Meet Maria Cerne
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER, STUDIO BLACK INTERIORS
Maria Cerne helps homeowners navigate the complexity of building and renovating with confidence.
With more than 10 years of industry experience, she has guided hundreds of homeowners through custom homes, major renovations and interior decoration projects.
As Principal Designer of Studio Black Interiors, Maria works directly with every client, helping them create homes that are thoughtful, functional and designed to stand the test of time.
TRUSTED EXPERIENCE
Over the past decade, Maria has built a reputation for creating thoughtful, highly resolved homes that balance beauty with functionality.
Her work has been recognised through industry awards, featured in Australian design publications and trusted by homeowners undertaking custom homes, major renovations and interior decoration projects.
- 10+ years of industry experience
- Hundreds of residential projects completed
- Multiple MBA and KBDi award-winning projects
- Design columnist for Canberra Weekly
- Featured in Australian design publications
A FOUNDATION IN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
Maria’s understanding of residential design began long before Studio Black Interiors was established.
Raised in a Canberra family immersed in building and construction, she developed an early appreciation for how homes are built, not simply how they look.
Today, that foundation allows her to collaborate effectively with homeowners, architects and builders while balancing both aesthetics and practicality.
WORKING DIRECTLY WITH MARIA
Studio Black Interiors is intentionally boutique.
Maria works directly with every client from concept through to completion, providing continuity, consistency and a highly personalised experience.
There are no handovers between team members. Clients work directly with the person responsible for the design, ensuring continuity, clear communication and alignment throughout the project.
DESIGNING FOR REAL LIFE
For Maria, great design is about more than selecting beautiful finishes.
It is about creating homes that function well, feel personal and continue to support the people living in them for years to come.
Her role is to simplify complex decisions and ensure every element contributes to a cohesive whole.
A PHILOSOPHY OF CLARITY AND LONGEVITY
Maria believes the most successful homes feel calm, balanced and effortless to live in.
Her design philosophy is grounded in quality, functionality and longevity rather than trends, creating homes that remain relevant and enjoyable for years to come.
LIFE BEYOND THE STUDIO
Away from the studio, Maria’s life centres around family. She is wife to her sports-loving husband Michael and mother to two teenage daughters.
Much of her spare time is spent on the sidelines of a soccer field, sharing meals with friends or escaping to the South Coast. While Canberra will always be home, Greece remains one of her favourite places to visit.