Scandinavian Design in Mexico
Though Scandinavian and Mexican interior design styles may seem like an unlikely duo, their fusion, Scandi-Mex, can create a surprisingly harmonious balance.
When we think of Scandinavian design, images of sleek, minimalist design come to mind. It has gained worldwide recognition for its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, minimalism, and natural materials. So how might that translate into Mexican interiors?
Traditional Mexican design tends to be more vibrant, eclectic, and well, maximalist, but lately we’ve seen a shift in more modern Mexican design. It opts for less clutter, less ornateness, while still maintaining the colors, textures, and materials that give Mexican design so much character. In other words, the emphasis on clean lines brings a sense of harmony and balance to spaces, providing an ideal foundation for showcasing other design elements.
Scandinavian design in Mexico isn’t exactly new, in fact the brand Nordika broke into the Mexican market over 20 years ago; Studio IMA in Mexico City is (minimalistically) filled with Japandi vibes with a Mexican flair, and furniture brand Luteca has expanded past Mexico City to bring its Scandi-Mex fusion into New York, LA and Paris.
The patterns we see in these studios is the movement away from the ornate carvings on heavy wood furniture, and the movement toward smaller, sleeker more organic-looking frames on chairs, sofas and tables. Instead of color palettes that involve multiple bold colors like red, orange, yellow, blue and purple, we see more neutral palettes on the whole with a curated palette of one or two bold accent colors. And of course, both Scandinavian and Mexican design implement natural elements which make the space feel more organic.
In a Scandinavian-inspired home in Mexico, you'll find clean lines and uncluttered surfaces that allow the eye to flow effortlessly around the space to carefully curated Mexican design elements. This approach not only creates visual harmony but also allows for better functionality within rooms. Given the heat we experience in Mexico, it also encourages open spaces where movement feels natural and unobstructed. The aim is to create an environment that promotes relaxation and tranquility while maintaining the vibrancy and celebration of life that Mexican design is known for.
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Sleeker, Naturalistic Wood Furniture Options
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Butaque Classic Chair by Luteca
Mexico has a rich history of using wood as the main material in making furniture. Known and loved for its durability, malleability and abundance, traditional Mexican wooden furniture was often heavy, and ornately carved and finished in deep, rich hues.
While the use of wood in any way brings warmth, texture, and authenticity to a space, the Scandinavian use of wood often evokes more of a connection with nature; Softer, rounded lines and natural finishes.
As we move more into the Scandi-Mex design style, we see these more organic shapes, and slender frames being used more frequently by Mexican designers, bringing in other natural materials such as a woven seat and slat back to tip its hat to Mexican culture.
From parota, oak, tzalam (Mexican Walnut), to Primavera and Rose Morada, Mexico boasts an incredible selection of wood to choose from when making furniture, all with their own unique qualities, quirks and perks.
Use Local Stone
Meta Ochre Fixture- Travertine Stone by David Pompa
Similarly, stone is featured in both Scandinavian and Mexican interiors by adding depth and grounding elements within spaces.
Traditionally we saw ornate stonework in Mexican walls and flooring; from exposed large river rock walls, and intricate stone mosaics, to canterra and terracotta tile flooring. And while there is no shortage of these elements being used in Mexican design today, a more contemporary Scandi-Mex style might incorporate stone in a smoother, less intrusive way into minimalistic table tops, lamps, and decor to create contemporary designs that lend to an organic, earthy aesthetic.
Similarly, incorporating locally sourced stones like lava stone, onyx, marble or limestone not only adds an earthy elegance but also celebrates the unique geological wonders that Mexico has to offer.
Light fabrics for Major upholstery and curtains
In order to make living spaces more comfortable in Mexico's warm climate, Scandinavian interior design embraces the use of light fabrics for major upholstery and curtains. Linen or cotton fabrics are preferred due to their breathability and ability to allow air flow.
These lightweight materials not only add a touch of elegance to the space but also promote a cool and relaxed atmosphere. For the Scandi-Mex touch, choose soft pastel shades such as light blues, pale pinks, or creamy whites to reflect the bright Mexican sunlight while maintaining a soothing ambiance.
Indoor plants for a touch of greenery
Scandinavian interior designers often incorporate indoor plants within their designs as a way to bring nature indoors, an easy addition to any Scandi-Mex design style. Plants not only add vitality and a hit of color, they create a fresh and rejuvenating atmosphere by purifying the air. From leafy palms to cascading ivy, these green companions serve as natural decorative elements that bring life and harmony to any space, creating a tranquil oasis within the home.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but some of our favorite indoor plants for Mexico:
Best Local Indoor Plants for Beginners: Potos, monsteras, snake plants, cacti and succulents
Best Local Indoor Plants that are more “in style” but also more high-maintenance: Aglaonema, Maranta leuconeura (a.k.a “Prayer Plant”), Peace Lily, Bird of Paradise
Open floor plans for better air circulation
Another way Scandinavian interior design harmonizes with Mexico's warm climate is through open floor plans. Open spaces foster better air circulation and allow natural ventilation throughout the house.
Most new builds in Mexico offer open-concept living as spaces get smaller and people use their rooms for various tasks. But if you have an older home and are looking to do a remodel, consider knocking down a couple non-load bearing walls to open up your space.
By eliminating unnecessary walls and barriers, this design concept encourages a flow of fresh air from outdoors, providing a welcome relief from the heat. The open layout also enhances the sense of spaciousness, making rooms feel larger while maintaining an airy feel.
Color on your Neutrals
Color plays a significant role in both Mexican design aesthetics, and we wouldn’t change it for the world. But there is something to say about using it sparingly to create dramatic effects in all the right places. By incorporating colorful textiles or geometric patterns into the more neutral Scandinavian interior, you can create an exciting fusion of the two cultures.
Think about adding throw pillows with intricate Aztec-inspired prints, woven or embroidered blankets over a cream linen-upholstered and natural wood-tone chair or sofa. These bursts of color and pattern invigorate the space and pay homage to Mexico's vibrant artistic traditions while creating visual balance.
You could also add a bold-colored or patterned woven area rug. The rug's texture and vibrant colors will contrast beautifully with the simplicity of Scandinavian-inspired furniture, such as streamlined sofas or sculptural chairs. This combination creates an inviting energy while maintaining a sense of order and refinement.
The color and texture of the decor bring a sense of vibrancy to the comfort and understated elegance of Scandinavian design. Strike a balance where each element complements the other, creating a welcoming space that showcases the best of both worlds.
Handcrafted Mexican ceramics as decorative pieces
Casa Pink Revolver- Tulum
Another fantastic way to integrate Mexican culture into Scandinavian interior design is by bringing in handcrafted ceramics such as tiles or other decorative pieces. With their earthy textures and beautiful craftsmanship, these ceramics add an authentic touch to any space.
Displaying handmade pottery on shelves or using tiles as coasters or wall art can instantly bring warmth and character into your home. The contrast of these unique pieces against clean lines and neutral backgrounds creates a striking visual contrast while celebrating Mexico's artistic heritage.
You can also choose cleaner, more minimalist decor using neutral ceramics or decor made from red or black clay. The latter is considered to be used in artisanal, traditional crafts, however they can also align perfectly with the Scandi-Mexican aesthetic due to their organic vibes and clean lines.
Want help designing or furnishing your Mexican home with a Scandi-Mex vibe? Contact Us.
