Casa Mar en el Desierto
Located in Baja California Sur, Mexico, this is the third home we have completed for this family of six. The homeowners, both avid golfers, were drawn to the property because it offered both a beautiful course, and connection to the ocean, complementing their main residence which is located in the mountains. They discovered the property while on vacation and, taken by its setting, moved quickly to build. Once the home was completed, however, it felt disconnected from its location: an all-white interior that did not reflect the warmth, richness, and spirit of the Mexican people and culture. We were brought in to reimagine the home, and to collaborate with Mexican artisans, artists, and designers to bring the project to life.
To respect the land, our intention was to source locally and thoughtfully, highlighting regional artists and makers. Embracing the talent around us—while blending it with the expertise of our own team—allowed us to explore new ways of working, materials, and craftsmanship, which was essential in bringing the home to life with authenticity and exceptional quality. We began with our travels throughout Mexico and found inspiration in textiles and artwork. Once we set the color palette for the main living areas, we focused on ways to transform the once stark white walls by adding textural wall covering and staining trim work and doors with rich warm wood tones. We sourced locally and meaningfully, highlighting regional artists and makers. We traveled through Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, and Oaxaca, carefully curating every element—from textiles and pottery to furniture and artwork. Collaborating with talented local artisans, each piece was brought to life with care.
The kitchen became the focal point—designed to capture the rustic, inviting quality often found in Mexican homes. We wanted every finish to feel warm, earthy, and deeply grounded, making the kitchen a natural gathering place, the true heart. From there, our goal was to carry those same rich wood tones and warm materials throughout the rest of the house, creating a cohesive sense of comfort and character.. In the main house, we maintained a more earthy palette, by using varied hues of green, ochres and gold tones. Then, we layered in moments of impact—such as palm leaf wall covering, woven textures, and whimsical furniture pieces and lighting. The secondary spaces continue the mood but grow more vivid in tone. Throughout, the custom furniture and artwork introduce a sense of joy and individuality—pieces that play in the space between functional object and sculpture, giving the home its distinctly Mexican, curated character.
