Interior designer, lifestyle creator, and maximalist muse Hollis Loudon Puig brings a vibrant, layered sensibility to everything she touches—whether she's designing a jewel-box apartment in the West Village or stepping out in a floor-sweeping Mestiza gown. With a style that’s both exuberant and deeply personal, Hollis merges timeless design with playful flair. In this Tastemaker Q&A, she shares her thoughts on fashion, interiors, and designing a life with intention.

Meet Hollis Loudon Puig: Interior Designer & Tastemaker

Can you share your background and how you got started in interior design and content creation?

I’m a maximalist at heart with a deep love for creating layered, joyful spaces that feel collected over time. I’m an interior designer and lifestyle content creator, currently based in the West Village, with projects that span New York, Florida, and the Hudson Valley. I also write a Substack called On the Fringe by Hollis Loudon, which mixes musings on interiors, style, and this beautiful, chaotic life we’re all trying to design with intention.

Hollis wears Mestiza New York's Tropicana Gown - a striped summer stunner, perfect for special occasions here and abroad!

Design Philosophy Meets Personal Style

You create beautiful interior spaces that strive to wholeheartedly reflect the style of those who live there. How do you approach incorporating their style into the design?

I always begin with what I call the trophy piece. It might be something they already own and adore, like an heirloom painting, a vintage rug, or a piece of art that makes their heart skip. Or it might be something we source together.

That one item becomes our anchor. From there, I layer by drawing colors from the piece and building the room around it. It’s exactly how I get dressed, actually. I start with the showstopper, often a great dress, and layer in fun earrings, a colorful bag, and bold accessories to really pull the look together.

You have impeccable style, not only in your interiors, but also in your personal fashion choices. How would you describe your style, and how does it show up in your closet versus your decor?

I’d describe my style as exuberantly classic with a twist. I’m either in a crisp button-down, a sweater, jeans, and boots with a bold belt (my favorite is from YAXA), or I’m in a full-length printed maxi dress, especially in summer. I always say there’s nothing more sophisticated or sexy than a long dress. It’s practical too. I’m on my feet all day, running between installs and shoots, and a short dress just doesn’t do the job.

I also believe in classic trends that flatter me. I’m incredibly petite, and I know that flared trousers, a white button-down, and a well-chosen belt will always make me feel confident and pulled together. It’s a guaranteed win and gives me a default I can rely on when I need to feel polished without overthinking it. I wear the same diamond studs daily, mix in layered jewelry I love, and always wear the same watch. I’m a big fan of Bounkit and Lizzie Fortunato for jewelry. Both have great price points and are always on point and are colorful, fun, and interesting without feeling too trendy. I’ll often layer on an Hermès scarf that belonged to my mother or change my bag to mix things up and add some personality. I own over ten YAXA belts in different colorways and rotate them regularly. And if I’m feeling a bit ‘edgier,’ (lol) I love a studded Aureum belt.

While I may live in the West Village, I am the antithesis of the “black tank and jeans” girl described in that New Yorker article. I’ve definitely had moments where I felt like I wasn’t on trend, but I’ve learned to embrace that. This is my look. It’s wholly and uniquely me. Just like when I dress for occasions, it’s always in something timeless and elegant, like Mestiza.

What are your favorite design tips to make a space feel vibrant and lived-in?

A bold wallpaper, unexpected color pairings, and print mixing. I love a room that unfolds slowly, where your eye keeps discovering something new. I also swear by fresh flowers, books with personality, and at least one element that feels humorous or just a little off. Homes should never take themselves too seriously.

Follow along on Instagram @hollisloudon

You are being featured on Alison Kenworthy’s show Homeworthy soon. What can we expect to see in your upcoming Homeworthy home tour?

Thank you. I’m beyond thrilled. I’m most excited to show how I’ve transformed a small rental apartment into a deeply personal, layered home. It’s filled with stories, textures, and color. For the big moment, I’ll be in one of Mestiza’s stunning maxi dresses, likely something bold and floral that echoes the vibrancy of my plate wall and custom drapes.

It’s all about living beautifully and unapologetically. With this new Homeworthy series, I’m also really excited to highlight how I design high-end apartments, specifically luxury rentals in New York City. Much of my career until now has focused on traditional residential homes, so this is a new chapter. I’ll be walking through how and where to splurge or save in a rental, including my own. Plus, I’ve recently moved in with my boyfriend, so the apartment has become a reflection of both our styles. Mine is more feminine and traditional. His is more masculine and modern. I’ve worked hard to retain my signature look while respecting his taste and boundaries, which are different from mine but incredibly refined. This apartment is the blueprint for how to merge two styles with love and intention, and a lot of layered pattern.

Stay tuned for Hollis Loudon Puig's feature on Homeworthy!

Living Stylishly with Intention

What are some ways you live stylishly inside and out?

I’ll be honest. I’m super guilty of not always putting myself together. The demands of my business and clients have grown, and sometimes I’m just trying to keep up. But what I’ve learned is that living life stylishly doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money. It really does shift how you see yourself. My mother always said that getting up and putting yourself together before you leave the house, even if it’s just to walk the dog or grab a coffee, is the ultimate sign of self-respect. It truly changes how people regard and treat you.

My father, to this day, I have never seen outside of his home in a T-shirt. He travels in a blue blazer and a dress shirt. That standard of effort has been ingrained in me. I also wore a uniform every day for most of my academic life. Private all-girls school, and then Camp Jeanne d’Arc upstate every summer, which is straight out of The Parent Trap. So when I am being creative with clothes, I go all in. And when I’m not, I am really not. 

How do you mix and match prints to make a space feel interesting and layered, and not busy?

It’s all about scale, tone, and a touch of restraint. I’ll mix a wide stripe with a tight floral or a bold ikat with a classic gingham, but I always make sure there’s a common thread, whether it’s a shared color or complementary textures. You want the room to feel like a conversation, not a shouting match.

What do you love most about the Mestiza brand?

Mestiza pieces celebrate femininity and strength in such a beautiful way. There’s a sense of occasion built into every piece, yet they’re wildly wearable, and they just make you smile. The silhouettes are all equally flattering. Even though I don’t wear short dresses often, if ever, the cuts are ones I would actually wear because they’re so sophisticated and elevated.

How does wearing Mestiza make you feel?

Incredibly feminine, and like I don’t need to put on anything else. With Mestiza, I don’t need to over-accessorize or overthink it. The outfit speaks for itself. It allows me to feel polished, beautiful, and comfortable in my skin. That’s the sweet spot.