MONTCO win15

In this home Maria is
introducing tones that
blend more smoothly
with the home’s styling.
Maria Viola Kuffruff, Allied ASID, started Viola Interior Design, L.L.C. in
2005. This award winning boutique firm, based on the Main Line, designs distinctive
homes with a unique perspective from Maria’s expertise in color,
custom designs and knowledge of design history. Before she started her own
design firm, Maria worked with two well-known architectural firms as the interior
designer to better understand an architect's perspective. Having an insight
into an architect's conceptualization of any project is an invaluable
resource for a designer.
Maria’s projects are wide ranging; from designing rooms in a house, to
the renovation of entire residences or custom furniture designs for any
space, as well as designing entire office spaces. With a newer, fresh approach
to defining interior space, Maria has developed a style that combines modern
and traditional, while balancing scale and proportion and always infusing a
twist that raises it above the ordinary. “I love fabric, color and space planning,”
she adds. “It's like a puzzle and I enjoy the process and seeing the end
result, as well as the challenge of re-designing a floor plan to create more efficient
flow and function.”
Maria guides her clients through the design process. “I believe in helping
my clients understand the importance of warm, inviting spaces that look
beautiful and functions well,” Maria explains. “I am sensitive to each client's
particular needs and aesthetic.” Developing long lasting relationships has enabled
her to take clients through multiple projects.
Maria received her master's degree in Interior Architecture and Design
from Drexel University. Presently she teaches interior design and the history
of design at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at
Drexel. Maria is currently the President of the American Society of Interior
Designers, PA East Chapter and has won two Chapter Awards; the 2012 Educator
Award and 2013 Presidential Citation. Her studio is located at 354
Merion Rd, Merion Station, PA 19066. For inquiries, call 610-664-4024 or
visit www.violainteriordesign.com and www.HOUZZ.com.
not necessarily typical holiday tones. “I am
not using primary colors, or any traditional
red florals,” she explains. Maria has selected
an array of natural plant materials
and flowers, not traditionally connected to
Christmas decorating, with a focus on
shades of heather, plums and purples
along with and orange accents all orchestrated
with berries.
Blending is key to Maria’s approach.
To master the look, feel and flow of the
decorations, she mixes a variety of materials
and colors “I like to mix live plant materials
with some artificial to achieve a
more lush effect,” she adds, “and try to
strike a balance so the overall effect is more
authentic and substantial.” Maria uses a lot
of natural materials in the holiday displays.
“This gives a more cozy, cheerful look,” she
adds “and gives you a break from what we
typically see.”
In this home Maria is introducing tones
that blend more smoothly with the home’s
styling. She loves working with white pine
garlands, when available, for several reasons.
“It has a longer needle with a softer, wispier
texture, “ she adds. She points out that it
drapes nicely for an elegant touch and is easier
to work with. This year the white pine
needles were not available, so she used juniper
and eucalyptus for her draping materials,
especially the eucalyptus for its silvery
green leaves and aroma.
A mix of greenery is placed strategically
in the three rooms, focusing on the sweeping
staircase in the entry and the fireplace
mantles in the living and dining rooms.
For a more traditional approach, Maria ap-
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