Estilo Hacienda

April 04, 2014

Hacienda style is as much a part of California architecture and décor as it is in Central and South America. True to its roots, the style is often expressed by white stucco walls and floors that alternate between ebony-stained wood and terra cotta tiles. The striking contrast is perfect for unique folk art and textiles.

These pictures below boast a unique Mexican hacienda 21st century style without compromising their original charm. The soaring ceilings with exposed rafters, brightly colored walls and colorful floor tiles represent the rustic simplicity of the style. Rustic furniture and rod iron light fixtures finishes the look to give it an original hacienda vibe.

Andrew Fisher and Jeffry Weisman's Home.jpg

Like the climate where they were originally built, these design inspirations boast warmth and passion. Hacienda style is one of my favorites that can be done subtly or with extreme flair.

Viva la vida and do it with Estilo!

La Casa Azul- Frida Kahlo

March 28, 2014

"La Casa Azul"

Frida Kahlo is revered as one of the most influential artists of the 21st century. The acclaimed artist is as well known for her art as her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera which is depicted in all of her art through pain, passion and intensely bright colors. Her iconic style has had an everlasting impact on the design world and still thrives today in homes and in fashion.

While her house, "La Casa Azul", was built by her father before her birth, it still sits today filled with mementos and personal treasures depicting her life with Diego and their leftist international circle of friends.

The shocking cobalt blue walls of the house represents her extreme sadness as she spent hours doing self portraits while recovering from a severe bus accident. Like Frida, the house exhibits her passion and personality.

While you may not paint your house bright blue, you can still pay tribute to Frida in your home through her bohemian baroque style and her love of roses. Here are some ways to give your space a bohemian vibe and make it relevant.

“Hay algunos que nacen con estrella y otros estrellados, y aunque tú no lo quieras creer, yo soy de las estrelladísimas…” Frida Kahlo

Viva la vida and do it with ESTILO!

Galería de arte

March 21, 2014

"gallery art"

"Art brings a message into any room. It should make us perceive in a new way- either through color, form or narrative content- something we had not perceived before... and perhaps reveal something to you about yourself." Gloria Vanderbilt

Creating a gallery style wall in your home can be a great way to display some of your favorite pieces. You can either use all the same colored frames like the picture above or mix it up with different shapes and sizes to give it an eclectic feel.

A gallery style wall can also help integrate watercolors with drawings and even contemporary pieces. Fusing art and bright colors you can also help to create a style gallery that is cohesive and beautiful.

Viva la vida and do it with ESTILO!

Inspiración Jardín

March 14, 2014

"garden inspiration"

This blog is inspired by a recent trip to Lotusland in Montecito, California. While wandering through seemingly endless tiers of spectacular gardens, I was awestruck by the beauty of never ending pathways of botanic gardens. Whether you have a green thumb or not, you cannot help but be dazzled by its beauty.

Ganna Walska had purchased the property in 1941 and abandoned her career as an opera singer to tend to her gardens. Her collection of exotic plants displayed throughout the 37 acre estate are incredibly magnificent. True to her character, Walska never did anything by halves and declared herself "an enemy of the average." Que linda!

While it may be impossible to pick just a couple beautiful pictures, here are some of mis favoritas:

Fruit trees are my favorite and here is a perfect way to display them. This lemon arbor could work in a small yard or vast estate.

You don't have to be a child to appreciate these topiaries. Here, lush greenery and architecture fall in love to create this horticultural art.

Viva la vida and do it with ESTILO!

Amarillo

March 07, 2014

"yellow"

Nothing states jubilant like the color yellow. It's a big color trend for spring and summer and a must for any "happy home". Ranging from a soft butter color to a bright canary yellow, there are so many beautiful shades to pick from. I love yellow because it infuses warmth and energy into any space.

The uber stylish dinning room above has the perfect shade of yellow to create a serene and elegant setting for an exquisite dinner party. Que elegante!

The drapes pictured below in the Spanish styled room add just enough pop to make this space cheerful and bright.

Yellow is also a great accent piece and can be added to any room throughout your home.

Viva la vida and do it with ESTILO!