EmilyMariaDesigns

Hello, and welcome to Emily Maria Designs.

I'm Maria, a surface pattern designer based in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and I create hand-drawn patterns for people who appreciate beautiful things and have the distinctive taste to know what they want.

My process usually begins with my walks in nature. I forage for flowers and plants, press them, draw them in ink and paint, and then bring them into Adobe Illustrator to become the foundations of my repeat patterns. Every design starts with something real — a petal, a stem, a leaf studied closely — which is why my work has the quality it does. It's detailed, realistic, and just a little nostalgic, like something you might find pressed inside an old book or printed on fabric from another era.

I started my education in fine arts in 1993, before a long career in law and consulting pulled me in a different direction. Coming back to design has felt like coming home, and I bring everything I've learned about the world, about beauty, and about paying attention to every piece I make.

My influences include William Morris, the Arts and Crafts movement, chinoiserie, and the couture textile traditions of the fashion industry. I design for the person who wants their home, their projects, and the things they make to feel intentional and alive.

I'm so glad you're here. Take your time, look closely, and feel free to reach out if you have questions or are interested in custom work or licensing.

~ Maria