The Mexican or southwestern look, once restricted to areas of the western United States where Mexican influence was strong, has been taking hold in private homes around the nation. Many new real-estate developments are embracing Mexican or Spanish colonial construction design, while decorators are favoring the bold colors and down-to-earth furnishings of the visually appealing style. The classic Mexican house gifts a mélange of Native American and European colonial traditions, with an emphasis on handmade items, natural substances and earthy colour tones.
Construction
Mexican homes adapt a warm and dry climate with high ceilings which allow cool air to circulate, stone walls and floors, and open doors. Haciendas, or country homes, are often assembled around patios, walkways and verandas which are open to sunlight and the weather. Whitewashed stucco exteriors, wrought-iron balconies and fittings, and clay roof tiles along with other hallmarks of Mexican architecture, which has long enjoyed popular acceptance in Southern California’s real estate market.
Interior Walls and Floors
For the inside, the preferred colors are subdued natural tones like beige, burnt sienna, dark orange, brown and earthy red. Floors are brick, clay tile or stone, with minimal. The conventional ceiling of a hacienda exhibits exposed wood beams combined by whitewashed plaster. Heavy wooden doors and tall, vertical window casements are typical elements drawn from colonial style.
Furnishings
Spanish colonial insides were often yummy, but placed fancy furniture including wardrobes, desks, chairs and bookcases which were tough and heavy enough to tolerate long journeys across the seas and over rough trails. To soften the look, suede or leather upholstery on sofas and other furniture is ideal. The dark tones could be set off with silver candlesticks and brightly tinted tabletop bric-a-bac and wall decorations.
Accents
For colors like rugs and pillows, bright colors like red, yellow and orange in bold geometric designs offer contrast to the flooring and walls. Woven throws and blankets are ordinary items decorating massive chairs and sofas, while painted pottery could be installed in areas and corners with less traffic. Tropical plants, cacti and desert blossoms also work in a Mexican-style home, as do drying herbs, garlic and peppers in kitchens and dining areas.
Arts and Crafts
The walls and walls of Mexican homes tend to be spare and open, but the Mexican craft convention gives an endless source of material and art for show. Bark paintings, woven baskets, clay masks, serapes, light sconces, wrought-iron chandeliers, gilt or silver mirror frames and statuary can all relieve the right lines and bare surfaces.