Annika Stacey shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Annika, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Being in the mountains definitely makes me lose track of time, and makes me feel at home. I grew up near Alta ski resort and have always loved exploring the beautiful mountains near my home. They remind me the slower moments of life are the ones that can make us feel the most rejuvenated and rooted.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Annika, I am the founder of Gilded. We create luxury coffee table books that are both aesthetically pleasing and filled with meaningful, artistic content. Every book blends meaningful photography with a refined, minimalist aesthetic, designed for people who want their home décor to feel intentional, beautiful, and elevated. What sets us apart is our hyper-focus on quality—both in materials and in the artwork itself. Most coffee table books are mass-produced, filled with text or filler content, and rarely something people actually open. I wanted to change that.
Gilded coffee table books are designed as art pieces rather than traditional books. The exteriors feature premium materials, like handmade linen, that blend seamlessly into luxury and cozy home aesthetics. Inside, you’ll find only photographic art—no text—so the viewer can move through the pages in a calm, immersive, almost meditative way. It’s décor that invites you to pause, not just decorate.
After nearly a decade as a professional wedding photographer, I realized the part I loved most was capturing the golden moments that make you want to slow down. When I moved to Colorado, my father-in-law built me a handmade coffee table, and I searched everywhere for a book worthy of it—something both beautiful and meaningful. Nothing fit. So, drawing on my background as a photographer, I made my own.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I had an art teacher in high school who told me I was talented, believed in me, and encouraged me to pursue art as a career. I replied, “Artists don’t make money.” and continued to pursue a psychology bachelors degree. While I am glad I have that degree and knowledge, I am so excited to be returning to myself by finding a place in the professional world as an artist.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Almost! My life has changed a lot in the past year. When I was pregnant, it was difficult to work due to how sick I felt! I had my sweet baby boy in May. Wow, it has been a whirlwind! It is really tricky to learn a new level of time management. While I prioritize family over everything, I am motivated to keep creating as an artist and continue building my brand. I want to give myself a creative outlet while also contributing to my family’s financial future. Above all, I want to show my son we can do hard things!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
In the world of home décor and coffee table books, I focus on intention rather than fast fashion by creating a coffee table book with a timeless design, quality materials, and emotionally meaningful content. What I see—and what Gilded is built for—is a long-term shift toward intentional, high-quality pieces: décor that elevates a space and tells a story. People want homes that feel curated, luxurious, and deeply personal. When a trend aligns with that emotional need, it’s no longer a fad; it’s the future of luxury home décor.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
They’d miss the feeling my work gives them. Many customers tell me my fine-art photography books and meaningful coffee table books have become their go-to gifts—pieces they return for because they know they’ll make someone feel something.
People message me saying they were moved to tears while flipping through my books. That is the most rewarding thing to hear! But that emotional experience, combined with the high-quality materials and the timeless, minimalist design Gilded is known for, is what they’d miss most. It’s not just décor; it’s an art piece that reflects their own interests and values.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gildedonline.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilded.social/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553769634989
- Other: tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@gilded.social?_t=8gcp6HpNmGs&_r=1
Image Credits
Annika Stacey (me)
