Mexican and Mediterranean Influences in a Soulful Abode

Being the daughter of an architect, homeowner Monnette had exposure to world design even at an early age. Even from childhood she always envisioned living in a Mediterranean villa or a Mexican casa. So when time came for her to design her own home, it came as a breeze to capture the villa she had always dreamed of. And with the assistance of architect, Edward Gagarin, it all came to life. Her vision involved having an open space that allowed every room to be seen wherever she stood. Not only did she aspire to keep the villa accessible, she wanted to be sure that no space would be ignored. There had to be a purpose for every section of the home. This way, each space would be fully functional and be put into good use whenever she and her family were home.

Lengthy glass doors and windows allowed Monnette to see all the way to the back of house and into the courtyard. And it’s easy to spot the Mediterranean and Mexican influences throughout the home. Multicolored, intricately-designed tiles and disheveled bricks are just some of the elements found in the villa to give it that rustic yet homey atmosphere she wished to capture. Most of the walls and ceilings were painted in shades of brown to orange, while a neutral color palette was chosen for the living area’s cozy seating. And to top everything off, the majority of the material used for furniture was wood. Although the spaces were hardly accessorized, the simplicity highlights the warmth and soulfulness of a home so dear to one’s heart.

Original article by Kat Von Einsiedel. Styling by Coni Tejada. Photographed by Ocs Alvarez.

Read the original article ("A Villa of Dreams") in the October 2008 issue of Real Living Magazine. Download your digital copy of Real Living on the Real Living App (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/real-living/id553158056?mt=8) now! Log on to summitnewsstand.com.ph/real-living for more details.