Decorating
Decorating: 9 Cool Trends to Borrow From Stylish Mexican Interiors
In celebration of The Year of Mexico in the UK, be inspired by this roundup of creative rooms by Mexican designers
2015 is The Year of Mexico in the UK, which celebrates the interchange of arts and culture between the two countries, and showcases some of the most defining creations in the fields of architecture, music, design, visual arts and much more. In honour of this exchange, here’s a roundup of some beautiful interiors by Mexican architects and designers, and the defining trends that transform them into spaces that encompass a wide range of influences.
Work in tiles
Tiles of all sizes, colours and designs are characteristic of both traditional and modern Mexican style. In this leafy entrance designed by dh+ Architects, terracotta-hued tiles are paired with white walls and plenty of lush green plants to create an inviting and airy space that still retains its warmth.
Learn about 10 different tile patterns
Tiles of all sizes, colours and designs are characteristic of both traditional and modern Mexican style. In this leafy entrance designed by dh+ Architects, terracotta-hued tiles are paired with white walls and plenty of lush green plants to create an inviting and airy space that still retains its warmth.
Learn about 10 different tile patterns
Choose sumptuous colours
This room, by interior design company Aurelio Vazquez, perfectly incorporates bold, rich colour while still managing to create a calm and uncluttered space. The sumptuous, striking turquoise wall shade is reminiscent of the vivid colours used in more traditional Mexican schemes, while the wooden furniture adds additional warmth without overwhelming.
This room, by interior design company Aurelio Vazquez, perfectly incorporates bold, rich colour while still managing to create a calm and uncluttered space. The sumptuous, striking turquoise wall shade is reminiscent of the vivid colours used in more traditional Mexican schemes, while the wooden furniture adds additional warmth without overwhelming.
Plump for plenty of textiles
Mexico is famous for its colourful and intricately patterned textiles, which often draw inspiration from indigenous materials and patterns and mixes them with more international designs. In this bedroom, designed by CASA’S Smart Integral Group, Aztec-inspired geometric prints in muted hues are combined with a neutral colour scheme to create an interesting mix of textures and designs that doesn’t feel overly saturated.
Mexico is famous for its colourful and intricately patterned textiles, which often draw inspiration from indigenous materials and patterns and mixes them with more international designs. In this bedroom, designed by CASA’S Smart Integral Group, Aztec-inspired geometric prints in muted hues are combined with a neutral colour scheme to create an interesting mix of textures and designs that doesn’t feel overly saturated.
Try mixing and matching
Mexican designers are embracing a mix of styles and designs, whether that be pairing original Acapulco chairs with a cowhide rug and a midcentury sideboard, as is the case with this room styled by Carlos Ocho, or placing an Aztec-inspired centrepiece on a modern glass dining table in an industrial living room.
Mexican designers are embracing a mix of styles and designs, whether that be pairing original Acapulco chairs with a cowhide rug and a midcentury sideboard, as is the case with this room styled by Carlos Ocho, or placing an Aztec-inspired centrepiece on a modern glass dining table in an industrial living room.
Appreciate the simple things
Although many aspects of modern Mexican design have adopted the sleek lines, glass and metal accents other global design trends have embraced, many Mexican designers still value the simple and pared-down aesthetics of more traditional design.
Neutral colours, soft textures and simple wooden chairs in pretty pastel blue characterise the accessible charm of this room, designed by A Mayúscula Arquitectos. Wire pendant lights in the shape of more elaborate lampshades give the dining space a playful touch.
Although many aspects of modern Mexican design have adopted the sleek lines, glass and metal accents other global design trends have embraced, many Mexican designers still value the simple and pared-down aesthetics of more traditional design.
Neutral colours, soft textures and simple wooden chairs in pretty pastel blue characterise the accessible charm of this room, designed by A Mayúscula Arquitectos. Wire pendant lights in the shape of more elaborate lampshades give the dining space a playful touch.
Maximise natural light
The calm serenity and efficacy of the colour scheme employed by many Mexican designers and architects comes to full fruition thanks to the generous amounts of natural light these rooms are designed to receive. Beautifully styled central patios, large windows and light-reflecting interiors all contribute to create peaceful and well-illuminated rooms that are constantly connected to the outdoors.
This space, designed by Quintanilla Arquitectos, exemplifies the importance placed on creating a space that’s open and airy.
The calm serenity and efficacy of the colour scheme employed by many Mexican designers and architects comes to full fruition thanks to the generous amounts of natural light these rooms are designed to receive. Beautifully styled central patios, large windows and light-reflecting interiors all contribute to create peaceful and well-illuminated rooms that are constantly connected to the outdoors.
This space, designed by Quintanilla Arquitectos, exemplifies the importance placed on creating a space that’s open and airy.
Beautify your patio
Speaking of staying well-connected to the outside: patios and balconies are an integral part of Mexican design, and thus are usually as carefully styled as the inside of a home. They also strengthen a seamless transition between the natural world outside and the home inside.
This patio, by designer Diaz de Luna Signature, features solid wood furniture, wicker armchairs, patterned cushions and elegant pottery for a laid-back yet stylish retreat.
Explore 10 ways to perk up your patio
Speaking of staying well-connected to the outside: patios and balconies are an integral part of Mexican design, and thus are usually as carefully styled as the inside of a home. They also strengthen a seamless transition between the natural world outside and the home inside.
This patio, by designer Diaz de Luna Signature, features solid wood furniture, wicker armchairs, patterned cushions and elegant pottery for a laid-back yet stylish retreat.
Explore 10 ways to perk up your patio
Introduce warm tones
This friendly and inviting guest bedroom, designed by Sevilla Home, exemplifies the prevalence of warm tones and accents commonly found in many Mexican designs. The warm temperatures typically associated with Mexico create an environment perfectly suited for warmer colours, regardless of whether these are bright and bold or more mellow and subdued, like the burned sienna in this room.
Brown-based neutrals and creamy, warm whites also provide the perfect backdrop for wooden accents and colourful accessories.
Discover ways to create a visual ode to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo
TELL US…
Are there any Mexican design trends you’ve discovered and liked? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
This friendly and inviting guest bedroom, designed by Sevilla Home, exemplifies the prevalence of warm tones and accents commonly found in many Mexican designs. The warm temperatures typically associated with Mexico create an environment perfectly suited for warmer colours, regardless of whether these are bright and bold or more mellow and subdued, like the burned sienna in this room.
Brown-based neutrals and creamy, warm whites also provide the perfect backdrop for wooden accents and colourful accessories.
Discover ways to create a visual ode to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo
TELL US…
Are there any Mexican design trends you’ve discovered and liked? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Although modern Mexican design features plenty of glass and steel elements, an emphasis on natural, preferably local materials is still evident in almost all designs.
Earthy woods in particular are very popular, since they add instant warmth to any room and provide a mix of textures and contrasts. A full wooden railing, such as the one in this room designed by architects at vgz(a), adds an interesting visual element and draws the eye upwards, further emphasising the room’s generous proportions.