Esther Milardi

I came to the UK from Italy in 1995 to study, bringing an appreciation of beauty as a balance of flair and logic. After a career in academia, people began asking me to help with their renovations. Those conversations led me to found Di Oro Interiors ten years ago. I believe design is about far more than cushions and curtains. My academic work explored how what we create—through writing, painting or shaping an interior—can help us understand who we are and how we want to live. A home is not simply a reflection of our personality or a backdrop to daily life. It can help us navigate change and shape how we relate to others. Clients often consider renovating at a turning point: their family is growing, their home no longer works practically, or the space no longer reflects who they are becoming. By listening to their stories, memories and experiences, I can shape an environment that supports the direction they want to take. I do not believe design determines how someone will feel or behave. Rather, a thoughtfully designed space can create the conditions for a new way of living. Like a new car that inspires you to explore a different route, an interior can open up possibilities for how you experience life at home.