This Mexico City Home Features a Garden at Every Level

Joy Valdez, founder and creative director of Joyful Objects, Yes!, a Mexico City-based design studio specializing in collectible furniture and art objects, lives in an 1185-square-foot apartment in Mexico City with her husband, Gil Caro, and their pets, Zac and Vito. Valdez emphasizes that her work blends design and storytelling, imbuing each piece with humor, emotion, and personality, asserting that objects should feel alive and carry the maker's signature energy, rather than merely being functional. Her home, a rented space for three years, serves as a direct extension of her design philosophy, characterized by bold colors, playful shapes, and handmade textures. The apartment, located in the San Miguel Chapultepec neighborhood, initially attracted Valdez due to its abundant natural light, which floods the space through large windows throughout the day. Another significant appeal was the original terrazzo floor, a beautiful artisanal material she notes is rarely found in modern apartments. The open layout, where the studio and kitchen seamlessly flow together, also appealed to her, as it presented a large canvas she envisioned filling with her own furniture, objects, and creative energy. She felt it was the ideal environment for living, creating, and personalizing. Before Valdez and Caro moved in, the apartment possessed an 'old soul' quality, described as somewhat dated but charming, retaining vintage architectural details such as the terrazzo floors and an '80s or '90s stone-textured wall. Despite its age, it offered a strong foundation and ample light, awaiting a new narrative. Valdez has transformed the space into a vibrant and personal sanctuary, where every corner features something she has either designed or customized. Her approach prioritizes emotion and character over perfection, resulting in a home that truly reflects her joyful and imaginative spirit. Key elements contributing to the home's distinctive style include bold color palettes from Comex used in the kitchen, entrance, and office. The living room features a flea market sofa reupholstered by Valdez, alongside her own Ventura Side Tables, a La Celebracion woven mirror, a Kuni lamp, and Jojo chairs by the window. The office space incorporates Jojo relaxation chairs, The Basic Table as a desk, a Ventura Cabinet, a La Celebracion white wall mirror, and metal colorful vases from Joyful Objects, Yes! These curated pieces collectively create an environment that embodies Valdez's belief in infusing living spaces with joy, craft, and color. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MexicoCityHome #JoyfulObjects #HandmadeFurniture #BoldColors #PlayfulShapes #DesignStudio #ApartmentTour

Di Frenna arquitectos designed Espacio Kaab, a residential project situated adjacent to the historic Nogueras hacienda in Colima, Mexico. This hacienda, initially a sugar production site in the early 1700s, later became associated with the family of internationally acclaimed artist Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo in the 1940s and continues to be a significant landmark within the community. The architectural design of Espacio Kaab thoughtfully addresses its historical context, providing views towards the hacienda as a nod to its location and integrating design elements influenced by the property's rich past. Faced with the challenge of building in an area steeped in history, cultural significance, and architectural heritage, Di Frenna arquitectos embraced the site's unique characteristics. The design of Espacio Kaab consciously interacts with the hacienda, framing specific vistas towards the historical grounds. The project also incorporates more tangible references to the hacienda's influence, utilizing ancient construction techniques and materials originally employed in the complex. This approach fostered community involvement in Comala, leveraging ancestral knowledge in crafts developed by Rangel himself, such as ironwork and woven reed ceilings, which infuse the residence with a distinct identity. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the captivating natural environment, characterized by arid vegetation, cacti, stones, and earthy tones, creating a sense of immersion and contrast with the region's typically vibrant flora. The architectural layout was developed organically with the landscape, offering a spatial solution that responded to the terrain's specific requirements and nuances. The guiding principles throughout the design process were to respect the topography, adapt to the setting, and achieve harmony with the environment, resulting in a home that feels seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings. The project blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces through strategically placed patios, terraces, contained gardens, and unique views of the river and canyon. The core design concept aimed to create an environment where the boundaries between interior and exterior dissolve, allowing the natural colors and textures of the surroundings to blend with the building's palette. This is exemplified by the seamless transition from indoor to outdoor, enabling occupants to walk barefoot across natural stone floors without a perceptible change in environment. To achieve this, the architects employed a primary palette of raw, natural tones. Materials were often sourced locally from Comala, notably the rammed earth used for walls. Other distinctive finishes, such as the eggshell-colored chukum stucco, reflect ancient Mexican construction techniques. The incorporation of local palm wood, river stone, woven carrizo ceilings, and artisanal blacksmithing further reinforces the connection to the land and the local craftsmanship championed by Rangel. While honoring these traditional elements, the design also introduces modern techniques and innovative structural solutions, bridging historical crafts with contemporary architectural practices. Espacio Kaab is a collaborative effort, with Matia Di Frenna Müller and Mariana de la Mora Padilla leading the project team. The residence serves as a testament to integrating historical context, local craftsmanship, and environmental sensitivity within a modern dwelling. It demonstrates how traditional materials and building methods, combined with innovative design, can create a home that is both deeply rooted in its place and forward-thinking in its approach to sustainable and harmonious living. #MexicanArchitecture #RammedEarth #Chukum #LocalMaterials #HaciendaDesign #SustainableArchitecture #DiFrennaArquitectos #ColimaMexico #ResidentialArchitecture

This article explores 19 diverse methods for integrating houseplants into interior design, elevating them beyond mere accessories to become central decorative elements. It begins by suggesting the use of grouped large-leafed houseplants in entryways to create a striking focal point. Specific plant recommendations include Schefflera ‘Amate’, lipstick plant, Alocasia ‘Polly’, ‘Neon’ pothos, Swiss cheese vine, variegated wax plant, Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’, and split-leaf philodendron. The article notes that some plants, like ‘Neon’ pothos, can thrive in vases, rooting in water, while water-loving Alocasia can be potted without drainage. The guide then shifts to utilizing vertical space by recommending hanging plants, highlighting the return of 1970s-style macramé and the all-green spider plant for its modern aesthetic and cascading plantlets. These plants are described as resilient, tolerating varied light conditions, and requiring weekly watering until drainage. Another technique involves using unique plants like the Pseudobombax tree, which develops a swollen caudex when growth is restricted in a pot, creating a sculptural piece. This plant, native to Mexico, is suitable for a shallow pot and makes an interesting addition to areas like hallways, requiring consistent moisture and post-flowering pruning to manage its size. The article also covers incorporating small succulents into kitchen spaces, identifying aloe, dyckia, euphorbia, and sedum burrito as suitable indoor varieties due to their narrow footprints and low water requirements. For a more dramatic effect, the natal mahogany is proposed as an alternative to ficus, offering height and a feathery form. This tree thrives in bright, indirect light and needs regular watering, with advice to keep it in its nursery pot within a decorative container for proper drainage. Further design ideas include pairing unusual plants, such as the accordion-like Euphorbia kibwezensis, with unique vessels to create a sculptural statement, emphasizing the need for bright, indirect light and infrequent watering in cactus mix for pots without drainage. The article also suggests elevating houseplants like rex begonia and Medinilla magnifica on tall, modernist containers to give them prominence, using muted tones for the pots to allow the plants’ textures to stand out. For a conservatory feel, a large fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is recommended for its substantial presence even in a modest pot. The article also advises on merging indoor and outdoor aesthetics using contemporary white Architectural Pottery planters. Bohemian interior design can be achieved by incorporating floppy, broad-leafed houseplants, while old fish aquariums can be repurposed to display curated cactus collections, ensuring good airflow. Vertical gardening is explored through trailing lipstick plants hung from brass hooks in compact kitchens, and creating an engaging stairwell display by mounting ceramic cube pots directly onto walls. Southwestern style can be introduced with columnar cacti in sleek white pots, maintaining a minimalist look. Innovative solutions like felt planting pockets (e.g., Wally One from Woolly Pocket) are presented for creating wall gardens with various houseplants. Finally, the article highlights the impact of a single, large specimen like the Euphorbia ingens variegata as a room's focal point, and the utility of small, uniformly potted cacti on shelves for a low-maintenance, modern display that accentuates dramatic backgrounds. #HouseplantDesign #InteriorDecorating #PlantStyling #GreenLiving #HomeGardening #IndoorPlants #BotanicalDecor #ContainerGardening #VerticalGardens

Integrating indoor plants into a living room can significantly enhance its aesthetic appeal and introduce natural elements into the home environment. Plants offer a variety of benefits, including adding pops of color, serving as sculptural accents, and contributing to a more lively atmosphere. The selection of plants varies greatly in terms of size, shape, color, and care requirements, making it possible to find suitable options for different living space aesthetics and individual preferences. One popular choice is the Dieffenbachia, known for its variegated leaves with silver centers. While visually striking, it contains a toxic sap that necessitates careful placement, especially in homes with pets or children. This plant thrives in medium light and requires watering when the top two inches of soil are dry, eventually reaching up to 10 feet in height and 3 feet in width. Snake Plants are celebrated for their ease of care and diverse varieties, featuring green-banded or striped leaves often bordered with yellow or cream. They are highly adaptable, tolerating conditions from full sun to shade, and prefer their soil to dry completely between waterings, growing up to 3 feet tall. For a touch of color, the Bird of Paradise offers vibrant orange blooms, though flowering typically begins when the plant is around six years old. It requires bright, indirect light and consistently moist, but not soggy, soil, potentially reaching 6 feet in height and 4 feet in width. The Kentia Palm, a historical fixture in Victorian parlors, is a slow-growing plant that adds an elegant touch to any living room corner. It needs bright, indirect light and watering when the top two inches of soil are dry, with a mature height of 10 feet. Corn Plants evoke tropical vibes with their thick green leaves and sturdy trunks, making them excellent corner pieces. They prefer bright, indirect light to partial shade and thrive when the soil is allowed to dry out completely between waterings, growing up to 4 feet tall. It is mildly toxic if ingested by pets or humans. The Cast Iron Plant is notable for its resilience, capable of surviving with infrequent watering and in darker corners, making it ideal for those without extensive gardening experience. It flourishes in partial to full shade and needs its soil to dry completely between waterings, reaching up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Monstera Deliciosa, a highly sought-after houseplant, features impressive growth and can be managed through trimming and propagation if it becomes too large. It requires bright, indirect light and watering when the top two inches of soil are dry, with mature plants reaching 8 feet in both height and width. This plant is toxic to pets if consumed. Marble Queen Pothos is a low-maintenance, trailing plant with striking variegated leaves, suitable for shelves or mantles. It prefers bright, indirect light to partial shade and needs watering when the top two inches of soil are dry, with vines capable of reaching 10 feet in length. It is also toxic to pets if ingested. The Chinese Money Plant is often associated with good fortune and is a popular housewarming gift. It thrives in bright, indirect light and when its soil is dry to the touch, growing to about 1 foot tall and wide. Fiddle-Leaf Figs are impactful due to their large leaves and can significantly enhance a living room's presence. They require bright, indirect light and watering when the top two inches of soil are dry, potentially reaching 10 feet tall. Initial leaf drop is normal. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. ZZ Plants are drought-tolerant due to their water-storing rhizomes, making them robust and slow-growing. They prefer partial shade to bright, indirect light and complete soil dryness between waterings, reaching 4 feet in height and width. The plant is toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. Swiss Cheese Plants, relatives of the Monstera Deliciosa, are recognized by their unique perforated leaves that allow light to penetrate to lower foliage. They look equally good trailing or climbing a moss pole. They need partial shade to bright, indirect light and watering when the top two inches of soil are dry, with vines growing up to 8 feet long. They are mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Satin Pothos is another excellent trailing plant, noted for its silver-spotted leaves that shimmer in the light. Best displayed in hanging baskets in a window, it can tolerate low light but thrives in bright, indirect light. It is drought-tolerant, requiring watering when the top two inches of soil are dry, with vines extending up to 8 feet. It is toxic if ingested. Red Chinese Evergreens introduce vibrant color to a living room, with foliage hues intensifying with more light exposure. They perform well in indirect light and need watering when the top two inches of soil are dry, reaching up to 2 feet tall. They are toxic to pets if ingested. Hoya Carnosa plants are admired for their beautiful, spherical tropical flowers and can be trained to vine or allowed to trail naturally. They tolerate bright, indirect light to partial shade and prefer consistently moist, but not soggy, soil, with vines growing up to 4 feet long. Triostar Stromanthe offers a striking display of pink, purple, white, and green foliage, with colors becoming richer under bright, indirect sunlight. It needs part sun and consistently moist, not soggy, soil, growing 2-3 feet tall. String of Nickels is a delicate, whimsical plant perfect for cascading from mantles or shelves. It prefers partial shade to medium light and its soil to dry between waterings, with vines growing up to 18 inches long. Elephant Ear plants make a bold statement with their large, striking leaves, available in various varieties. They require bright light and consistently moist, not soggy, soil, growing up to 6 feet tall and wide. They are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Ultimately, these diverse plant options provide numerous ways to enhance the natural beauty and vitality of any living room. Each plant offers unique visual characteristics and specific care requirements, allowing individuals to choose plants that best fit their lifestyle and home decor. Proper attention to light, water, and toxicity is essential for maintaining healthy plants and a safe home environment. The integration of such plants transforms living spaces into more inviting and vibrant areas. In conclusion, selecting the right indoor plants is key to creating a dynamic and aesthetically pleasing living room, with options ranging from low-maintenance to visually dramatic, all contributing to an enriched home atmosphere. The information provided aims to guide individuals in making informed choices for their indoor plant collections, ensuring both beauty and well-being within their homes. #IndoorPlants #LivingRoomDecor #HouseplantCare #Greenery #HomeDecor

Estudio PK, an architecture practice based in Argentina, completed the residential restoration project known as Casa Hormiga in San Fernando City, Buenos Aires. The project involved transforming a humble, single-floor house into a two-story dwelling, with a primary focus on preserving the original footprint while integrating a lightweight, contemporary addition. This design approach creates a clear distinction between the existing structure and the new intervention, celebrating both the heritage and the modern elements. The lower half of Casa Hormiga maintains its original character through exposed rusticated brickwork. The architects chose to reveal the brick facade, which had previously been covered with a white finish, thereby showcasing the building's history. The upper level, a new addition, is constructed using balloon framing and clad with white sheet metal. A defining feature of the upper facade is a perforated screen with folding shutters, which introduces dynamism to the exterior and allows for adjustable light and privacy. To enhance the interior spaces, Estudio PK removed secondary partitions on the ground floor. This strategic intervention created more generous, open-plan areas and significantly improved the ingress of natural light. A new courtyard was also introduced as a result of this spatial reconfiguration. This courtyard not only provides additional light but also establishes a new visual landscape within the home, forming a sequence of courtyard-gallery-garden that enhances visual permeability. The design emphasizes bringing the outdoors in, with the house infused throughout with lush plant life. Skylights strategically placed in the ceiling flood the interior with sunlight, complementing the natural light from the newly opened spaces. Large windows at the rear of the house offer expansive views of the garden, further blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The white sheet metal cladding on the upper level wraps around to the rear, creating a cohesive aesthetic. The architectural team highlighted the duality of the old and the new, evident in the contrast between the robust brick base and the light, operable upper volume. The folding sheet metal shutters contribute to this dynamic facade, allowing residents to interact with their environment. The project prioritized comfort and functionality, with new elements introduced only where necessary to meet these needs. In the evenings, the upper level, illuminated from within, transforms into a glowing box, offering a distinct visual presence in the neighborhood. The restoration, completed in 2022, was photographed by Alejandro Peral, and the principal architects in charge were Ignacio Pessagno and Lilian Kandus. #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeRestoration #BuenosAiresArchitecture #EstudioPK #BrickworkDesign #ModernAddition #NaturalLight #GreenArchitecture #OperableFacade