Bringing the Vibrancy of Guatemala to Your Philadelphia Home
Not too long ago, I had the incredible opportunity to join my daughter Isabella on a humanitarian trip to redesign an orphanage for abused girls in Antigua, Guatemala. As we immersed ourselves in the culture, I was struck by the sheer beauty and creativity that permeated every inch of the colonial city. The interiors we encountered were a true feast for the senses – bursting with bold, saturated colors, intricately patterned textiles, and whimsical, one-of-a-kind light fixtures.
Guatemalan style is all about embracing a joyful, carefree aesthetic that instantly lifts your spirits. And you know what? I think we could all use a little more of that in our lives, especially as the cold winter months set in. So, why not take a page out of the Guatemalan design playbook and infuse your Philadelphia home with a healthy dose of statement-making style?
Embrace the Power of Color
One of the things that struck me most about the interiors we saw in Guatemala was the unapologetic use of color. Bright blues, vibrant pinks, sunny yellows – these hues were everywhere, from the walls to the furniture to the textiles. And you know what? It worked beautifully, creating a sense of energy and vibrancy that was truly captivating.
Now, I know the idea of going all-in on color might seem a little daunting, especially if you’re more of a neutral-loving gal like myself. But trust me, a few well-placed pops of color can make all the difference in the world. Take, for example, a custom window treatment in a bold, cobalt blue. Paired with crisp white walls and warm, natural wood tones, it would instantly become the focal point of the room, drawing the eye and adding a touch of that signature Guatemalan flair.
Mix, Match, and Layer
Another key aspect of Guatemalan style is the embrace of layered, eclectic design. In these vibrant, colorful spaces, you’ll find textiles of all kinds – from intricate, bohemian-inspired rugs to patchwork-style curtains – all coming together in a delightfully mismatched symphony.
The trick is to find a cohesive color palette and then have fun mixing and matching different patterns and textures. Maybe that means pairing a bold, graphic-print statement-making rug with a cozy, textured throw blanket in a complementary hue. Or perhaps it’s incorporating a few toss pillows in varying shades of blue and green to tie the whole look together.
The beauty of this approach is that it allows you to infuse your space with your own unique personality. After all, who says your home has to look like it came straight out of a magazine? Let your inner design adventurer shine through, and embrace the beauty in the unexpected.
Get Creative with Lighting
One of the things that truly captivated me during our time in Guatemala was the country’s incredible approach to lighting. From whimsical, hand-woven pendant fixtures to upcycled lamps made from recycled materials, these unique, one-of-a-kind creations added so much personality and flair to the spaces we encountered.
Why not take a cue from our Guatemalan friends and get a little creative with your own lighting choices? Maybe that means swapping out your standard ceiling fixture for a bold, colorful chandelier. Or perhaps it’s incorporating a few statement-making table lamps in unexpected hues or materials. The key is to have fun and let your imagination run wild – after all, lighting is the perfect way to truly make a space your own.
Bring the Outdoors In
One of the things that struck me most about the Guatemalan interiors we encountered was the seamless integration of nature and the great outdoors. In these vibrant, cheerful spaces, you’d find lush, verdant plants and fresh-cut flowers adorning every surface, adding a refreshing, organic element to the overall design.
And you know what? I think this is a trend we could all benefit from embracing, no matter where we live. After all, what better way to combat the winter doldrums than by surrounding yourself with a little bit of Mother Nature’s magic? Whether it’s a towering fiddle-leaf fig in the corner or a simple vase of freshly-picked blooms on the coffee table, the power of greenery and flowers to instantly lift the spirit is truly unparalleled.
So, the next time you’re feeling a little uninspired by your Philadelphia home, take a cue from the vibrant, joyful interiors of Guatemala. Embrace bold, saturated hues, layer on the patterns and textures, get creative with your lighting, and don’t be afraid to bring a little bit of the great outdoors inside. Before you know it, you’ll have transformed your space into a true oasis of statement-making style.
