Let’s Talk Interior Design

Podcast: 3D Media Life Podcast
Host: Dmitry Hanuka (3D Media)
Guest: Almas Shewa
Guest Title: Founder, Maon Design
Topics: Interior design trends, remodeling strategy, budget design, timeless interiors, materials, business growth

Introduction

In this episode of the 3D Media Life Podcast, Demetri sits down with interior designer Almas Shewa, founder of Maon Design, to break down what actually makes a home look beautiful, functional, and timeless.

From budget-friendly luxury tricks to design mistakes that ruin homes, this conversation dives deep into real-world interior design strategy. Whether you’re remodeling, building, or just upgrading your space, this episode gives practical insights you can actually use.

How Almas Built Her Interior Design Career

Almas didn’t start in interior design.

She originally studied fashion design but later realized it wasn’t the right fit. After remodeling her own home and receiving feedback from friends, she pivoted into interiors and found her true passion.

Her journey included:

  • Starting small with paint and furniture projects

  • Going back to school for a master’s degree

  • Working with builders and developers

  • Eventually launching her own company

This mix of creative instinct + technical experience is what shaped her design approach today.

Why Interior Design Is More Than Just Aesthetics

One of the strongest insights from the episode:

Interior design is not just about making things look good.

It’s about:

  • Human behavior

  • Comfort and emotion

  • Flow and connection between spaces

As Almas explains, a home should feel cohesive from:

  • The driveway

  • To the interior

  • All the way to the backyard

A common mistake people make is designing rooms in isolation, which leads to homes that feel disconnected.

The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make

The most common issue:

People design one room at a time instead of the whole house.

This creates:

  • Clashing styles

  • Inconsistent materials

  • A disjointed feeling

Instead, good design focuses on:

  • Flow between rooms

  • Consistent color palettes

  • A unified vision

As discussed in the episode, a well-designed home should feel like one story, not five different ones.

How to Make a Home Look Expensive on a Budget

One of the most practical sections of the episode:

You don’t need a huge budget to create a luxury look.

Key strategies:

1. Use Scale

  • Larger elements can make spaces feel more grand

  • Even in smaller homes

2. Focus on Focal Points

Spend money on:

  • Chandeliers

  • Hardware (knobs, handles)

  • Statement pieces

These draw attention and elevate the entire space.

3. Mix Materials Smartly

  • Combine affordable surfaces with premium accents

  • Use fabrication techniques to enhance cheaper materials

4. Choose the Right Flooring

  • Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or SPC flooring

  • Durable, affordable, and long-lasting

Best Budget-Friendly Materials

If you’re remodeling on a budget, Almas recommends:

  • Porcelain (countertops, walls, floors)

  • LVP / SPC flooring

  • Mixed custom + retail furniture

Porcelain stands out because:

  • It’s durable

  • Looks close to natural stone

  • More affordable than premium materials

Timeless Design vs Trends

One of the most valuable parts of the episode:

Timeless Elements

  • White shaker cabinets

  • Neutral palettes

  • Balanced mix of shapes and textures

These styles have lasted for decades and continue to work in modern homes.

What’s Going Out of Style

  • All-gray interiors

  • Overuse of trendy finishes

  • Fake-looking quartz patterns

As Almas explains:

Gray kitchens were once everywhere, but now they’re fading fast.

Color Trends Right Now

The shift in design is clear:

From cold to warm tones

Popular now:

  • Beige

  • Browns

  • Soft neutrals

  • Layered whites

Instead of many contrasting colors, designers now use:

  • Variations of the same palette

  • Different shades of similar tones

This creates:

  • Depth

  • Cohesion

  • A more luxurious feel

How to Make a Space Feel Bigger and Cozier

To Make It Feel Bigger:

  • Use whites and lighter tones

  • Keep color palette minimal

  • Avoid visual clutter

To Make It Feel Cozier:

  • Add textures (carpets, curtains, wallpaper)

  • Use warm tones

  • Layer materials

Design is about balance:
Too minimal feels cold.
Too busy feels chaotic.

The Power of Symmetry in Design

Almas strongly leans toward symmetry in her designs.

Why?

  • It creates balance

  • It feels natural to the eye

  • It makes spaces easier to photograph and experience

Even when elements aren’t perfectly mirrored, there’s always:

  • Visual balance

  • Intentional alignment

This is one reason her projects feel clean and polished.

Cultural Influence in Interior Design

Working in a diverse area like Orange County, cultural preferences play a big role.

Examples:

  • Middle Eastern clients prefer opulence, gold, and marble

  • Indian clients prioritize durability due to cooking styles

  • Asian clients often care about Feng Shui and layout

Good designers don’t impose style.
They adapt to the client’s lifestyle and background.

Function Matters Just as Much as Design

Design isn’t just about visuals.

Examples of functional thinking:

  • Lower shower entry for aging homeowners

  • Durable materials for families with kids

  • Easy-maintenance surfaces

A great design should:

  • Look good

  • Feel good

  • Work for everyday life

The Reality of Remodeling Costs

Costs have increased significantly due to:

  • Labor demand

  • Material price increases

  • Post-COVID construction demand

At the same time:

  • Clients are becoming more cautious

  • Many are waiting before starting projects

The key is setting expectations early:

  • Define the budget upfront

  • Design within constraints

  • Avoid surprises later

AI in Interior Design: Helpful but Not There Yet

AI is starting to enter design workflows, especially for:

  • Rendering

  • Concept generation

But according to Almas:

  • It lacks real-world execution ability

  • It cannot replace human creativity and judgment

At least for now, design still requires:

  • Experience

  • Technical understanding

  • Human connection

Key Takeaways

  • Design should focus on the entire home, not individual rooms

  • Budget design is about smart allocation, not cutting corners

  • Porcelain and LVP are strong cost-effective materials

  • Warm tones are replacing gray interiors

  • White shaker cabinets remain timeless

  • Symmetry creates balance and visual appeal

  • Culture and lifestyle heavily influence design decisions

  • Function is just as important as aesthetics

  • Interior design is deeply connected to human behavior