Tag Archives: oaxaca

Home Furnishings to Liven Up Every Room

Oaxacan Rug

Oaxacan Rug

Before you can spruce up your space, you need to decide just what kind of mood you’re wanting to set – bright and sunny, romantic and sultry, chic and fun, zen, exotic, the list goes on and on. Once you know what feel you’re going for it’s easy to create your space, one sweet piece at a time. Here are some ideas to get you going!

A gorgeous rug can dramatically alter the look and feel of a room or bring an eclectic mix together. Playing with multiple rugs in one room can create a playful atmosphere. While you can find an infinite assortment of rugs online, we recommend checking out Keyvan Oriental Rugs in Alamo Heights for quality rugs.

If you can get out of town, we recommend heading to Oaxaca, Mexico where the weavers in the neighboring villages create one-of-a-kind stunning rugs and tapestries made using ancient Zapotec techniques. These heirloom furnishings will be a showpiece for you and generations to come.

To create a tranquil environment, but one that will have all your friends buzzing, consider installing a custom aquarium. Imagine this talking piece in the kitchen, dining room or one in the entertainment room that doubles as a bar. However, besides the fact that a large-scale aquarium is a luxury item, salt water tanks require serious maintenance. It’s very easy to throw their delicate ecosystem off-kilter, so you will want to factor in the hassle and expense of a professional service.

For a quick and inexpensive way to add some texture to the walls in your bathroom, kitchen or any room really, add a multitude and variety of antique or stylishly modern hooks along one wall and hang, well, just about anything, from handcrafted ceramic cups to jewelry and scarves.

If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop to outfit your entire house with beautiful name-brand furniture, lighting and more, Stowers Furniture has a giant 80,000 square foot showroom. They offer items from classic to contemporary, in both casual and formal options. They’ve been around since 1890, so they must be doing something right. For those who prefer personalized furnishings, they also provide custom order options and even have a space planner to help you figure out the best place to put it all.

Think outside the box. You can easily find inspirations on Pinterest or other apps and sites, but some of the coolest furnishings are ones that aren’t used the way they’re meant to be. For example, how about flipping over a gorgeous ceramic flowerpot and using it as a drink table for indoor or outdoor use?

Now that you know what you want to fill your house with, let us build it! You can call us at 210-494-5400 to set up a free consultation. If you wish to be added to our private email list for our newsletter, please sign up here.

 

Where To Go for Winter Vacay

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Monte Alban Ruins in Oaxaca

If your year has been as busy as ours, then you’re probably already dreaming of a winter getaway. Here’s where we would go if we could take some time off!

Oaxaca, Mexico 

Sure, it’s their rainy season, but that just means the valley and all the surrounding ruins are lush green. Oaxaca used to be a favorite tourist area before Mexico suffered from the media’s over-exaggeration of the cartel’s effect on this beautiful country. In fact, Oaxaca, a Southern state (with a city by the same name), is quite safe and far from all the troubles.

This magical land is filled with talented artists that use both ancient Zapotec techniques as well as modern ones to create incredible (and shockingly inexpensive) one-of-a-kind artwork. Small villages, each with their own skill set, surround Oaxaca. You’ll find weavers, potters, chocolate makers, mezcal makers and more. It’s also known as the land of seven moles, so be prepared to eat your weight’s worth in mole as well as tamales. Our favorite restaurant, Los Danzantes, offers a modern interpretation of traditional dishes and flavors. We recommend bringing an extra suitcase. You’ll thank us if you do!

The Cell Block – Clifton, Texas

For something really different, how would you like to stay a night in jail? Of course, if you’re going to do that, you might as well do it in style, right? Not far from us, between Austin and Dallas, is a small (perhaps unknown) town. Although unassuming, this town has a lot of character. Besides being the official Norwegian capitol of Texas – the King of Norway even visited here once – they’re also known for being home to several successful artists who produce Western-style artwork. The town has several art galleries as well as a museum.

While there are a few quaint options for accommodations, none are more interesting than The Cell Block. This luxury jailhouse was once a real jail. It didn’t see the likes of Bonnie and Clyde although rumor has it they lived nearby. There’s a bullet hole in a building next to the now historic theatre where Clyde was said to have shot at a guy who took Bonnie out on a date. The Cell Bock is a “bed and booze” as opposed to a bed and breakfast. For the night, you get a bottle of wine and a swig of whiskey to keep you warm. Relax on your rooftop patio then enjoy a good night’s sleep in jail. Just make sure you don’t lose the key! 

La Cantera Resort & Spa

If you don’t have time to get away, consider a staycation at the newly renovated La Cantera Resort & Spa. They’ve put an immense amount of money and effort into providing an amazingly relaxing and luxurious experience for their guests. The spa is easily one of the best in town and offers a plethora of both familiar and unique spa experiences. The best part is local celebrity chef, Andrew Weissman, is opening up a new restaurant here called Signature. It’s about to become the hottest place in town!

If you’re saving up your pennies for a new home instead of a vacation, call us at 210-494-5400 to set up a consultation. If you wish to be added to our private email list for our newsletter, please sign up here.

 

 

Trending Living Room Decorating Ideas

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We checked in on all the latest trends for your living room to get you excited for fall. What better way to zhush up your home than with a living room make-over?!

Florals for Granny

You’re not going to believe this, but this year Grandma’s floral prints are back in style. Both homes and runways are sporting flamboyant floral prints with bold colors and giant bawdy blossoms. Look for couches and loveseats that you can showcase, set against a more neutral color palette so they really pop.

Marble Mayhem

Evidently marble was a big hit at this year’s NY NOW showcase, but before you balk, we’re not talking marble columns or floors. Instead, the trend is to use marble clocks, planters, candleholders, coasters and other small items as accents in your living room to bring it that unique touch of class.

Delivery Décor

Fashion for the home is made easy with décor delivery through monthly online clubs such as The Bouqs Co. (bouqs.com) and Globein (globein.com). They deliver items such as sustainably-grown floral arrangements, tagines from Tunisia and baskets from Oaxaca. You don’t have to travel to find unique pieces for your home because they do it for you!

Comfort is In!

Thank goodness, living rooms don’t have to look like a high-end art gallery to be fashion-forward – especially in San Antonio where we like it casual that can get to be too much. Now, your living room can be filled with chunky and comfy sofas that you can just sink into and watch the latest Netflix series. We recommend Marco Polo or Stranger Things, in case you’re also looking for something good to watch!

Go Black

Black isn’t just a popular look in the kitchen with things such as black chrome appliances, black is also becoming a surprising favorite in living rooms as well. From painting walls entirely black to black furniture and accent pieces, you decide just how dark you want to go. If all black is just too dramatic, consider darker hues of any color.

Art Becomes You

Art ledges aren’t only trendy, they’re a great way to showcase an array of diverse artwork and make it stand out. These long, shallow shelves are much simpler than dealing with the hassle of a gallery wall. What’s even better is it makes changing out your artwork and the look of your living room easy and fun.

Now that you can have the living room of your dreams, why not the whole house? Call us at 210-494-5400. If you wish to be added to our private email list for our newsletter, please sign up here.