INTERIOR DESIGN

INTERIOR DESIGN PORTFOLIO

MARIA KARIM

2022-2024

I am an Interior designer focused on creating meaningful interiors through thoughtful sourcing. I enjoy creating calm, creative, and refined spaces with close attention to proportion, materials, and light. I’m particularly interested in using locally grounded elements like craft, textiles, and natural materials and incorporating them into a cohesive, contemporary interior language

F LO R I S T ’ S P H OTO G R A P H Y STUDIO

LUSAIL, QATAR

2024

The project called for a soft minimalist aesthetic inspired by Wabi-Sabi for a mixed-use office space where a flower boutique and a photography studio could operate side by side. I ended up designing a minimal appearance with lime-wash surfaces, elevated Travertine counters for a clean look and organically shaped pendant lights to further soften the space. Neutral tones and soft textures were used to mark spaces visually instead of partitioning them to create open spaces where both functions of the space were observed.

K H A R M O U N TA I N R E T R E AT

SKARDU, PAKISTAN

2024

For this project the client wanted cozy and inviting rooms in a retreat amidst the mountains. As a result, the design was dictated by a blend of natural materials and textures to create a warm and peaceful space adorned with wooden materials and earthy details. We ended up using locally sourced and crafted items for the room furniture, and also designed carvings for the wooden details in the window frames. Local traditional woven rugs and tapestries were used to further elevate the character of the space.

THE PIZZA SHOP

ABOTTABAD, PAKISTAN

2022

For the Interior design of this small-scale restaurant I chose a neutral color palette with minimal materials and textures to make the restaurant appear spacious. Since the space was small, overcrowding was a major concern to solve, and the space was meant to be visually and atmospherically open to compensate for the size. Earthy tones and wooden furniture against a concrete backdrop bring a soothing and sophisticated atmosphere to the place.

CASA AÇ O R E S

AÇORES, PORTUGAL

2023

In this Interior design proposal for revamping an apartment, maximing space use was highly important, and the house location and surroundings provided a lot of inspiration for the decor. The blue Atlantic Ocean, a privileged view of the Pico da Barrosa, plus the volcanic nature of the island, all contributed to the palette of the house. Shades of green and blue were used across the interior, representing the sea and land.

Brown/Beige colors were used as a backdrop in the form of rugs and walls. The main materials were wood and paint, the softness of which was elevated by metal details in decor. Most items sourced were local and repurposed.

CHAI KART

SAN JOSE , USA

2024

In this project, the client required a small but functional tea cafe space in a gas station side shop which was old and worn out. The limited space offered opportunities for creativity,y and we ended up designing a space inspired by street-side tea stall culture by incorporating elements and visuals inspired by south asian culture blended with modern cafe decor elements. The result was a vibrant space with traditional elements and warm lighting to create a fun and inviting atmosphere. As artwork was a big part of this project, I illustrated murals for the wallpapers as well.