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- 38 M O N T C O M A G . C O M
The festive holiday wreath decorating the front door with apples, berries, pinecones, and holly presents a warm invitation to enter and celebrate the Christmas season. W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 39
Change language