Traditional Mexican Style Interiors (Schiffer Design Book)

More sedately, now: I REALLY appreciated the opening interview with Mexican-architect-turned-Arizona-resident Rafael Rios-Ghinis where he lays out and defines very succinctly what a "Mexican Style Home" IS. I have know for ages WHAT I love when I see it, but had never been able to DEFINE it, even to myself. Reading Mr. Rios-Ghinis' words was like a crystalization of all my unfocused and unconscious favored design elements..."Oh, yes, I like THAT!!", "No, no, that's not quite it". Amazing! I suddenly have a STYLE!!![.] And all this time, I thought I was just......"colorful"!!![.]

So...for all those of you who don't get QUITE so excited over interior design....I don't know what to tell you. And for those of you who find what you need/want/like in all of the traditional "House Beautiful", "Home and Garden", run-of-the-mill decoration books you can find all over and anywhere....I don't know what to tell you either. But for you kindred souls, whose hearts about stop beating for joy if you make an awesome flea market find of a "retablo", "jarra de talavera", "máscara de Michoacan", or "batea de madera" (and YOU know who you are!!![.])...those of you who NEVER, EVER, EVER find YOUR design taste reflected in ANY of those other design books....any of you who may have heard the comment more than once, "Gee, your house sure is....COLORFUL...", all I can say is: "Go Donna, go Donna...!!![.]"

If, someday, I am fortunate enough to realize my fondest little private dream, I will live in a house designed by el maestro Rafael Rios-Ghinis and decorated with the help of this FABULOUS designer, Donna McMenamin. Siempre se puede soñar ¿verdad?


The Best Book on Mexican Interiors Yet!   February 21, 2003
Jennifer Hamilton (San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mexico)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is the most comprehensive and beautifully written and photographed book on Mexican Interiors to date. Living in San Miguel de Allende personally, I have seen many, many books on our incredible homes here in Central Mexico, but none have even come close to scratching the surface as has the work produced by Donna McMenamin and Richard Loper. They discovered homes previously never shown in books or magazines, and have produced glorious dialogue and outstanding photography in this stunning tour de force. It should be an absolute must to all lovers of Mexican architecture and interior design. I cannot praise this book enough, and have never seen anything as brilliantly gorgeous as this outstandingly superb work of art.


Don't Remodel Without It   June 12, 2003
Miss Echo (Tucson, Arizona United States)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

While recently completing a remodel of an adobe house in Tucson, Arizona, I searched for just such a book. Now in the final stages, I stumbled across it. This would have made my life a whole lot easier had I found it months ago. It defines this style, and gives hundreds of examples that can be emulated. It is beautifully done, and having purchased it several hours ago, I can attest that I have not been able to put it down. I have it marked with sticky notes now, 11 in all, of ideas that will really enhance the remaining aspects of our remodeling project. I can't wait for my husband to get home, so that I can show him this book.


Exactly what I was looking for.   July 29, 2006
T. S. Lunquist
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I was looking for a reference book to guide my Mexican-style remodeling and redecorating efforts, and this is the best I've found yet. (I have about a dozen!) Gorgeous pictures, and plenty of them. Each section discusses a particular room type (kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms etc.) and each room type gets a good amount of attention. Something I dislike about other books is their tendency to look only at the courtyards or living rooms of Mexican or adobe-style houses -- not so useful if you're considering how to tackle your kitchen. This one covers it all, including touching on gardens and indoor-outdoor spaces that are such an integral part of Mexican living.

Definitely pick up the companion volume, "Traditional Mexican Style Exteriors", while you're shopping. Together they paint a vivid picture of the colorful and vibrant style of Mexico.


Traditional Mexican Style Interiors   December 10, 2003
Wilma R. Bodrak (Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is one of the best books I have ever owned! I am now inspired to finish our Mexican home renovation and maybe take on another "project". All my friends are asking to borrow this book now. I will also use this book to help guide my real estate clients in their decisions. Thank you -thank you!!!