Decorating Guides
Mexican Design to Inspire a Home Anywhere
Brimming with courtyards, churches and creativity, the Yucatan Peninsula is a fountain of ideas for design lovers
From the city lights of Cancun to the small-town charm of Valladolid and a host of tiny villages in between, the art and design of Mexico inspire me. From colonial towns to ancient Mayan ruins, Mexico is bursting with fascinating designs. This fall I will be headed back to Mexico to drink in more architecture and all the fruity beverages I can manage. But for now, join me in a quick tour through a few of my favorite sites in and around the Yucatan Peninsula — and check out the ideas we can take home from them.
Bring it home: Try this effect in reverse with white trim over a deeper ivory background. Notice how your eye is immediately drawn to this beautiful arched ceiling.
Exterior Landscaping
This gorgeous church stands across the square from those awesome street seats and is the focus of the entire town. I love the symmetrical palm trees and short wall that accent the design of the church.
This gorgeous church stands across the square from those awesome street seats and is the focus of the entire town. I love the symmetrical palm trees and short wall that accent the design of the church.
Bring it home: Try palms in large pots for the same symmetrical framing effect.
Street Seating
Locked at the elbow, these sweet seats provide the perfect conversation area for two, turning people toward each other instead of seating them side by side.
Locked at the elbow, these sweet seats provide the perfect conversation area for two, turning people toward each other instead of seating them side by side.
Shops
Instead of city blocks coming to a point, some shop owners shave off the corner of the block so that their front entrance faces the street. The business is immediately visible and inviting to passersby.
Instead of city blocks coming to a point, some shop owners shave off the corner of the block so that their front entrance faces the street. The business is immediately visible and inviting to passersby.
Bring it home: Would angling a corner of your home to the street make it more inviting?
What struck me as I walked through the streets on a previous trip were the doors that individualized each home or shop. When closed for midday siestas, the doors told their own story of the spaces behind them. Wooden and metal, from bright orange to deep red, each door was unique and intriguing.
Bring it home: Does your home say something about you at first glance, or does it look exactly like your neighbors' homes? Maybe a brilliant royal blue door is the way to say, "Hello, world!"
Open Walkways
Throughout Mexico open-air living is the norm. Walkways are created under balconies, and hammocks are hung between the pillars for midday naps. Could there be anything more relaxing?
Throughout Mexico open-air living is the norm. Walkways are created under balconies, and hammocks are hung between the pillars for midday naps. Could there be anything more relaxing?
Bring it home: You may have spaces around the house not living up to their full potential. Are you missing an opportunity for a relaxing hammock? Are you letting in the fresh air? Would that tiny bit of concrete be the perfect space for a small outdoor seating area?
Open Courtyards
From inside many Mexican homes, hotels and monasteries, you can get a glimpse of the sky. Open courtyards are typical in Mexican design, from the smallest houses to the most opulent fortresses. The open yet protected feeling is priceless, and I am still looking for a good way to integrate this feel into my home.
From inside many Mexican homes, hotels and monasteries, you can get a glimpse of the sky. Open courtyards are typical in Mexican design, from the smallest houses to the most opulent fortresses. The open yet protected feeling is priceless, and I am still looking for a good way to integrate this feel into my home.
Bring it home: How could you open up skyward views and bring in the clouds? Even a small courtyard or an open shaft can add significant light to your space.
Inventive Gardens
Even when Mexican homeowners don't have much space, they often customize their spaces to reflect their interests. This simple concrete wall has become a celebration of life, full to bursting with a large variety of plants and pots attached.
Even when Mexican homeowners don't have much space, they often customize their spaces to reflect their interests. This simple concrete wall has become a celebration of life, full to bursting with a large variety of plants and pots attached.
Bring it home: Perhaps you too have a plain, blank space that could be filled with living things. A literal wall of plants is now simpler than you might think. Check out these hanging wall planters designed for indoor and outdoor use.
Embellished Surfaces
Another Mexican homeowner added a personal touch to a basic concrete square using shells from the beach around the corner.
Another Mexican homeowner added a personal touch to a basic concrete square using shells from the beach around the corner.
Bring it home: Does your home have a little piece of your creativity wherever you look? Does it reflect to your individuality and locale?
In the mountains of Wyoming, Rapid Canyon Ranch designer Becky Pickrel used locally sourced fish fossils in her shower stall. "Swimming" in layers of earth, the fossils pay homage to the Wyoming setting.
In the mountains of Wyoming, Rapid Canyon Ranch designer Becky Pickrel used locally sourced fish fossils in her shower stall. "Swimming" in layers of earth, the fossils pay homage to the Wyoming setting.
From the arches, balconies and courtyards to the colors that abound in every shade, Mexico is certainly a melting pot of inspired design and individual creativity. It is eye opening to become immersed in another country, and one can't help but come home with new ideas and a fresh vision. I simply cannot wait to visit this country to be inspired all over again.
The churches and monasteries throughout Mexico all have intriguing designs. Bright white against a deeper cream or ivory accents the architecture.