About Us
At Studio Ostra, we believe a home should be more than just beautiful - it should tell your story, reflect how you live, and bring a sense of ease and harmony to everyday life. Our work is about curating timeless interiors that balance elegance with practicality, creating spaces that feel both elevated and deeply personal.
Founded by Kate Burmester and Maria McEwen, Studio Ostra was born from a shared passion for design and a commitment to making considered, intentional styling accessible. Together, we bring a blend of creativity, experience, and organisation - Kate leading the creative direction and styling vision, and Maria ensuring everything runs seamlessly behind the scenes. Our background in property staging and styling means we can tune into what makes each client’s style unique and create spaces that feel authentically theirs.
Every project we take on is approached with care, collaboration, and a genuine desire to understand how you want to live in your home. From mood boards and sourcing to full-service styling, we guide you through the process with clarity and warmth, so you can feel confident and inspired every step of the way.
We draw inspiration from our travels, with the ability to source handcrafted furnishings and textiles from Marrakech, Europe, Indonesia, and India - bringing a worldly sophistication and soul to every space that can’t be replicated.
At its heart, Studio Ostra is about creating homes with soul - spaces that not only look beautiful but also feel welcoming, lived-in, and truly yours.
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Co-Founder & Creative Director
Kate is the Creative Director and Co-Founder of Studio Ostra, where her love of timeless design and passion for creating homes with heart come together. With a natural eye for detail and a talent for curating spaces that feel both elegant and liveable, she helps clients bring their vision to life in a way that feels effortless and personal.
Kate holds a Bachelor of Business, majoring in International Business from Massey University, as well as a Diploma of Interior Design and draws on her strong business background to balance creativity with strategy. This blend allows her to guide clients through the styling process with clarity and confidence, while ensuring every project reflects Studio Ostra’s signature mix of beauty and functionality.
As Creative Director, Kate leads the design vision for the studio - developing mood boards, sourcing pieces, and shaping concepts that tell each client’s unique story. She believes a home should not only look beautiful but also support the rhythm of everyday life, bringing comfort, harmony, and effortless style.
Balancing studio life with raising her two young daughters, Kate understands first-hand the importance of creating spaces that are both practical and inspiring - homes that feel welcoming, lived-in, and truly loved.
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Co-Founder & General Manager
Maria is the General Manager and Co-Founder of Studio Ostra, bringing her experience as a Senior Property Stylist and her love of creating spaces with impact. With a background in home staging and business management, she combines creativity with organisation - ensuring every project not only looks beautiful but also runs seamlessly from start to finish.
Maria holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury, giving her a strong foundation in leadership and business development. This balance of skills allows her to keep the studio’s vision front and centre while making sure every detail stays on track.
As General Manager, Maria oversees daily operations, project timelines, and client relationships, creating a calm and organised process for both the team and their clients. She thrives on turning creative ideas into reality and keeping everything flowing smoothly behind the scenes.
At home, Maria and her husband are raising two young sons and have recently completed a new build of their own - a project that deepened her appreciation for the design and build process. She knows first-hand how important it is to create a home that feels functional, welcoming, and filled with pieces you love, a belief she brings into every Studio Ostra project.
Contact us
Ready to bring your dream space to life? Just share a few details, and we'll be in touch soon. We're excited to connect with you!
KATE BURMESTER
Creative Director & Business Owner
kate@studioostra.com
021 190 3926
MARIA MCEWEN
General Manager & Business Owner
maria@studioostra.com
027 828 5624