Award-winning interior designer Anne Tuckley has made a name for herself designing luxury homes across Missouri and beyond—but her style influence doesn’t stop at interiors. Known for her philanthropic work, modeling career, and styling for Miss Missouri contestants in the Miss America pageant, Anne is as multifaceted as she is fashionable. This summer, we caught up with her to talk about the intersections of personal style, interior design, and where she finds creative inspiration.
Jordan: You’ve worked as a model and walked in KC Fashion Week. Tell me about your experiences.
Anne: I began modeling in my 20s in New York, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. After a 25-year break, I signed with a St. Louis agency a year ago. I’ve had some fun jobs, and I’ve walked in two Kansas City Fashion Week shows.
Backstage at KCFW is a whirlwind of creativity, coordination, and chaos with dozens of models, style teams, and designers. The designer always has a vision for the hair and makeup, and as a model, you have to go with it—even if you don’t care for the look. I’ve had twigs and nests teased and sprayed in my hair that took hours to unweave.
J: You’re also a business owner and luxury interior designer. What drew you to the profession and starting your own business?
A: I’ve always been a creative person. I started as an artist doing pen-and-ink architectural renderings and faux painting. When I moved to Columbia, I was hired to set up the floor at a furniture and accessories store. Customers began asking me to decorate their homes, and it turned into a full-time business for over 20 years. I love what I do and love being my own boss—she’s pretty cool most days!
J: Style can be used in many ways. Do you see style playing out differently between someone’s wardrobe and their interior design aesthetic?
A: Both reflect personal identity, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. I think everyone should look good in their house by painting the walls or choosing décor in colors that flatter them. Someone who loves clean, minimalist clothing often prefers uncluttered, modern interiors. A lover of bold print clothes may lean toward a maximalist or eclectic home.
J: How do you define “style”?
A: A way of expressing yourself through clothing, accessories, hairstyle, and overall appearance that makes you memorable. It doesn’t need to be expensive to be stylish.
J: What do you consider your style to be?
A: My style is classic and tailored with a bit of edge. A neutral palette of black, chocolate, cream, rust, and occasionally a pop of deep teal or emerald green. I stay away from busy prints and prefer solids. I know what looks best on my body and stick with more tailored, fitted tops. I like my collarbone and shoulders, so I choose clothing to accentuate them.
For jewelry, if I’m wearing a bold statement necklace or cuff, I won’t wear much else to compete. I go by the “less is more” rule.
J: Where do you draw inspiration from, whether it’s for personal style or styling others?
A: I get a lot of my personal and interior design style influence from Pinterest and Instagram, movies like The Thomas Crown Affair, Ocean’s Eight, The Devil Wears Prada, A Single Man, and European travel. I’m a full-time interior designer but have styled many magazine covers and articles. Occasionally, I’m hired to style a person for a business function, TV show, magazine, dating site, gala, etc.
To prep, I look at what the person currently has and what they need, what colors suit them, and what best fits their body type. Ultimately, with personal style and interior design, it’s about what you feel comfortable and best in to make your personality shine through.
J: Is it possible for homeowners to, for lack of a better phrase, “go wrong” when thinking about designing their home?
A: Yes, it’s possible to go wrong, but that doesn’t mean you will. Mixing too many styles, neglecting scale and proportion, impulse buying, overlooking functionality—it happens. I prefer to get involved when floor plans are being drawn. I look for functionality and flow, electrical placement, and consider what existing furnishings will go into the home. A designer brings experience in layout, color theory, sourcing, and cohesion.
J: What else would you like our readers to know?
A: I’ve styled three Miss Missouri contestants for Miss America. I’ve lived in New York City, Philadelphia, Houston, Chicago, Vermont, Connecticut, and St. Louis. I was a flight attendant with Continental Airlines and a CHANEL handbag specialist—all before taking on my favorite job of being a mom to William. He’s grown now, so who knows what this next chapter will bring. I know it won’t be dull.
"My style is classic and tailored with a bit of edge."
"I love what I do and love being my own boss—she’s pretty cool most days!"