When Maye Ruiz was a child she was already immersed in her life’s work even though she didn’t realize it. She would happily organize the bookshelves at her grandmother’s house or invent new uses for objects like a wicker planter made into a side table. As an adult, Ruiz continued to rearrange the items in her own residence. “Over time, I understood that the same impulse was still there,” she says. “That’s when I knew that designing and shaping spaces was much more than a game – it was my vocation.”

Art also left a strong impression on Ruiz, particularly the work of Hieronymus Bosch. She would pore over the pages of a book filled with the Dutch artist’s paintings, both intrigued and terrified by his scenes of the afterlife. A fascination with layered details and hidden narratives is something that she strives to bring to her creative process today.

Ruiz eventually studied interior design at university, and continued to hone her skills. In 2021 she established Maye Estudio in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. Specializing in residential and hospitality projects, her bold use of color is her signature.

The designer has always been easily distracted, and when she was in elementary school she would often procrastinate. Instead of studying, she listened to music or went for a ride on her bike. Yet she was also able to improvise and do well on assignments. The ability to ad lib is one of Ruiz’s greatest strengths, and she thrives on finding solutions in the moment.

In her constant exploration of materials, Ruiz likes to form stories about the rooms she envisions. Stepping up to the mic and sharing the tales of others has its appeal as well. “I am a huge fan of long, winding conversations, and I think a podcast would be the perfect excuse to dive deep into unexpected topics,” she notes.

Today, Maye Ruiz joins us for Friday Five!

1. Red Tiled Bookshelves and Reinvented Everyday Objects

My red tiled bookshelf is one of my favorite spots at home. It’s a place where I combine books, found objects, and design pieces that inspire me. I love it because it reflects my obsession with reorganizing and experimenting: moving books around, shifting objects, mixing the unexpected. It reminds me that creativity doesn’t always come from a blank canvas, but from the constant play with what’s already there – and how contrasts bring each other to life.

Photo: Maye Ruiz

2. Unexpected Finds in a Tile Shop

Something that deeply inspires me and always helps me out of a creative rut is visiting material shops. Not fancy or polished places, but those where you can feel the genuine creativity of people without pretension. I love those unexpected finds, like this wall in Dolores Hidalgo that I photographed myself: simple tiles intervened with color, creating a vibrant pattern that transforms the space. It’s a reminder that inspiration can be found in the everyday, if you pay close attention.