In her last renovation, replacing builder-grade interior hardware with solid-brass luxury door hardware and precision-crafted hinges instantly made the home feel custom and thoughtful, to the point that potential buyers commented on the hardware during showings while it was on the market. That impact stayed with Maria. When she began designing her new French-inspired home, complete with tall ceilings, soft white walls, and striking black windows, she chose Grandeur’s Carré collection in Vintage Brass for the nostalgic, welcoming glow it brings to the clean architectural lines. The finish pairs beautifully with her unlacquered brass plumbing fixtures and adds a sense of heritage to the new build.

Maria believes hardware is one of the most underestimated aspects of interior design. Unlike furniture or lighting, it’s something you touch and interact with every day. When it’s high-quality, you feel the difference immediately. To her, it’s often the more minor, quieter details that make a home feel finished and personal.

Her personal style has evolved over the years into something more refined, minimal, and intentional. She gravitates toward neutral palettes and adds interest through texture, scale, and a curated mix of aged and modern pieces. Her home reflects that balance—modern French architecture softened with classic patterns, sculptural lighting, warm metal finishes, and wood tones that evoke a sense of lived-in elegance.

Functionality also plays an important part in her decisions. While Maria loves a formal, polished feel, she designs her home to reflect how she lives. Comfortable seating, thoughtful layouts, and everyday conveniences guide her choices. For hardware specifically, she prefers levers in the spaces she uses most—they’re easier to operate when her hands are full and add a sleek, modern touch that complements the home’s architecture.

Maria also thoughtfully designs each room around a standout moment, whether it’s an eye-catching light fixture, textured walls, herringbone floors, or the warm glow of solid-brass hardware. These focal points bring personality to every space while the rest of the room provides balance and harmony.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the new home is the abundant natural light. Large windows—especially the dramatic two-story window walls in the great room and staircase—were one of the most significant investments in the entire project, but also one of the most rewarding. Maria says these bright, airy spaces are where her family naturally gathers throughout the day. To her, home is a place where memories are made, and every design decision contributes to that feeling of connection and comfort.

Her favorite room is her office and studio, where she spends much of the workweek. The space feels elevated and sophisticated yet still approachable, with burl-wood furniture adding a modern twist that sets it apart from the rest of the home.

Maria launched Mia Mia Mine, her fashion-focused blog and Instagram account, as a creative outlet while working on Wall Street. Her love for fashion and home décor eventually grew into a full-time career—now more than a decade strong. Today, she continues to draw inspiration from timeless materials, warm accents, sculptural furnishings, classic patterns, and beautifully designed spaces, such as hotels and boutiques.

From her experience with past and current home projects, she’s learned that renovations often take more effort and patience than expected—but the results are always worth it. Even small updates, such as adding modern home hardware, can become the most cherished details. Her advice to anyone starting their home journey is to begin with the spaces you touch every day; those finishing touches bring the most joy and make the biggest impact.

Maria’s new home is a beautiful example of thoughtful design, elevated materials, and meaningful details. Grandeur’s Vintage Brass hardware adds the finishing layer that ties everything together—bringing warmth, refinement, and quiet luxury to every space.