A bright, neutral-toned sitting room styled with a curved cream bouclé sofa, a sculptural white armchair, and brass floor lamps. A magnolia arrangement sits on a dark round coffee table, accented by a teal occasional chair, a botanical artwork, and a sage-green upholstered folding screen.

The Marylou Sobel Interior Design Approach

“When we change the way a space feels, we quietly change the way people feel within it.”∽ Marylou Sobel

Choosing an interior designer is as much about trust as it is about taste. It is important to work with someone who listens carefully, understands how you live and can translate that into a home that feels both beautiful and deeply familiar.

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Every step of the process matters

Each stage of the design process is important to us – from the initial consultation and early concepts, through documentation and construction, to final installation and handover. Our careful attention to detail at every point helps ensure the outcome feels resolved, considered and aligned with what we have envisioned together.

Relationships at the heart

We aim to make our clients feel genuinely supported throughout their project. We stay closely involved, communicate clearly and create a sense of being “held” from start to finish. These strong, collaborative relationships allow us to do our best work and often lead to ongoing connections over many years and homes.

A holistic view of home

We take a holistic approach to every interior, considering how each space relates to the next. From the front door through to the most private rooms, we ensure the aesthetic, colour palettes and textures are cohesive, creating homes that flow easily and feel quietly harmonious.

The collaboration

We believe the most successful projects grow from genuine collaboration. From the outset, we work closely with our clients to clarify the brief, exchange ideas and refine the vision together. As the design unfolds, we continue to involve our clients in key moments and decisions, ensuring the finished home feels like a natural extension of the way they live.

Who We Work With

The design studio collaborates with some of the nation’s leading furniture and cabinet makers, painters, flooring specialists, architects, landscape architects, builders, artisans and other professionals to deliver exceptional results on a vast array of design projects.

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Our Process

We see each project as an ongoing conversation rather than a one‑off transaction. Throughout the process we share ideas, drawings and material palettes at a measured pace, allowing time for reflection and refinement. This gentle, considered rhythm gives clients confidence in each decision and ensures the finished home feels calm, cohesive and quietly resolved.

Our projects are categorised into three distinct phases.

Phase One
Phase Two
Phase Three

Project Initiation

The initial consultation where Marylou will meet with you to outline the brief, scope of works and budget. Marylou uses this time to understand and establish how you like to live, your aesthetic and who will be using the spaces.

Click here to read more about the initial consultation.

Once we have established that we would work well together, the magic begins...

Research, Design and Presentation

This phase is a process of discovery and development. We complete a Project Site Assessment and a ‘trade day’ as part of the discovery process. Meet with qualified insured trades for the clarifying work required to achieve the client's goal. Select all FF&E (Furniture, Fittings and Equipment). Prepare visual documentation and estimates for our presentation to the client.

Project Implementation

This is where the project turns into a reality. The project now moves towards physical completion as materials orders are placed. We coordinate and manage all FF&E orders. Approval of all joinery and supplier sampling prior to manufacturing. Relevant contractors are engaged, and we begin the process of bringing to life the client's new stunning space. We have regular site meetings to monitor the progress of the build.

Project Installation

When the building works have been completed it is time to install the furniture and soft furnishings and see the project come to life. We manage and coordinate the delivery, quality control, and installation of all the procured items, including artwork and objects for styling.

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