Maree’s passion for design has been a constant throughout her life. With her family deeply rooted in retail and her husband’s family involved in commercial hardware manufacturing, entrepreneurship was a natural path for her. However, it was her own home renovation that truly ignited her journey with MAPIO.
Reflecting on that experience, Maree shares, “It was an immense project, and each decision was made with care and precision. My love for cabinetry hardware runs deep, so when I couldn’t find the right pieces for our home, I took matters into my own hands and designed them myself.”
Maree was determined to create a collection of handles that not only exuded timeless beauty but also remained affordable, so that homeowners from all walks of life could incorporate them into their spaces. “My inspiration came from creating something I love for my own home that others could enjoy as well. After extensive travels with my husband, I immersed myself in learning the art and science of quality hardware. For me, hardware is like jewellery for the home—it should be admired, appreciated, and bring joy every day,” she explains.
The name MAPIO holds personal significance for Maree. It is her nickname in Greek and also the name of her grandmother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and lived with it for 20 years. Naming the business MAPIO was a way to honour her grandmother and their special bond.
Founded in 2020, MAPIO was born from Maree’s passion for sourcing unique architectural pieces for the home. The delight she experienced in finding the perfect handle for a drawer or door transformed into a collection of sophisticated pieces now available to Australian architects, kitchen manufacturers, interior designers, and homeowners alike.
MAPIO is an architectural design house specializing in unique, inspiring pieces that resonate with those who appreciate exceptional interiors. “MAPIO was born from my personal project of renovating our family home. Despite my reputation for being indecisive, I was certain about one thing—hardware. Coming from a family business that specializes in hardware manufacturing, it was a natural progression for me to develop a brand that brings a new design dimension to those seeking statement pieces, just as I did.”
Maree’s love affair with brass and gold hardware began eight years ago when she discovered a diamond-cut, cross-knurled pattern on a door handle. That design element became the cornerstone for all her home’s aesthetic decisions. “I wanted to share that same sense of joy with others—the feeling of seeing a beautiful piece complete their cabinetry and home. And while brass prices have risen significantly, I’ve remained committed to absorbing those costs to keep my range well-priced for everyone.”
“As a mother of three, my children are my top priority, so building a strong team has been crucial for the growth of MAPIO,” says Maree. “But it’s not the financial side of the business that drives me forward—it’s the passion for offering beautifully designed, quality cabinetry hardware that people love and can afford.”
At MAPIO, the focus is on timeless quality. “We believe less is more, and every product we create reflects a sense of enduring luxury that complements any design aesthetic,” Maree shares. “Our curated gallery showcases kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and bedrooms that have been transformed into havens of creativity and refinement, each reflecting a unique style—from sleek modern simplicity to cosy rustic charm.”
The MAPIO acrylic collection, designed by Maree, has been the brand’s top seller. “It’s a distinctive blend of classic and contemporary, with subtle brass details and transparent acrylic that lets the cabinetry’s design shine through. The quality is exceptional, and it’s so easy to maintain.” Maree’s designs, influenced by her love of European aesthetics, seamlessly meet the needs of Australian designers, architects, and homeowners.
Looking ahead, Maree plans to expand the MAPIO collection, focusing on high-quality designs that are now in demand globally. “At the heart of it all is the importance of individuality—offering something fresh in a crowded market and creating a movement that others want to join. I love taking risks with bold, meaningful designs. There’s no right or wrong in art; it’s about staying true to your vision.”
The KWD design team shares Maree’s enthusiasm, frequently incorporating her pieces into their projects. Her Atlas collection, for example, was a perfect fit for one of My Happy Space Movement’s joinery designs. “I was thrilled to contribute to Kate’s philanthropic project,” says Maree. “Giving back and supporting our community is something I value deeply.”