How Studio Mae transforms spaces with holistic, human-centric design

I’ve always loved interior design! Even as a kid, I’d rearrange things just to see if the space felt better. I didn’t realise the connection back then, but now it makes total sense. This passion for creating spaces that feel right is what absolutely makes me tick!

After years of research, I now understand that this desire to create spaces that make people feel good is actually called neuroaesthetic, and we apply this kind of psychological research in our interiors. Sure, beautiful design is essential, but how it impacts human consciousness is where we truly start.

Liz’s journey began when she was 18, backpacking around the world. She would collect textiles and objects from every place she visited, even a glass lamp from Morocco that travelled with her for months and made it home safely. Seeing these objects and textures in her home brought her joy—they were stories, memories, and pieces of her history. It’s no wonder she now has an obsession with colour psychology, fabrics, and textiles!

After a decade working in various interior design firms, we met in London. Now, together, we focus on creating beautiful spaces that positively impact well-being.

Can you tell us the backstory of STUDIO MAE? When was it started and who are the founders and how different it is?

Let me take you back to 2018 when Studio Mae was born! At the time, we were both working at an Architectural office in London. We both shared a passion for the same pared-back, thoughtful aesthetic and we weren’t fans of heaviness and stuffiness that was commonplace then in European interiors.

Our mutual interest in wellness, colour psychology, sustainability and the power of the mind naturally led us to where we are now. I guess it was kind of a lightbulb moment when we decided to bring wellness and conscious design together. It was something we’d always naturally gravitated towards but, with Studio Mae, we wanted to make that connection even more deliberate.

Today, we’re known for not just making spaces look incredible but making them feel better, too.

Traditionally it is the functionality and aesthetic that informs the design concept. How different is holistic interior design?

Holistic interior design goes beyond just looks and functionality. We are always about making spaces feel better on every level – visually, mentally and physically and mostly we loved seeing the difference our interiors made to our clients’ happiness and health.

Sure, making things look good and work well is important, but we also focus on how our design choices impact stress levels, productivity, and mood.

How do you educate clients on the importance of wellness and quality in interiors?

We love showing clients how the right materials, lighting, and spatial layouts can transform their lives. We highlight how these design choices can boost productivity, comfort, and well-being. For instance, if a client struggles with sleep, we discuss how their bedroom design can be optimised, through space planning that promotes positive energy flow right down to colour choices that actively calm their nervous system.

What’s your favourite project and why?

One project that really stands out is our award-winning Butter House project. We turned a rundown white stucco mansion in London’s Notting Hill into a stunning, light-filled two-storey home focused on wellness. Our clients, a young Australian couple, wanted the spacious, airy feel of Australian homes, with the charm of Notting Hill’s period properties.

The design embraced natural light, organic shapes, and soft lines, creating a modern, nurturing living space perfect for home working. Our clients literally jumped for joy when they first entered their new home.  It’s that physical reaction to our work that brings us so much joy.

Tell us more about sustainability in interior design..

At Studio Mae, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our Sydney and London offices are hubs of creativity and eco-friendly design. We source materials that are not only durable but also kind to the planet and the communities that produce them. We use non-toxic wall paints and bespoke joinery made by local artisans, reflecting our commitment to quality and sustainability.

Our design philosophy is about creating spaces that promote wellness and longevity, steering clear of fleeting trends. We focus on optimal lighting, superior air quality, biophilic design, organic materials, and low-toxic finishes. These elements ensure our interiors nurture both the health of occupants and the planet.

At Studio Mae, every detail is thoughtfully curated to blend luxury with sustainability, enhancing living spaces while positively impacting our clients and the environment.

For more information about Studio Mae and to lean more about their residential and commercial projects please visit studiomaeinteriors.com

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