Designer Spotlight: Anu Jain of Atelier Oleana
Rising star interior designer Anu Jain redesigns her San Francisco family home
Meet Anu Jain - the vivacious, multi-talented founder and principal designer of Atelier Oleana. Having a seasoned prior career in tech, Anu brings a distinct viewpoint to her craft, blending diverse periods and styles to create spaces that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. We had the pleasure of collaborating with Anu to revitalize several pieces in her own home - read on to glimpse into our projects with her and the magical mind behind Atelier Oleana.
What inspired you to make the shift to interior design?
After a successful career in tech, including roles at LinkedIn and as an angel investor, I had the privilege of working alongside some of the most innovative thinkers and problem solvers. But my true passion, which has been with me since the age of 7, was always interior design. Despite pursuing design on the side, I continued to receive projects without seeking them out, and I found these experiences far more fulfilling than anything else. It became clear that design was my true calling, and that my background in Corporate America would be instrumental in building a thriving business. My tech career has proven invaluable, as it allows me to seamlessly blend my passion and instincts for design with the client-focused and business skills I honed in tech. I truly believe your true love always finds you - and for me it's DESIGN!
Are there any skills and mindsets you brought to interior design from your tech career?
Absolutely. The fast-paced, problem-solving mindset of tech has translated well into design. In both industries, it’s important to iterate, think strategically, and manage complex projects. My experience in tech also helps me use critical thinking, decision-making, whether it's analyzing client feedback or optimizing workflows to deliver a seamless experience. Creativity is key in both fields—whether it’s coding or designing a space, you’re creating something new that didn’t exist before.
How do you describe Atelier Oleana’s design style?
Atelier Oleana’s style is a blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. I love working with spaces that have historical significance, and I find joy in preserving the stories that come with them. Balancing this with modern elements is about respecting the architecture and character of a space while making it relevant and livable for today. I believe that by honoring the past while embracing contemporary design, we create spaces that feel both rooted and forward-thinking. I also truly believe in "Comfortable Luxury" and really try to create spaces that look straight out of a magazine but are comfortable and not too precious!
What influences your space the most in your recent home project?
My home is influenced by a mix of my love of Tudor homes, my love of warm neutrals with a pop of color, and a love for the juxtaposition of classic + contemporary. With two young kiddos, the space has to be practical, but I also wanted it to reflect my personal style—an appreciation for refined, luxurious details with warmth and comfort. Every piece is curated with intention, from art and furniture to the layout, ensuring the space feels inviting while telling our family’s story. You will find vintage frames with black and white photos of my grandparents right next to a super contemporary italian mohair sofa - Our home is a blend of old and new!
Why did you decide to keep and revitalize the settee and accent chair instead of buying new?
I truly believe in the importance of sustainability in design. These pieces had history and personal significance, and I wanted to preserve that. Rather than buying something new that lacked a story, I saw the opportunity to bring new life to something old, while keeping its essence intact. It was important to me to honor the craftsmanship of these pieces and modernize them in a way that aligned with my vision for the space. I love working with Revitaliste as the team is such a joy to collaborate with and make it so much easier to go through the process. I also deeply value the artisans that Revitaliste employs and I have respect for their craft. Lastly, I LOVE fabrics, one of my favorite part of designing homes is playing around with fabrics and I loved doing the same in my home.
What was your inspiration behind the redesign of the revitalized chair and/or settee?
The inspiration came from the juxtaposition of classic and contemporary elements. I wanted to maintain the integrity of the settee and chair’s original design but reimagine them in a way that felt fresh. The story of the our living room was coming together as layers of brown hues so I knew I wanted the chair to have some of my signature brown in there, but I also wanted this chair to be that pop of color in an otherwise very neutral space so I chose this fabulous dusty rose Schumacher velvet that really spoke to me. The settee has been with me for years and it was originally a green velvet, and I just felt that given its fabulous design, a pattern would really pop on the settee. So I picked the Tibetan Tiger print, one of my all time faves. It's a nod to our kids' nanny who is from Tibet and is one of my favorite people! FUN FACT: I was sitting on this settee when I got a call from the doctor telling us we are pregnant with our babygirl! #personalsignificance :)
When and why would you encourage a client to revitalize versus buy a new piece?
I would encourage revitalizing when a piece has sentimental value or is made with a level of craftsmanship that’s hard to find today. If the piece is structurally sound and fits with the overall design, it can be more meaningful and sustainable to breathe new life into it rather than discarding it. Revitalizing allows us to honor the past while adapting it to a new vision, creating something that feels both familiar and entirely unique. I also find it to be the perfect way to make a space pop with something no one else has - and its a great way to showcase unique fabrics!
Inspired to revitalize your own furniture?
Explore more photos of Anu’s home below
