Traditional Mexican Style Interiors (Schiffer Design Book)

The emphasis is definitely on Mexican "style" as opposed to actual Mexican architecture. Rather than an authentic look the author focuses on upscale abodes in her hometown of Tucson, Arizona (including her own home...), with a few casas in the US expat destination of San Miguel de Alllende, Mexico, and two houses in Houston, Texas thrown in for good measure. With just a couple exceptions these homes are owned by Anglos seeking a Mexican-themed style. In many cases the owners have hired Hispanic-surnamed architects and designers, often with pleasing results. More often however, the effect is to Mexican architecture and design as the Las Vegas Luxor is to the Egyptian pyramids: an over-the-top interpretation.The photography by Richard Loper is excellent. The writing by Donna McMenamin is not. For a writer of her apparent credentials I was amazed some of the sentences made it past the editor with awkward and amateurish phrasing and grammar. In fact I wondered whether English was the author's first language until I checked the dust jacket bio.None of this is to say the volume is without merit or not worth owning. There are many good examples and ideas presented to seed your own imagination.The overall impression of this book however is that of a McMexican treatment of a subject that could have been approached with far more insight, authenticity and taste.

TMSI is the book I based my new townhome remodel off of and having it by my side has helped me tremendously. The images are top quality with good selections of traditional Mexican interior design that is both old world and contemporary at the same time. The only area that has frustrated me so far is that they don't say where you find and buy the fantastic examples of punched-tin lighting shown in the book. Note to future purchasers: This is a "how it looks" title, not a "do-it-yourself" one. And it's one of the best at doing just that.

I love Mexican design so I looked forward to receiving this book. I really love it, but I would have liked a little more variety. Most of the photos r similar and they represent the upper class and modern Mexican design. I would have referred a little more rustic and vintage representation. Just my opinion, tho.

Wonderful love. Mexico

This is a beautiful book with many colored pictures. I used it to find a good color of Mexican yellows to paint my kitchen. They show many paint colors for walls and even include a few samples. I wish they had included more samples. It was a good idea book. In the end, I chose a color not specified in the book.

If you're interested in a distinctly Mexican design to your Southwestern style home, this is a good book. I liked it more than my wife did. I like the bright colors, and she's a bit more muted in her tastes. Worth looking at - may want to check it out at the library first.

I am very interested in the Spanish/Mexican style. The photos are in color but older styles. I still am taking some ideas from it. I found it to be an interesting book.

If you love the "Mexican Style Exteriors" you will love this book and in my opinion you must have both. I have actually seen some of these homes in person and the pictures truly make you feel like you are there! Of all the books on Mexican decor that I own these 2 are my favorites! I purchased them a few years back and never tire of them. I have gotten so many ideas for my home from these 2 books. Enjoy!

A very informative guide.

Ich habe das Buch schon vor Jahren gekauft und nutze es immer wieder gerne als Inspiration.