Meet Maria Cerne

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER 

Maria Cerne’s love for design was shaped by her family’s deep roots in the building and construction industry. Growing up, she watched her father and uncle – both Greek immigrants – build successful careers as entrepreneurs and commercial builders in Canberra. Their craftsmanship and determination became her earliest lessons in design.

Now an award-winning designer, Maria has forged strong partnerships with both builders and homeowners, bringing her expertise to high-end residential projects. Her work has been featured in Home Beautiful, Adore Home, and Home Design magazines, earning her a reputation for creating timeless and functional interiors.

Maria specialises in designing for professional families and empty nesters, understanding the balance between beauty, function, and livability. As a wife to her sports-obsessed husband, Michael, and mother to two teenage daughters, she knows first hand how a home should reflect the people who live in it – practical, personal, and effortlessly stylish.

Her design philosophy is simple: create spaces that feel intentional, inviting, and timeless. Clients seek out Maria for her ability to blend function and beauty seamlessly, designing interiors that feel both refined and deeply personal.

When she’s not immersed in design, Maria enjoys watching her daughters play soccer, sharing a gin and tonic with friends, and escaping to the South Coast in summer. While she calls Canberra home, her heart is always drawn to Greece – her favorite place to visit.

CORE VALUES

Beauty and functionality go hand in hand

Maria believes that great design is more than just aesthetics – it must also be deeply functional. Every space she creates is thoughtfully designed to enhance the way you live.

Design with intention

Maria takes the time to understand you, your family, and your lifestyle. Every design is carefully tailored to reflect your needs, ensuring your home feels uniquely yours.

A passion for helping people

Creating spaces that people love coming home to is at the heart of Maria’s work. Helping clients bring their vision to life isn’t just her job – it’s her privilege and passion.

Honesty and transparency

Maria is direct and honest in everything she does. She values clear communication, well-defined boundaries, and complete transparency – because trust is the foundation of every great project.

A commitment to lifelong learning

With years of experience to guide her, Maria also embraces the fact that design is always evolving. She prioritises learning, growth, and collaboration, calling on a network of trusted experts when needed.