Folk Studio | Mariah Burton

Mariah Burton lives and breathes design. From the tender young age of eight, Mariah has been all consumed by changing ones spacial environment to reflect their lifestyle and their mood.

Photography: Maca Whittle

Have you always been creative?

Yes! Sometimes I think my creativity is on the brink of insanity as my mind very stops visualising concepts and mind-mapping ideas.

Tell us about Folk Studio - when the idea first strike to start your own design firm?

I always knew I was going to launch my own studio, but it was just about finding the right time to do so. I didn’t want to simply create another emerging design firm, I wanted to create a lifestyle brand that encompasses numerous ‘wellness’ concepts. I want Folk to feel transparent, relatable and informative. About 2 years ago I started to really brainstorm what this studio would look and feel like. Last year I knew it was time to take the leap; I left my 9-5 job and threw myself into the world of Folk.

“I always knew I wanted to have my own studio - there was never an alternative.”

What does a typical day look like for you?

We have multiple projects on at the moment, so I am usually up by 6am and on site by 7am. I have a talk to my trades about what the day is looking like, read emails and then go back to the office to reply to everyone.

How would you best describe the Folk Studio aesthetic?

I would say Folk interiors evoke a feeling rather than a set aesthetic. Interiors that exude a sense of calm and creativity through the use of natural hues and a carefully curated selection of items. 

What’s your proudest achievement to date?

Creating Folk would have to be my proudest achievement. Seeing people enjoy the spaces we have created and genuinely loving our ethos is so rewarding. 

What was the focus when designing your apartment in Dee Why?

It was never about creating an apartment that  other people would be wowed by, it was always about creating an apartment that felt like home and a space we could grow in. 

What features you're most happy about? Anything you would change?

I love our bedroom and our living room the most – they both feel so tranquil. I wish we put in an integrated fridge in our kitchen, so everything looks seamless, but I got too excited about the vintage Smeg fridge and didn’t consider it at the time. 

“I really wanted to create a home that made us feel really happy; somewhere I could take a deep breath and relax.”

When it comes to designing an interior - what is most important to you? 

The feeling the space evokes when you are within it.  

Is there a creative or aesthetic thread which ties your all work together?

Every interior we design will always have an item, piece of furniture or material that has a mid-century Danish flair to it. 

What are you working on at the moment?

We’re working on two projects in Sydney, an apartment in Chippendale and also a new build in Curl Curl – we can’t wait to reveal these to everyone.