International Design Trends Inspired by Cancun, Mexico

As our most avid friends/followers know, it was our owner’s 20th Wedding Anniversary this last week. Can I get an AMEN- for a couple that started their own business, work together, raise 4 daughters & have survived 20 years of marriage- all while staying true to themselves and the plans that the Lord has for them! If you know the Dupert’s you know they are a fun loving, youthful couple… that bring joy and happiness everywhere they go. And if you know THAT, then you certainly know they are not a couple that asks for much. They’re wants never supersede the needs of others, they are always giving with their time/money/talents and they’re never “off the clock.” After saving for this momentous occasion, they decided to pull out all the stops! But they soon learned their anniversary trip, planned for Greece, had a travel ban put in place (thanks Covid)… so what’s the next best thing? Ashley was overjoyed at Jared’s romantic idea to bring it back to the place where it all started; a Honeymoon re-creation in Cancun, Mexico!! 

Spanish influenced design, in The Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort.

Here is where our journey into International Design begins-
They’ve been staying at The Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort over this past week and we’ve been so inspired by the resort lifestyle and the people that they met while on their vacation… we decided to showcase some design trends based off the Spanish culture and show you how you can bring a little bit of Cancun, right into your own home!

Cancun is a tourist destination that is known for it’s white sand beaches/turquoise seas, international cuisine, resorts & nightlife! It is one of the gateways to the Mayan World, steeped in the rich history of Mayan culture & language with archaeological ruins dotting the land, dating back to the 6th century. In Cancun there are wonderful natural attractions such as the majestic mangroves, sand dunes, lush jungle, lagoons and swimming/diving in the mystic cenotes (natural sink holes) where you can enjoy countless adventures. The Isla Mujeres is part of the Yucatan Peninsula & is one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean and is a magical community- a place for romance and relaxation. The island lies close to nature and you must take a short fairy ride to get there- it is a shining example of undiluted Caribbean culture. It’s geographic location makes it a special kind of paradise, because the island receives the first rays of the sun to touch Mexican soil each morning!!

Moodboard inspired by Isla Mujeres, by designer Aramely Mendez.

How Spanish culture influences decor and home design

Mexico is full of inspiration with its savory foods, cheerful culture & vibrant design, few interior design styles are more romantic than the Spanish design. Part of the Mediterranean family- Spanish interiors are eclectic, warm, welcoming, utterly stylish and embody a sense of traditional Spanish culture. Recognizable by their sophisticated white stucco/stone walls (which provide plenty of texture & interest,) decorative patterned tile work & exaggerated ceilings (where you can’t help but add some wooden beams!) Large arched doorways, scrolling wrought iron accents and warm earth tones are mixed with textile accents of vivid/bright jewel tones of reds, golden yellows, oranges & blues. Spanish influenced accessories like pottery & natural rustic wood elements mixed with dark iron and copper furnishings/décor can be seen both inside and outside the home. Most Spanish houses include an indoor-outdoor element with interior courtyards to embrace nature & that wonderful Mediterranean air. Heavy curtains- hung high and wide to get the most out of their windows- keep homes cool in the high heat. As for furniture you’ll see heavy wood pieces with intricate carvings (a nod to the Spanish-Baroque design) on accent tables, high headboards & even kitchen cabinets. Spanish homes have grand fireplaces and big statement kitchens as the focal points, to bring their families together & center their rooms around. It’s all about embracing history at home, focusing on meaningful objects and weaving them into your decor. Whether it’s a rustic, built-in bookshelf showing off family heirlooms or antique/ornate details paying homage to their history & culture- Spanish homes always maintain that vintage, family home vibe. 

Trendy/Modern design with key elements of Spanish inspiration.

Major Spanish design elements, you can easily add into your own home

STUCCO WALLS/ARCHES- The light white or cream (adobe brick/stone) walls help break up the other prominent dark features which are popular in this style. This rustic style adds space depth, warmth and is incredibly inviting and gives a good base/texture for decoration. Curved archways add architectural interest to an otherwise plain space, without going over the top. Common architectural features include ceilings & doorways/windows in hallways or alcoves. Vaulted dome ceilings and oversized, exposed wood beams are beautiful and classically Spanish-influenced & give a sophisticated, open/airy, aged feel.

BOLD COLORS/TEXTILES/FABRICS- Balance bold/bright patterned selections with furniture/furnishings that lean on neutral tones. Experiment with color- your living spaces are vibrant, energetic and colorful (use rich colors like deep blues, golden yellows, vivid reds and lush greens as accents.) Monochrome feels fresh and crisp & various shades of white give the room depth without feeling overly sterile/stark. Add splashes of color and interest throughout your room with traditional Mexican folk art, pottery, beautiful embroidery & hand-made woven tapestries (look for textures of primitive prints/detailed patterns, infused with rich color.)

WROUGHT IRON/LIGHTING-  When you’re trying to show off any lighting or ornate furniture, keep the background of the room simple. Much of the lighting in a Spanish home is wrought iron related- heavy & dark and will stand out against your light stucco & dark woods. Tendencies of elongated geometric shapes fusing metal and glass are incorporated into interiors in a variety of ways (chandeliers, railings, etc.) Another trademark lighting style of Spanish style is tin fabricated lights- covered in perforations, allow for a dreamy night glow, some also have frosted or colored glass for added flair.

DARK WOODS/TRADEMARK FURNITURE- Whether floors, ceiling beams or fireplace mantels- dark varieties/mixes of wood such as walnut or mahogany are key. Most furniture is commonly constructed from pine, mesquite, reclaimed wood & wrought iron in light finishes for a distressed, natural/weathered look or stained in dark, rich copper tones. But with an extensive leather industry,  equipale pieces (hand-made furniture with all-natural materials) are a prominent feature in Spanish design. This durable furniture blends rustic detail with an organic woven-wood shape, creating cozy seating with an authentic Spanish charm.

TILES/POTTERY/TERRA COTTA- Decorative tile accents are possibly the closest you can get to classic, Spanish inspired design with traditional tiles in vivid colors/patterns or contemporary tiles in muted/cement style. Elements of terra cotta give an earthy quality and are widely used in interesting patterns and planters. Talavera pottery (high quality clay- made in Puebla, Mexico) involves intricate and colorful designs, greatly influenced by culture & flora/fauna (tiles, backsplash, dishes, murals, counters, sinks/showers and to embellish fireplace/fountains & other decorative accents ) bring a pop of color and personality to any home. 

*DON’T FORGET THE GREENERY- always add low maintenance botanicals like cacti and succulents to offer your interior a desert chic accent & add extra life/nature into your home. 

Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort- home design inspiration

How to start implementing your design esthetic

Hopefully you’re as inspired by Cancun & The Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort as much as we are and these ideas have gotten your creative juices flowing (like bottomless mimosas on the beach!) If you aren’t sure how to implement your new design ideas, let us help you transform your space into a Spanish inspired get-away! Start by chatting with us in a FREE 30-minute phone consultation or schedule a personal {$99/2 hour} appointment with one of our designers. Call us at 605-223-0193 OR go to omorfiadesignsinc.com/getstarted