3 Ways to Infuse Cultura into Your Home

Growing up, Saturday mornings were for yard sale trips with my mom and tias. Weaving through the maze of tables and boxes to find old vases, vintage frames and quirky knick-knacks felt like a treasure hunt. I’d skip the toy and doll sections and head straight for all things home. Our motto was always: Bueno, bonito y barato - good, pretty, and affordable.

To this day, I can get lost in an antique or thrift store for hours. I’m not above a good Target run but there’s something special about slowly yet intentionally collecting items that reflect who we are and where we come from.

Trends will end and styles will vary, so we won’t get into all that here. Instead, these are 3 easy ways for us to infuse our culture in our casas. Let’s get into it!

1. Artesania - Artisan Designs

If you ever have the chance to travel to Latin America, artisan markets are a must. The hand-crafted designs, colors, and patterns you’ll find there are breathtaking! My coffee mug collection, pictured below, came from Mercados in Sonora, Mexico. They add the prettiest folklore to our kitchen; plus, enjoying a café from these always feels like a sip of magic.

When traveling isn’t an option, there are many Latina-owned shops that ethically partner with artisans to source traditional decor pieces. One of my all-time favorites is This is Latin America, which you can shop by country. I also love Lolo Mercadito, Vero’s Tiendita, and Luz y Tierra, for the dreamiest candles.

2. Books

Stacks of books add such a cozy layer to any space. During a visit to Mexico City last summer, I stayed at an Airbnb with beautifully styled bookshelves full of art and history books and that was all the inspiration I needed. I’ve since slowly started collecting Mexican history and art books. You can find these on Ebay, Amazon or when you travel, be sure to visit local bookstores. These books are not only decorative but also fascinating to read through. Decorate our casas and learn about our history and cultura? Yes please!

I’ve also added cookbooks by some of my favorite Latina chefs to our kitchen shelves, including Oaxaca and Asada by Bricia Lopez and Casa Marcela by Marcela Valladolid. I also preordered Marcela’s new book, Familia, and I cannot wait for it to arrive this fall.

3. Prints & Photos

Framing prints is the most affordable way to add elements of our culture into our homes. Next time you visit, pay attention to what catches your eye and print those images out! In addition to your own photos, Etsy is always a goldmine for unique prints. I am obsessed with the Mexican Kitchen art print, pictured above, which features traditional ingredients like corn, flor de calabaza, and avocados. Other prints you might love: Oaxaca Bugambilias, Amor, Otomi Folk, the entire Vivid Vidal shop, and Latina American illustrations.

And since we are amigas, I can't let you leave without a gift. I've collected photos I've taken throughout Mexico and made them downloadable for you to print and use in your own space however you wish! I hope these will inspire and remind you of the sabores and colores, the people and places that make us, us. Con amor - Ivette