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Alongside her love of blending old-world style and modernity, Maki is really known for incorporating a bit of whimsy into every project. When asked what whimsy means to her, Maki responded "It means fun, playfulness, and joy; something that makes you smile, or takes you back to your youth. Maybe it's also a combination of adult, contemporary living, and the playfulness of being a child. However, to do it right, it must be refined or it can definitely border on tacky. I think the Brits do this very well". Many of Maki's designs incorporate statement architectural elements, bold color, patterned tiles, and enthralling art. Playing with patterns and colors fill her spaces beautifully and offers eye-catching and interesting designs that give her projects an extra layer of personality. One of her favorite projects to date was for a family with two young children who relocated to New Jersey from Virginia with a baby on the way during the pandemic. Maki was commissioned to reimagine a lower-level playroom as a special present from the new baby to her two big sisters. Maki got to work and installed the playroom in two weeks while the family returned to Virginia to welcome baby Miles. What a tremendous surprise when, upon arrival, they were "greeted" by a rock wall, custom mural, indoor swings, climbing rugs, art center, and personalized library, complete with chalkboard paint accents. Experiences like these are the best reminders of why she enjoys her work. "I love the art of it all, and I am truly rewarded when I see real-time reactions as a home is revealed. I know my profession leans toward luxury, but there's such a special element of everyday realism that shines through when clients realize their lives have been made better." Today, 10 years into her career, Maki has officially found her groove and could not be happier. I help people live in their homes well and come home to beauty. is feels really important, "I am grateful that I am able to make a positive impact in so many people's worlds", she says. e pandemic has allowed Maki's business to grow exponentially. While she's excited about the new canvases that are coming her way, she also makes sure to stay true to herself and pick up the projects that most excite her. With glee in her voice, she detailed a funky pied-à-terre in the Upper East Side that she's looking forward to working on. e owner rented out the apartment for years but when the pandemic hit, her tenant moved out. Maki was hired to take on the task of upgrading the entire unit. "e client wants it to be hot pink, black and white, with brass accents and neon signs. e client specified, 'I want to visit and have a martini with my girls before we go out,' which is amazing! It's entirely in my wheelhouse, very go big or go home," Maki says. When asked if she had a dream project, Maki came up with a few. One of her earliest projects was a complete renovation of a Brooklyn brownstone and she'd jump at the chance to work on another. e list also includes a London townhome she can gut and remodel or a boutique hotel or restaurant. No dream is too big or out of reach for Maki and the same holds true for her clients. VUE ON | DESIGN VUENJ.COM 45

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