27 Breathtaking Old Mexican House Ideas to Transform Your Home

Old Mexican architecture blends indigenous techniques with Spanish colonial influences, creating spaces that feel both timeless and welcoming.

These homes showcase rich cultural heritage through vibrant colors, natural materials, and distinctive craftsmanship that continue to inspire modern design.

Whether you’re renovating, building from scratch, or simply admiring, these traditional Mexican design elements will add character and warmth to any home.

1: Colorful Exterior Walls

Embrace the bold color tradition of Mexican homes by painting your exterior walls in vibrant hues. Think terra cotta oranges, cobalt blues, or sunny yellows.

These cheerful colors reflect the natural landscape and create instant curb appeal.

Pair with contrasting trim in white or complementary colors for that authentic Mexican look.

2: Talavera Tile Accents

Incorporate handmade Talavera tiles featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colors. Use them as kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, or stair risers.

These distinctive ceramic tiles bring authentic Mexican craftsmanship into your home.

Each piece tells a story through its unique hand-painted designs and vivid blue, yellow, green, and orange details.

3: Interior Courtyards (Patios)

Design your home around a central courtyard, a quintessential feature of traditional Mexican architecture. This creates a private outdoor space protected from street noise.

Fill your courtyard with potted plants, a small fountain, and comfortable seating.

The open-air concept promotes natural ventilation while connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces seamlessly.

4: Thick Adobe Walls

Construct or mimic the look of thick adobe walls, which provide natural insulation against heat and cold.

This ancient building technique creates a distinctive rounded look at corners and edges.

The substantial walls create deep window wells and doorways, adding architectural interest. Modern adaptations can achieve this look while meeting current building codes.

5: Exposed Wooden Beams

Install rustic wooden ceiling beams (vigas) that extend through exterior walls, a hallmark of traditional Mexican construction. Choose rough-hewn timber for authenticity.

These structural elements add warmth and character to your ceiling while creating visual interest.

The contrast between smooth walls and textured wood exemplifies Mexican architectural harmony.

6: Saltillo Tile Flooring

Lay authentic Saltillo tiles for flooring throughout your home. These terracotta tiles from Northern Mexico develop a beautiful patina over time.

Their natural earth tones range from light orange to deep rust, adding warmth to any room.

The slight irregularities in handmade tiles create a charming, lived-in aesthetic that improves with age.

7: Arched Doorways and Windows

Replace rectangular openings with gentle arches that soften transitions between rooms. This Spanish-influenced feature defines old Mexican homes.

Arched windows and doorways create graceful sightlines and improved flow throughout your space.

Consider adding wrought iron grillwork for both security and decorative appeal.

8: Hand-Carved Wooden Doors

Install solid wooden doors with hand-carved designs as stunning focal points. Mexican artisans traditionally incorporate nature motifs or geometric patterns.

These substantial entryways make a powerful first impression while showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.

Choose native woods like mesquite or pine for authentic character and durability.

9: Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces

Create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas with covered patios (portales) that extend your living space. These shaded areas provide relief from intense sunlight.

Use matching flooring materials to visually connect the spaces.

This traditional design approach maximizes usable space and takes advantage of pleasant weather year-round.

10: Tiled Roof Terraces (Azote as)

Convert your flat roof into a functional terrace for entertaining or relaxing. These rooftop living spaces are traditional in many Mexican regions.

Add potted plants, outdoor furniture, and perhaps a pergola for shade.

The elevated position often captures breezes and provides views that would otherwise be missed.

11: Wrought Iron Details

Incorporate ornate wrought iron elements in railings, light fixtures, and window grilles (rejas). These decorative yet functional features add security and artistic flair.

Mexican blacksmiths traditionally create elaborate scrollwork and nature-inspired motifs.

The contrast of dark metal against colorful walls creates dramatic visual interest throughout your home.

12: Niches and Built-in Shelving

Carve decorative niches (nachos) into thick walls to display art pieces or religious items. These recessed spaces serve both practical and aesthetic purposes.

Built-in shelving and storage were common in old Mexican homes before furniture was widely available.

The curved edges of these features soften the overall look of your interior spaces.

13: Central Fountain Feature

Install a tiled or stone fountain as a focal point in your courtyard or garden. The sound of flowing water creates a peaceful atmosphere throughout your home.

Traditional designs range from simple wall fountains to elaborate multi-tiered structures.

This feature connects to the importance of water in arid Mexican regions and adds a cooling effect.

14: Painted Ceramic Sinks

Replace standard bathroom and kitchen fixtures with hand-painted ceramic sinks (ova lines).

These functional art pieces transform everyday spaces into showcases of Mexican craftsmanship.

Choose from traditional patterns or commissioned designs that reflect your personal style.

The glossy, vibrant surfaces add unexpected color and personality to utilitarian spaces.

15: Terra Cotta Pot Collections

Display collections of Mexican terra cotta pots (ollas) as both functional and decorative elements.

Their earthy colors and organic shapes complement traditional architecture perfectly.

Group various sizes on patios, stairs, or in garden areas. These versatile containers have been used for centuries in Mexican homes for plants, water storage, and cooking.

16: Bovid Ceilings

Install curved bovid ceilings, a distinctive feature created through an ancient brick-laying technique. These self-supporting structures create dramatic domed or vaulted spaces.

The gentle curves reflect light differently throughout the day, adding visual interest.

Modern construction methods can recreate this look while meeting current building standards.

17: Hand-Painted Tile House Numbers

Create a memorable first impression with custom Talavera tile house numbers.

These practical yet decorative elements immediately establish your home’s Mexican-inspired aesthetic.

Choose a design that complements your exterior color scheme. The weatherproof finish ensures your unique address marker will remain vibrant for years to come.

18: Tropical Interior Courtyard Garden

Transform your interior courtyard into a lush tropical garden with plants native to Mexico. Include specimens like bougainvillea, agave, bird of paradise, and citrus trees.

The sheltered environment creates ideal growing conditions for tender varieties.

This verdant oasis provides natural cooling, attracts birds, and connects your home to Mexico’s rich botanical heritage.

19: Cantera Stone Elements

Incorporate architectural elements carved from Cantera, a volcanic stone used extensively in Mexican colonial buildings. Consider columns, fountains, fireplace surrounds, or decorative accents.

The stone’s natural variations in color range from gray to pink to green.

These substantial pieces add permanence and connection to Mexican building traditions that span centuries.

20: Rustic Wood Furniture

Fill your home with handcrafted wooden furniture made using traditional Mexican techniques.

Look for pieces featuring mortise and tenon joinery rather than nails or screws.

Mesquite, pine, and cypress were commonly used in different regions.

The substantial proportions and simple lines of authentic pieces bring warmth and history into your living spaces.

21: Equip-ale Seating

Add authentic equipale chairs and tables, made using ancient techniques that combine stretched leather with handcrafted cedar or pine frames.

These comfortable pieces suit both indoor and outdoor settings.

The distinctive barrel shape and natural materials create a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Each piece ages beautifully, developing a rich patina that improves over decades of use.

22: Clay Tile Roof

Top your home with a traditional clay tile roof in the distinctive barrel shape associated with Mexican architecture. These tiles create beautiful shadow lines and texture.

Beyond aesthetics, clay tiles provide excellent insulation and durability in various climates.

The overlapping installation allows for natural expansion and contraction with temperature changes.

23: Punched Tin Light Fixtures

Illuminate your spaces with punched tin (hojalata) light fixtures that cast intricate shadow patterns. This traditional Mexican craft transforms simple metal into artistic lighting.

Pendants, sconces, and lanterns featuring this technique add ambient lighting and visual interest.

The tiny perforations create a magical effect, especially in evening hours.

24: Built-in Banco Seating

Construct built-in masonry benches (banco’s) along walls or in courtyards.

These permanent seating areas were common in traditional Mexican homes before furniture was widely available.

Add cushions and pillows for comfort while maintaining the authentic architectural feature.

These substantial elements ground your space and provide natural gathering places for conversation.

25: Wood-Burning Kitchen Hearth

Install a traditional wood-burning hearth as a functional or decorative kitchen feature. Mexican cooking traditionally centered around these substantial cooking areas.

Modern adaptations can incorporate conventional appliances while maintaining the aesthetic appeal.

The massive chimney structure creates a dramatic focal point that connects to culinary heritage.

26: Day of the Dead Shrine Space

Dedicate a special niche or shelf as an altar (offend) for displaying meaningful objects or seasonal decorations.

This honors the Mexican tradition of creating sacred spaces within the home.

Even when not decorated for specific celebrations, this area serves as a meaningful display space.

The tradition connects your home to centuries of Mexican cultural practices.

27: Hand-Woven Textiles as Décor

Incorporate hand-woven Mexican textiles like serapes, rebozos, and tapetes as wall hangings, throws, and table coverings.

These textiles add instant color and authentic cultural elements.

Look for traditional patterns and techniques from different regions of Mexico. The varied textures and vibrant colors bring warmth and visual interest to any room in your home.

Conclusion

Old Mexican house design celebrates rich craftsmanship, connection to nature, and functional beauty.

By incorporating these elements, you’ll create a home that honors tradition while providing timeless comfort for modern living.