Design Inspiration in Mexico

A few years ago I accompanied Greg on a business trip to Queretaro, Mexico.  He has been traveling to Mexico for over 15 years now, and while he attended language school there he chose to stay with a host family.  We love to experience the authentic culture.   Gemma and Francisco are wonderful, and have become our extended family!

Queretaro, Mexico is a beautiful city full of Spanish architecture, and history.  You can find inspiration everywhere.....

 

Gemma and Francisco live in a beautiful home that sits behind two huge doors on a pebble stone narrow street.......in the heart of the city.

This home is a couple hundred years old and has been passed down within their family.  It is filled with hand painted Spanish tiles, wood beams and ceilings, handmade authentic Mexican lighting.  When you open the hand carved doors that's where the story begins...........

Entryway (also used to house the cars)

Gemma's kitchen

Gemma cooks the best Mexican food ever............................

Steps to the courtyard

fountain

Back view of home

There is inspiration in seeing the space in which they live, so rich in history, family, handmade stone walls, and gardens.  The home and gardens tell a story of the people who live there......their simple, hard working people, and religious.  Gemma loves to cook, she goes to the market daily, buys fresh fruits and vegetables, attends church daily for mass, and loves to entertain people.

This house may not be the cover of a magazine, but yet, it's beautiful, filled with love, people, and years of history with a story......you see it's not a house at all, it a HOME.

I believe a home should not be designed all at once.  It should evolve over time, and tell a story of who we are.........

Kim