In an era ruled by algorithms and artificial intelligence, where creativity can be copied in seconds, the world of design finds itself craving something far more human. Something imperfect. Something real. For years, the Croatian design scene has looked to Studijo as the place where boundaries blur and imagination takes flight. And once again, Josipa Maras, artist, designer, and founder of Studijo, proves that true originality still has a pulse.

Her latest collection, “Roots and Wings,” is both a celebration and a revelation, a poetic tribute to heritage and a call to rise beyond it. It’s art that lives on walls, but more importantly, art that lives through feeling.

The Story Behind the Collection

The concept of Roots and Wings is as timeless as it is personal. “Roots represent where we come from, our memories, our stories, everything that grounds us,” Josipa explains. “Wings are the courage to grow from them, to rise and explore the world beyond.”

In her studio, that idea became 30 stunning wallpapers, each one a story told through texture, color, and emotion. Over six months, Josipa painted and refined, sketching late into the night, guided by instinct and the rhythm of creation. Some designs are minimal and serene, offering clean lines and soft balance. Others are bold and expressive, rich with layers, recalling the architecture of old towns and the spirit of cultural heritage. Together, they create a visual symphony, deeply rooted, yet ready to soar.

And at the heart of it all lies one motif especially close to her heart: the grapevine.

“The grapevine has always been part of my family story,” Josipa shares. “I come from Herzegovina, where my grandfather lovingly tended the vineyard, and today my father continues that tradition. I may not grow grapes myself, but this is my way of adding my mark—transforming tradition into art. Every line, every leaf carries a piece of my past, my memories, my love. It’s me, as a person and as an artist.”

Between the Brush and the Moment

In a digital world where anything can be generated in a few clicks, Josipa’s process feels refreshingly analog, and profoundly emotional.

Her studio isn’t powered by algorithms, but by hours of painting, erasing, reimagining, and starting again. Some designs never leave the sketchbook. Others are born in rare, quiet moments, between motherhood and midnight, between exhaustion and inspiration.

“When ideas spread so fast, it’s easy to lose your own voice,” she says. “Creating becomes a kind of self-discovery. Behind every wallpaper you see, there are dozens that will never be shown, moments of doubt, of persistence, of searching for something that feels honest. I painted while pregnant, and later with my baby in my arms, chasing that perfect line between sleep and creation. Not because I had to, but because I felt called to.”

That raw dedication is what gives Roots and Wings its soul. Every line carries intention; every imperfection is part of the truth. These designs don’t just decorate a room, they tell stories, quietly and sincerely.

A Bridge Between Worlds

While rooted in Josipa’s personal story, the collection reaches far beyond borders. There are wallpapers inspired by Japanese aesthetics, with subtle stone-like textures and sage tones that bring calm and balance to any interior. Others echo modern minimalism, with brushed-steel patterns that feel elegant yet contemporary.

Together, they form a visual dialogue that connects continents, styles, and eras. The old and the new, the organic and the industrial, the emotional and the refined—all coexist, proving that design becomes most exciting at the intersection of worlds.

Women, Strength, and the Joy of Imperfection

Many of the new designs celebrate feminine strength, graceful yet powerful, refined yet unapologetically real. Among them is a striking ballerina, a symbol of elegance and resilience, and a portrait of a young woman whose depth and texture evoke both thought and history.

And then there’s the fig, a joyful, playful motif inspired by Josipa’s favorite summer fruit and a proud emblem of Herzegovina. “She’s imperfect, full of life, completely herself,” Josipa says with a smile. “Just like the women who shape the world around them.”

Taking Croatian Design Global

Beyond artistry, Roots and Wings marks another milestone for Studijo’s growing international presence.

After successful showcases in Saudi Arabia and Greece, the brand is wrapping up the year with an exhibition at the Master of Building Fair in Rovinj, before heading back to Paris for its third appearance at the prestigious Maison & Objet design fair.

“Every time we show in Paris, it reaffirms that our work belongs on the global stage,” Josipa says. “Next month we’re traveling again for another major international award, though that story will have to wait. Our focus remains the same: to keep growing, expanding into new markets, and nurturing relationships built on trust and creativity. My goal has never changed, to create meaningful, innovative design with a recognizable signature, to protect our people and our values, and to stay true to the vision, no matter how challenging the times may be.”

The Roots and Wings collection is now available on the official Studijo website.

‍