Mexican Interior Decorating
Mexican home decorating is an excellent option for people who enjoy a lively interior. Its colors and patterns are cheerful, arty and steeped in tradition. Many people appreciate the fact that Mexican furniture and accessories use natural materials and have handmade flourishes. You can use accessories to give the home and garden a bit of Mexican flair, or find whole sets of furniture for the living room, bedroom and kitchen that have been handcrafted in Mexico in traditional styles. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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The classic feature of Mexican interior decorating is its palette. Earth tones such as adobe, rust and clay provide a unifying backdrop against brighter Caribbean-style shades of sunshine yellow, deep indigo and sunset tones of crimson and orange. Bright patterns are also typical, especially on window treatments and tablecloths. The furniture tends to be of rustic style, made of solid wood and attached with metal hardware. Ceramic tiles are popular in the kitchen, including elaborately painted sinks. In warmer climes, the Mexican tradition is to blend indoor and outdoor spaces, with inner courtyards, long porches under tile roofs and walls that open up to a garden. Hammered tin, wrought iron, glass and pottery are popular design elements.
Benefits
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Among the benefits of Mexican home decor is that it blends well with other styles. With its natural materials and solid construction, it is family-friendly. Knickknacks, family mementos and art collections look wonderful against the backdrop of niches, shelves and shrines. Those who like do-it-yourself projects can sponge-paint a fireplace mantle or construct an altar to stay consistent with Mexican style. The furniture and accessories are affordable, accessible and available online and at import stores.
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Effects
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The popularity of Mexican home decor has resulted in some pieces gaining in value and popularity. For example, talavera tile pieces, made in Puebla, have set the standard for hand-painted pottery. Major pieces by artisan workshops, such as large vases and serving platters, cost hundreds of dollars. Zapotec rugs, made in Oaxaca, are also in demand. The best examples are from the village of Teotitlan de Valle and feature all-natural dyes. Other trendy decorating elements are painted ceramic masks from Guerrero, woven paintings by the Huichol Indians and black pottery from the southern Mexican village of San Bartolo de Coyotepec.
Considerations
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To decorate based on Mexican style, you should not fear color. The style is not for those who prefer pastels or sleek white minimalism. Not only are the colors and patterns bright, but you are expected to juxtapose one against another. If it seems like too big of a leap, palette-wise, you can add key elements, such as bright throw rugs, painted end tables or embroidered textiles. Throw pillows, big wooden frames, blue glass vases, margarita pitchers and carved wood chairs are other easy additions.
Expert Insight
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Kathy Cano-Murillo never met a glue gun she didn't like. She is the author of several books on Mexican-inspired crafts, such as "La Casa Loca: Latino Style Comes Home, 45 Funky Craft Projects for Decorating & Entertaining" and "Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life." These books are jammed with colorful photographs and step-by-step instructions for incorporating Mexican and Chicano pop culture and folk art into decorative elements. She also maintains a website (see Resources below) with inspirations and projects.
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