27th January 2026 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Dr Esther Milardi, Design Director of Di Oro Interiors, has given her insights into the industry. I moved from Italy to the UK in my twenties to study Comparative Literature and explore the relationship between identity and forms of visual and written expression. During this time, I became fascinated by how emotions powerfully shape daily experience, memory, and our sense of self. This sensitivity to emotional depth and storytelling naturally guided me towards interior design and visual art, fields I had long been drawn to. In 2016, I founded Di Oro Interiors, bringing together a passion for creating emotionally resonant spaces with an intuitive understanding of how interiors and art can reflect, support, and inspire individual identity. Di Oro Interiors Di Oro Interiors Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? Interior design felt like a natural meeting point between my academic background and the elements that have always guided me, namely emotion, storytelling, and beauty shaped with purpose. I see interior design as a powerful form of communication, much like other artistic forms of self-expression, where spaces shape our experiences, identity, and sense of belonging. This understanding is what drew me to the profession, as well as a desire to move beyond the narrow perception of interior design as purely decorative or trend driven. At the heart of my work lies in fact a genuine passion for helping clients realise that the spaces they live and work in should be more than a clever combination of furniture. They should at heart reflect the depth of who they are. It is my firm belief that it is only when environments are informed by personal memories, values, and individual rhythms, that they become places that nurture creativity, offer peace, and support everyday life. Di Oro Interiors Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? What I enjoy most is the deeply human side of design, the conversations, the listening, and the gradual uncovering of what truly matters to a client. I love the moment when a project moves beyond surface preferences and into emotion: memories, daily routines, and dreams. That is where design becomes meaningful. I am particularly drawn to the early conceptual phase, when ideas are still fluid and the narrative of a space begins to take shape. Translating intangible feelings into colour, texture, light, and form is both challenging and profoundly rewarding. Di Oro Interiors What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? One of the most memorable highlights of the past year was designing a medical and aesthetic clinic across three floors. The project was especially rewarding when inspectors were so impressed by the overall design and functionality that they elevated the clinic to the level of a day hospital. This recognition was incredibly affirming for our team and deeply meaningful for our client. What made the experience even more special was the trust the client placed in us, shaped by her response to a previous space we had designed for her. She had described that earlier project as feeling like “walking into Narnia,” a place where she felt happiest and fully recharged at the end of her working day. Knowing that our work could consistently create environments that meet strict professional standards while also offering emotional comfort and renewal made this achievement particularly memorable. Di Oro Interiors What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? I am most drawn to residential projects and intimate commercial spaces where a strong emotional narrative can unfold. Homes, in particular, hold layers of personal history, making them incredibly rich creative territory. I love working with clients who are open to introspection and collaboration, those who see design as a journey rather than a checklist. Ultimately, my favourite projects are those where trust is present and where the design process becomes a shared exploration of identity. These are the projects that result in spaces that feel timeless, meaningful, and deeply lived-in. Di Oro Interiors Di Oro Interiors What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? One of the greatest challenges I encounter is managing expectations in a world increasingly influenced by fast trends and curated imagery. Helping clients move beyond Pinterest-style references and towards a more personal and lasting vision involves patiently encouraging reflection rather than instant decisions. What do you wish you knew before working in the field? I would have reminded my younger self that building a practice takes time. Developing a distinct voice, attracting aligned clients, and refining a philosophy is a gradual process. Trusting that journey and staying true to one’s values is far more important than rushing towards quick success. Di Oro Interiors If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? My advice would be to develop your sensitivity before your style. Trends change, but your ability to observe, listen, and understand people will remain your greatest strength. Interior design is ultimately about people, not products. Take time to explore who you are, what moves you, and what stories you want to tell through space. Build a strong foundation by learning the technical aspects of the profession, but never lose sight of emotion and meaning. Be curious about art, literature, travel, and life, all of these feed good design. Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Confidence and clarity come with experience. Trust your instincts, remain open to learning, and allow your voice to evolve naturally. When your work is rooted in authenticity rather than imitation, it will resonate far more deeply with clients. How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? I believe the industry is moving towards a more thoughtful, human-centred approach. Clients are increasingly seeking spaces that support wellbeing, emotional balance, and a sense of identity, rather than purely aesthetic statements. I sense a growing desire for interiors that feel meaningful. As far as sustainability is concerned, I hope that it will continue to evolve beyond materials and processes, extending into longevity and emotional durability: spaces that are loved and lived in for years, rather than frequently replaced. Ultimately, I am convinced that the future of interior design feels quieter and more intentional. Di Oro Interiors Dr Esther Milardi, Design Director of Di Oro Interiors What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer represents both professional recognition and personal alignment with values I hold deeply. It acknowledges a responsibility to integrity and expertise, and a commitment to designing with care, depth, and purpose. About Di Oro Interiors Renowned for its multi-award-winning designs, Di Oro Interiors specialises in creating timeless interiors for residential and commercial clients. Founded in 2016, our interior design studio has built an invaluable reputation over the years for creating high-end luxurious interiors and for providing the highest level of design services. Our mission is to inspire joy and fulfilment, ensuring our clients feel a sense of excitement every time they walk into their space. With extensive experience and meticulous attention to detail, Di Oro Interiors is the ideal partner for discerning clients seeking expert guidance in bringing their visions to life. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.