Anna Craven table colth

#DesignItForwood: Anna Craven

Anna Craven is synonymous with timeless design, exquisite craftsmanship, and a passion for natural materials. Her Saigon-based brand, Anna Craven Saigon, offers luxurious bed and table linens, home accessories, and handcrafted fabrics inspired by her global travels. Collaborating closely with artisans and family-run workshops across Asia, Anna has created a collection that perfectly balances simplicity, elegance, and texture. For homeowners and interior designers seeking refined, natural beauty in their interiors, Anna’s creations offer both inspiration and authenticity.

The Journey of Anna Craven

Anna’s love affair with design began in an unexpected way. As she explains, her creative journey started through her passion for food and hospitality. “I came in backward, really! My husband and I set up our first restaurant 18 years ago in Saigon, and since then, I’ve been obsessed with all types of table linens and settings.” This connection between dining and design sparked what would later become her celebrated homeware line — one that embodies a lifestyle of warmth, sophistication, and thoughtful detail.

Influenced by her upbringing, Anna recalls how her parents shaped her appreciation for beautiful living. “My father still sets the table every night for dinner with beautiful plates, glassware, and of course, our linens,” she shares. That family tradition of daily beauty has carried through to her work today.

Creative Process and Design Philosophy

When asked about her creative process, Anna describes herself as spontaneous yet deeply inspired. “I usually begin a project when something catches my eye — a painting, a photo, or something from my travels that makes me think, ‘oh wow, that would be nice.’ From there, the idea takes on a life of its own.” Her process reflects an organic and personal approach to design — one that values emotional connection over rigid structure.

Anna’s design aesthetic can best be described as classic, timeless, and quietly luxurious. “It’s very much inspired by how I live in Asia — a little bit of Indochine style,” she says. Her work blends European refinement with the vibrancy and soul of Asian craftsmanship, resulting in linens that feel both elevated and inviting.

Partnership with Forwood Design

The collaboration between Anna Craven and Forwood Design showcases how two creative forces can merge their visions to create something extraordinary. Their recent festive photoshoot highlights how Anna’s linens pair effortlessly with Forwood’s elegant home accessories. “Forwood Trays add the final touch to any entertaining moment,” Anna notes. “They’re perfect for serving drinks and immediately draw your guests’ attention. And I absolutely love how Forwood table mats complement our linens — I’m obsessed with them.”

Placemats green shagreen placemats  Placemats Forwood Design malachite placemats

For this year’s holiday season, Anna plans to style her own table using Kitty Arden’s ‘Planet’ Placemats with a Washed Linen Anna Craven tablecloth and napkins — a combination that beautifully captures understated elegance.

Serving tray Shagreen Drinks tray Luxury serving tray serving tray teal shagreen drinks tray teal shagreen

Signature Materials and Craftsmanship

Anna’s linens are celebrated for their fine detailing and the tactile pleasure they bring to interiors. Crafted using natural fibres like cotton and silk, her designs are both luxurious and practical — meant to be lived with and loved. “The washed linen probably fits best with Forwood’s faux finishes,” she explains. “It has a texture that feels natural and relaxed, without the stiffness of traditional linen.” This focus on comfort and authenticity defines the appeal of her homeware collections.

Her pieces are not just decorative — they are designed to become part of daily life. Whether dressing a formal dining table or creating a serene bedroom retreat, Anna’s textiles invite touch, connection, and timeless beauty.

Holiday Styling with Anna Craven

As the festive season approaches, Anna shares her approach to Christmas styling. “This Christmas, I’ll definitely be using one of the large Stoneware Serving Platters from the new Forwood ceramics collection. It’s perfect for the Christmas pudding and adds a beautiful focal point to the room.” Her philosophy blends function with beauty — every piece serves a purpose, yet also contributes to an atmosphere of quiet sophistication.

For those looking to elevate their festive dining experience, Anna recommends mixing natural textures with metallic accents and subtle colour palettes. “It’s all about warmth, comfort, and creating spaces that feel personal and inviting,” she says. Her style embodies relaxed luxury — where every detail matters but never feels forced.

handmade white serving bowl fruit bowl salad bowl  green stoneware_bowl_Fruit bowl Forwood Design
Salad bowl serving dish luxury salad bowl  Handmade Persian Green stoneware platter, dsplay plate

Timeless Inspiration for Homeowners and Designers

For interior designers, Anna Craven’s collections offer a versatile foundation for both contemporary and classic projects. The simplicity of her linens allows them to pair seamlessly with a wide range of materials and finishes, from marble to wood, metal, and rattan. For homeowners, her products provide an effortless way to introduce texture and refinement into everyday living — a reminder that luxury can also be lived in and enjoyed daily.

Anna’s work resonates because it reflects real life: moments shared around the table, time spent with family, and the beauty of craftsmanship passed down through generations. Her linens are a celebration of culture, travel, and artistry — a bridge between the serenity of Asian craftsmanship and the elegance of European design.

Conclusion – Living Beautifully with Anna Craven

In the world of interior design, Anna Craven continues to inspire through her ability to create beauty that feels lived-in, genuine, and timeless. Her collections are more than just homeware — they are expressions of a life well-travelled and a love for craftsmanship. Whether you’re setting the table for a special occasion or styling a serene bedroom, her designs bring grace and authenticity to every space. With collaborations like those with Forwood Design, Anna reminds us that the art of living beautifully is found in the details — the fabrics, textures, and thoughtful touches that make a house feel like home.

Back to blog