2012. I like to think it’s a fusion of my French roots and the other places I have lived, plus my combination of skills," Anne-Claire shares with a warm smile.

Her professional and personal journey has taken her from France to Scotland, then all around Australia before landing in Melbourne.

It was while working in Melbourne for a furniture company that Anne-Claire decided it was time to move on to a new chapter. After 12 years of business, her showroom now resides in a tucked away laneway of West Melbourne.

The name 'Anaca' is a playful nod to her own name, a personal touch that's echoed in her designs. As she puts it, "There’s a piece of me in every creation."

Step inside her studio, and swoon at the casual yet elevated designs in every corner. 

Anne-Claire explains “My approach to design is pretty down-to-earth. I’m not about chasing trends; I like to create timeless pieces that blend comfort with elegance.”

Take the Camille, for instance – the first sofa Anne-Claire designed in 2016 and named after her nephew. With velvet couches back in fashion, the Camille is a cosy invitation to luxury, perfectly sized for smaller spaces.

Other creations in the studio are also named after family members.

"Zoe, Emi, Elliot – my nephews and nieces are a part of my world, so they each have a furniture design named after them," she explains with a grin.

Anne-Claire is also committed to sustainability when producing her designs, working with American oak to ensure her creations are not just beautiful but also kind to our planet.

What truly sets Anaca Studio apart is the personalised experience Anne-Claire offers. 

“As well as making my designs to order, I work with clients to create bespoke pieces or to adapt my design for their needs. 

“I’m a small business - it’s just me. So I get to really know my clients, understand how they live, and then I can curate furniture that fits seamlessly into their home and their lives.”

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna EncIO