Maria Ilinca Browne is carving a deeper, more permanent path in a society dominated by transient trends and surface-level aesthetics. Maria’s firm, themibproject, goes beyond traditional interior design to create environments that reflect human growth and cultural identity. Rooms, she believes, should not only be decorated, but also lived in, felt, and transformed into extensions of the people who inhabit them.
In a world saturated with fleeting trends and surface-level aesthetics, Maria Ilinca Browne is forging a deeper, more lasting path. Through her firm, themibproject, Maria transcends conventional interior design, creating spaces that serve as mirrors for personal growth and cultural identity. For her, rooms are not just to be styled—they are to be lived in, felt, and become extensions of the people they shelter.
Maria’s journey into transformational design is as unique as her philosophy. With a background in kinesiology, specialising in biomechanics and ergonomics, she first learnt to understand the human body—how it moves, functions, and inhabits space. Later, working in FinTech, she honed the art of listening deeply, helping clients articulate complex and often unspoken goals. These experiences taught her a critical truth: people often know what they want but struggle to express it. Maria’s genius lies in translating those unspoken desires into physical form.
At the heart of her approach is the belief that design is a language of the unseen. She doesn’t just decorate; she decodes. Every project begins with an exploration into her clients’ lives—not just who they are, but who they are becoming. Every material, texture, and colour is chosen to support this ongoing evolution. “We design for the current and future self,” Maria emphasises, underscoring her commitment to creating spaces that grow alongside the people who inhabit them.
A cornerstone of Maria’s design philosophy is what she calls the “sixth sense”—essence. Beyond the traditional five senses that design typically engages, essence captures the soul of a space: the invisible energy that makes a room feel like home. It’s not merely about visual beauty but about resonance, creating environments that inspire peace, confidence, and belonging.
This philosophy finds powerful expression in her work. One client, drawing from a rich cultural heritage, struggled with a home that felt disconnected from his identity. After collaborating with Maria, he found himself newly emboldened, proud to invite people into a space that finally reflected who he was. It is this kind of transformation—deeply personal and life-affirming—that Maria lives for.
Sustainability is another pillar of her work, woven seamlessly into her definition of true luxury. For Maria, real sophistication means creating beauty that endures without compromising the planet’s future. She prioritises organic, sustainably sourced materials, believing that responsibility and elegance can—and must—go hand in hand.
While residential projects remain at the heart of themibproject, Maria has also made a name for herself in boutique hospitality design particularity vacation rentals (Airbnb) and coffee shop designs. These projects demand a delicate balance between beauty and endurance, creating experiences that leave lasting impressions while withstanding daily use. She strives to curate spaces that immediately make people feel cared for, resulting in homes that are not only beautiful but profoundly liveable.
Beyond the physical transformation, Maria has witnessed emotional and psychological shifts in her clients. A well-designed space, aligned with one’s values and aspirations, fosters confidence, groundedness, and a renewed sense of self. As one client put it, “This space made me see myself differently.” For Maria, that affirmation captures the essence of her mission.
Looking ahead, Maria is exploring the role of technology, particularly AI, in streamlining the design process. However, she is clear: while technology can enhance workflow, it cannot replace the human touch—the essence—that defines her work. Design, she insists, must remain intimate, soulful, and human-centred.
Through themibproject, Maria Ilinca Browne is more than a designer; she is a catalyst for transformation. She reminds us that the most meaningful luxury is not just seen or touched—it is felt, lived, and remembered.
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