Modern Mexican Style

Rediscovering the Roots of my style:

Modern Mexican Interior, Arts & Food in Oaxaca

My vacation in Oaxaca was a reconnecting journey, a symphony of colors, architecture, and flavors that wove their way into the fabric of my being. The vibrant streets, the ornate architecture, the savory dishes, and the genuine connections I made, continue to inspire my design aesthetic and my approach to life. Oaxaca will forever hold a special place in my heart. A place where the colors of the city painted my soul and where the architecture and people became an enduring muse for my creative endeavors.

Stylish hotel in Oaxaca

Our hotel, Hotel de La Parra, is a hidden jewel right in the center of the city.  The décor is nice and elegant respecting the colonial style of the house. The heated pool is our favorite par. It is built in the back patio of the property, and is where we hang out the most. The architect did a formidable job at allowing the old kind of falling-apart walls to be exposed and become a beautiful backdrop to an oasis in the middle of town. I can only praise everyone at “Hotel de la Parra” for making us feel welcome during our stay.

Craft & Art in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is home to the country’s most dynamic crafts and art scene. Also some outstandingly colorful and extroverted festivities, and cuisine filled with many culinary wonders. And I was ready to bask in it all.

The city’s energetic art scene is like no other- it was a true delight. With studios and galleries showcasing traditional crafts, exquisite jewelry, intricate textiles, exceptional ceramics, and bold paintings. We even did a workshop with a local celebrated artist, Tomas Pineda Matus. He has presented his art in galleries across the American continent. With his unique style, impeccable technique, and infinite passion for his craft he infused us with his creative power!

Another great stop was Tizne, with its great concept of restaurant-gallery. Located in the the most popular pedestrian street, Macedonio Alcala. It offers a great opportunity to have a closer look a the mesmerizing alebrijes created by two world-local artists Jacobo and Maria Angeles. Their art has been showcased on many important platforms. They have appeared in Vogue Mexico, exhibited their art at The Rockefeller Center, and even did a co-operation with Birkenstock. And oh, the sandals look fantastic! Unfortunately, it was a limited edition of 366 pair of sandals.
Here we took a workshop to make our alebriges, and the results were far from the ones that had inspired us. However, we had great fun and learned to appreciate the difficulty, expertise, and time that it takes to produce these beautiful pieces of art. Jacobo and Maria Angeles are true masters of their craft.

Street Art & Murals all over the Places

Oaxaca’s colors were a feast for the eyes, a kaleidoscope of inspiration that set my imagination ablaze. Color is everywhere. The city is painted with bright and cheerful hues that reflect the joy and energy of the people. You can find houses in yellow, blue, pink, green, or any other color you can imagine. You can also find murals and street art that depict scenes from the local culture or express social messages.

Typical Architecture – Patios & Courtyards

We spent most days walking through the city and making discoveries almost at every door. The real gems are past the lintel of the inner gates. We marveled at the patios where amid colonial splendor Oaxaca has embraced modern architectural expressions. The juxtaposition of old and new is achieved with remarkable finesse. Several courtyards we visited are styled using endemic flora and still-water ponds. Breathtaking!  Every restaurant, shop, hotel, art gallery, and even public building boasts of the beauty of their design which skillfully balances form and function.

Colorful Markets

The markets were a riot of hues, with stacks of brilliantly colored textiles and handcrafted pottery creating a visual symphony. As we wandered through the Mercado Benito Juárez, the vibrant fabrics seemed to come alive. The smell of the fresh produce took me to childhood memories, and the countless baskets filled with dried chiles and grains waiting to be turned into scrumptious sauces awoke my appetite. 

Mouthwatering Cuisine In Oaxaca

Of course, no journey to Oaxaca is complete without indulging in its mouthwatering cuisine. And our taste buds were in for a treat!! As we roamed the colorful streets, we were captivated by the gastronomic wonders that awaited at every corner. The tantalizing aromas of street food wafted through the air, drawing us to bustling stalls where locals and visitors gathered. Oaxacan cuisine to me is filled with cherished memories: Tlayudas, tamales, moles, and many other delicacies that reminded me that food is not merely sustenance. It is a vehicle that transports us through time and culture. Each bite was a burst of flavor, a reminder that life’s joys could be found in the simplest of pleasures.

Cultural Influence on my Interior Design Style

My vacation in Oaxaca has been a wellspring of inspiration that continues to shape and define my approach to interior design. The interaction of cultural influences, architectural marvels, and vibrant colors has kindled a renewed passion for creativity. Just as Oaxaca seamlessly weaves together its diverse heritage into a harmonious tapestry, I strive to create interiors that capture the essence of wanderlust, the magic of cultural fusion, and the undeniable beauty of a life well-designed.