barefoot luxury: mexican resort living

BarefootLuxuryMEXICANRESORTLIVING

SANDRAESPINET

PhotographsbyHectorVelascoFazio

BAREFOOTLUXURYMEXICANRESORTLIVINGDIGITALEDITION1.0

Text©2018SandraEspinetPhotographs©2018HectorVelascoFazioAllrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedbyanymeans

whatsoeverwithoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher,exceptbriefportionsquotedforpurposeofreview.

GibbsSmithP.O.Box667Layton,Utah84041

Orders:1.800.835.4993www.gibbs-smith.com

ISBN:978-1-4236-4938-0

Toallofthehelicopterflightsandmarshmallowdreamsthathavekeptmy

creativityandinspirationalive.

BarefootLuxuryTableofContents

Introduction

EscapetoMexico

TheReinventedRetreat

Calm,Coolth,andCollected

ArtisanalContemporary

TheOutdoorOasis

Acknowledgments

INTRODUCTION

IhavebeenaskedsomanytimeswhatitisliketoliveandworkasanAmericanexpatinthesmallandsomewhatremoteresorttownofSanJosedelCabo,atthesoutherntipofBajaCaliforniadelSur,Mexico.Myanswerishonestlythatbecauseofmydualresidency,muchofmyprofessionalandsociallifestillcontinuestorevolvearoundLosAngeles.YetthespaceandvistasandcasuallifestyleofBajahelpmerefinemynotionofaluxuriousenclaveawayfromthemassproductionandcommonplaceconvenienceofmorepopularvacationdestinations.Partofmycontinuingfascinationwithmarqueeresortpropertiesistheblendofremotenessandcomfort,likethesafaritentinRajasthan,India,oracompartmentontheOrientExpress.BylivingsomuchofmylifeinmyBaja“outpost,”whereimportsmustbecarefullyconsidered,Iambetterabletosiftthroughdesignessentialsanddesignoverkill.Icanactuallybetatestwithmyowntwofeettheplushnessofacustomrugcarefullycommissionedtocoveraterraceontheedgeoftheearth.IliveandtravelbackandforthbetweenCaboandLosAngeles,andthissplittingoftimeenablesmetofeelandexperiencethecalmZenoflivingonabeautifulanddramaticbeachinacasualMexicanfishingtownwhilestillgettingmyfixofurbanattraction,art,andcontemporaryculturebackintheStates.It’stheperfectarrangementformymindtoexperiencetheyinofrelaxationandtheyangofactivity.Theallureofthefarawayshoreandthecomfortsofcivilization.Thebarefootandtheluxurious.

I’vealwaysbeeninfatuatedwiththestoriedluxuryhotelsofthe

I’vealwaysbeeninfatuatedwiththestoriedluxuryhotelsoftheworld.I’vethrilledtotheexclusiveambianceandelegantdiscretionofjet-setdestinations;theglamorousmystiqueoftheAmanResortsortheSixSensesHotels;howthefashionablebustleofthetonylobbiescontrastswiththereverenthushofimpossiblylonghallways,allofitminglingwiththeghostsofbygonemoviestars,mistresses,andmagnates.ButIneverimaginedthissidelineobsessionwouldintersectwithmyactualinteriordesigncareer,orallowmetousetheserarefiedmilieusasaesthetictouchstonesfortheresidentialresortenvironmentsIwouldcreatealongthedazzlingcoastlinesofMexico.

AftergraduatingfromtheNewEnglandSchoolofDesignandthentheAtlantaCollegeofArt,Iwashiredasajuniorhospitalitydesignerbyasuccessionofarchitectureanddesignfirms,ultimatelyculminatingwithapositionatthesublimeOceanReefClubinNorthKeyLargo,Florida.ThereIquicklybecameenthralledwiththelifestylesoftheseniordesigners,whotraveledtheworldinordertoabsorbtraditionalandexoticdesignfeaturesandthentranslatethemintouniqueexperiencesfortheswellingranksofthenewaffluenttraveler.Mydesignmentorsknewhowtodistinguishbetweentraditionalandtrendyand,evenmore,howtocreateimpressiveroomswithasenseoftastefulfantasyandplushcomfortinequalmeasure.ThehospitalityindustryiswhereIgotmyfeetwet,sotospeak.Tothisday,Ihavehugerespectfortheinteriordesigners,architects,purchasingagentsandexecutiveswhoworkinthedesignofupscalehotels,resorts,restaurants,spasandotherhospitality-orientedprojects.

Inordertoremainfreshandcurrentinthecreationofmyowntrademarkresort-inspiredresidentialendeavors,Iroutinelypatronizefive-starluxuryhotelsandresortstheworldover.Notjusttoenjoythebeautyandthespa-likeamenitiesbutalsotokeepupwithmyamazingpeersinthehospitalityfield.Theirpassionfororiginality,perfection,andoverallexcellenceisahugesourceofinspirationforme.I’malwaysamazedwiththeservice,style,anddesignofhotelsliketheRosewoodMayakobainPlayadelCarmen,Mexico,ortheAmanjiwoHotelinBorobudur,Indonesia,ortheSinghitainSouthAfrica.

HotelinBorobudur,Indonesia,ortheSinghitainSouthAfrica.Iagreewithmyexpandingclientelethatoneoftheultimateluxuriesinlifeistobeabletoliveasifyouwereonaprotractedholiday,inanamazinglocation,repletewithaspectacularlycomfortableandstylishinterior.Inshort,Idesignresidentialretreatsofsortswithalloftheappointments,amenities,andconsiderationsofasuperbhotel.Itrytoreplicatethequietlyelegant,palpablyinformalperfectionofthesepamperedyetunclutteredandunpretentiousenvironmentsformyclientsandmyownpersonallife.ThisistheessenceofwhatIcall“barefootluxury.”

ESCAPETOMEXICO

ThemeteoricriseoftheMexicanresortasanelitedestinationforluxury,adventure,andrelaxationisrelativelyrecent,allthingsconsidered.Certainlysincethenineteenthcentury,intrepidforeignvisitorshavebravedarduoustravel,badroads,pooraccommodations,murderousbanditos,andparasite-riddledwatertoexperiencetheviolentbeautyofMexico’sdeserthabitats,mountainrangesrisingdramaticallyfromsteamingjungles,andunspoiledstretchesofcoastline.ButaftertheMexicanrevolution,thegovernmentofthenewrepublic

theMexicanrevolution,thegovernmentofthenewrepublicsettledonpromotingtourismasaprimarystrategyforachievingmodernization.Massdevelopmentofinfrastructuredid,infact,drawanewbreedoftourist(lessbushwhacker,morebeachcomber)tothecolonialcities,culturalfestivals,andmonumentalPre-Columbianarchitecture—theveryheartofMexicanculture—inadditiontothesparklingaquaseasandpillowy-softsand.Bythe1960s,thetourismindustrywasfullyflourishing,asAmericansandCanadiansofvaryingbackgroundsandmeansflockedtowell-protectedresortdestinationsbuiltfromscratchtocateralmostexclusivelytoAnglotastesandhighstandardsofconvenience.

Mexicantourismofficialsmaybegtodifferandcreditthecountry’ssurgeinpopularitytoitsnaturalbeauty,aruggedwildcoastlinescallopedwithhiddencoves,andnewnationalhighwayscrisscrossingthecountryandconnectingittoElNorte;butifyouaskme,theresortrevolutionwasreallysparkedbyatabloid-fueledmoviestarscandal.Aquiet,sleepylittlecoastalvillagefounditselfthrustintothespotlightduringthefilmingofTennesseeWilliams’sprovocativeNightoftheIguanain1962.PaparazzisnapshotsofRichardBurtonandElizabethTaylordrinkinglocalbeeratalfrescobarsandcavortingalongpristinebeacheswereimmediatelydevouredbyaninternationalpublicfascinatedbythelovelifeoftheworld’smostfamouswoman.TheTaylor-BurtonaffairturnedPuertoVallartaintoawell-knowntouristdestination.Burtonhimselfpurchasedanine-bedroomvillaintownforTayloras

herthirty-secondbirthdaypresent,andoneforhimselfacrossthestreet.Acustomizedbridgeromanticallylinkedthetworesidencestogether.Today,CasaKimberlyisameticulouslyrestoredboutiquehotelwithBulgaritoiletries,privateJacuzzis,rainfallshowers,andTaylor’sownpinkmarbleheart-shapedtub.YoucouldsaythatPuertoVallartataughttheworldtopronouncethedoubleLofanexoticSpanish-speakingoutpostandsetthepaceandappetiteforthetypeofeliteresortplaygroundsthatsprungupseeminglyovernight.

Hereinthetwenty-firstcentury,aconstellationoffive-starbeachfrontretreatsalongthePacificOcean,theSeaofCortez,andtheGulfofMexicoserveasself-containedworldsforthewealthiestandmostdiscerningofvacationseekers.Butrealluxurythesedaysislessaboutostentationandentourage,andmoreaboutdiscretionandprivacy.Toadapttotheevolvedproclivitiesofthenewbreedofextremewealth,theresortcommunitiesIworkwithinMexicoofferprivateresidenceswithintheexclusiveenclave,aswellasluxuryfurnishingsandproductsthatarespecificallytailoredtoenvironmentallyfriendlyandlocallysustainablespecificationsfortheeco-mindedCEOandhigh-profilecelebrity.

Mydesignstrategiesamounttoseductiveprovocations,gentlecoercions,andexoticenchantmentsthatintegratethesenewpreferencesforinformalityandalighterfootprint.Themostsuccessfulpathwaytotheselaid-backclearingssituatedinandaroundtheincreasinglyseductiveandluxuriousMexicanresortsocietyisthroughablatantappealtothesenses—

resortsocietyisthroughablatantappealtothesenses—naturallyplushtactileenvironments,anenvelopingsenseofspaciousness,andthequietjoyofwalkingthroughtheworldbarefoot.FollowmeasItakeyouonatourofthiselusive,yetaspirational,paradise.Butfirst,pleasetakeyourshoesoff.

ABOVEANDBELOW:TwospectacularentrancesmakestrikingarchitecturalstatementsandillustratetherichartisanalcarvingtraditionofMexico.Cantera,asoftvolcanicstone,hasbeenusedforcenturiesasaprimaryconstructionmaterialincolonialMexicancathedralsandhaciendas.PatternsIcreatedforacanterabordersurroundingamahoganyfrontdoorwerefabricatedinGuadalajarabyfifth-generationcarvers.

ABOVE:Thedesignforthemassivecustom-carvedcanterafacadeisanexaggeratedMexicanbaroquemotifIborrowedfromachurchinSanMigueldeAllende.ThelargeTalaverapotscomefromGuanajuato.

Forthiscozycircularroom,IwantedtocollaboratewiththeviewoftheSeaofCortez,notcompetewithit.Apaletteofcreamyneutrals,accentedwithtouchesofteal,isnotonlyeasilyapproachablebutgivestheresidentsmaximumappreciationofthecoastalsetting.Thecenterpieceoftheroomisacongregationofindividual“root”tables,staggeredinvaryingheights,thatwarmthespaceandlendanoteofwhimsy.

AnopenfloorplanencompasseslivinganddiningareasinaMexicanmountainsidevillaoverlookingthePacificOcean.Naturalelementsevocativeofthelandscapekeepthegreatroomearthyandmasculine,whilewallsofglassbringnatureindoors.Thevaultedceilingisconstructedofreclaimedbeams;thecustomizeddiningtablefromaslabofmaplehasasculpturalbronzepedestal.Ilovetofeelgroundedwiththewoodandthebronzeandthenlookuptoseeglimmeringglobes.Custom-madechandeliersfromJohnPompStudios.

ABOVEANDBELOW:Forthelong-runningbalconyofapenthousevilla,Idesignedacustom-carvedbifoldscreentoopenacrosstheentirelengthoftheterrace.FurnishingsincludeavintagepaintedMoroccantable,chaisefromJanusetCie,andearthenwarepotssourcedfromAsiaandMexico.

ABOVEANDBELOW:Thecobblestone-linedstreetsofSanJosedelCabo’scolorfulartsdistrictformtheculturalheartofBajaSur.ThegalleriesthemselvesareexquisiteexamplesofMexicancolonialarchitecture,housedinrepurposedhomesandshopswellwithinwalkingdistanceofseasidepiers,likethisoneinPlayadelCarmen,whichjutsstraightoutintothebeachbreak.

CustomlightfixtureshanginthevaultedgreatroomofaCabohome,

CustomlightfixtureshanginthevaultedgreatroomofaCabohome,addinghigh-impactdramatothemassivespace.Thewhite-on-whitecolorschemeconnectsaseriesofsittinganddiningareas,bothinsideandout,fromagreatroomtoaloggiatoaterracethatleadsstraighttothebeach.Strokesofred,blueandgoldnodtotheboldcolortraditionofMexico.

ApalapasheltersadiningareamerestepsfromapoolandthePacificOcean.Acustom,polishedtravertinetable,meshchairsbyKettal,andaJorgeMarinsculpturecompletetherockybeachvignette.

Thishomeowner’skitchenanchorsalarge,openplangreatroom,soitneedstolookprettymorethanitneedstofunctionasthe“muscle”forheavy-dutyculinarywork.Thatactiontakesplaceinaproperchef’skitchenbehindthedoorontheright.Butforlightbreakfastsandadhocsnackingallday,thisworkstationisperfectanddiscreet.Theislandmosaicisacustomdesigninstalledon-sitebyalocalartisan;IsourcedthetilesforthebacksplashinGuanajuato.

ThisnaturalmapleheadboardwashandcraftedbyanartisaninupstateNewYork.Thesplitdesignamplifiesthelive-edgerusticityofthebedandcollaborateseffortlesslywiththereclaimedbeams.FramedphotographybyTomasSpanglerofolddoorsinSanMigueldeAllendeflankthebed.

ABOVEANDBELOW:Architecturalremnantsandacarvedwalldistinguishthesethreeguestbedrooms.ThechestatthefootofthecanopiedbedisfromSanMigueldeAllende;thevintagewrought-ironlightfixtureisfromGuadalajara.AnextremelylargeMoroccancarpetgroundsapairofcustomqueenbeds;alargemestizoportraitbyDavidVillaSenoranimateswallspace.Reclaimedcarvedandmirroredpanelsareconvertedintoartandpressedintoserviceoneithersideofacustom-upholsteredheadboard.

Inasophisticatedresorthomeoffice,apaintingbyfamedMexicanmuralistDavidAlfaroSiqueirospresidesoveracolonialMexicandesk,vintagetribalrug,andterra-cottaMayanstatue.Paneledleatherwallsanddarkcofferedceilingskeeptheroommoodyandmasculine.AnantiqueItaliansetteedeliversadashofhautecharm.

Agameroomwithabarandpooltableisagreatplacetohangoutwhenyoudon’tfeellikegoingout.Thebarareafeatureslocallycraftedleatherstoolsandcustom-madecarvedbarwithironrailing.Thecarvedwoodceilingwithfauxfinishandaback-wallmosaicofbrokenmirroraddvisualinterest.

Foramediaroom,Ihadthreecross-sectionsofgiantcypresstrunksinstalledonthewallspaceabovethecapaciouscustom-madesofa.Thesepiecesweighatonandrequiredseveralmenandspecialhardwaretomountthem.Istayawaywhenthiskindofworkishappening!OneofmyrugsfromAgaJohnanchorsthespace;IfoundthelittlebronzetablesinNewYork.

Thishomeofficefeaturesstandoutlocalcustomcarvingfortheceiling,

Thishomeofficefeaturesstandoutlocalcustomcarvingfortheceiling,bookcase,andreproductioneighteenth-centurydoors.Anarchitecturalremnantisusedasavalenceforwindowtreatments.TheFrenchchairsarefromEbanista;MestizoIndianportraitbyDavidVillaSenor.

Ibelieveguestroomsshouldhaveallthecomfortsofaluxuryhotelaswellasacool,restfulvibe.Irecommendkeepingthemrelativelyunclutteredsothatguestscanpersonalizethespacethemselves.Here,acustom-upholsteredheadboard,acrylicbench,softneutrals,amplepillows,andaBajalandscapepaintingbylocalartistRafaelChavezconstellatetocreateasoothingandsumptuoussanctuary.

AmirrorbyrenownedMexicanartistJesusGuerreroSantosoverlooksa

AmirrorbyrenownedMexicanartistJesusGuerreroSantosoverlooksavanityhandcarvedoutofonepieceofCremaMarfilMarblefromSpain.

Iconvertedaconsoleintoavanityandoutfitteditwithalow-profilevesselsinkinonyx.IfoundthetilesinGuanajuatoandhadthemcustomcoloredinaneutrallightfawn.Thewoodmirroriscustommadeandthensilvered.

Theheadboard,nightstands,andchaisewereallcustomcraftedfromreclaimedrailroadties.Ileftthewoodfortheheadboardrawtoechotherusticityoftheceilingbeamsandupholstereditwithcowhide.ThevintagehandmadeMoroccanrugisfromWovenAccents;chairandottomanbyJensRisom.

Idesignedthistransitionalbeachbedroominshadesofsandandblue.Apairoflocalabstractpaintingsworkedbeautifullywiththecolorscheme.

Forapowderroom,IfoundasilvermirrorhandcraftedbyalocalartisanandconvertedaTalaverabowlintoavesselsink.Thevanityisacustom-madetableoutfittedwithaslaboftravertine.AvintageMoroccanlampcanbeseenreflectedinthemirror.

InspiredbyafirepitwithafountainfeatureIhadseeninChina,Icreatedthisunique“firefountain”foracourtyardlivingareainaMexicanvilla.Besidestheideaofcombiningtwopowerfulforces—fireandwater—inonearrestingfocalpoint,mydesignforthespacealsojuxtaposesmodernandtraditionalelements.ThebackwallfountainiscomposedoflocalTalaveratileandcarvedcanteraspouts,traditionalMexicanbuildingcomponentsthatworkwellwitholdstonemasonryandclassicwroughtiron.Butthehand-chiseledcanterafirepitwiththewaterfallfeaturebringsthecompositionintothemodernrealm.GreenandredpillowsfashionedfromvintagetextilesadorncontemporaryJanusetCiechairs.Themassiveterra-cottapotisfromSanMigueldeAllende.

UnderaBanksypaintingIsit,mybarefeetrestinguponreclaimedwood

UnderaBanksypaintingIsit,mybarefeetrestinguponreclaimedwoodfromFrance,beautifullylaidoutinagraphicchevronpattern.

Ilovebedrooms,andthisoneopensuptoacharmingterrace.Idesignedafour-posterbedswaggedwithsheerdrapery.Everywhereelse,thefabricisFortuny.Architecturalremnantsareconvertedintovalences,andevencurtainrods.ThechaisebyDonghiaisupholsteredinaTibetansilkwool.

ColorfulpaperlanternsandpapelpicadobannerscrisscrossacobblestonestreetindowntownSanJoseDelCabo.

Anotherrestfulbedroom,withwallartbyanartistfromSanMigueldeAllendewhopaintsbougainvilleapetals.

Abalanceofluxefurnishingsandnaturaltouchesdefinesthislivingroom.Thedesignisanevocationofoceanbreezesandtheruggedwildcoastline—simpleandearthy,effortlessandcaptivating.

THEREINVENTEDRETREAT

Sometimesclientswilldescribeadesignschemethey’dlikeforanewhomeortherenovationofanoldonebyblurtingout,“WhatwereallywantissomethinglikethepublicroomsandprivatesuitesattheMaunaKea,ortheoutdoorshowersattheSixSensesVietnam,orthepoolattheAgraOberoi.And,ofcourse,Iknowexactlywhattheymean:theseamlesslyelegantblendofspaciousandserenelytexturedprivacythatisthehallmarkofcelebratedupscaleresorts.Myshorthandreferenceforthisaestheticis“barefootluxury.”

forthisaestheticis“barefootluxury.”

Formostofthetwentiethcentury,ensembleactivitiesandseasonalfunsuchasmeals,partiesandrecreationalexcursionswereanexpectedcomponentofresortlife,andvacationingstrangersjoinedinwithaspiritofcamaraderie.Butovertime,resortsbegantoevolvethegetawayexperiencetowardsaccommodationswithmoreflexibility,moreoptionsforprivacy,andmorepersonaltailoring.Mostmarqueeresortsthesedaysprovidesemi-adjacentbungalowscompletewithkitchens,privatepools,andmaybeevendedicatedstaff;buttheseenclaves,althoughseparatefromthemainstage,stillfeellikesatellitesofthehallways,lobbies,bellhops,andthecrowdedconciergedesksoftheflagshipbuildingandstillvibratewiththehumandbustleoftheresortitself.Andthat’snotforeveryone.

Atsomepointinthelate’60sandearly’70salongthewestcoastofMexico,andearlierintheCaribbean,awaveofseparateresidentialpropertiesbegantospringupneartheestablishedbeachheadsofgrandresorts,whichwerelocatedtotakeadvantageofthenaturalmagicofthemostprimecoastlinebeauty.I’veseenscoresofthesefirst-generationvacationhomesandvillas;theearlyincarnationswereprettyuninspired,maybeevenbanal.Theywereuncertainoftheirformorfunctionandliftedamajorityofaestheticfeaturesfromtheefficienciesofsingle-familyhomesfoundeverywhere.Eventually,andfortuitouslyforme,anewtrendbegantoemergethatrealizedtheluxuriouspotentialofthese

begantoemergethatrealizedtheluxuriouspotentialoftheseprivatevillasinthegrandmanneroffirst-classresorts:expansesofplateglass,openplanroomgeometries,andrarifiedexoticdecor.Bymaximizingthecombinationofresorteleganceandotherworldlycomfort,alongwiththeprivacyandseclusionofthepersonalresidencesimplytransferredtoashimmeringstrandofbeach,thereinventedretreatisnowahybridoftop-drawerhospitalityperksandbarefootease.It’salsomydesignsweetspot.

Collaboratingwitharchitectsbeforetheconstructionphaseallowsmetolayertextureintravertine,tile,andsisalalongspaciousfloorsandhallways;installpanelsofcarvedwood,reclaimedtimber,orslicedstone;orarrangeroomsonoffsetanglestooverlookbreathtakingpoolscapesthroughunbrokenwallsofglassorrecessedslidingdoors.Thefurnishingsthemselvescanspeaktotheseductivedialoguebetweenindoorandoutdoor,betweenarrivalanddeparture,betweenlazyandlively.Inspacessuchasthese,andwithclientssoinclined,Icanreallyhitthebull’s-eyeofthisbarefootluxuryidiom,providinganescapefromtheeveryday,aluxurioussanctuaryfromthelaboriousjourney,astunninglysumptuousanddiscreetplayground.Thesecommissionsarecertainlyretreats,buttheyarescaledandsourcedtoreplicatethereassuringeffectsofreallyexcellentresorts,thetypesofroomsthatencouragebothactionandrelaxation—recommendingneither,yetcreatingasenseofpossibilityforboth.Vamonos!

Masterworksofartisanaltradition,thesesinuouslycarvedMexicanpanelsdon’tjustseparateahallwayfromthelivingarea;theybringhighdramatoaglamorousCabobeachhome.CurvedsofabyDonghia;customsilkwoolrughandloomedinNepal;rockmarbleandiron-basetableshandcraftedlocally.

Sometimesthelittledetailscanhaveasurprisingimpactonavignettethat

Sometimesthelittledetailscanhaveasurprisingimpactonavignettethatmightotherwisebeoverlooked.Ihadthisquartetofironchairs(withthedivinelyunexpectedbacks)replicatedfroma1940soriginalIhadstumbleduponinParis.Brassnailheadtrimaddsclassicelegancetoacustomizedlacquered-linengametable.

ModernItalianwallsconcescontrastwhimsicallywitharusticfloatingwoodconsolebyMimiLondon.

Neutralsdon’thavetofeelcoldandminimal.Thissand-huedbedroomdesignedforacoupleoftall,basketball-playingteenboysdeliversalookofrelaxedwarmthandinvitingcomfort.VintagestoragetrunksarefromIndia;IfoundtheantiquevaquerohatsinaMexicoCityantiqueshop;thevintageinlaidbone-and-woodmirrorisfromMorocco.

ColorfulbougainvilleagrowsnaturallywildalloverMexico.

Fortheoutdoorshowerspaceofaprivateenclosedpatiooverlookingthe

Fortheoutdoorshowerspaceofaprivateenclosedpatiooverlookingtheocean,Icreatedtheterra-cottatiledesignandcustomizedthecolorstocomplementtheearthyhuesthatdominatethehome’sinterior.

Behindtheupholsteredbed,threeslabsoftranslucentbookmarkedmarblecreateanintricateandluxuriouspaletteofcolorswhenbacklitatnight.Facingthe(unseen)indoormasterbedroompool,sumptuouslyoversizedchairsfromLinkOutdoorareupholsteredinanedgyoutdoorfabric.SwiveldaybedoncoveredterracebyDedon.FloorsaretraditionalMexicanriverrock.

Twohand-hammeredsilverdoorsfromOaxacahavebeenconvertedintoheadboards.RusticmeetschicwhenthevintagebedandsimpleantiqueMexicanchestmixitupwithmodernottomanandchairfromRalphPucciinaseamlessblendofclassicandcontemporary.

AtealglassVenetianlampfromDonghiaandcustom-coloredlinenby

AtealglassVenetianlampfromDonghiaandcustom-coloredlinenbyAnalilooksleek,cultured,andelegantagainsttheelaboratelyetchedsilverheadboard.

ThoroughlymodernMexico.Acrisp,chicbarareaconnectswiththelivingroomviaapaletteofcool,cleanbluesandwhites.RalphPuccichairs.VintagesunburstchandelierfromVenice,Italy.MetallicwavephotographbyPeterLick.CowfurrugfromKyleBunting.

Infusedwithamedleyofpatternsinteal,thisroom’seditedpalettemakesitasoothingsanctuary.Asanddollarmirroraddsabeachyflourish.Ontheterrace,ahangingdaybedfromDedonsuppliestheperfectperchforoceangazing.

Aguestroomwitharegalvibe.ThedramaticbedwascustommadeinSanMigueldeAllende.TheantiqueSpanishtrunkandVirginofGuadalupefiguredeliverLatinAmericanflair,whilethefearlessuseofpatternsaddsvisualinterestandexoticenergy.Shadesofbluekeeptheroomunified.

Acompletelyprivatemasterbathwithanindoor/outdoorshowerfeaturingtwosidewallshowerheadsandaceiling-mountedrainshowerhead.Idesignedthetilefloortoresemblearug.ThelitheirontableisfromMintonSpidel;vintageMoroccantablesandadaybedgracetheterrace.

TheexquisiteshapeofthisIndonesianchandelierfromIronyinLos

TheexquisiteshapeofthisIndonesianchandelierfromIronyinLosAngeleswouldmakethefixtureaninstantfocalpointinanyroom.Here,inamasterbath,itpresidesoveracapacioustravertinebathtub.

Icarvedasweet,simpleguestroomoutofasmallspacebyextendingtheheadboardallthewayacrosstheceiling.Thehighglossaddsan

headboardallthewayacrosstheceiling.Thehighglossaddsanunexpectedstrokeofcontemporaryflair.

Asrequestedbymyclient,everythinginherbeachfrontmasterbedroomisdressedwiththeenduringtonesofblueandwhite,furtherreiteratingthepresenceofseaandsandjustbeyondherwindow.

Avanityareaistotallymirrored.Slenderglasscandleholdersandcreamaccessorieskeeptheroommorefeminine,lessexotic.

Myclientfellinlovewiththisluscious,almost-Orientalistfloralfabric;sowedesignedhermasterbedroomaroundit.AnantiqueIndianchestinlaidwithiridescentmother-of-pearl,anoldIndianfireplacescreenupholsteredandconvertedintoaheadboard,ateal-and-creamurnfromMorocco,andotherfoundtreasurescreatearomanticyetplayfulenvironmentforthemostpersonalroominthehouse.

Thewarmwoodsandcoolbluepaletteofthisbedroompaytributetothe

ThewarmwoodsandcoolbluepaletteofthisbedroompaytributetothestarkdesertaspectoftheBajaPeninsula.AveryolddoorsourcedinSanMigueldeAllendehasbeenpressedintoheadboardservice.AnevenolderIndianchestcontributestothesubtlerustictextures.

Adynamicbedroominteriormixescontemporarypiecesandreflectivesurfacesforamodernvibe.

AlargepenthousevillaoverlooksthePacificOcean.Whilethiscozyopenfloorplanisgroundedinatraditional,tailoredstyle,themixoffinishesandtexturescreatesvisualinterest.Thesandandstonepalettegivesthespaceanatural,relaxedfeeling.FurniturebyMimiLondon.Lightfixtures,indoorsandout,custommadeinCabo.

AguardstationatPlayaPalmilla,anextremelypopularwhitesandbeachonacrescent-shapedcove.Thecalmwatersmakeitperfectfordiving,snorkeling,andswimming.

CALM,COOLTH,ANDCOLLECTED

I’vealwaysmadeexcellentuseofregionalneutrals—sun-bleachedwoodsandblanchedstone;naturallinensandearthysisals—aswellasthemoststrikingspotonthecolorwheel:theredzone.Thefullrangeofrojoincludeseverythingfromthefeveredscarlettonesofhibiscustothepeachypinksofbougainvilleaandtheburntclaysofhard-bakedfloorpavers.Serapes,dripware,andleathergoods“madeinMexico”haveexhaustedeveryshadeofredfromshrimptocarmine,andso

haveI!Ilovefuchsiasandmagentas,vergingintojaspersandcinnabars,andmergingintopersimmonsandcoralslikenobody’sbusiness.

Butafterafewseasonsintheself-perpetuatinghotseat,sotospeak,Idecidedtoslowdownthecollectivepulserateofmynewdesignsandtakealong,deepbreath.Iwasinneedofacounterpoint.ThesedaysI’mcompletelycaptivatedbythemultitudeofbluehuesswellinginthedepthsofftheBajacoastline.Ilovesplashesofcobalt,turquoiseandlapislazuli,andthelookofcrisptealpillowsonalong-linedsofa.I’mintriguedbyhowexquisitelyskyblueandrobin’seggworkforupholsteredbedframesandbeddingtextiles.

Thetonalvariationsonwhatisessentiallythedarksideofthecolorwheelcalmthemind,soothethesoul,andparadoxicallyinvigoratethespirit.Ilovetouselocalartisanalfabricsineveryblueandblue-greenoutthere—fromseafoamtoceruleanandalltheindigo-inspiredallies.Ilikejewel-likebluetilesonfloors,stairways,fountains,andbacksplashes.Whodoesn’tappreciatetherelieffromtheochresandsandsofthedesertwhenitencountersanoasisoftourmalineglassorceladonmosaic?Notonlydoquietershadesinviteustoresttheretina,theyactuallyflattereveryoneandeverythingelseintheroom.Blueisthecolorofcontemplation,buttheaquamarineiridescenceofthecoastlineatduskinspiresaflightoffantasylikenoother.Throwinthesoothingthunderofcrashingwavesandyou’redefinitelynotinKansasanymore.

AllthebluesandgreensIuseinmyinteriorsaregorgeousin

AllthebluesandgreensIuseinmyinteriorsaregorgeousinandofthemselves,buttheyfunctionbestasslyaccomplicestotherealshowstoppinginspirationsofmyMexicanandCentralAmericandesigns:theSeaofCortezandthePacificOcean.Talkaboutanexcellentwingman;theendlessvistasoverplacidorchurningseasareunmatchable.SoImakeeveryefforttoincorporatethemintomyinteriorwork:Iremovewalls,expandwindows,elevatebedsandevenentireroomsforultimateaccesstoanoceanview.

Sapphirebluepillowfabricsandbeangreenglazedpatiopottery,aquachaiselounges,andevenpooltablefeltingandfestiveglasswareareespeciallydazzlingwhenclosetothesea.It’sallacrescendoofcoolth,aninvitationtorestandgaze,andthenheadoutforaswimorgrababoardandpaddleoutpastthebreakers.

Don’tgetmewrong,Istilllovethetangerinesandmangosthatexpressthehotbeatofthetropicsandtheburningheatofthedesert.ButImustadmitthatlatelyIpreferthatfamilyofcolorthatdoesn’tassaultthenewlyarrivedguestlikeabearhugoftoreadorred.Oceantoneslureustothemwiththepeacefulpromiseofrefreshmentandescape.Likebarefeetsteppingintothesurf,theuseofblueinmyworkconveysavibeofcoolstimulation.Thetranquilityoftheseashorecarriedbyflowingbreezesintowide-openwindowsenvelopswhomeverispresentinacalmandrestorativepause.Butit’salljustpre-production.Sometimesyouwanttothrowonafieryreddress,knockbackafewshotsofOaxacanmezcal,andhitthedance

knockbackafewshotsofOaxacanmezcal,andhitthedancefloorwithabronzedwindsurferorscratchgolfer.Goforit.You’realreadywellrested.

AtamagnificentresorthomeonthePacific,thepoolareaislinedbyaluminumchaiselonguestoppedwithterrycloth–coveredcushionsfromMcKinnonandHarris.Cheeryhand-paintedumbrellasfurtherenliventhescene.Thebuilt-inbanquettewithvibrantaccentpillowsextendsthehome’scolorthemerightdowntothesurf.

ABOVEANDBELOW:InguestbedroomsIlovetointegratefurnishingsandfixturescraftedentirelybyhandusingprimitivepractices.Areclaimedbeamdeliversarough-hewnsensibility,whileawroughtironheadboard

conveysthespiritofMexicoinoneglance.AgaJohnrugs;fabricbyManuelCanovas.

AcustomislandtoppedwithaslabofquartziteservesasanimpromptudiningareainacontemporarykitchenwithtraditionalCaboflourishes.Abovetheisland,ahammeredironlightfixturefromKneedlerFaucheredropsfromabóvedaceilingconstructedwithreclaimedoldbricks.Hand-bakedtilesfromCountryFloorscreatethebacksplash.ChairsbyA.Rudin.

Asummerpaletteofblueandwhitebelongsinsidethehomejustasmuchasoutside.ThisCabokitcheniskeptcasualandbeachywithbeadboardcupboards,asimpletiledesign,andlocalpottery.

ModernshapesandfinishesminglewithtraditionalMexicandetailsinthisopenfloorlivingenvironment.

ABOVEANDBELOW:BajaCaliforniaSurisastateofmind.Carefree,colorful,andrelaxed,itcanbesummonedwithanoutdoorfirepit,umbrellafabric,andplayfulwickerfurniture.RedisnotanaccentcolorIgenerallyuse,butwhenthemoodstrikes,olé!SyntheticwickerchairscustommadeinIndonesia.

Delightfulalfrescovignettescelebratetheindoor/outdoorlifestyleofBaja

Delightfulalfrescovignettescelebratetheindoor/outdoorlifestyleofBajaandseemtoappeararoundeveryturn.

Envelopedbypalmsandtropicalflora,thislovelyspotisaperfectprivatehideawayawayfromthecrowd,beckoningyoutorestandrelax.OutdoorwovendaybedbyDedon.Vietnameseceramicpot.

Thisguestroomblendswarmwood,gentlecurves,andvividcolorforaclean,traditionallookthatworksallyearround.Custom-maderug;largepaintedpotfromGuanajuato.

ABOVEANDBELOW:Iliketobuildaspacearoundhigh-impactstatements,suchasthiseye-catchingcustom-designedcanterastonefireplace.ThecolorfulblueurnsweresourcedinGuanajuato.LoungechairsfromWickerWorks;stonetablefromFormations.

Myclientrequestedabedroomthatfeltluxuriousandcasualatthesametime.Thefour-posterbedcustom-madeinGuadalajaraisgrand,butwithvividlypatternedtextilesitimpartsalookofrelaxedrefinement.Therichrosehueoftheheadboardandbeddingispickedupinthecarpet.IdresseduptheroomwithtraditionalSpanishColonialaccessoriesandlandscapepaintings.

Thismostlyneutrallivingroomisbrokenupwithdarkceilingbeamsandsplashesofpersimmon.Forgo-barefootcasualwarmth,acustomrugislayeredoversmoothtravertine.Theironandstoneglass-toppedcoffeetableiscustom.BeachpaintingbylocalartistDennisWentworthPorter.

Anabstractpaintingistheperfectaccompliceforapairofvintagechairs

Anabstractpaintingistheperfectaccompliceforapairofvintagechairsandamodernoccasionaltableinanotherwiseneglectedhallway.ChairsandtablefromCirca,LosAngeles..

ABOVEANDBELOW:EveryThursdayduringhighseason,SanJosedelCaboclosesdownafewstreetsintheGalleryDistrictfortheweeklyArtWalk.Artloversandtouristsstrollthroughthegalleriessippingwineanddineatrestaurantslongintothenight.

Toenhancethetropicalstyleofthishome,Icoveredtheplumpsofasandchairsinanoff-whitefabrictokeepthelooklight,simple,andcasual.Thewhitewashedspaceisenergizedwithafewcarefullyselectedpieces,includingacolorfulpaintingbyalocalMexicanartist.

ABOVEANDBELOW:FortheseCaboguestrooms,Imassedcolorsofpink,orange,fuchsia,andmarigoldtoeye-poppingeffect.Brightandbeautiful,funandfresh,theystandincolorfulcontrasttotherestoftheearth-huedhome.Custom-madejuterug;fabricsbyManuelCanovas.

ModernrusticcomfortmeetstraditionalMexicointhisluxuriouslylaid-backresortlivingroom.Anoldbeamremnantconvertedintoavalencecontainsanelectricallyoperatedwall-sizedreedwindowtreatment.Thelivingroomopenstoacoveredterrace,whichopenstoadeckthatleadstothepoolandthentothebeach.Thecustomrugconveystheimpressionofwater.A.Rudinsofas;organicwood-stumpcoffeetablesfromMexicoCity;lightfixturesfromPaulFerrante.

Embroideredpillowsandsatinbeddingcollaboratebeautifullywitha

Embroideredpillowsandsatinbeddingcollaboratebeautifullywithaleathernightstandartfullystuddedwithnailheads.NightstandcustommadeinTorreon,Mexico.

AworkofartbyMr.Brainwashisasurefirewaytoaddunexpectedmodern

AworkofartbyMr.Brainwashisasurefirewaytoaddunexpectedmodernfunandedgetoanotherwiseneutralresortbathroom.ContemporarylightfixturefromDavidSutherland.

Thisguestbedroomwasinspiredbyotherexoticdestinations.CustomizedheadboardsevokeapopularMoroccanmotif.Chestsinlaidwithmother-of-pearlareSyrian.Hand-knottedrugistribalAfghan.

Aninfinitypoolentrancedead-endsatabrightyellowpotfromGuadalajaraandatoweringsaguarocactusoriginaltotheproperty.

Thisprivatefirepitenvironmentoverlookingthedesertiscompensationforwhoeverinhabitstheoneguestroomwithnooceanview!

Underatraditionallatilloroof,anintertwininginfinity-stylesculptureofwhitewashedrootsanimatesafirepitvignette.Theswimmingpool,whichwindsitswayaroundthehome,ismorelikeawaterfeatureorameanderingstream.

ARTISANALCONTEMPORARY

ThesilverliningofmynomadicchildhoodwastheopportunitytoexperiencefirsthandtheculturesandlifestylesoftheCaribbeanandLatinAmericancountriesIwasobligatedtocallhome.Toadiligentstudentlikemyself,thedifferencesbetweenthestreetartof,say,MexicoCityandthecoastalartofCartagenaandLimaweremesmerizing.Ipaidattentiontoeverythingfrommuseumcollectionstoregionalfolkways,theMestizoBaroquearchitectureofBoliviatolostresgrandes

muralistsofMexico.BythetimeIarrivedatdesignschool,Iwasfluentintheartisticandartisanaltraditionsofawidelydiversesetofcultures,ethnicities,andtribes.

NomatterwhereIam,Ialwaysseekouttheregionalartssceneforauthenticartifactstoincorporateintomywork.It’snotsuperficialtokenism;Ireallylovetostudyandresearchindigenousbuildingmaterials,designmotifs,andnativeart.MexicanartisanaltraditionshavelongbeenintegraltohowIconceiveresorthomeenvironmentsinBaja:thepunchedtinofSanMigueldeAllendemightfindexpressionasaheadboardforaguestroombed,orthecarvedhardwoodsofQuintanaRoomightbeusedforabuilt-inconsoleormagnificentwallscreen.Iconstantlyuselocalstoneworkasbothapavingmaterialandabasefortables.Ialsoliketohighlighttheartistictreatmentsofstoneincarvingsforoutdoortabletopsandasfocalpiecesingardensandpoolscapes.Ifthere’sanevolvedlocaltraditionofironwork,glassblowing,ortilemaking,thenI’llcommissionbannisters,sconces,andfountains.

TileworkisanartisanalspecialtyalloverMexico,andIalwayslookforwaystodevotethemostuniquelypaintedtilesasstairrisers,wallart,poolaccents,ormosaicmurals.Andtextiletraditionsareano-brainerforseamlesslyweavingtogetherotherelementsinaroom.Whetherit’scolorfulMexicanembroideryorsimplehand-dyedcotton,thecolorsandtexturesarebeautifullysuitedtotheresortclimate—fora

comfortablesofa,afestivedrapingunderathatchedpalapa,oraconversationalgroupingonaterrace.

TherearefavoriteschemesthatItendtorelyonbutusuallywitharegionaltwist.Forexample,IliketouseofYucatanhardwoodtoinstallchevronparquet,oraslabofMexicancocoboloburlwoodtopairwithaLucitebaseforafloatingmoderntable.Thismixisbothfunandsiteresponsive,intersectingthefamiliarwiththeexotic.Localartisanalwaresreliablyaddanearthypunctuation,sodiscoveringanewgenerationofadventurouscraftsmencreatingexquisite,avant-gardeworkhasbeenathrill.IfI’mbeingperfectlyhonest,myenthusiasmforthevibrantcontemporaryartandartisanalmarketplacehaslatelyprovidedmewithafairlydistinctivedesignsignature.Incorporatingthenewbreedofcraftsman,artisan,andfineartistonthegroundhasprovedinspirationalandindispensable.Thoughtheyemploytime-honoredtechniques,they’reputtingtheirownspinonlong-standingdisciplinesandartforms,creatinginnovativeandnuevosilhouettesinwroughtironwork,glazedtile,mosaic,pottery,textiles,basketwork,andfurniture.

Ifonethemeconnectsmyrecentinteriordesign,itwouldbethecelebrationandpromotionofvibrantcontemporarypaintings,large-scalesculpture,andexperimentalpotteryscapes.Ilovetochampionregionalartistsandartisansbecause,tome,theirworkamplifiestheexoticatmosphereoftheresortresidenceinMexico.Escapeisasmuchvisceralandtactileasitisintellectualandsocial.It’smyfirmbeliefthat

tactileasitisintellectualandsocial.It’smyfirmbeliefthatregionalspecificityandreinventedtraditionarereallyatthecoreofthatexperience.

AnAfghanrunnerlaysthegroundworkforapenthousehallway.AbstractarthangsaboveanEbanistaconsoleadornedwithvintagesantosandbrighttaxicabyellowurnsfromGuanajuato.

Amediaroominmutedspicetonesaccommodatesmultitudeswithawraparoundsofaandhugecustomottomans.It’salmostimpossibletofindahand-knottedMoroccanrugthislarge.Almost.

Thisuniqueinteriorspacereflectsmultidimensionalsophistication:chicsilhouettes,luxematerials,naturalelements,andimpeccableartisanalcraftsmanship.ABOVEANDBELOW:Massivehandcraftedironchandeliersechothegrandeurofbothavaultedceilingconstructed

entirelywithreclaimedbeamsandasoaringbóvedaceilingthatiseightmetershigh.J.RobertScottsofas.LoungechairsfromMimiLondon.

Thisspectacularroomexpressestheprovocativeallureofcontemporaryartisanalstyle.Foraclientwithrenegadeinclinations,IcommissionedrenownedceramicistPeterLanetocreateawalltreatmentwithanupdatedbrutalistaesthetic.Elsewhere,cleanhorizontallinesmergewithvintageluxurytocreateasingularinteriorthatnotonlyinvitesbutamazes!

Acurvingwallbecametheperfectgalleryforacollectionofrichlycoloredartglasspieces.Asculpturalchairwithanorganicpersonalityisstationedmid-hallwaytopushthewhimsicalattitude.

Ornatelypainted,jewel-likeTalaveratileslinetherisersofaCaboresorthomestaircase.

FortheguestroomofaBajaresorthome,Iemployedacustomleatherheadboard,heavywroughtironlamps,andboldikatfabrictokeepthemooddarkandmasculine.ArtworkbyrenownedMexicanartistPedroFriedeberg.HandmadeMoroccanrug.

Ahomeoffice/musicroom—Mexicanresort-style—ismadewarmand

Ahomeoffice/musicroom—Mexicanresort-style—ismadewarmandtexturallyrichwithVenetianplasterwalls,darkwoods,andearthtones.Foratouchofwhimsy,IfoundthePanchoVillapaintinginSanMigueldeAllende.Guitarsfromtheowner’scollection.

Personalitymeetspolishwithamishmashofprintedlinenpillows.

ABOVEANDBELOW:FolkartDiadelosMuertos(DayoftheDead)skeletonheadsandtreeoflifecandelabrascanbefoundatopen-air

marketsthroughoutMexico.ImagesofthecalaveraCatrina,orelegantskull,areaubiquitoussymbolofthejoyousholiday.

Aviewtodrinkfor.Sometimesit’sbesttoletnaturedotheworkforyou.ThiscustombarwasdesignedtooverlooktheravishingSeaofCortez.ChairsbyA.Rudin.PendantlightsfromJohnPomp.

FamedMexicanartistVictorCaudurowascommissionedtopaintafavoriteBajavistaonthreeslabsofstone.Custom-madecurvedsofas.CeilinglightsbyPaulFerrante.SofafabricbyRobertAllen.

PapelpicadoisatraditionalMexicanfolkartusedthroughoutMexicoonDayoftheDeadaltarsandstreetsduringsecularandreligiouscelebrations.

ThehistoricdowntownofSanJuandelCabohasacharming,relaxed,almostold-fashionedpace.

Anocean-facingguestbedroomwithatransitionalfeelandanudepalette

Anocean-facingguestbedroomwithatransitionalfeelandanudepalettegetsapopofcolorwithavintageFrenchprint.

Apowderroomshimmerswithmirror,stone,andceramictiles.

Apowderroomshimmerswithmirror,stone,andceramictiles.

Abasementspaceisahigh-functioninggameroomwithacontemporarypooltable.RugbyAgaJohn.TilesbyAnnSacks.

Alight-floodedmasterbedroomwelcomeswithnaturalfinishesandaneutralpaletteofcreamsandbrownsaccentedwithpopsofteal.

ABOVEANDBELOW:Sleekandmodern,thisstunningresortlivingroomwasdesignedforentertainingandrelaxation.Intheforeground,achicmidcenturyVenetianglass“Sputnik”chandelieraddspizzazz.Customsofasarearrangedaroundacoffeetablefashionedfromaslabofwoodsetonanacrylicbase.Bluetone-on-tonecowfurrugbyKyleBunting.

Built-inbunkbedsprovideplentyofspaceforvisitingfamilyandfriends.EachbunkisdeckedoutwithaniPadholder,areadinglight,andacoverletofboldgeometricfabricbyRobertAllen.

ThisresortkitchenhasalltheartisanalcomponentsofanolderMexicanestatebutwithup-to-datemodernappliancesandconveniences.Everythingiscustom-made:thehand-carvedwoodcabinetry,theTalaveratiles,themarble-toppedislands,andtheceilinglamps.

Amodernizedpalapaprovidesshadeandshelterforanoutdoordiningroom.

Asstylishasitisfunctional,thismarble-toppedislandanchorsthekitchen,whileblondwoodcabinetrykeepsthespacesleekandsophisticated.

Alusciousbrownandwhitecolorstorycreatesawarmandcozyguest

Alusciousbrownandwhitecolorstorycreatesawarmandcozyguestroom.

ThisgorgeouslivingroomoverlookingtheSeaofCortezisbothcasualandelegantandconveysaZen-liketranquility.PillowsarefashionedwithFortunyfabricandRobertAllentrim.UpholsteredcoffeetablefromGuadalajara.RugcustommadeinNepal.Ceilinglightofhand-blowncrystalglobesbyJohnPomp.

Theviewhereistheshowstopper.Fromthisvantagepoint,youcanseethemountains,thedesertandtheoceans.OutdoorfurniturebyThomasLavin.RotatingdaybedbyDedon.

THEOUTDOOROASIS

Mostresortsaresituatedinextraordinaryphysicallocations.Whetheralpinelodges,desertretreatsorislandhideaways,naturedeliverstheknockoutvenueandsetsthestageforamagnificentescape.Forthelastfewyears,myparticularnichehasbeenastretchofgeographyalongthePacificOceanthatisbothdramaticallyrockyandseductivelysandy.TheessenceofaresorthomealongtheMexicancoastlineisitsproximitytopicturesquemountainsmeetingthesea,andearth-toneddesertmeetinglushbluewater.Myjobistoenhancethesenatural

meetinglushbluewater.Myjobistoenhancethesenaturalattractionswithoutobscuringthem,whichisanessentialyetsubtleart;afterall,eventhefreshestfishtacobenefitsfromsomesqueezedlime!Idesignwithanindoor/outdoortemplateinmind,facilitatingthemovementofresidentsfromsuntoshadetosunagain,likemeanderingonshorebreezes.

Outdoorrooms,suchasfreestandingpalapas,arespecializedwithregionalarchitecturalfeaturesandsculpturalarrangementsofcactus,agaveandpalms.ResorthomesinMexicotendtowardsanabundanceofseatingoptionsdeckedoutinacolorfulriotofcushions,whichareasluxuriouslyindispensableastheoutdoorkitchenandbuilt-ingrill.Thesightsandsoundsoftheoceanareechoedinscallopedconversationalnooks,splashingfountainsandiridescenttilework.Ipersonallypreferrattanforalfrescospaces,butIcangoalloutwithelegantandunexpectedfurnitureinthesetransitionalareas,creatingindistinctmomentsbetweenindoorsandout.BeyondtheloggiathresholdIliketodesignacozybutmoreexposedterracewithoutdoorrugsandswaggedfabrichungbetweencarvedstonecolumns.Oversizedandoutlandishwickerfurniture,brightumbrellasandalwaysmore,more,morecushionscreategatheringspotsforsunworshippersandpost-swimbatherswhowanttoair-dryinplushcomfort.

Beyondthehome,abroadexpanseoflawnwilltypicallysurroundapool,perhapswithaninfinitydesignwhoselinesmergewiththeskyandsea.Loungers,umbrellas,glazed

mergewiththeskyandsea.Loungers,umbrellas,glazedceramicplantersandbuilt-infeaturescompletethescene.Thecoupdegrace,forme,isastunninglightingschemedesignedtohighlightdistinctivelandscapefeaturesfromdusktilldawnandtransformthespaceintoanexoticandcaptivatingnighttimeenvironment.Thisishowwhimandwherewithalconspiretoleadhostandguestfarintosublimeoblivionathisorherownpace.

Attheheartofmydesignphilosophyisthebeliefthatleisuretimeisthegreatestluxuryofallinourotherwisefast-paceddigitalworld,andthattherealvalueinescapingtoaresortistodisregardtimealtogetherinfavorofpersonalrestorationandcommunalrecreation.Whodoesn’tlovetakinganapduringanafternoonrainburstinthedesert,orwatchingthesundipbelowaliquidhorizon,orsplashingaroundinthesaltycleantangleofseaweedatthebeach?Ijustwantmyclientstotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglyrareexperiences.Iwanttheirhomestobeusedthoroughlyinever-evolvingsequences.AndIwanteveryeveningtoendwithatranscendentsunsetorlate-nightswimorfiresidetête-à-tête.Ilovethedecorativearts,butI’malsomindfulofwhenandhowtoletnaturedotheworkforme.

ForoutdoorenvironmentsinBaja,Ialwayslovetounitethetraditionalwith

ForoutdoorenvironmentsinBaja,Ialwayslovetounitethetraditionalwiththecontemporary,andthevintagewiththenew.Iutilizewroughtironchandeliersandchairswithahandcarvedcanterastonecoffeetable.

Ioutfittedterracebencheswithbuilt-inhandmade“arm”sidetablesfora

Ioutfittedterracebencheswithbuilt-inhandmade“arm”sidetablesforasurrealtouchofwhimsy.

Underalatilloroof,aprivateterraceisasrestfulandrelaxedastheFrenchbulldog’sguestbedroom.Thewallnichewastheperfectspotforthisrare,vintagevesselfromOaxaca.

ABOVEANDBELOW:Firepitsnotonlyaddvisualappealbuttheyalsobecomeanaturalgatheringspot,especiallyonchillynightsalongthecoast.Anoutdoorbarareafeelslikeanactualroominanenclosedsunkenspace.

Abridgeoverawraparoundpoolleadstoaconversationpitwithbuilt-inseating,anarrayofpillows,andachicfirebowl.

ThistraditionalcourtyardwithcanterastonearchesreflectsthegraciousarchitectureoftraditionalMexico.Atonceintimateandgrand,ampleseatingamidcolorfulpillowsmakesthisoutdoorlivingroomstylishandentertainmentfriendly.Thelocationoffersstunningviewsoftheoceanandmountainsbeyond.VintagepotsfromGuadalajara.

Withanunobstructedviewofawhitesandybeachandshimmeringsapphirewater,thediningareabringssleekstyleandachicneutralpalettetoanairyCaboresorthome.CoolCremaMarfilfloorsmakeaclassicallyelegantdesignstatement,whiletheJohnPompceilinglightandHollyHuntchairskeepthecontemporaryballbouncing.

ABOVEANDBELOW:PolishedwroughtironfurniturefromFormationsandswaggedoutdoorcurtainfabricbyRobertAllencreateastatelyatmosphereforthisbreathtakingterraceoverlookinglushgroundsandashimmeringswimmingpool.

TeakfurniturefromDavidSutherlandandavintagetablefromMoroccooccupytheterraceofaCaboSanLucaspenthouse.Therooftopgetawayoffersalappool,Jacuzzi,andstunningviewsofthePacificOcean.

ABOVEANDBELOW:OnanupstairsbalconyoverlookingtheSeaofCortez,customhangingdaybedsdrippingwithablendoflusciouspillowsinsublimepatternssuggesttheessenceofbarefootluxury.

AsunkenconversationfirepitisbuiltrightintothepoolofthisintoxicatingBajaresorthome.Accessiblebyfloatingstones,thisfeatureaddsasenseofdramaandglamour.OutdoorfabricbyLeJardin.JorgeMarinsculpture.

Anoutdoorfireplacewarmsthissmallpenthouseterracefurnishedwithhangingdaybed,customtie-dyedpillows,andtraditionalMexicanstarlights.

HangingdaybedsbyDedonfloatovertheshallowpartofaswimmingpool.Mountedsidetablesmeanyoucanclimbaboardwithadrinkandnotleaveforawhile.Locallysourcedsimplystyledpotsholddesert-friendlycactusesandsucculents.

Thestarofthisoutdoordiningandlivingroomistheveincuttravertinefloor.AhandcraftedMexicanironchandelierpresidesoverthepenthouseterrace.

RearviewofagorgeousCaboestatethatistheepitomeofrelaxed,luxuryliving.Thehomeisequippedwitharetractableoutdoorfabricroofthatcanturnacoveredbalconyintoanopen-airspace.

Anopen,graciousspacecombineskitchenandlivingroomrightonthebeach.ThecurvedcounterechoesthecustomroundedsofaandswoopingstandingfloorlampsfromArmaniHome.Anoldpieceofwoodmountedonironbecomesastrikingsculpture.

Thiscolumnedterraceincludesfauxstonechairs,arealstonetable,andtiledflooringthatsimulatesacarpet.Thewroughtironceilinglightwassourcedlocally.Indoor/outdoorfabricbyGaiti.

ThatchedhutsonPlayaPalmilla.

Illuminatedumbrellascastanenchantingglowpoolside.

AsimpleupstairsterraceoffaguestbedroomisfurnishedwithanIndonesianbenchandchairsupholsteredinaPerennialsoutdoorfabric.

Amid-poolsunkenconversationpit,pillowedandwarmedbyfire,overlookstheglitteringlightsofSanJosedelCaboasnightfalls.

Anoutdoorroomwithaview.ThepoolandterraceserveasfocalpointsofasprawlingCaboretreat.Coveredterraces,firepit,Jacuzzi,outdoorbar,diningroom,andgrilldelivereverycomponentessentialforcompleteandutterblissfulrelaxation,barefoot-luxurystyle.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Beinginthebusinessofcreativityondemandisateameffort.Icouldnotmakeinteriorbeautyhappenwithoutmyamazingandtirelessdesignteam,whosupportmeandhelpexecutemywildideas.Thankyou,toalloftheincrediblepeoplewholiveandbreatheinteriordesignwithme:

TheBean—officemascotAnaPaulaGastelum—InteriorArchitectCarolinaCastrejon—Sr.DesignerEnriquetaGuzman—Sr.DesignerBrianneBuyarski—Sr.DesignerIvannaBross—Designer

PaolaCastillo—DesignerAnaMalVaez—DesignAssistantPattySantos—OfficeManagerKarelinaOlivarez—PurchasingManagerJessicaReyes—PurchasingAssistantHortenciaZamudio—PersonalAssistantAdrianEstrada—InstallationManagerManuelJurado—Installations

Andaspecialthank-youtoallofthepeoplewhohelpedcreatethisbook.Withoutyou,gettingtheideasoutofmyheadandmakingthemrealitywouldnothavehappened.

MadgeBaird—forbelievinginmeonceagainandguidingmethroughthisprocess.

MelB—foryourwords.Allofthem.VirginiaSnow&SherylDickert—forthebeautifulgraphicworkandbookdesign.

HectorVelascoFazio—forallofyouramazingphotographsandfriendship.

SabinaTodd—foralwaysbeingthere.

Butmostofall,theonlyreasonthisbookexistsisbecauseoftheamazingclientswhohavetrustedmethroughouttheyearsandhavegivenmeopportunitytoworkintheirhomesand

theamazingclientswhohavetrustedmethroughouttheyearsandhavegivenmeopportunitytoworkintheirhomesandhelpexecutetheirdreams.Thephotosinthisbookarewindowsintotheirlivesandmymemoriesworkingwiththem.

John&MichelleKellerTravis&MikeFarncombeJim&LauraHirschmannDougHeltne

Richard&BettiRobinsonBill&JanSangerMurray&GayeFarncombeJorge&LupitaZepedaSteve&LeticiaTrauberMatt&LindseyFarncombeBob&TaffiSaltzmannScott&MarylinDurhamKenny&LaurieGoodmanJoe&SuzanneSuttonBill&SakoFisher

Tom&BethMooreJohn&LeticiaHahn