A Blank Canvas with Endless Possibilities
When I first stepped into the space that would become MAMO INTERIORS, it was almost impossible to imagine what it could be. The air was thick with the scent of dust, neglect and time, the floors were covered in a dirty, green carpet, and the ceiling felt as though it was pressing down on the room. The former thrift shop was cluttered, dark, and filled with years of forgotten objects. And yet, despite its state, I knew this space had something — something waiting to be uncovered, something with potential to become more than just a store.
For me this transformation wasn’t simply about aesthetics. It was about creating an atmosphere. A place where design isn’t just seen but felt, where every material tells a story, where space itself invites stillness and inspiration. I wanted MAMO INTERIORS to be more than a showroom, more than a shop. It needed to feel alive, to breathe, to hold space for both people and objects in an intentional way.
From the very beginning, there were challenges — tight deadlines, unexpected surprises, and the countless decisions that come with designing something from scratch. But through it all, the vision remained clear: to strip the space down to its essence and build something that felt honest, timeless, and deeply connected to what MAMO INTERIORS stands for.
The Transformation Process
The first step was letting the space breathe. We stripped it back completely, removing years of accumulation, tearing out the worn carpet, and revealing what lay beneath.
What we found was something unexpected — an original wooden floor, aged and rich with history. As Roy, my husband, and I carefully restored it by hand (the floor was uneven and machines wouldn't do), we discovered tiny sewing needles embedded in the cracks, remnants of a time long before us. It was a quiet reminder that spaces, like people, carry their past with them. Instead of erasing it, I wanted to embrace it.
With the structure laid bare, I had the freedom to reimagine its flow. The ceiling was opened up, allowing the space to expand both physically and visually. The industrial pipes that had once been hidden were now exposed, adding a raw honesty to the space.
For the lighting, I chose dimmable fluorescent tubes — not the obvious choice for a store, but something about their understated simplicity, their soft glow against the warm white walls, felt so right.
The walls themselves were kept minimal. I wanted them to serve as a quiet backdrop, a canvas for whatever would be displayed within the space. Most of them remain empty, allowing artworks and objects to take center stage, shifting and evolving with time.
Along one side of the store, a custom-built shelving system stretches from end to end, a framework for carefully curated pieces, a balance between structure and openness.
The counter, a key element of the space, was designed and built by my husband. Its clean lines were then finished with brushed stainless steel. From the moment I saw it, I knew it was exactly what the space needed — a subtle but striking contrast against the warmth of the wooden floor, something modern yet timeless, refined yet industrial.
Storage was a challenge. I wanted the space to feel open, uncluttered, and intentional, but I also needed functionality. The solution came in the form of a full-height shelving system, hidden behind a soft beige curtain. It blends seamlessly into the space, adding a sense of warmth while keeping the practical aspects out of sight.
MAMO INTERIORS: More Than a Store
MAMO INTERIORS isn’t just a retail space — it’s where I work, where I create, where I curate. It’s where I design private homes, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, where I shape interiors that are deeply personal, spaces that reflect the lives and stories of the people who inhabit them.
The store is open to all on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, welcoming those who seek inspiration, who want to linger, who appreciate the beauty of carefully considered objects. The collection is ever-evolving, spanning from iconic design classics to collectible contemporary pieces, from pre-owned treasures to everyday objects that elevate the home.
Art & Community: A Space That Evolves
More than just a store, MAMO INTERIORS is also a gallery, a space that transforms with each exhibition. Since opening, I’ve had the privilege of curating shows that bring depth and dialogue to the store, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with such extraordinary artists.
Timur Lukas' Unkonkrete Gefühlslage brought a profound stillness to the space with his delicate arrangements of objects that explore the timeless beauty of classical still life. Lukas, inspired by the ancient world, invites us to reconsider the physicality of everyday objects, offering a modern take on the ancient art of vase painting. His work has a way of grounding the viewer, allowing each piece to speak not just about its form but about its history and presence in the space. I am grateful to have shared his exploration of still life and texture.
Laurentius Sauer’s The Horses Run at Night was equally transformative, with his bold expressions and intense themes of masculinity, power, and myth. Sauer’s work explores the tension between human vulnerability and authority, often embodied through his depiction of horses and symbolic objects like police badges and sheriff stars. His raw brushstrokes and incorporation of graffiti elements add a striking sense of modernity and defiance to his mythic narratives. It has been an honor to host his thought-provoking works, where he confronts both history and personal identity with every brushstroke.
Janina Röhrich’s Skin explored themes of texture and humanity in a deeply intimate way that felt perfectly aligned with the philosophy of MAMO INTERIORS. Her ability to engage with the physical and emotional aspects of skin resonates powerfully, making the space feel alive with a profound connection to the human experience. Her exhibition added a layer of sensitivity and vulnerability that left a lasting impact on all who viewed it.
Franziska Marie Nebel, with her captivating ceramic sculptures and intricate drawings, brought another dimension to our space. Her works feel tactile and grounded, inviting viewers to connect with their physical form and the artistry in each curve and mark. Her approach to ceramics offers a beautiful balance of delicate intricacy and bold, expressive design—adding a rich layer to the gallery’s evolving narrative.
And of course, Laura Benz’s work has consistently pushed the boundaries of how art interacts with space. Her dynamic approach to color, texture, and form creates immersive experiences that feel like they reach out and engage with the viewer. Her works challenge the traditional confines of a canvas and invite us to question how art can be a truly interactive experience, rather than just a display.
To work with these incredibly talented artists has been a true privilege, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share their exceptional works with you. MAMO INTERIORS continues to evolve, not just as a space, but as a living, breathing gallery shaped by the voices and visions of remarkable creators.
But MAMO INTERIORS is more than just exhibitions — it’s a place for gathering, for creative exchange, for building something meaningful. The workshops and events that have taken place here —whether it’s yoga with Raha from For the love of, ceramic workshops with Franziska Marie Nebel, or incense rituals with Eva from Pavafuma — have added another layer to what this space represents. It’s not just about interiors, but about the way we live, the way we experience our surroundings, the way we connect.
A Reflection of the MAMO Philosophy
This transformation wasn’t about trends or aesthetics for the sake of aesthetics. It was about creating something that feels real, something that embodies the philosophy of MAMO INTERIORS.
It’s about timelessness over trend. Curation over excess. Spaces that are not just beautiful, but deeply felt.
MAMO INTERIORS is a store, a gallery, a design studio. But more than anything, it’s a reflection of everything I believe about beauty, aesthetics, and the human experience — that they should go beyond appearances, that they should foster connection, create atmosphere, and inspire a sense of well-being. It’s about creating spaces that encourage reflection, spark conversation, and bring a sense of comfort to all who enter.
Maresa
