Nina Maya Interiors specializes in beautiful bespoke residential and commercial interiors.

Known for its tailored, polished spaces and precise, considered approach, Nina Maya Interiors has built a reputation for its unique customization of interiors to suit each individual project and client.

The studio-based practice employs a dedicated team of architects, draftsman, designers & project managers all working collaboratively with artisans and master craftsman to provide an unparalleled level of beginning to end services to their clients both locally and Internationally.

A former fashion designer working both in Italy and Australia, Nina’s passion for interior design and for creating meticulously curated, layered spaces is at the core of her practice and she leads her team with extensive design expertise, a career spanning a decade and a portfolio of highly refined projects.

Source: Felix Forrest

Her work includes major commercial projects such as the Paddington Inn and Sydney’s Opera Bar as well as showcase residential projects such as The Glasshouse, a collaborative project between Nina Maya Interiors and a number of favourite material suppliers, handpicked for their unique products and superior craftsmanship.

WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke with Nina about her passion for design.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

I love that every day is different, every client is unique and that therefore each project is stimulating and encourages you to keep growing and developing as a designer and as a studio as a whole.

It is so satisfying to work on the design of a project for a couple of years and then see it come to life in built form. It is such a gratifying experience.

Image: Tama House. Source: Felix Forrest

You have said that "purity of materials, unexpected elements, and custom designed details are the hallmarks of our style…" How would you describe your aesthetic?

My aesthetic is timeless and sleek, with a high dose of luxury added in through soft furnishings, lighting, and art. We are all about layering natural materials of the highest quality and focussing on the mix of textures to create a neutral canvas to then add interest through design detailing and unique and unexpected soft furnishings to finish.

Image: The Art House residence. Source: Felix Forrest

How do you think COVID will affect design?

In terms of residential design, I think it has given people more time to think more about their home as a place of sanctuary and an opportunity to really invest and build on their personal space to bring that luxury hotel feeling or resort style living so that they can appreciate the things they love day to day as opposed to just escaping on holidays which we were all used to doing in the past and now seems like a distant memory!

Image: 'The Glasshouse' 31 Boundary Street Darlinghurst features custom interiors designed by Nina Maya Interiors. Source: Felix Forrest

In the commercial environment, there will much more of a focus on clean design as well as easy cleaning surfaces, we have seen in an uptick in clients requesting items such as hands-free sensor doors, tapware and soap dispensers which will definitely become the new norm.

Is design in Australia different from what you encountered overseas?

I think Interior design in Australia is so dynamic compared to other regions of the world as we are still such a young country and still developing our own style. We have many young upcoming firms creating amazing experimental work in our design community which is so fresh and new compared with some other countries who have a much more established general aesthetic which is popular.

Image Mistelle Wine Bar. Source: Felix Forrest

What would be your advice to a new client? 

To first establish their long-term goals with their property - are we building their forever home or is it something they may sell in a few years and would like to maximise the value of when re-selling it. Then design according to their specific needs and have fun with it and take some risks.

Image: Willoughby. Source: Felix Forrest

With a swathe of national and international awards and an extensive portfolio of projects in residential, including ‘The Glasshouse’ and iconic hospitality venues, The Paddington Inn and The Opera Bar, do you have a favourite?

Each project is unique and exciting for different reasons, working on the Opera Bar at such an iconic site such as the Sydney Opera house was definitely a career highlight and this year we have really enjoyed working with some exciting international clients building a home in San Francisco which has been an incredible experience.

Image: The Opera Bar Sydney. Source: Felix Forrest

What is the most interesting brief you’ve been given by a client? 

To design the Mumm marquee at last year's Melbourne Cup, site unseen all remotely in an incredibly short time period for our lovely French clients, Champagne House G.H. Mumm.

Did you take on the project? 

Yes we did and had an absolute ball doing it! The local production team they hired was exceptional and they realised our vision for Maison Mumm, a modern version of a boutique Parisienne hotel brought to Flemington racecourse with bell boys and all!

What advice would you give a newly qualified designer or someone thinking about a career in design? 

Try and work for as many firms as you can whilst studying, as on the ground experience is invaluable, I also think it helps if you are transitioning from another career as you will bring a broader skill set with you which will enable you to think outside the box.

Image: Vaucluse House. Source: Felix Forrest

Related reading:

'The Glasshouse': Award-winning designer luxury