Living in Mexico

by Barbara Stoeltie, René Stoeltie, Angelika Taschen (Editor)

South of the border, rich colors and woven textiles form a unique design aesthetic, crafted by the union of local Aztec and Mayan cultures and Spanish influences. Bold pigments and vivid patterns come together in simple and rustic spaces, resulting in a way of living that is both invigorating and homely; an authentic Mexican style. The dynamic writer and photographer duo Barbara and René Stoeltie have struck gold again—this time with a truly breathtaking look at Mexico’s most remarkable abodes. Traveling far and wide, from Costa Careyes to the Yucatán Peninsula, this photographic journey will surprise, delight, and inspire you. From the home of Constructivist architect Luis Barragán, a restored 16th-century hacienda, to a traditional Mayan thatched-roof dwelling, the contrast of styles within the pages of this book are testament to the country’s vibrantly diverse palette of textures and hues. With many new images, some never published before, prepare to be transported to the heart of lush and eclectic Mexico.

Genres: Art, Design, Nonfiction, Architecture, Travel, Art Design, Photography

431 pages, Hardcover

Published May 18, 2018

Reviews

[Lloyd Downey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seemed to promise so much. I skimmed it at a homewares outlet and it looked really good. Lots of nice photos and bright Mexican colours.However, I was a bit disappointed when I actually came to read it. There is a sameness about the style of houses that have been selected. Most of them are of the bright colours, slightly worn, or rubbed colour effects. This is ok as far as it goes but it not really representative of the range of styles in Mexico. The low point really is with the homes in Costa Caryes..towards the end where we are presented with six separate houses ..but they all seem to be from the same development...Casitas de Las Flores. And there is certainly a sameness about the selection.
In fact, the one stand-out review in the whole book is a couple of pages on a traditional Mayan house. And this is clearly a very poor cousin to all the other houses represented. This was very different ..so different that one might be forgiven for wondering why it was included and was it just because the authors were driving past and were able to take a few photos?
Many of the homes appear to be renovated by artists...a lot of them ex-pat artists. Nothing wrong with this but then their taste often runs to what they regard as uniquely interesting in Mexico.
My own experience in Mexico ...even including the houses in the area where I lived was that there is a lot more interesting decor than we see in this book. Ok they can't cover everything but the over indulgence of infinity pools and bright pinks, yellows, reds and orange colours seems slightly overdone. Also, one of the things that i don't much like about some of the Mexican architecture is the use of uncut and undressed wooden supports. This book features a lot of them...a special feature being those which have been parasitised by strangler vines.
The photography is great. The descriptions are brief but enough to get the gist of the scene (and it's in multiple languages ...so i guess that this restricts things a bit). It's not a bad coverage of Mexican homes...just a bit restricted and I was expecting more.

[Evelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful insight into the living in Mexico, very enchanting 💕

[Venus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in Mexico by Barbara Stoeltie and René Stoeltie is a stunning coffee table book that offers a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse world of Mexican homes. Through stunning photography and insightful commentary, the authors showcase a collection of unique and inspiring living spaces.

The book features a wide range of homes, from traditional haciendas to modern minimalist villas. Each home is beautifully photographed, capturing the unique character and charm of each space. The authors also provide detailed descriptions of the design elements, materials, and cultural influences that shape these homes.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is the use of color. The vibrant hues of Mexican culture are reflected in the homes featured, creating a visually stunning and inspiring experience. The authors also highlight the importance of local craftsmanship and traditional materials in Mexican design.

Living in Mexico is more than just a collection of beautiful photographs. It is a celebration of Mexican culture and a source of inspiration for anyone interested in design and architecture. Whether you are planning a trip to Mexico or simply looking for inspiration for your own home, this book is a must-have.

[Michael Heath-Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book looking at some of the colourful architecture and interior decor of houses in Mexico