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Maria Chandler - Become Interiors Ltd

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Maria Chandler - Become Interiors Ltd

A Hertfordshire interior design studio creating characterful spaces, to be lived in and loved
(1)

27/08/2026

FEATURED:
It was lovely to see my work featured recently in a post titled "How to create a joyful, clutter-free home office". What was formerly a bedroom, I reconfigured into this stylish and uncluttered home study, with a space for everything.
I always plan as much desk-surface as possible with drawers nearby too, plus I tend to use a balance of open and closed storage to reduce the visual noise and encourage focus while working. The leather desk chair brings warmth to the space and the tones are calming yet characterful, making a welcoming and joyful statement. Wouldn't you like to work here?
Interior design:
Photo:

21/08/2026

RISE & SHINE:
I'm designing a lovely primary bedroom at the moment, which led me to reflect back on this beautiful space I designed for clients whose own suite overlooks local Verulamium Park. I found their location totally inspiring and from the outset, was very keen to incorporate their leafy view into the design concept for the space.
Can you imagine waking up high in the treetops, watching the seasons changing, hearing the birds, feeling the breeze flow through the space? I selected tones, textures and abstract, nature inspired patterns which would all lend themselves to this feeling, playing into the ceiling height and fabulous views, and giving an immense sense of calm and serenity, every morning. What a way to start the day, don't you think?
Photo: Rob Spicer Photo
Interiors: Maria Chandler

18/08/2026

FUN & GAMES
Life has been busy at Become Interiors HQ, but I'm on the countdown to my summer holiday and can't wait to kick back and have some fun times with my family.
Speaking of fun, designing spaces is always a bespoke puzzle and solving your challenges is one of the best parts of my job.
When setting up this library corner, the brief called for a table and seating combo that not only allowed for some casual work meetings, but also invited the family to gather, play games and stay a while. It had to complement my client’s brilliant, bold aesthetic and crucially, survive life with pets.
Cue extensive fabric testing to make sure every finish was as resilient as it was stylish. My client had fun setting up a testing station near her dogs water bowl and we were delighted to see how well the selections stood up to the challenge!
Behind every vignette is a vast amount of thought that goes into planning, sourcing and testing the products I propose, because I know that every detail in your home should not only reflect your taste, but also suit your daily routine and stand up to life. Solving these puzzles is always satisfying, so if there's a challenge in your home that I can help with, do get in touch.

Photo: Nat | Interiors Photographer

10/07/2026

LITTLE BIT OF SUNSHINE:
When my clients want a space that feels calm but never boring, this is the kind of design I create.
I kept the foundations beautifully timeless with light herringbone flooring, sleek muted blue cabinets, a veined quartz waterfall worktop plus smoked glass pendant lights. Then came the fun part: adding a splash of personality, with these perky stools bringing a joyful pop to the scheme, like a ray of sunshine.
Bold bar stools and dining chairs can be a simple way to update an existing room or to add energy into a room you're designing. Would you go bold with your seating?
Design:
Photo:

26/06/2026

HOT TOPIC:
With the UK and European weather on high alert, we're all asking how to keep our homes cool! We know this kind of heatwave is going to occur more often, so relying on fans or air con shouldn’t be our only line of defence.
Whether you're planning a renovation or simply prepping your home for the next heatwave, smart, thoughtful interior design can really help you feel more comfortable in the heat. It's a big topic but below, I suggest five ways to keep your spaces cooler through clever design:
1. Focus on fabrics - synthetic materials trap heat. Where possible, swap them out for natural fibres like linen, cotton and h**p for your upholstery, soft furnishings and bedding, since they are breathable and stay comfortable to the touch.
2. Map out the sun - architectural planning is key, so if you're designing a new extension or home, ask your interior designer or architect to consider where the sun faces during the hottest parts of the day. Strategically placing windows, doors, openings and furniture can capture cross-breezes and block harsh, direct midday glare and heat.
3. Upgrade your window coverings - standard blinds often aren’t enough when it is scorching, so look into technical solutions like solar reflective films or solar filtering blinds that bounce heat back outside before it can warm up your spaces.
4. Release trapped heat - hot air rises, which makes opening-skylights a complete game-changer, since they allow stagnant heat to escape straight through the roof, drawing cooler air in from your lower windows. Again, speak to your interior designer or architect about considering airflow.
5. Use colour psychology - interestingly, colour plays a big role in how we experience a room and warm tones can actually make a space feel physically hotter. For rooms that get drenched in afternoon sun, lean into a palette of cool tones (like soft blues, muted greens and crisp whites) to create a calm, refreshing feel.
Have you tried any of these techniques in your own home or do you have any other suggestions to share? Let me know!
Wishing you a safe, sunny weekend ahead 💛

23/06/2026

BE YOURSELF:
In the midst of a renovation it can be tempting to take the 'easy' route, opting for generic, crowd-pleasing, yet forgettable choices, with spaces that are fresh and new but don't quite feel like home.
One of my favourite parts of designing interiors is coaching clients to discover their own taste and preferences, to articulate the possibilities and to remind them that it's totally ok to express themselves in their own homes. The result is always liberating and means they end up not only with a home they feel connected to, but a unique, dynamic one that SAYS something about them and reminds us that the people who live there are wonderful, interesting and multi-faceted!
So it was an absolute delight working with my fabulous accountant , who was happy to pour her vibrant personality into this library and games room, which reflects such warmth, boldness, humour and beautiful unconventionality - it is totally her!
If you're planning a renovation or new build and want help weaving your own unique character and personality into the design, I'd love to find out more. Booking from September and contact details in my bio.
Interior design:
Photo:

15/06/2026

BEST SEAT IN HOUSE:
Nice to see my photo as the leading shot over the weekend, in this article explaining how to achieve the best views in your bathroom, whilst maintaining all important privacy.
This gorgeously restful bathroom overlooks the tree tops at the woodland edges of fabulous local Verulamium park, St Albans. I was keen to ensure my clients could enjoy this exclusive view, whilst being able to move freely within the space, come summer or winter, and so recommended privacy film half way up the large glazed panel to achieve this.
It really does exemplify how to make a loo with a view work beautifully, don't you think? 💚
Interior:
Photo:
Styling: .interior.styling

03/06/2026

PATTERN CLASH:
Mixing up patterns, colours and textures is a trick I use to add visual interest and personality to a design scheme. Of course, you can dial them up or down, according to the style of your room and excitingly, in this maximalist scheme I was able to go wild with the layering throughout this space.
What was once a bland and uninspiring corner of the room, now pulls you over and says hey, sit down a while and get comfy! From the fluted panelling, to the whimsical wallpaper, the bold clashing cushions to the tactile sheepskin, these layers add personality and vibrance whilst also appealing to our senses, which is what draws us in.
If you're looking to update your own space, layered soft furnishings can be a quick and low risk investment to help you explore your taste. And who knows, you may end up discovering your own inner wild child!
Photography:

31/05/2026

GAME ON:
While scrolling through project photos trying to work out what to share with you next, this image struck me.
With Sundays often being about relaxing with family and friends, winding down and maybe grabbing a board game, this simple noughts and crosses set made me think about how with a little strategy and planning from the opening turn, you can control the outcome.
I won't sugar-coat living through a renovation or a new build, because it can be tough! It is messy, stressful and rarely feels straightforward while you are in the thick of it. However, going into a project with a crystal-clear interior design plan changes the game entirely.
When you map out your interior spaces, decide furniture layout, plan lighting and electrics, select materials, plan window dressings and specify decorative surfaces all before the builders even arrive, you eliminate the frantic, last-minute decision fatigue.
This is the power of interior design and particularly, involving us from the outset. It won't stop the dust, but it certainly stops the panic, helping you feel in control of the outcome and achieve the winning results you have invested in.
A bit like that game of noughts and crosses!
Photo:

29/05/2026

TGI FRIDAY:
One of my key aims when working with clients is to create joyful spaces for them and I think this project ticks that box! What was once a dreary new-build kitchen, I redesigned to create this welcoming space, incorporating this bifold kitchen window bar.
After a searingly hot week's work, I know I'd love to wind down here, drink in hand, catching up with friends. Who else is in? 🍹
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Address

Saint Albans

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447787785096

Website

https://www.becomeinteriors.co.uk/

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