Corpus Christi’s proximity to the international border almost ensures that the design, architecture and flair of Mexico have a profound influence on our South Texas identity; from vibrant art to authentic cuisine, Mexican culture can be seen in abundance.
In a sprawling 1960s South Shores home, moments away from the Corpus Christi Bay, Mexican artistic tradition becomes the staple motif. A close-knit family of four purchased the home in 2016, becoming the second owners in its 60-year history.
“The previous owner had updated a few things, but it was pretty outdated,” the owner recalled. With the help of the architect/interior designer duo Tina and Chuck Anastos, the family took on the challenge of modernizing the layout and putting their personal touch on the home. They transformed the space into a blend of Spanish hacienda architecture and bohemian style.
Stepping inside, crisp white walls washed with sunlight provide a canvas to be transported by the vibrant influences of Central Mexico. An expansive hallway, illuminated by turquoise beaded ceiling fixtures, serves as the primary pathway connecting the living, dining and kitchen areas.
While architectural symmetry reigns supreme in the double-width living room, an extraordinary two-sided fireplace stands sentinel in the space, delineating two seating areas for varying intentions. On the entry side, the notion of a more “formal” sitting arrangement is deconstructed by an assemblage of guitars and a game table, impressing that nothing is more precious than time spent as a family. Traditional Equipale furniture, synonymous with the cultural patrimony of Mexico, is tastefully deployed amid vibrantly colored decorative pillows and textiles.
On the opposing side, a sectional provides ample seating for the concealed television, set against a backdrop of collected items showcasing the family’s varied passions, displayed in custom built-in shelving. The fireplace is faced with hand-cut multi-colored Moroccan zellige mosaic tile and a molded flourish atop the floating mantel. The intricate masterpiece pays homage to the vibrant streets of Central Mexico and establishes the color scheme for embellishments throughout the home.
Anchoring the dining room is an oversized zinc-top table with Spanish Mission-style dining chairs upholstered with leather and neutral Otomi embroidery. Overhead, a custom inlaid ceiling grille complements the fireplace’s Moorish star tile pattern and highlights the rustic iron chandelier. To weave in the owners’ longstanding love of the spirit of Mexico, the bedazzled train from Las Doñas de la Corte’s Coronation presentation depicting Aztec iconography is hung against the back wall.
From the hallway, a walk-up bar runs double duty as a butler’s pantry between the dining room and kitchen. Teal and aqua pinwheel zellige tile framed by a molded plaster border creates a pop of color and complements the turquoise ceiling fixtures. The pantry’s interior does the heavy lifting, storing overflow serving dishes, housing wine and even displaying special Talavera pottery.
Modern culture dictates the kitchen is the primary hub for the goings-on in the family dynamic. For this home, that concept is prevalent. “The kitchen is my favorite part of the house,” said the owner. “We host a lot of family events because it’s so functional and spacious.”
The expansive kitchen features a large sage green eat-in island with cobalt blue and gold bar stools and a banquette breakfast nook, perfect for family gatherings. Remaining cohesive with the fireplace, the backsplash wall is covered in a deep indigo blue zellige tile with a woven border tracing the perimeter, setting a perfect backdrop for the couple’s well-traveled collection of majolica and Talavera dishware, pottery and glasses. A large hammered copper farmhouse sink and matching range hood contribute to the rustic aesthetic. Paired with the bright colors of the accenting décor, they generate festive refinement.
This home demonstrates the matchless beauty that Mexican culture holds and how its diversity can be used to decorate any space. Behind the large paneled entry door lies a home saturated in the family’s zest for life, the vibrancy of color and the art of living well.
