We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mariah O’Brien. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mariah below.

Mariah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

One of the most outstanding experiences I’ve had in reimagining a client’s home, that was particularly personal and successful for both myself and the client. It was especially meaningful with the client’s home being in the neighborhood I grew up in. At the initial meeting with the clients, one of the biggest challenges was they really needed a space where the family could gather and share meals. The kitchen was very small as well as the dining room. They were side by side with a small doorway and a large wall between them. I suggested expanding the kitchen to encompass both rooms, remove the wall and create a warm European style eat-in kitchen–like the kind you’d find somewhere in Italy or Ireland, perhaps. When I first made this suggestion, my clients were a bit hesitant, as it was a big move, and an architectural change to the home, which they already adored. However, I was very enthusiastic about this vision, and I could truly see with the right millwork, finishes and central dining table where the family could gather–as an imperative shift, that there was no other way to go. I was very fortunate to have such trusting clients who got on board with my vision and approved every detailed selection that I presented them. The final result is so exquisite that my client wrote a beautiful note regarding my work and their beloved home.

“This is going to seem out of the blue, but it was on my mind so I thought I’d share. Every morning I start my day with coffee and a book in our kitchen. Looking around this morning I was acutely aware of how much I love this room. I love the marble and the tile. I love the family table that you found and the chairs that were once your chairs. I love the light fixtures, I love the built in cabinet with the seeded, leaded glass. I love the brass handles on the refrigerator and cabinets and how they reveal which doors are most used. I love the reclaimed wood ceiling and the shelves made from the floorboards of an old stable. I love the colors you chose, the pantry door you waxed yourself and the farmhouse sink you installed backward to hide the logo. I start my day in this room and I end my day in this room. I could go on about how it’s where the family gathers and the memories it holds, but that’s true of every kitchen, everywhere. What I love about this room is that it suits us to the bone. It suits our lives and the things we treasure look right at home on the walls and countertops. I can’t think of a single thing that I would change. If we ever leave this house, this room is what I would miss most. So thank you for understanding us and for creating a space that brings so much joy… still.”–J.M., Laurel Canyon, CA

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into the industry over 20 years ago. My first project being my own home, a 1959 post-and-beam, I furnished it with mid-century modern pieces curated with my love of clean design and with consideration to comfort, functionality and timeless appeal. I had traveled extensively as a young woman and was able to incorporate that point of view into my interiors . That home became something that was truly special. Unexpectedly, when throwing gatherings at my home, people started to ask would it be possible to transform their spaces in a similar fashion. And organically, out of my passion for design, a thriving business was born.

What sets me apart from others is the driving force of my work always focuses on the individuality of the clients and accentuating the existing beauty and the home’s architecture. I care deeply about each project and most importantly the inhabitants so that they feel that they are living in the home of their dreams. I don’t approach a space from any textbook concept of design or a trend-driven perspective–more the path of intuition as to how the home may serve its inhabitants and accentuate their lived experience through beauty.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

In my journey, creating classic and beautiful spaces, I have often found it hard to find just the right furniture piece for a client’s specific needs. From this need, what began as simple sketches grew into designs for custom pieces on all my projects, when needed. It has been one of the more satisfying components of my work, from the initial idea to the various designs, and narrowing these down to a client’s final approval and then into the fabrication process. And after some trial and error, I’ve developed relationships with the perfect upholsterers, woodworkers and artisans to manufacture my one-of-a-kind designs. This adds so much value to the overall design, because client’s are receiving high quality, custom works as opposed to run-of-the mill, cookie-cutter items for their home.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I’ve built my reputation in my field by having strong integrity and persistence to complete projects that exceed my clients’ expectations. Often the scope changes and grows and sometimes budgets too, but no matter what the case is, I prioritize an exceptional finished product and happy clients. All of my projects come from word of mouth and client referrals, and the results speak for themselves. I have really close creative relationships with clients and many of my jobs expand out of residential into their offices, and when clients either sell or acquire a vacation home, this gives me an opportunity to expand my services. I love to collaborate and incorporate the personal style of my clients, therefore, I’ve developed the reputation for creating spaces that are truly a reflection of those who inhabit them. It is of the upmost priority for my clients to be one-thousand percent satisfied with the level and quality of my work. My goal is to leave my clients super happy, and the job is not complete until that is so. I bring great value to all my projects by helping people avoid making expensive mistakes and being mislead by dishonest contractors. I have 23 years experience in remodeling, restorations and design.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mariahobrien.com
• Instagram: mariahobrieninteriors
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Not applicable.