Traditional Latin decor ideas from designers
On the wall of one of Cesar Girardot’s California mansions, a bright painting of blue flowers on an orange background hangs in the breakfast nook. A work by Colombian artists Angelica Castillo and Evelyn. This is Evelyn’s first work exhibited at the Bel Air mansion. But such details are nothing new for Giraldo, a proud Colombian interior designer who believes in uplifting others.
Similarly, Monica Benavidez, an interior stylist in Corpus Christi, Texas, says it’s less important for people to walk into her home and see her Mexican heritage, and more important for them to feel it. say. That feeling may come from the flowers around the house, inspired by her grandmother’s love of flowers, or from the used frames stamped “Made in Mexico,” a sign of durability for Benavidez. Maybe it’s coming.
Giraldo proudly promotes his hometown of Medellin, Colombia as a place undergoing a beautiful renaissance in fashion, art, design and architecture. Giraldo, founder and lead designer of Cesar Giraldo Design in West Hollywood, left Colombia at age 17 to escape violence and the kidnapping of his mother. Moving to Iowa, he learned English, studied hard, and held on to the belief that one day people would know his name.
After turning down a job at a design firm because of its mistreatment of Latinos, Giraldo seizes another opportunity and ultimately decides on a career designing the home of music producer L.A. Reid. Connected to the moment. Since then, his career has blossomed, and on September 26th, he launched his tableware collection “César Girardot for Herring Berlin: Waves and Clouds” at MASS Beverly in Los Angeles.
“I always love myself. That’s how we begin to treat our neighbors with love. When you drink coffee or tea, I want you to feel that you love yourself. is the beginning of love,” Girard said. The entire collection takes inspiration from Colombia, and Giraldo brings that admiration to every project.
For Benavidez, affordability is important. He has always had a passion for creating chic and budget-friendly designs. She often accompanied her grandmother to garage sales, where she developed a love of upcycling. “My grandmother would walk around the apartment, and if someone left something by the trash can, it was expected,” she said. She now scours thrift stores for well-made frames, especially frames that say “Made in Mexico,” to incorporate her culture. They usually have ornate designs. Cushions, blankets, and textiles also help add a modern twist to Mexican culture. She strayed from the neutral beige tones that dominate her social media feeds, opting for vibrant pinks, greens, and bold patterns. “My home may not be Mexican-American, but those elements are present. It’s secondhand, high quality, warm, and everything that means a lot to me from the way I grew up.” is injected,” Benavidez said.
She also suggests paying attention to scent. “My Mexican vanilla scented candle reminds me of my favorite cookies and the cinnamon-filled hot chocolate my grandmother used to make during the holidays,” she said. For Girard, it’s also the warm amber lighting, representing the sunrise and sunset found in his capsule collection designed for Studio M.
Giraldo believes interior design is going back to basics. Luxury, high-tech design is giving way to organic shapes, textures, simplicity and ease of use. “It’s prevalent in our Latino culture. We’re basic, but we’re also unafraid of color,” he said. Benavidez is also embracing a move toward foundational elements with her upcoming Christmas collection at Ross, which features florals and ribbons. One of the sheet sets features a poinsettia in honor of her grandmother. “I can’t wait to snuggle up in this space with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate and live my best life,” she said.
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