Mexico is a country rich in vibrant culture, bold colors, and stunning architectural details. Incorporating Mexican design elements into any home can add a touch of whimsy, warmth, and exotic flair. From Talavera tiles to papel picado banners, there are many ways to infuse a space with the festive spirit of our neighbors to the south. Read on for inspiration to bring Mexican design into homes anywhere.

Hacienda Style

Embrace the elegant architecture of traditional Mexican haciendas with terracotta floors, wooden beams, wrought iron accents, and arched doorways. These grand estate homes blend colonial Spanish style with local building methods for a look that is stately yet unfussy.

Some key elements of hacienda style include:

• Saltillo tiles – Rustic terracotta tiles in earthy reds and oranges that add texture underfoot
• Carved wooden doors – Front doors made of heavy wood and embellished with iron studs or decorative carvings
• Wrought iron light fixtures – Curling metalwork that casts romantic shadows at night
• Arched doorways and windows – Rounded shapes that soften hard edges and create a graceful rhythm
• Thick adobe or plaster walls – Excellent at retaining heat in winter and keeping interiors cool in summer
• Dark wood beams – Crisscrossing above ceilings for visual interest and architectural support
• Colorful embroidered textiles – Table runners, pillows and wall hangings woven in vibrant hues

Creating an indoor hacienda doesn’t require living on an expansive ranch. Use arches to define spaces, install terracotta floor tiles in entryways or kitchens, mount wrought iron sconces and update windows and doors with a fresh coat of bright paint. The warmth and texture of hacienda elements evoke the welcoming spirit of these grand Mexican homesteads.

Talavera Tiles

Introduce one of Mexico’s most iconic design motifs with gorgeous Talavera tiles. These handmade ceramic tiles are all about lavish colors, intricate patterns and a kick of southwest style.

Talavera tiling dates back centuries, brought over from Spain during colonial times. But Mexican artisans put their own artistic spin on the pattered tiles by using more vivid colors and unique images of local plants and animals.

Some fun ways to use Talavera tiles at home include:

• Kitchen backsplashes – Line the wall behind a stove or sink for a pop of pattern
• Bathroom accent – Use around mirrors, in showers or as decorative borders
• Pool or patio – Create an eye-catching outdoor space to lounge in the sun
• Stair risers – Dress up a staircase with color on each step
• Tabletop – Use mini tiles to form coasters or trivets
• Floor inlays – Add pattern to plain floors with geometric shapes
• Plant pots – Upgrade plain containers for outdoor plants and succulents

Look for tiles in traditional designs like the floral Alhambra or geometric Moorish Hexagon. Rich indigo blue, sunshine yellow, terra cotta orange and emerald green are classic Talavera colors. For a modern twist, look for graphic black and white patterns.

Papel Picado

Take a cue from Mexican fiesta decor and hang papel picado banners everywhere from patios to bedrooms. These festive tissue paper banners add a dash of whimsy and color to any space.

Papel picado means “pecked paper” in Spanish, referring to the method of manually cutting intricate designs into tissue paper with small chisels. Hang strands of these lacy banners outdoors to shade seating areas or string up rows above a dancefloor at parties. Or use smaller cutouts as napkin rings, wall art or gift wrap.

Some options for papel picado style:

• Shop for colorful pre-made banners in bold patterns like calacas (skeletons), lucha libre wrestlers, cacti, flowers or birds.
• Make your own by folding tissue paper and using craft punches or scissors to cut shapes.
• Look for papel picado with your name cut out for a personalized touch.
• In addition to banners, find tissue paper flowers, garlands and pom poms for extra texture.
• Hang papel picado banners from bamboo rods, rope, fishing line or branches for easy height adjustments.

With their delicate, translucent look papel picado banners filter light beautifully. Hang them in doorways or across sunny windows to create a soft glow. With so many bright colors and fun designs, you can mix and match for every occasion.

Mexican Textile Accents

Incorporate Mexican textile flair through embroidered pillows, blankets, poufs and rug accents. Rich colors and patterns inspired by traditional regional textiles bring warmth and cultural style to living spaces and bedrooms.

Some textiles to look for include:

• Zapotec rugs – Whip-stitch wool rugs and pillows hailing from Oaxaca in abstract geometrics and nature motifs
• Saltillo serape – Striped and ikat style wool blankets from the city of Saltillo, nice for throws
• Tree of life – Colorful embroidery depicting lush branching foliage, often done in silk
• Guatemalan weavings – Vibrant striped pillows and placemats handwoven from cotton and wool
• Otomi embroidery – Delicate and colorful stitching on linen featuring animals like rabbits and deer
• Ponchos and ruanas – Vibrant woven outerwear for blankets, pillows or wall hangings

Look for pieces done in bright reds, oranges, pinks, greens and blues. Birds, leaves, flowers and geometric patterns are common motifs. When displayed together, Mexican textiles make a bold, eye-catching statement. Drape them over chairs, sofas, beds and tables to liven up living spaces.

Colorful Mexican Majolica Pottery

Hand painted majolica pottery from Mexico adds a burst of color and whimsy through vivid floral patterns. Majolica is an earthenware pottery tradition that dates back centuries with enameled designs on terracotta clay.

Ways to incorporate Mexican majolica include:

• Hanging planters – Inside and outside, these cheery pots display cascades of greenery
• Cups and plates – Vintage and new majolica dishes for everyday dining
• Bowls – Keep fruit or keys in a bright hand painted bowl
• Pitchers – An eye-catching option for sangria or agua fresca
• Figurines – Charming chickens, parrots, donkeys and other animal motifs
• Picture frames – Deck out photos with flair in colorful majolica frames
• Mirror surrounds – Add detail around plain wall mirrors or leaning mirrors

Look for the vibrant brush strokes unique to Mexican majolica. Seek out traditional designs like the fine brushwork of Guanajuato pottery or the flowery filigree patterns of Talavera majolica. Display these handmade finds together for a gallery wall of color and whimsy.

Wrought Ironwork

Wrought iron furniture, lighting and architectural accents easily incorporate old world Mexican style. From candle holders to canopy beds, wrought iron makes a striking statement.

Find Mexican wrought iron goods like:

• Chandeliers and sconces – Ornate curling metal with a handcrafted look
• Furniture – Chairs, tables, benches, headboards and more, often with leather upholstery
• Mirror frames – Ironwork outlines in designs from classic to modern
• Window bars – Create an arched or square window pattern for visual interest
• Gate doors – Front doors get a custom look with iron grilles or cutout designs
• Pot racks – Display cookware from decorative ceiling hangs
• Wine racks – Ornately store and show off your favorite bottles
• Wall hooks – Coat racks, towel bars, hat holders and more for function with flair
• Candelabras – Curling wrought iron candle holders ranging from minimal to lavish

The intricate patterns and textured look of wrought iron add depth and sophistication. Use it in moderation against soft woods, painted walls and upholstery for balance.

Vibrant Colors and Patterns

Don’t be afraid of vivid colors and lively patterns to infuse that quintessential Mexican zest. Terracotta floors, striped textiles, and hand painted tiles gleam with jewel tones, sunshiny yellows, ocean blues and fiery oranges.

Some ways to honor this color heritage include:

• Paint or stencil walls in a rich hue – Consider emerald, mustard, scarlet or sapphire blue with white trim
• Choose patterned rugs – kilims, dhurries, rag rugs or weavings with stripes, geometrics and bold graphics
• Select brightly colored furniture – pink chairs, yellow banquettes, teal headboards
• Use striped upholstery – On pillows, curtains or lounge chairs
• Add handmade pottery – Vivid Talavera, majolica bowls, Oaxacan ceramics
• Display folk art – Colorful tissue paper flowers and banners, carved and painted creatures
• Add a hand woven hammock – Traditional Yucatan hammocks are rainbow bright

Many Mexican homes embrace color inside and out. Paint your front door a dynamic shade to make a vibrant first impression. Inside, layer rugs, wall hangings and ceramics in complementary hues. A dash of color and vibrance enlivens any space.

The Three Sisters: Corn, Beans and Squash

The legend of the three sisters originated with the indigenous peoples of the Americas, including the ancient Aztecs, Mayas, and many other Native American tribes. The three sisters refers to the farming tradition of growing specific crops together to enhance the growth and yields of each one. The plants nurture each other in a symbiotic way. The basic trio is corn, climbing beans, and squash or pumpkins.

Here’s how the three sisters help support one another:

• Corn – The tall cornstalks act as a trellis and support structure for the climbing beans.
• Beans – The bean’s roots help fix nitrogen in the soil which fertilizes the other plants. The bean vines use the cornstalks as poles to climb up, keeping them off the ground.
• Squash/Pumpkin – These fast growing squash and pumpkin vines spread along the ground, shading the soil, retaining moisture and blocking weed growth.

The three sisters tradition provides natural pest control, enhances flavor, and produces greater yields in a small footprint. Recreate this inter-cropping method at home by planting quick growing beans, squash and corn together in raised beds or borders. Choose compact or bush bean varieties like green beans that reach 1-2 feet tall to support corn that can grow 4-8 feet high. Radiating out from the corn, let squash vines wander and pumpkins spread as a living mulch.

Mexican Courtyard Gardens

Evoking the central courtyards of traditional Mexican homes, gardens can become lush outdoor living spaces. Potted plants, strings of lights and comfortable seating transform patios and decks into private havens.

Some elements for creating a Mexican courtyard garden include:

• Container plants – Vivid flowers, textural succulents, fruit trees in pots
• Hammock or swing – For sun-dappled relaxation under the trees
• Water fountain – The soothing trickle of water over a stone fountain
• Hanging lanterns – For twinkling light in the evenings
• Textured walls – Adobe, stucco or plaster walls with hand applied finishes
• Arched entries – Use trellises, vines or actual arches leading into the space
• Geometric pavers – Tile or stone inlay floors in zigzag, diamond and triangle patterns
• Tile-top tables – Outdoor side tables clad in Talavera tiles for dining al fresco

Mix heights, textures and colors when arranging plants. Herbs, bougainvillea, birds of paradise and climbing vines like passionflower or trumpet vines all thrive in warm conditions. Place comfortable seating in both sun and shade. Consider adding a fireplace, hearth oven or chiminea to take the chill off cool nights. With its Mediterranean climate, Mexico inspired gardens can be created across the southern United States, California, Europe, Asia and Australia. Anywhere you want to bring a lush tropical oasis feel with a traditional Mexican flair.

Mexican Interior Design Questions

What are some key features of traditional Mexican interior design?

Some of the most iconic elements of Mexican decor include bright colors and patterns, handcrafted details like Talavera tiles and textiles, wrought iron and rustic wood furnishings, and exotic plants like cacti and palms. Arched doorways, carved wooden doors, terracotta floors, and decorative ironwork reflect traditional hacienda and Spanish colonial influences. Embroidered textiles, sunburst mirrors, hand painted ceramics and papel picado banners add folk art flair.

How do you add Mexican style to a kitchen?

Incorporate Mexican details like Talavera tile as a backsplash, saltillo tile flooring, turned wood posts, wrought iron fixtures, and brightly painted cabinets. Display ceramic bowls or chicken pitchers and use them to store fruit and herbs. Add a tropical touch with hanging baskets and potted chile pepper plants. Use authentic ingredients like corn, beans, avocados, tomatoes, and spices to cook up Mexican recipes.

What colors and patterns reflect traditional Mexican design?

Vibrant reds, yellows, blues, greens, and burnt orange shades derived from Mexican textiles and ceramics reflect the folk art heritage. Look for geometric patterns, embroidery, stripes, flowers, and calavera (skeleton) motifs. Handwoven dhurries, striped linens, and brightly painted furniture showcase these lively colors.

How do you achieve an indoor hacienda look?

Use architectural details like terracotta floors, beamed ceilings, wrought iron fixtures and wooden doors to recreate the elegant ranch style of Mexican haciendas. Add handcrafted furnishings, vivid textiles, and potted palms. Frame doorways and pergolas with climbing bougainvillea and hanging lanterns. An indoor hacienda is stately yet unfussy.

What are some ways to use Talavera tiles?

These handmade ceramic tiles can be incorporated as a kitchen or bathroom backsplash, hallway floor, staircase risers, outdoor patio floors, poolside borders, planter pots, trivets, coasters, and tabletop accents. Use classic Talavera motifs like flowers, geometrics or animals. The vivid colors and intricate patterns make them ideal focal points.

Bringing Mexican Flair Home

The rich culture and artistic heritage of Mexico translates beautifully into home decor. With its lush gardens, ornate ironwork, artisanal pottery, vivid weavings, and bold colors, Mexican design is both dramatic and livable. Adobe walls, cantera stone finishes, hand-hewn beams and terracotta floors connect deeply to the land. By bringing elements of festive papel picado banners, Talavera tiles, and brightly painted furnishings into your living spaces, that exuberant Mexican spirit can be channeled anywhere.

Mexican Design to Inspire a Home Anywhere

Mexico is a country rich in vibrant culture, bold colors, and stunning architectural details. Incorporating Mexican design elements into any home can add a touch of whimsy, warmth, and exotic flair. From Talavera tiles to papel picado banners, there are many ways to infuse a space with the festive spirit of our neighbors to the south. Read on for inspiration to bring Mexican design into homes anywhere.

Hacienda Style

Embrace the elegant architecture of traditional Mexican haciendas with terracotta floors, wooden beams, wrought iron accents, and arched doorways. These grand estate homes blend colonial Spanish style with local building methods for a look that is stately yet unfussy.

Some key elements of hacienda style include:

• Saltillo tiles – Rustic terracotta tiles in earthy reds and oranges that add texture underfoot
• Carved wooden doors – Front doors made of heavy wood and embellished with iron studs or decorative carvings
• Wrought iron light fixtures – Curling metalwork that casts romantic shadows at night
• Arched doorways and windows – Rounded shapes that soften hard edges and create a graceful rhythm
• Thick adobe or plaster walls – Excellent at retaining heat in winter and keeping interiors cool in summer
• Dark wood beams – Crisscrossing above ceilings for visual interest and architectural support
• Colorful embroidered textiles – Table runners, pillows and wall hangings woven in vibrant hues

Creating an indoor hacienda doesn’t require living on an expansive ranch. Use arches to define spaces, install terracotta floor tiles in entryways or kitchens, mount wrought iron sconces and update windows and doors with a fresh coat of bright paint. The warmth and texture of hacienda elements evoke the welcoming spirit of these grand Mexican homesteads.

Talavera Tiles

Introduce one of Mexico’s most iconic design motifs with gorgeous Talavera tiles. These handmade ceramic tiles are all about lavish colors, intricate patterns and a kick of southwest style.

Talavera tiling dates back centuries, brought over from Spain during colonial times. But Mexican artisans put their own artistic spin on the pattered tiles by using more vivid colors and unique images of local plants and animals.

Some fun ways to use Talavera tiles at home include:

• Kitchen backsplashes – Line the wall behind a stove or sink for a pop of pattern
• Bathroom accent – Use around mirrors, in showers or as decorative borders
• Pool or patio – Create an eye-catching outdoor space to lounge in the sun
• Stair risers – Dress up a staircase with color on each step
• Tabletop – Use mini tiles to form coasters or trivets
• Floor inlays – Add pattern to plain floors with geometric shapes
• Plant pots – Upgrade plain containers for outdoor plants and succulents

Look for tiles in traditional designs like the floral Alhambra or geometric Moorish Hexagon. Rich indigo blue, sunshine yellow, terra cotta orange and emerald green are classic Talavera colors. For a modern twist, look for graphic