Studio Mae Interiors have been Shortlisted for Residential £2.5-5 Million Market Value Award & Interior Design Scheme – London Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022. Read more about Founders, Mima Romanic & Liz Linforth, below:

Name: Mima Romanic & Liz Linforth

Company: Studio Mae Interiors

Position within company: Founders

Website: www.studiomaeinteriors.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
We specialise in the design of high-end residences, boutique commercial spaces and heritage buildings. With a combined 20+ years as professional Interior Designers, we have been fortunate to learn from some of the greatest influences in the design world. Beginning our careers in Australia, we learned the importance of turning to nature for inspiration and designing spaces where the two sit in harmony.
Working in London and across Europe for the past decade has seen us become the lead project coordinators of high-end residences, boutique commercial spaces as well as heritage buildings.

How would you describe your personal design style?
We create beautiful home interiors with finishes, furniture and fittings that are naturally inspired without toxins, designed to facilitate better sleep, relaxation and health, whilst encouraging ethical and sustainable manufacturing. Our vision is to make people feel good in their homes by creating interiors that tread lightly on the planet whilst promoting better physical health and mental wellbeing. We love to design with pared- back elegance, ethnic touches and outstanding objects and art which stand the tests of time.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
We met working at an Architecture firm in London where we bonded over our passion for pared back aesthetics and interest in wellbeing. After working in an office devoid of any natural light we became acutely aware of how our surroundings can positively or negatively impact our mental & physical wellbeing. We were motivated from that experience to establish a design firm that looked at the science behind why a space makes us feel good (neuroaesthetics). Since then we have been intensely studying how design affects physical and mental wellbeing. We have a deep understanding of how elements such as scientific design (colour & light psychology), world teachings (Feng Shui), wellness building standards (air, light, acoustics, comfort) and sustainability contribute to the wellbeing of individuals.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Wholesome living is not new, but it has been gaining more traction in recent years. We are becoming more and more aware that our environments should emphasise design values such as functionality, accessibility, and aesthetics while expanding the focus to include environmental considerations. Nowadays, we are constantly bombarded with visual information and it seems that we want our spaces to restore that balance with clever arrangements and interior layouts.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond:
● Comfort. You need to be able to relax when you come into a room.
● A soothing colour. We don’t use strong colours or a lot of patterns. We prefer to have a room’s
colour come through in beautiful objects or art.
● Good lighting – both ambient and for reading
● Solid-colour fabrics. You can tire of a print. Especially in a bedroom, you don’t want to wake up and
see a million colours. It’s not restful.
● Every room should have one or two unique objects, such as a painting or a nice mirror.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Our motto is ‘it’s not just a look, it’s a lifestyle’. Therefore, we don’t believe in trends, we believe in a timeless and wholesome approach to design. There is however an increased interest in the application of natural elements (like wood, plants and light) throughout the home and a demand for the ‘story’ behind furniture pieces. Clients are wise and they feel good supporting local artisans or companies that ensure their manufacturing has a positive impact on the environment and people.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
As an emerging interior design practice it is invaluable for us to have the opportunity to be internationally recognised for our work by industry professionals. Our ethos is to improve the wellbeing of our clients by
changing the way they live and interact with their environment. To have our work shortlisted by such a prestigious award would elevate our industry integrity and expose our practice’s principles and ethos to an international audience. Essentially this award allows emerging firms like ours the opportunity to be recognised on a world stage.

What projects are you currently working on?
Just after the completion of our Notting Hill project I gave birth to our first baby girl, Mae. Since then, I’ve been on maternity leave however, I have been assisting my business partner, Liz, with some very exciting residential and commercial spaces in Sydney, Australia.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
The recent demolition to completion of a traditional Georgian Notting Hill residence. This project involved transforming two derelict flats into a light, bright two-storey home with wellness at the core. Combining the old and the new in a way that perfectly complements the existing building, was the instinct behind our approach. The general wear, imperfection and patina found in older buildings that arise from years of use, settlement or alteration bring something which cannot be manufactured, it imbues a building with a sense of tranquillity and a story behind it that can not be replicated. Working with older buildings like this gives us a wonderful historic canvas to create interiors of great individuality and personality.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
Working with skilled craftspeople, from furniture makers, to decorators, and decorative plaster fabricators, to name a few was always a challenge to traditional Georgian Notting Hill residence so that the best quality and end result was achieved. As with most heritage buildings there are limitations and confines of the space that need to be taken into consideration so planning around structural layouts to achieve a space that is unified yet free flowing was a must. We weren’t just concerned with finishes and furnishings, but brought comprehensive technical knowledge that underpins a successful interior, from detailed lighting and bathroom design to bespoke kitchen design – juggling every element that makes a home work for our busy modern lives is always a rewarding challenge.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
There are so many aspects of interior design that are backed by scientific research, however a couple of distinct examples are colour and light. The colour green, for example, can have powerful impacts on mental perception. It promotes a love of nature, the space and the people within it. From a colour psychology perspective, it is the great balancer of emotions, creating equilibrium between the head and the heart. This not only fosters a balance within those using the space but strengthens the relationship that humans have to their environment. Light on the other hand, can alter our hormones which can seriously affect our physical wellbeing as well as our mental health. Too much of the wrong exposure to light (especially blue light) suppresses the secretion of melatonin. Melatonin is an essential hormone that ensures we can have quality deep sleep, allowing our bodies to restore.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We have seen that there is a real appetite for conscious design, from sustainable furniture to non toxic finishes. Our clients understand that these principles are just as important as having a beautiful space. Hotel developers in particular are excited by what we are offering as the definition of luxury is changing. Extravagance is out, we are designing luxury that is paired back, slower and more mindful. We hope for the next 12 month to continue to emphasise design values such as functionality, accessibility, and aesthetics while expanding the focus to include environmental considerations as well.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?
Family of course! They possess the heart.

Your favourite holiday destination?
There are too many to count, but anywhere that you can get back to nature is great. A nature inspired holiday gives us the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and recharge our batteries.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Absolutely loved The Public in New York, it’s such a great mix of artistic expression and simplicity. The Nobu restaurant in Shoreditch has the best Sake Negroni!

Your favourite book, film & song?
Favourite book:
Shantaram by David Gregory Roberts. I recommend giving it a read as it may give you a different perception of life. Although some events may seem larger than life, it is bold, lyrical and philosophical.
Favourite film:
Amélie, it’s sweet and charming and the message of trying to create people’s happiness before your own speaks to my
soul.
Favourite song:
Got to give it up by Marvin Gaye – does it need an explanation.

Your favourite food and drink?
Nothing beats fresh sushi/ seafood with a delicious Negroni in hand.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Taking a walk through the beautiful and scenic Hampstead Heath park plus visiting a good museum or two.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Probably a set designer – to be able to create spaces that match the brief of the story like something futuristic or from the past would be really fun.

Anything else interesting?
I’ve already lived in four and worked in three different countries. Born in Croatia, grew up and studied in Australia, was an expat in the Middle East and now I’m settled in the UK. I’d still love to work and live in New York one day, but for now I’m happy to just visit amazing destinations for even more creative inspiration.

Studio Mae Interiors have been Shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.

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