Interior Designer Spotlight: Ana Claudia Shultz and Her Thoughtful Approach to Design

The 2025 Kingston Design Showhouse, brought to you by Kingston Design Connection, is in full swing. Over the next two weeks we’ll be featuring some of the Hudson Valley’s talented interior designers who have collaborated with some of this region’s premier local design businesses to transform this year’s Showhouse.

Ana Claudia Shultz, of Ana Claudia Design, in Rhinebeck, NY, designed the kitchen for this year’s Kingston Design Showhouse. Ana Claudia’s thoughtful eye, respect for the architecture, her relationship with the owners and local design collabs transformed the space beautifully (the wallpaper!) The result is breathtaking.

Ana Claudia Design provides interior design for both residential and commercial clients in Westchester County, New York City, Connecticut, and the entire Hudson Valley area. Read more in our interview spotlight and learn about Ana Claudia, her creative process and inspiration for the project.

The 2025 Kingston Design Showhouse
October 10–26, 2025 | Tickets are $38 and on sale HERE.

INSIDE+OUT: Ana Claudia, we’re excited to feature you at this year’s Kingston Design Showhouse! Tell us about the house. What were your initial thoughts? Your first impression?

Ana Claudia Shultz: I was lucky to see the house early on. I assisted the homeowners in creating a new layout for the house. It was a one-bedroom, one-bathroom home, and now it is a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home. Once I saw the house, I knew there was potential for it to be amazing. Since the construction schedule was perfect for the Showhouse timing, I connected KDC with the homeowners, but they asked that I do the kitchen. I accepted because they are wonderful people, and I had thought about designing a Showhouse kitchen; this opportunity allowed me to do it.

Describe your creative process with the kitchen project.

Ana Claudia Shultz: My strength is in thoughtfulness. It’s an attribute that I use in every part of my life, especially in design. Because of this, context is essential: the client’s needs, the architecture, and the location. With all of this in mind, I designed a home that respects the architecture while modernizing it, embracing nature and the Hudson River just steps away, and bringing a designer’s eye to selecting the color palette and details in the space.

What has been your favorite part of the kitchen project? What inspired you?

Ana Claudia Shultz: We had another completely different approach to this when we thought we’d have cherry wood cabinets. The green color was meant to cool the warm tones from the cherry wood. Once that was no longer an option, I still leaned into green to embrace nature, and because the homeowners were bold enough to do it. Now the room, kitchen, and dining room are hugged with beautiful wallpaper from Fromental, making it pleasant and soothing.

What was the collaboration experience like with Kingston Design Connection?

Ana Claudia Shultz: I’ve designed two other KDC rooms before and have been a part of their committee, so I have more experience with them than all the other designers. I also worked with the homeowners before, so I had a leg up on this as well. Therefore, it was a very seamless experience for me, and I just kept focused on ensuring we could complete the design, schedule it early with contractors, and establish connections with makers and vendors early on.

A significant portion of the process involved coordinating with sponsors and vendors. I made sure it was beneficial to them as well, because I believe in ensuring they are well-represented. Therefore, I made sure to incorporate products that are new or had just been launched. This includes the Column collection kitchen cabinets from Reform, the new printed version of the Millefleurs wallpaper from Fromental, and the new Tidal collection (lighting) from RBW (local company).

A wonderful feature of the Fromental, hand-painted Nylon Millefleurs wallcovering is the use of augmented reality (AR) to bring its intricate pattern to life. When you point your camera at certain areas, the design moves—revealing hidden layers of storytelling and craft. It’s a beautiful example of how innovation and tradition can coexist seamlessly in interior design.

Additionally, the makers and artists are all local. I developed a great relationship with them through the years and believe in supporting them as much as possible. Andrew Finnigan created a new furniture collection for our space: dining room table and counter stools. I worked with Pink Water Gallery and Michael McGrath for the artwork on display. Josh from JRN Pottery is one of my favorite ceramic artists because his work is organic and fluid, while connected to his experience and family history. We have his work on display in our office, The Beck design gallery as well. The kitchen accessories are from Dean Babin. And finally, the dining chairs are from my home, all made by local makers: Andrew Finnegan, Phaedo, Fern, and Dean Babin.

Tell us about your design business. Who are your clients and how do they find you?

Referrals and returning clients are my favorite! It’s a great feeling when this occurs because my clients were happy with their homes. I also get many clients from web searches, thanks to my SEO and social media team. In addition, I have my office in Rhinbeck with a space to showcase local makers. I have people contact me because they have seen my space.

My ideal client is someone who sees value in investing in their homes, not because of budget, but because it’s important to them. Environments, especially my home, affect me tremendously, from my mental health to making my daily chores easier through good functionality. If my clients share this sensibility, we will work together very well.

Photos courtesy of Kingston Design Connection

Follow/Connect with Ana Claudia Design via Website | Facebook | Instagram 

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The 2025 Kingston Design Showhouse | October 10-26, 2025
721 Second Avenue, Kingston, NY.
Open to the public weekends only
Details, hours and tickets HERE | $38.00 per individual

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About Kingston Design Showhouse

Since 2022, proceeds from the showhouse benefits KDC’s programs with Ulster Habitat for Humanity, including the annual Kingston Design Habitat House produced each year in a newly-built Habitat for Humanity home. To learn more, visit https://www.kingstondesignconnection.com/habitatpartnership

Kingston Design Showhouse connects upstate New York makers, designers, artists, vendors and tradespeople in a collaborative effort that celebrates creativity while strengthening the region’s design and build community. Each year, the project fosters local economic development and shines a national spotlight on Hudson Valley talent, with participants regularly featured in both regional and national press.

Follow/Connect with Kingston Design Connection via Website | Facebook | Instagram | Inside+Out Spotlight