Latino Heritage Decor Ideas from Designers
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ToggleOn the wall of one of the residences designed in California by César Giraldo, a bright painting of a blue flower with an orange background hangs in a breakfast nook. It’s by Colombian artists Angelica Castillo and Evelyn. It is Evelyn’s first work exhibited in a mansion in Bel-Air. However, details like that are nothing new for Giraldo, the proud Colombian interior designer who believes in lifting others up.
Similarly, Monica Benavidez, an interior stylist from Corpus Christi, Texas, says it’s less important for people to walk into her home and see her Mexican heritage, and more important that they feel it. That feeling might come from the florals throughout her home, inspired by her grandmother’s love for flowers, or a thrifted frame stamped “Made in Mexico,” a mark of durability for Benavidez.
Giraldo proudly touts his hometown of Medellín, Colombia, as a place undergoing a beautiful renaissance in fashion, art, design, and architecture. Giraldo, founder and principal designer of César Giraldo Design in West Hollywood, left Colombia at 17 to escape violence and the kidnapping of his mother. Moving to Iowa, he learned English and studied hard, staying faithful to the belief that one day people would know his name.
After turning down a job at the design firm due to what he described as the mistreatment of Latinos, Giraldo landed other opportunities, eventually leading to the career-defining moment of designing music producer L.A. Reid’s home. Since then, his career has flourished, and on September 26, he launched the tableware collection “César Giraldo for Hering Berlin: Waves and Clouds,” available at MASS Beverly in Los Angeles.
“I’m always in love with myself. That’s how we start treating our neighbors — with love. I want you, when drinking your coffee or tea, to feel that way — that you are in love with yourself, because that’s how love begins,” Giraldo said. The whole collection is inspired by Colombia, and Giraldo brings that admiration to all his projects.
Affordability is key for Benavidez, who’s always had a passion for making chic, budget-friendly designs. She often accompanied her grandmother to garage sales, where she developed a love for upcycling. “My grandma would walk around our apartment complex, and if someone left something by the dumpster, it was fair game,” she said. She now scours secondhand shops for well-made frames, especially those marked “Made in Mexico,” which usually have ornate designs, to incorporate her culture. Throw pillows, blankets, and textiles also help her add a modern twist to Mexican culture. She deviates from the neutral, beige tones dominating social media feeds, opting for vibrant pinks, greens, and bold patterns. “While my home may not scream Mexican American, those elements are there. It’s secondhand, quality-made and warm, infusing everything that means a lot to me from how I grew up,” Benavidez said.
She also suggests paying attention to scents. “I have this candle with a Mexican vanilla scent that reminds me of the cookies I love and my grandma’s hot chocolate during the holidays, with lots of cinnamon,” she said. For Giraldo, it’s also about warm, amber-toned lighting, which represents the sunrises and sunsets seen in his capsule collection designed for Studio M.
Giraldo believes interior design is returning to basics. Opulent, high-tech designs are giving way to organic shapes, textures, simplicity and ease. “That’s prevalent in our Latino culture. We are foundational… but also not afraid of color,” he said. Benavidez is also embracing the shift to foundational elements with an upcoming Christmas collection at Ross, featuring florals and bows. One sheet set features poinsettias, a nod to her grandmother. “I just can’t wait to cuddle up in that with some Mexican hot chocolate and live my best life,” she said.
Latine Heritage Month is here! Join us in celebrating from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and support our content celebrating la cultura.
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