How Folk Studio is Rewriting the Client–Designer Relationship

The story behind the studio 

Mariah started Folk Studio in 2018 with her business partner, Chris Polain, when she was just 23. Now, seven years later she has been named one of the nation's top young designers in the Australian Design Review 30UNDER30 program. 

While some discover design later in life, for Mariah, the instinct to help people feel better in their space was always there. 

“I've wanted to be an Interior Designer since I was about seven. I used to conduct consultations on my street. I would go to my neighbour's home and say we need to change things up.” 

That same playfulness and curiosity now underpins her professional work. But the real point of difference lies in how Mariah engages with clients, immersing herself in understanding their daily lives, challenges, and dreams. 

“The word folk means people in general, and the 'u’ in studio is underlined. Our philosophy is all about people and the people who we have the privilege of transforming a small element of their lives.” 

Designing for how people feel  

More than aesthetics, Mariah sees design as a tool for emotional wellbeing. Her approach centres around how people feel in their environment. For clients who spend most of their time indoors, this impact is anything but surface level. A room can calm, uplift, or restore. 

“It's all about enhancing people's mental and physical wellbeing. I know the impact that good design can have on somebody’s every day. And it's always driven me to do more.” 

“We spend most of our lives indoors. And our environment does greatly impact how we feel.” 

“For instance, the first thing and last thing we see every day is our bedroom. So how does that make you feel? I get to have an influence on that.” 

By grounding her designs in how people live, Mariah ensures that every space feels personal. It’s all about real life, not a portfolio. 

Making the process accessible 

For many clients, the interior design process is unfamiliar territory. Folk Studio has made it part of their mission to turn this uncertainty into confidence by replacing jargon with clarity, and stress with ease. According to Mariah, this starts from the very first conversation. 

“It's quite a grey area for a lot of people. They haven't approached a designer before and so trying to build that connection with them early on and making the experience feel joyous and easy and enjoyable instead of intimidating is key.” 

Budget discussions, often a source of tension, are handled with the same transparency. The aim is to create a safe space for honest dialogue, where clients feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. 

“Budgets will always be a difficult conversation, but it really does inform the level of specification for the project. It's impossible to understand the scope of the project without that.” 

Seeing through the client’s eyes 

One of Mariah’s greatest strengths is her ability to step into her clients’ shoes. Her research process is deeply human, focusing less on style preferences and more on the rituals that shape a client’s day. 

“I am heavily inspired by my clients. Every time we take on a project, I become quite invested in the minute, mundane, every day of what their day looks like.” 

“What do they like to do when they come home? Where do they see themselves in five or 10 years? All of these things inform the design brief.” 

From long-term planning to choosing modular furniture for greater flexibility, Mariah considers every aspect of how a space will serve someone’s life. Not just now, but as it evolves. 

“If a client says, this is not my forever home that often means selecting modular furniture, which is really why we love the King Living Aura Sofa and the freedom and flexibility that it serves.” 

Leading with intuition and identity 

Rather than replicating trends, Mariah believes in nurturing a unique design voice. For her, style is a by-product of curiosity. It’s reflection of what inspires you, what calms you, and what makes your perspective different. 

“The advice I give to aspiring designers is really becoming curious and obsessed with the world of design. What's trending, what's not trending, who's doing what, and also the processes of design.” 

“Every designer approaches projects differently. They might have five stages, or 10, but understanding what those stages look like will really inform who they are as a designer and who they would like to work for.” 

“I didn't follow anybody. I didn't ask anybody. I didn't have any kind of mentor. I built my own lane and continued to back myself.” 

Creating a seamless design process  

When approaching a room design, the Folk Studio process often begins with an anchor piece that sets the tone for the rest of the space.  

“I start with the hero piece, which is the sofa, and then we'll choose the rug, the coffee table, and the armchair. Once the key critical pieces are confirmed we can do the fun things, which is the accessories.” 

Her belief in getting proportions right is just as strong. Rugs, in particular, play a critical role in framing the energy of a space. 

“I always say when it comes to the rug placement and size, bigger is better. The rug is really the frame of the living room.” 

Colour as emotion 

While she has a clear understanding of colour theory, Mariah leads with instinct. Her use of colour isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about evoking mood and creating emotional harmony between pieces. 

“For me, it's really intuitive. I choose colours I think complement one another, but it's more about the feeling than going with trend driven colour schemes.” 

“It's usually colours that I'm loving personally that are reflected in the season or that I'm loving in fashion.” 

In this way, colour becomes another tool in her mission to humanise design, not just something to look at, but something to feel.

Every space should leave an impression 

Whether she’s designing for a family home or a commercial setting, Mariah’s goal is consistent: to create an emotional response. The feeling may shift from calm to joy or creativity, but there should always be one. 

“I want people to feel a sense of calm when they walk into a Folk design space. For me, each space should have a different impact and make people feel different things.” 

“At the end of the day, my priority is how the clients feel. I want them to feel serene, particularly because a lot of our clients have high pressure jobs – I want to create a kind of escape for them.” 

With Folk Studio, Mariah Burton is not only creating beautiful interiors but rewriting how the design industry interacts with its clients. By prioritising empathy, honesty and everyday connection, she’s proving that the most impactful designs are those built on trust. 

For more styling inspiration, follow Folk Studio on Instagram. 

Continue your interior design inspiration journey here: 

• Creating a family-friendly home: Interior design tips
• Modern eclectic style: Interior design tips with Karen Jones Russell 
• 14 simple ideas to makeover your living room 
• Colourful minimalism: How to balance bold hues with timeless simplicity