barefoot luxury: mexican resort living
TRANSCRIPT
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