Folk Studio x Lighting Collective Edit
Folk Studio x Lighting Collective Edit: Q&A session with Mariah Burton
Mariah Burton is the founder and director of Folk Studio, an interior design practice launched in 2018 and based in Sydney, with their office in Marrickville. Driven by a lifelong passion for enhancing mental and physical well-being through thoughtful design, Mariah has built Folk Studio with a focus on creating spaces that nurture and inspire.
We recently had the opportunity to engage with Mariah in a conversation about two enduring design styles: Mediterranean and the emerging Heritage Revival. Each style brings its own timeless sophistication while offering room for character and personal expression.
Read our Q&A session with Mariah below, about our curated edit we developed together.
What was the inspiration behind this edit? Why Heritage and Mediterranean Coastal style? Are you seeing a lot of this style in the homes you’re working on?
We love both of these styles at Folk, because they’re timeless and sophisticated but broad enough to inject character and personal style into. As enduring design styles, they never go out of fashion and we always see a lot of both- despite being different.
Our Checkmate House fits more into the heritage style, but we have included contemporary elements to make it feel fresh.
Bixie Salon was more coastal in style, and we were able to have a lot of fun with colour and shape on this project, due to the character of our client and the brand.
Checkmate House
“Having a well-designed space that makes you feel good will enhance your day-to-day. I’ve known that for so long, and it will always drive me.”
Mariah Burton
Clovelly House
How do you curate these styles? What colours and materials do you like to use?
In Heritage homes, we like to use contemporary elements to ensure the interior feel fresh. The tension between a home’s heritage/traditional architectural features and contemporary art and furnishings is something that always feels exciting to me. Crisp whites and aged metals are a great combination.
For Mediterranean/coastal interiors, we like to use lots of natural textures and earthy colours. Rattan, raw timber and linens look beautiful next to colours like terracotta, olive green, browns and plums. We love to use Australian brands and products wherever possible, with a focus on sustainability and durability.
Do you have any guidance for designers/aspiring designers looking to start decorating in either Mediterranean or Heritage styles?
Always start with a moodboard, be brave with your choices, and if you choose things you love they’ll never go out of style.
Bixie Salon