In a landscape flooded with aesthetics and trends, Maria Ilinca Browne is carving a more meaningful path—one where design becomes a mirror for personal growth and cultural identity. As the founder of themibproject, Maria doesn’t just style rooms—she transforms lives by aligning physical spaces with the essence of the people who live in them.

We sat down with the visionary designer to unpack her deeply intuitive approach—and explore how she’s helping clients see themselves in a new light, one space at a time.

Q: Maria, your work is described as transformational and deeply personal. What sparked this unique approach to interior design?

Maria Ilinca Browne: It’s been a journey of listening—truly listening. My background is in Kinesiology, specifically biomechanics and ergonomics, so I started by understanding how the human body moves and functions. Later, I worked in FinTech, helping clients articulate complex financial goals. These experiences taught me that people often know what they want, but not how to express it. That’s where I come in.

Q: How does that translate into design?

Maria: At its core, design is about understanding the unspoken. I don’t just decorate—I decode. I dig into a client’s lifestyle, their dreams, even who they’re becoming. We design for their current and future self. Every texture, every material is selected to support that evolution.

Q: You’ve mentioned a “sixth sense” in your design philosophy—essence. Can you explain what that means?

Maria: Essence is the soul of the space. It’s the energy that lingers when you walk into a room and feel at peace, or inspired. It’s not just about visual beauty—it’s about creating resonance. I believe traditional design covers five senses, but essence is the sixth. It’s what makes a home feel like you.

Q: Can you give an example of how this looks in practice?

Maria: One client told me that for the first time, his home felt like him. He came from a strong cultural heritage, and previously, his space didn’t reflect that—it felt disconnected from who he was or how he saw himself professionally. After our work together, he said he finally had the confidence to bring people over, to host, to take pride in his space. That kind of alignment—that’s the transformation I live for.

Q: Your design also has a strong sustainable focus. Why is that important to you?

Maria: True luxury is timeless—and sustainability is central to that. I work with organic materials, sustainably sourced and processed. I want to create beauty that lasts without compromising the future. That’s real sophistication: responsibility without sacrificing elegance.

Q: You’ve also made a name in boutique hospitality. How does that differ from residential design?

Maria: Hospitality design is high-performance design. Every element has to do double-duty—it must elicit an experience and also endure. From boutique hotels to cafés and short-term rentals, the goal is the same: make people feel cared for the moment they walk in. That understanding also flows into my residential work, making homes more livable and luxurious.

Q: What impact have you seen on your clients beyond the physical transformation?

Maria: It’s incredible. One client told me, “This space made me see myself differently.” That’s what design should do—it should elevate. When your space aligns with your goals and values, you show up differently in your life. You’re more grounded. More confident.

Q: As you look to the future, where is themibproject headed?

Maria: I’m exploring how technology—particularly AI—can help streamline design workflows without losing that personal connection. AI can enhance the process, but it can’t replace essence. Design is intimate. It’s human. That will always be at the heart of what we do.

Maria Ilinca Browne isn’t just designing interiors—she’s transforming. Through themibproject, she reminds us that the most meaningful luxury isn’t just seen or touched—it’s felt, lived, and remembered.