Rustic home decor is making a solid comeback this year, and we're really not sad about it. According to Pinterest, searches for Spanish Mediterranean kitchens rose by a crazy 1,150 percent in the last year, and demand for Mexican farmhouse decor (think earthy patterned tiles and rustic terracotta decor) rose by a not-so-small 203 percent. Clean, sleek and modern is not for everyone. For some, imperfections, handmade decor, and rich color are where the beauty of a home really slays.
Mastering the look is the married couple and design duo behind the Los Angeles design firm Bungalowe, Karan and Sapna Aggarwal. Here's a peek inside their recently renovated home in the Highland Park neighborhood of LA, staged beautifully by Pride of Place with floral design by Jessie Graham.
Photography by Gavin Cater
Their stunning new project was inspired by their trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. "This sweet Spanish style home draws inspiration from our memorable trips to Grana B&B in Oaxaca and the enchanting Ojai Valley Inn," says Sapna.
"The decorative, hand-painted tiles from Old Mexico adorn the baseboards and accent walls, evoking a sense of tranquility and nostalgia," says Sapna. The design beautifully connects the historic Spanish style with an earthy color palette and eclectic furniture.
Photography by Gavin Cater
The style is unique and artistic, a little of an elevated boho aesthetic, that feels timeless and a little like you're on a permanent vacation! Notice the clay vases, dried flowers, wooden spoons and bowls against a rich emerald green tile. "The green zellige tiles in the kitchen and bathroom celebrate the organic beauty found in nature's imperfections," says Sapna.
More and more homeowners are choosing to create cozier kitchen spaces that embrace the natural world, says Chris Alexakis, co-founder of CabinetSelect (not affiliated with this project). Some ways to get the Mexican farmhouse look? "You can introduce splashes of color with uniquely patterned tiles and rustic terracotta decorations. The earthy rustic feel of Mexican-style kitchens pairs exquisitely with popular farmhouse decor to create cozy, natural spaces," adds Alexakis.
Photography by Gavin Cater
Sapna and Karan wanted to pay homage to the original Spanish architecture of their home. They creatively transformed the home from a one bedroom, one bath home into a stylish and functional two bedroom, two-and-a-half bath, plus office.
Photography by Gavin Cater
The materials used on the inside were all selected to honor the home's history, and included handmade and hand-painted decorative tiles from Old Mexico and handmade Moroccan Zellige from Zia Tile. Love this arched nook with colorful tile, a unique alternative to paint or wallpaper.
Photography by Gavin Cater
The new office addition is a cozy nook where a soothing color palette creates a peaceful place to get work done. Benjamin Moore Brazilian Rainforest paint trims the windows, pottery lines the built-in shelves, and the linen club chairs offer a spot to read or rest. The colonial-style chair with tall ladder back is understated but sublime.
Photography by Gavin Cater
The bedrooms are minimal with cozy, luxe linens and handmade textures. The wrought iron bed adds character and a vintage quality that grounds the room.
Photography by Gavin Cater
The microcement on the interior walls is imperfectly beautiful in a rustic way. This wavy sink is a showstopper.
Photography by Gavin Cater
The terracotta tile floors are a beautiful alternative to oak flooring we see everywhere. "Saltillo tiles, synonymous with traditional adobe homes, grace the floors, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living," says Sapna.
The fringe blanket is elegant and rustic at the same time in a breezy white. The tile and arched nook from the living room is echoed here too to create connection and symmetry throughout the home.
Photography by Gavin Cater
Built-in cabinetry with open shelving adds extra storage space, plus a decorative element to showcase more gorgeous pottery and handmade baskets. "Thoughtfully integrated custom cabinetry throughout the home complements the striking tile-work with its warm wood tones," says Sapna.
Photography by Gavin Cater
Elements like the green zellige tile are repeated throughout, creating a simplicity to the design. The wall treatment extends to the floor with a seamless transition between room and shower. Pottery and plants in the bath are an inviting touch.
Photography by Gavin Cater
Here's more of that colorful ceramic tile with warm wooden shelving to display bathroom decor.
Photography by Gavin Cater
Baskets, plants, and mementos from their travels personalize and warm up the home. "The light fixtures were designed to evoke a vacation-like ambiance, offering a sense of relaxation and luxury that enriches every corner of the home," says Sapna.
Photography by Gavin Cater
Another unique rustic sink stands out as an artistic piece in a serene setting.
Photography by Gavin Cater
Los Angeles is perfect for indoor/outdoor living and the same rustic aesthetic is used in the exterior design of the Spanish home. Not fussy, just lovely! "The outdoor space, designed around the original river rock pond, boasts a spacious lounge under a majestic tree with hanging lanterns, a dining table overlooking stunning city vistas and a terraced garden. To complete this outdoor sanctuary, a dedicated carport can double as a picture perfect terrace to host large dinner parties," says Sapna.
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Header image via Gavin Cater
