Summer Thornton's living room is a tribute to Mexican design

Every now and then I come across a piece so evocative of its place that I feel emotionally transported to that place just by looking at a photo. Our new cover, which features the living room of designer Summer Thornton’s vacation home in Sayulita, Mexico, does just that.

It’s not just about the view of the palm tree-studded beach, although of course that doesn’t hurt. This piece sends visual cues of its Mexican heritage in every design detail. There are the pink-tinted walls, made of concrete and plastered according to the Mayan tradition. chukum; the veined travertine floors cut from a local quarry; even the vintage Mexican textiles on the sofa cushions that Thornton started collecting long before she had a home here.

“The entire house is an ode to Mexican design and craftsmanship,” says Thornton. “The biggest compliment I give is when Mexicans come and say ‘this is so Mexican, but in a way we’ve never seen before.'”

But it’s the living room furniture, all designed and made in Mexico, that strikes me as particularly thoughtful, intentional, and beautiful. (Admittedly, the umbrella visible from the living room is by Santa Barbara Designs.) “Chic And casual – I really wanted this house to have that feeling,” says Thornton. “Mexican furniture in general is easy. It’s excessive and it’s meant to live – even in a tumultuous way. It is not made for any show and therefore lends itself to this very simple elegance that I wanted.

When I asked him about sourcing Mexican furniture, Thornton admitted it was challenging, albeit fun and rewarding. “It took a while. I traveled the country looking for cool Mexican designers and would often contact people through Instagram,” she says. “I found it exhilarating not to rely exclusively on websites. »

Anchoring the space below is a custom Parota wood coffee table by Metis, a furniture studio in San Miguel de Allende and one of our Next Legend Mexican furniture makers. The personalized table, nicknamed “la tortuga” in homage to the turtles that nest on the beach in front of the house, is made of tropical wood that can withstand sea spray. Just like the pair of cane-backed chairs from Project committee. Besides the built-in sofa, all the seats are made of wood or rattan. “It became important to vary the texture so it didn’t look like one set,” says Thornton, adding, “solid wood furniture just feels Mexican to me.”

Customizable lounge chair

Other textures, such as Peca The juxtaposition of matte terracotta and blown glass side tables further dimension the serene space. “Terracotta blends into the walls but glass captures the ocean. As I didn’t play as much with patterns, I wanted to mix materials. My eyes get bored easily,” Thornton says with a laugh.

Impronta Terracota Small by Peca

Impronta Terracotta Large by Peca

In addition to the textiles she had collected, the Casamidy The lamp, made of welded iron nuts with a gold leaf finish and one of four that illuminate the corners of the room, was the first piece Thornton purchased for the room. “They have the prettiest, softest glow at night.” (Casamidy is another of our five Next Legend creators.)

Although this room isn’t filled with Thornton’s typical layers of pattern (like her Chicago home), it remains warm and well-appointed. The space blends effortlessly into its tropical surroundings and has historic character, even though the home is new construction. Most important, perhaps, is how Thornton prioritized collaboration with Mexican artisans and makers to bring this piece to life. Talk about instilling a sense of belonging.

Steele Marcoux is an editor at VERANDA, covering design trends, architecture and travel for the brand.