When I came back from my Latin America trip last summer, I was mesmerized by Peru’s creative artistry. If you aren’t familiar with mosaics and ethnic patterns, then Peruvians’ perception of beauty can be a little foreign to you. Though their interior decor significantly differs from ours, it is refreshing to see how culture can be a heavy influence in the world of art. Without further adieu, here are some praiseworthy decor ideas!
Colorful Walls
Leave it to Latin Americans to transform bite-sized pieces of glass, seashells, and pebbles into full-on murals, framed with interesting patterns that can be stand-alone creations of art as well.
by Magpie Painting
If you have a small bathroom, consider painting a wrap-around mural like room the below. If you can direct your attention to something other than the room’s size, then you will be able to enjoy yourself in whatever setting, regardless of its size.
by Jauregui Architecture Interiors
It’s understandable if you want to incorporate designs that are easier on the eyes. Instead of painting a floor-to-ceiling mural in the room, go for a simpler feature like the one below. Though the tiles are intricately colored, the fact that they only cover half of the wall shows that small adjustments can offer dramatic results.
by D.D. Designs
Living Room Pleasure
The fireplace is a common feature found in most homes…well, at least the ones that I visited. Though I cannot justify this, I would like to believe that Latin Americans know how to enjoy life better than we do. And because most people purchase homes near the ocean, their homes mix in a Mediterranean vibe.
by Concious Build
Though vibrant colors like red and yellow are a big deal for Latin Americans, earthy tones like swatches found in the room above have manifested themselves in contemporary designs.
by Don Ziebell
Again, see how the room above is warm in atmosphere? Many people like this style because it’s the kind of design that can uplift a person’s spirits. It’s warm, inviting, and extremely cozy.
by Pacific Western Painting
Trust me, Latin Americans love their fireplaces. Those portable fireplaces that you find at Home Depot will not cut it. If you want your home to look and feel authentic, really consider building a cozy environment in the backyard as well.
It’s All About The Arches
No, I’m not talking about the McDonald’s golden arches. I’m talking about hand-carved arches found inside the homes of many Salsa dancers and bull-riders. For some reason they really like this distinctive design. I’m not going to argue with them, because I find these curved structures to be an excellent feature in the home as well.
by FGY Architects
by The Sky is the Limit Design
by Tommy Chambers Interiors
by Professional Design Consultants
The home above is one of my favorites. It combines all the right designs: good color, excellent style, and beautiful shapes. The embellished walkway arch above is a unique addition to the living room, subtly complementing the soft colored walls around it.
by Chris Barrett Design
by Jessica Heigerson Interior Design
by Summerour Designs
If you have ever visited an old Christian mission, then you’d know that the walls would look something like the ones in the room above. The arches above are identically shaped to form a wall that separates the home from the outside, but at the same time, they can welcome in natural light and a refreshing breeze.
by Elevation Architectural Studios
by RRM Design Group
I hope I gave you some useful tips that you can use to renovate your home. Just remember, simple adjustments are building blocks to a bigger picture. Transforming your entire decor from modern to ethnic is going to take time–be patient and enjoy the process of experimenting with new designs.