Maybe you vacationed in Mexico and fell in love with the vibrant colors and equally vibrant lifestyle. Perhaps you just need some color in your life or feel the need to make a bold statement. Mexican decor fulfills all of those requirements. There are no subtle moves in Mexican decorating. These tips will help you bring your home to life in an explosion of colorful textiles, paint and larger-than-life furniture pieces that demand to be noticed. Does this Spark an idea?
Vibrant Colors
Mexican decorating requires, absolutely requires, vibrant color. Burnt oranges and deep yellows are a staple of Mexican color. Various shades of green work well in powder rooms and bedrooms. The key here is vibrant. The colors are a testament to life--a vivacious life.
Colors need not be found only in the paint. Color can be added with dried flowers and vegetables. Dried peppers and herbs are a fabulous addition to the kitchen and eating areas. Dried flowers are great in the living room, bedroom and bathroom.
Terra Cotta is a Must
Few things bring out the feeling of Mexican decor like terra cotta. Terra-cotta tiles in the kitchen, foyer and bathrooms give an earthy, Mexican flavor to any home. Depending on the architectural style of your home you can tile the entire house in terra cotta. It's durable and colorful.
Use terra cotta for back splashes in the kitchen. This easy to clean material is as functional as it is beautiful. It adds contrast to most counter tops and complements bold paint colors.
Make Use of Various Materials
A Mexican serape or saltillo blanket can liven up a leather sofa or rocker. But you needn't stop there. Use a serape in place of a rug in the kitchen or living room. The colors, the fringe, the feel of it under your feet are all ways to add a sense of true Mexican energy to a room with this textile favorite.
Wrought iron is used often in Mexican homes. The heavy iron adds depth to any room. Wrought iron wall sconces with earth-toned candles are one suggestion. For a bolder statement, consider a wrought-iron chandelier. If you have a staircase with wood spindles, you may want to replace them with wrought iron to add contrast and intensity.
Furniture Choices
When decorating in Mexican style remember that Mexican furniture is usually heavy and large. Don't mistake that for traditional overstuffed furniture. Large leather sofas, wrought iron and glass coffee tables and large oak armoires are also used in this style of decor.
It is essential to remember that when adding a Mexican feel to a room that none of the furniture should match. Walk into any Mexican home or restaurant and you will find that end tables don't match, lamps don't match. It's part of the Old World charm associated with Mexican decor. It is reminiscent of inherited treasures from long ago mixed with newer, modern pieces. It creates a comfortable, nostalgic feeling that tends to put people at ease immediately.
Tags: Mexican decor, terra cotta, living room, remember that, vibrant colors
