We Love This Interior Designer’s Whimsical Summer Style
(Photo: Courtesy of Maca Atencio)
For Maca Atencio, breaking the mould is part of the fun. Whether it’s daring colour combinations (like pastel blue and burgundy, her current favourite), savvy pattern mixing (“The secret is finding different prints that share the same palette,” she says) or statement-making details with a romantic twist (think bows, ruffles and puff sleeves), her approach to fashion goes hand-in-hand with the decor style that’s synonymous with her name. It’s whimsical, yes, but it’s always intentional. “The interior designer in me is forever looking at how to coordinate colours, shapes, patterns—the results are never an accident.”
Atencio’s commitment to bright hues and bold accents is a year-round affair, but she feels most like herself during summer. “That’s when I can wear more florals, more gingham, more prints that feel alive and remind me of home,” says Atencio, who was born and raised in Venezuela. On her radar this season? “I’m excited to see more people embracing polka dots,” she says. “They’re a classic, but I love seeing how they’re being paired with so many other patterns right now.”
Here, Atencio shares the secret behind her effortless pattern mixing, plus the trends she has on her radar this season.
How would you describe your personal style?
It’s feminine, it's fun, it's whimsical—and I’m never afraid of colour or patterns. I'm happiest in the summer, when I can have fun with prints; I was born and raised in Venezuela, and that’s when I thrive. Now that summer is here, I'm going to wear a different pair of shoes every day and I don't want to see winter boots for a very long time.
You studied interior design and you’re now creating decor content on social media. How similar are your decor and fashion styles?
My decor style goes hand-in-hand with my fashion style. It’s also fun and whimsical, and I’m never afraid of trying new things in my home. I have a very unique way to decorate everything that surrounds me, and a very recognizable fashion style. Often my friends will show me something and tell me it’s “so Maca”—usually when it’s stripes or gingham.
Your style is very colourful. Do you have any tips for people who are intimidated by colour and pattern?
Often, people play it safe with neutral colours. But I believe you can have little touches, either through colours or pattern combinations, that break the mould. You can have a few colourful pieces and mix them with neutrals. You can start with a tiny piece, you don’t have to go all out: a gallery wall, or a pair of shoes. That’s what I try to show on my platform, and it makes me very happy when people message me to tell me they bought something colourful and they’re proud of it. It brings me so much joy.
One of my secrets when it comes to mixing patterns is to have at least one colour repeating in each, so it flows. Pick a couple of patterns with similar colours and start having fun!
Are there any trends you’re looking forward to trying out this summer?
I love coordinated sets, like a skirt and a jacket in the same print. That's one of my key moments of 2026. There’s also a couple of colour combinations I love right now: light blue and burgundy, and light blue and yellow. They’re unexpected pairings, but they're so fun and so bright and so full of life.
I’m also very excited to see people embracing more patterns. Polka dots are huge right now. They’re a classic but they’re everywhere and I love how people are mixing them with stripes and other prints. I’m excited to embrace polka dots this summer.
This interview took place before the June 24, 2026 earthquakes in Venezuela. To help the communities affected by the earthquakes, you can donate to the Canadian Red Cross' Venezuela Earthquakes Appeal.
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Andréanne Dion is the senior editor, style, beauty and travel at Chatelaine. She is also a contributing editor at FASHION and Hello! Canada.
