Southwest Mexican rustic home decor brings such an authentically joyful feel to any home... but if you don't do it quite right, it will look contrived and false. Today we check out the top 17 characteristics of Mexican interior design that you can parallel in your own home for a fantastic feel, whether you're aiming for a fiesta or siesta look!
1. Terracotta
Terracotta is ubiquitous throughout Mexico - it's a color we can't help but associate with the lands south of the border. Many people don't realize that terracotta comes in all different shades and can be tinted to suit you without losing its natural color, so experiment with things like talvera pottery and other rustic decor!
2. Rugs
Bare hardwood, slate or stone tile floors with rugs are far more in line with Southwest Mexican rustic home decor than full carpets.
3. Geometry
Thought you left geometry behind in high school?! Not if you're into the Mexican look... you'll find squares, rectangles, circles and especially triangles dominate the design motifs.
4. Ponchos
Ponchos are definitely not standard Western attire, but they look right at home amidst Mexican decor and are amazingly comfy.
5. Bright colors
You can't have a Mexican home in muted colors... just not possible! Even drinking glasses in Mexico are full of color - check out some of the stunning blue rim margarita drinking glasses that are now available.
6. Frieda Kahlo
Herr artwork looks right at home amidst the bright colors and stunning patterns of Mexican decor.
7. Gourds and chili peppers
These innately Mexican plants are a fantastic authentic replacement for roses, lilies and orchids.
8. Sombreros
You don't have to actually wear sombreros... in today's crowded world they have become somewhat impractical, and besides, that's why they invented sunscreen! But do indulge and have a couple around the house for a fab Mexican feel.
9. Maracas and guitars
Mexico is music, music is Mexico. Keep some maracas and a nylon strong acoustic guitar around the house
10. Wormwood and pine
Look for equipal furniture items made of wormwood and pine to be more in keeping with Mexican decor styles. While wrought iron was certainly popular as a decorating material in Mexico (see below), it was rare to have furniture items made out of wrought iron that could catch the burning Mexican sun.
11. Wrought iron
Look for Mexican tin mirrors, clocks, ornaments, rustic sconce lights and picture frames made from wrought iron for Mexican style decorating.
12. Curtains and shutters
No rustic Mexican home ever had vertical or Venetian blinds! Curtains and shutters are essential elements in Mexican decor, to keep out the sun.
13. Weaving
Weaving is a very traditional, and very Mexican, method of creating household items. You should be able to find woven rugs, wall hangings, placemats and coasters to augment your Mexican design.
14. Ditch the sheers
They're great for letting light in during the daytime, but they really aren't in keeping with true Mexican decor style - so ditch the sheer curtains.
15. Patterns
No matter what it is, no matter where you look, everything should have a pattern. Even if every tile in the kitchen floor is the same color, they should be arranged in patterns.
16. But don't forget white!
Mexican decor is all about color, but trim work in your home and on your equipal furniture and talvera pottery is usually white (the opposite of contemporary Western sensibilities!).
17. Imperfections
In Southwest Mexican rustic home decor, nothing is ever meant to be perfect. The little dents, discolorations, rusty bits and chips will make your home look all the more authentic, so op-shop and antique-sale away!
1. Terracotta
Terracotta is ubiquitous throughout Mexico - it's a color we can't help but associate with the lands south of the border. Many people don't realize that terracotta comes in all different shades and can be tinted to suit you without losing its natural color, so experiment with things like talvera pottery and other rustic decor!
2. Rugs
Bare hardwood, slate or stone tile floors with rugs are far more in line with Southwest Mexican rustic home decor than full carpets.
3. Geometry
Thought you left geometry behind in high school?! Not if you're into the Mexican look... you'll find squares, rectangles, circles and especially triangles dominate the design motifs.
4. Ponchos
Ponchos are definitely not standard Western attire, but they look right at home amidst Mexican decor and are amazingly comfy.
5. Bright colors
You can't have a Mexican home in muted colors... just not possible! Even drinking glasses in Mexico are full of color - check out some of the stunning blue rim margarita drinking glasses that are now available.
6. Frieda Kahlo
Herr artwork looks right at home amidst the bright colors and stunning patterns of Mexican decor.
7. Gourds and chili peppers
These innately Mexican plants are a fantastic authentic replacement for roses, lilies and orchids.
8. Sombreros
You don't have to actually wear sombreros... in today's crowded world they have become somewhat impractical, and besides, that's why they invented sunscreen! But do indulge and have a couple around the house for a fab Mexican feel.
9. Maracas and guitars
Mexico is music, music is Mexico. Keep some maracas and a nylon strong acoustic guitar around the house
10. Wormwood and pine
Look for equipal furniture items made of wormwood and pine to be more in keeping with Mexican decor styles. While wrought iron was certainly popular as a decorating material in Mexico (see below), it was rare to have furniture items made out of wrought iron that could catch the burning Mexican sun.
11. Wrought iron
Look for Mexican tin mirrors, clocks, ornaments, rustic sconce lights and picture frames made from wrought iron for Mexican style decorating.
12. Curtains and shutters
No rustic Mexican home ever had vertical or Venetian blinds! Curtains and shutters are essential elements in Mexican decor, to keep out the sun.
13. Weaving
Weaving is a very traditional, and very Mexican, method of creating household items. You should be able to find woven rugs, wall hangings, placemats and coasters to augment your Mexican design.
14. Ditch the sheers
They're great for letting light in during the daytime, but they really aren't in keeping with true Mexican decor style - so ditch the sheer curtains.
15. Patterns
No matter what it is, no matter where you look, everything should have a pattern. Even if every tile in the kitchen floor is the same color, they should be arranged in patterns.
16. But don't forget white!
Mexican decor is all about color, but trim work in your home and on your equipal furniture and talvera pottery is usually white (the opposite of contemporary Western sensibilities!).
17. Imperfections
In Southwest Mexican rustic home decor, nothing is ever meant to be perfect. The little dents, discolorations, rusty bits and chips will make your home look all the more authentic, so op-shop and antique-sale away!
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