It was a post that stopped me mid-scroll  one evening. served directly to my instagram feed by the algorithm gods. It was so beautiful, so refreshing, so simple. It was titled 'Unexpected Pantone combinations for your Creative Projects' (see here)

Time spent in María's world feels like a slow, deep exhale. Her curation of colour, design, art, and interiors is both intuitive and deeply considered.

As a colour theory specialist, María has paired each lovestar piece with a carefully selected coloured edition of her hand-drawn artwork - an intentional dialogue between colour and form, designed to live harmoniously in your space. 

We're thrilled to have worked with María to create these stunning artworks for our first collaboration. 

- Helen Bayley x

Image credit: suzanne saroff (@hisuzanne)

Each coloured print is accompanied by a second hand-drawn artwork, featuring cherished objects from both María and Helen’s worlds. Every order includes one of each of these limited-edition pieces.

Can you paint us a picture of where you grew up? What was life like for young Marijó?

I grew up in beautiful México. I was a funny kid — didn’t like doing my hair, didn’t like following rules, loved cheddar cheese, chocolate, and animals. I loved dancing hip-hop and was very proud of the drawings I made in kindergarten for my mom.

Were there certain people, places, or moments that shaped your early childhood?

My grandparents on my mom’s side had a classical furniture factory, and I vividly remember how we had miniature classical furniture in our childhood bedroom. I adored it. Every birthday I asked for a different animal — hamsters, guinea pigs, chickens, turtles, frogs, cats, dogs — and I was great at taking care of them. I always felt more comfortable around animals; I still do, and I believe my mission is closely tied to them. I first learned to illustrate by creating realistic digital animal illustrations, which is how I taught myself.

Do you feel creativity has always been part of your nature, or did it come to you later as a way of expression?

Definitely! I’ve always had a pretty bad memory, and my way of studying was through making little drawings and symbols for everything. Since I was little, my parents would say I had strong taste. My favorite birthday dish at age three or four was roquefort cheese breaded fish and capers. I always had a strong palette, cared deeply about the outfits my dolls wore, loved loafers, Elton John and took great care of my things.

When did you first realize that design and art could be more than a pastime — that they could become your world?

Growing up, I always thought I would be a vet; nothing else really called me. But as I got older, I realized I was too sensitive for that job. I remember loving to create worlds inside shoeboxes and spending most of my school time making illustrations in my notebooks. When it came to choosing a career path, I was quite lost — if I could choose again, I would have gone to art school instead of interior design. Just like in elementary school, I spent more time in design school painting small art pieces for the models than designing the spaces themselves.

What inspired you to start ofpuga? Was it a single moment or a slow unfolding?

Since I was little, I preferred being in more quiet, isolated spaces. One of the things I loved most about life in Mexico was being able to paint from home, surrounded by my animals. I wanted to recreate that here. I couldn’t stand the thought of losing that part of me or not spending every day with Feli, my dog. So one day, I got a printer, a Pantone color guide, registered my interior design company, and opened a TikTok account with the aim of helping people access design at all budgets. And here we are.

Where do you find your inspiration today — is it in nature, architecture, memory, or something more unexpected?

I always say all creation is a collaboration. It’s our personal filter that curates the information we’re open to receiving. What inspires me most are music, literature, people’s uniqueness, and my own healing and spiritual journey. I love surprises.

Your use of colour feels instinctive yet refined. Could you share how you approach putting hues together, and whether it’s an intuitive process or a practiced discipline?

Since I was little, I’ve had these “intrusive” color thoughts that arrive suddenly, especially before bed or even in dreams. My art practice has taught me a lot as well, especially through mixing my own colors. I must confess I have a terrible memory, so knowledge doesn’t really stick with me unless it’s practical. For me, it’s about chasing that moment when the colors just click. I feel an adrenaline rush, and I know it’s done.

When working on interiors or illustrations, how do you balance structure with spontaneity?

I love this question. I’d say I make sure the base is very structured and accurate, relying on design principles. Then I always say a little prayer before each project, asking that the right items show up for my clients. From there, I trust the natural unfolding. I’m guided by feeling.

If you weren’t an interior designer, what do you think you’d be doing?

Something related to animals and healing. In another life, I would have loved to be an orchestra conductor or a pianist.

What excites you most about the future of ofpuga?

The new books I’ll read, the new songs I’ll discover, the new images I’ll encounter — and how the content that flows from them might touch others. What excites me most is the possibility that my work can remind people of their innate belonging to the family of things, and bring them closer to a sense of shared beauty.

Is there a dream project or collaboration you’d love to explore one day?

I’d love contributing to designing homes for elderly people — especially those who don’t have access to design services or who may not be fully supported by their families. My dream is to help create comfortable, sanitary, and beautiful spaces where they can live their later years with dignity.



You can discover more of María's beautiful world at www.ofpuga.com