What is great design?

Porsche cars and interior design have plenty in common, says Cayenne-driving interior designer, Marietta Kiesling

March 12, 2025

Woman leaning through window of Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé

Design with soul is at the heart of Marietta Kiesling’s philosophy. And her Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé embodies that – a car where every detail has a purpose and is infused with timelessness

For some, design is just a job. For Marietta Kiesling, it’s a way of life. The Vienna-based entrepreneur, interior designer and Porsche enthusiast has built her career on the idea that great design isn’t just about aesthetics, but rather about comfort, functionality and creating emotional spaces that stir the soul. It’s a philosophy that dovetails with her love of Porsche cars.

Whether she’s creating breathtaking homes or driving around town in her Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé, follow Marietta as she talks us through her work, her Porsche passion and how the two live side by side.

Woman sitting inside a Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé — The defining moment for Marietta Kiesling came when she renovated an Art Nouveau villa from 1912. Over 10 months, she immersed herself in every aspect of the project and realised that interior design was her calling Photo: Iris Amalia Photography @irisamaliaphotography

How did you get into interior design, Marietta?

“Although I never formally studied interior design, I’ve had a passion for it since childhood. I was constantly rearranging my room, moving furniture around – even in the middle of the night – just to experiment with new layouts. Growing up, I watched my mother transform rooms all the time, so change and reinvention came naturally to me.

“My journey into entrepreneurship began unexpectedly. While studying psychotherapy, I rented an old apartment with the intention of turning it into a practice. However, as I began to renovate the space, I quickly realised that I was far more passionate about choosing the colours, restoring the stucco and refining the overall aesthetic than I was about the idea of working there as a therapist. It was a turning point.

“I realised that design, not therapy, was my true calling. Starting my company, vonmuto.living, allowed me to fully immerse myself in my passion for interior design and renovation. I wanted to create spaces that balanced functionality with personality, where every detail felt intentional.”

Rear three-quarter view of Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé — Marietta’s Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé was an intuitive choice as a businesswoman and interior designer who prioritises safety, comfort and functionality in daily life Photo: Iris Amalia Photography @irisamaliaphotography

A big part of the Porsche philosophy is the power of timelessness. What’s your approach to creating spaces that feel timeless?

“While some elements and products truly manage to transcend trends, the reality is that very few things remain completely unaffected by time. That’s what makes interior design so exciting – the ability to blend different eras, to reimagine the old and integrate it with the new.

“This philosophy is at the heart of my work, especially in my love of historic architecture. I specialise in working with old buildings because I find their charm and uniqueness incomparable. But rather than preserving them as time capsules, I love to modernise them – enhancing their functionality while retaining their original character.”

Has Porsche design inspired your projects?

“I think the connection happened unconsciously. Looking back, my passion for cars – and my love for the Porsche brand in particular – naturally coincides with my approach to design. It may sound clichéd, but for me aesthetics and functionality go hand in hand. A space must be visually striking, but it must also be practical and functional.”

Woman reaching into a Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé — For Marietta, creating a timeless space is about understanding how it should feel, function and remain beautiful and practical for years to come. She believes that Porsche follows the same approach Photo: Iris Amalia Photography @irisamaliaphotography

“This philosophy is exactly what Porsche embodies. The brand’s elegance is not just about luxury. It’s about precision, performance and an undeniable sportiness that I deeply admire and incorporate into my work. Porsche doesn’t just create beautiful cars, it creates experiences where every detail has a purpose. That’s how I approach design. Just like in a Porsche, where every button, material and line is deliberately placed.

“Like automotive design, great interior design is about craftsmanship, precision and the perfect balance of form and function. One of the Porsche core principles is to reduce everything to its essence, to strip away the unnecessary while enhancing quality and experience. I follow the same approach in my designs, focusing on what really matters.”

What drew you to Porsche in the first place?

“Of course, the power that a Porsche has plays a part, but what has always fascinated me about the brand is the perfect balance between luxury and performance. It’s not just about making a statement – it’s about the feeling it gives you. For me, it’s less about the impression of getting into a Porsche and more about the emotion of actually being inside – how everything feels so deliberate, perfectly crafted and in sync with the driving experience.”

Smiling woman leaning on Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé — Porsche doesn’t just make beautiful cars, says Marietta. They create experiences where every detail has a purpose. That’s also how she approaches her design projects Photo: Iris Amalia Photography @irisamaliaphotography

You drive a Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé in Chalk – why did you choose this model and colour?

“For me, the Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé strikes the perfect balance between performance and everyday practicality. I wanted a car that suited my lifestyle – something that offered performance without compromising on space. The E-Hybrid allows me to enjoy electric driving for short distances and still have the power of a Porsche when I want it.

“The choice of Chalk exterior colour was very deliberate. I love neutral tones, both in interiors and in cars. Chalk is sophisticated and understated. In short, the Cayenne is the ultimate all-rounder for me. As a businesswoman, I need a car that’s comfortable for long journeys, spacious for carrying materials or samples for my interior design projects and, of course, stylish enough to match my brand identity.

“And, as a new mum, practicality has become even more important, and the Cayenne offers just that. It’s spacious, safe and incredibly comfortable for everyday journeys with my baby.”

What is it like to drive the Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé?

“It’s incredibly smooth and refined in electric mode, making it perfect for city driving. But the moment you switch to Sport mode, it becomes more responsiveness – the power, the unmistakable Porsche DNA, all come to life.

“What I like is that although the Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé is an SUV, it drives like a much smaller car. It’s a car that adapts to your mood – quiet and efficient when you need it, but with the ability to deliver an exhilarating drive when you want it.

“I also appreciate the design and attention to detail. The interior is a perfect blend of luxury and functionality – and I really love the quality of my Burmester sound system. I’m a total nerd when it comes to music.”

Woman with baby carrier next to Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé — As a new mum, practicality has become even more important to Marietta, and the Cayenne offers exactly that. It’s spacious, safe and incredibly comfortable for daily drives with her baby Photo: Iris Amalia Photography @irisamaliaphotography

Do you have a Porsche bucket list?

“This year, I had to skip ice drifting since my baby is still so little, but I’m already looking forward to making up for it next year. It’s such an incredible experience – so much fun, but also an amazing way to learn and improve your driving skills in extreme conditions.

“There are definitely a few dream experiences on my Porsche bucket list! At the top is ice drifting in Finland. The idea of driving on frozen lakes, perfecting car control in icy conditions and experiencing the thrill of drifting in a Porsche in such a breathtaking setting is something I definitely want to check off my list.

“Aside from that, I’d love to do the Porsche Precision and Master Training, and finally take a Porsche around the track myself. Right now, I’m absolutely thrilled with my Cayenne Coupé, and I can’t imagine parting with it anytime soon. But who knows – future updates might just change my mind!”

Consumption and emission information

Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupé (WLTP): Fuel consumption weighted combined: 1.8 – 1.5 l/100 km; Fuel consumption with depleted battery combined: 10.9 – 10.0 l/100 km; Electric energy consumption weighted combined: 308 – 286 Wh/km; CO₂ emissions weighted combined: 42 – 33 g/km; CO₂ class weighted combined: B; CO₂ class with depleted battery: G.

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