Design Inspiration

Inspiration: Fabulous Frida

“I paint my own reality. The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.” – Frida Kahlo

(Image: Photo by Toni Frissell via Wikimedia Commons)

Viva la Frida! Today marks 108 years since Frida Kahlo’s birth, and her fearless approach to art and life still inspires so many of us. She embraced her traditional Mexican roots with an eye towards the modern, always brave, bold and intimate. If you love vivid dreamscapes, nature, and vibrant colors and textures of Mexico, read on for some new ideas to enhance your space Frida-style.

This Mexican modern interior is a brilliant collection of old and new, and provides a beautiful environment for displaying all kinds of art.

(Image: Photo by House + House Architects, Courtesy of Houzz)

Textured walls can be a handsome background for highlighting large landscapes and artworks.

(Image: Photo by Holly Polgreen and Miller & Smith, Design by Carlyn And Company Interiors + Design, Courtesy of Houzz)

Color, color and more color! Give your framed artwork and prints a chance to really pop against brightly painted walls.

(Image: Photo by Greg Logsdon, Courtesy of Houzz)

Turn things inside out… If you have a covered patio and can protect art from the elements, consider hanging a few small works outside to add interest to your outdoor living space.

(Image: Photo by Rigoberto Moreno Fotografo, Design by Diaz De Lune Signature, Courtesy of Houzz)

Built in nooks and shelves make wonderful galleries. Use them to display your small art, photos and sculpture collections.

(Image: Photo by Dillon Kyle Architects, Courtesy of Houzz)

Team up traditional furnishings, decorative accents and artwork to create added visual impact. This simple wood-inspired bedroom brings in texture, while the minimalist furniture adds compliment.

(Image: Photo by Taggart Sorensen, Design by Matthew Finalson – Specht Architects, Courtesy of Houzz)

Make time for textiles! Traditional Otomi fabrics, like these from Casa Otomi, and vibrant oilcloth add color and fun to interiors, while accenting your art.

(Image: Photo by Tara Bussema – Neat Organization and Design, Courtesy of Houzz)

The natural world is a never-ending source of inspiration for me… Try combining lush plants or sculptural cacti with your art collection for something new.

(Image: Photo by Hudson Interior Designs, Courtesy of Houzz)

Here are a few more Mexican modern inspired interiors that remind me of something Frida would love.

(Image: Photo by Giffin & Crane General Contracts, Inc., Courtesy of Houzz)

(Image: Photo by Adrienne Bizzarri Photography, Design by Key Piece, Courtesy of Houzz)

Which one is your favorite?

In the mood for more? Shop our “Inspired by Frida Kahlo” Collection at Saatchi Art now.