Maria Papantoniou never imagined that her career would take her from the world of dentistry to becoming one of Australia’s most recognized interior designers. But in 2015, after 20 years in the dental industry, a life-changing moment pushed her to follow her true passion: design. With no formal training at the time, she embraced the challenge, immersing herself in the industry, learning from established designers, and allowing her creativity to guide the way.
Her career evolution was not without risk. Switching industries meant stepping into the unknown, navigating financial challenges, and proving herself in an already competitive field. But Maria’s passion for aesthetics, coupled with a strong network of creative friends, propelled her forward. Starting as a stylist assistant, she gradually built her expertise, establishing a distinct identity in the design world.
Maria describes her approach as rebellious, a term that reflects her personality, cultural background, and love for rock and roll. Her designs often feature bold statement pieces, a touch of modernist sensibility, and unexpected elements that reflect her individuality. While she adapts her work to suit clients’ visions, she believes in adding her own touch—sometimes subtle, sometimes daring—to every project.
Australia’s design landscape, according to Maria, is a unique blend of European influences and a deep connection to nature. She admires the craftsmanship of French and Italian designers, particularly their ability to balance minimalism with warmth. Color plays a vital role in her process, and while many clients are hesitant to embrace it, she enjoys guiding them toward an understanding of how different shades and textures can transform a space.
Her career has led her to some remarkable projects, both locally and internationally. One standout experience was her work at the iconic Goldstein House in Los Angeles. As a longtime admirer of the property, she was thrilled to revisit it post-Covid, documenting its evolution and sharing its beauty with an Australian audience. Closer to home, she recently completed a glamorous residence in Bellevue Hill, where she fused classic Hollywood elegance with contemporary elements.
Beyond designing spaces, Maria has also made her mark in media. Initially reserved about stepping into the spotlight, she eventually embraced the opportunity to curate design content, highlighting vintage finds and small boutique businesses. This role allowed her to bring lesser-known creatives into the industry conversation while refining her own aesthetic perspective.
Despite her success, Maria remains deeply engaged in the ever-evolving world of design. She travels frequently, spending months in Europe each year, drawing inspiration from different cultures and design philosophies. Her upcoming projects include restoring a heritage home in Woollahra, creating a wellness center in Tamworth, and unveiling a showroom in Brisbane. Each endeavor brings new challenges, but Maria thrives on adaptability—balancing rebellion with compromise to bring her artistic vision to life.
Her journey is a testament to the power of reinvention. From dentistry to design, she has proven that with passion, resilience, and a willingness to take risks, it’s possible to carve out a new path. For Maria, design is more than just aesthetics; it’s about storytelling, emotion, and, above all, authenticity.