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9 New Ways to Look at Cinco de Mayo Decor
Mon Dieu! There's a French Design Story Behind the May 5 Festivities
Cinco de Mayo is one of those embarrassing holidays that doesn't make a whole lot of sense to many Americans who celebrate it. (St. Patrick's Day anyone?) While it's generally an excuse to have a margarita and eat guacamole, there is a fairly common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of independence in Mexico. In reality, May 5 commemorates the Mexican army's unexpected 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. While the holiday has little significance outside of the Mexican state of Puebla and the United States (where it has really become more of a celebration of Mexican pride), it does bear some importance in terms of a relatively little-known era in Mexico's past. The French intervention in Mexico lasted only six years — from 1861 to 1867 — but the influence of the French on Mexican culture was more far reaching. French colonial and baroque styles in particular greatly impacted Mexican architecture and design well into the 20th century. These subtle (and not so subtle) elements reveal another side to the Cinco de Mayo story. Here are 9 design influences the French left behind.
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| 1. Large windows. Big windows and French doors are a standard fixture of French colonial style. While these windows and doors are traditionally multi-paned, this home has taken a more modern approach — one that won't obstruct the view — that mixes several Mexican flavored styles and eras. |
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| 2. Gilded accents. After winning the war, France implemented Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph of Austria as Mexico's Emperor — Emperor Maximilian I. The former Commander-in-Chief of the Austrian Navy, Emperor Maximilian abandoned his duties and his country for the prospect of ruling over exotic, faraway Mexico. Upon arriving in Veracruz with his family, he immediately started implementing new designs in Mexico. His palace, Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, was redone with traditional French baroque features, including a fair amount of gold gilded accents. Here, gilded gold frames and trim accent a bright red room with tiled floors — a great example of how Mexican and French elements can be combined in decor. |
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Gilding refers to a technique where find gold leaf or powder is applied to solid surfaces, including wood, stone, and metal. Of course now, this same look can easily be achieved with nothing more than a can of gold spray paint. Consistently coordinating colors often feels a bit too matchy for my taste, but I think I can officially make an exception for gold. The console, accents, and mirror in this image all work together to create a luxurious and powerful statement.
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3. Traditional floral patterns. Floral patterns were brought by the boatload (literally) by the Emperor to his palace in Mexico City. Damasks and flowers in golds and pastels adorned numerous rooms in the renovated palace. These classic patterns were integrated into many high-end homes in Mexico through the end of the 19th century.
4. Multiple floors and large staircases. Prior to the influence of the French, most standard homes in Mexico consisted of a single level — ranch style. Multiple levels and large, grand stairways were a fixture in French palaces and chateaus alike, and as the French population began to grow in Mexico, these fixtures were implemented into the architecture of new homes.
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| 5. Balconies. A popular French-colonial addition to homes, balconies also began to be seen in Mexican structures once the multilevel layout took off in popularity. This home is a great example of traditional French colonial style. While homes in Mexico tended to have a few different elements, open air balconies like this were a great way to take advantage of the nation's perpetual good weather. |
by Stonewood, LLC
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6. New facade materials. Inspired by the mid-century redevelopment plan in Paris, part of Emperor Maximilian's vision was to incorporate new urban design into Mexico. Facades, traditionally adobe, began to move towards new materials. Many homes, particularly around the famous Paseo de la Reforma had facades of marble …
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… or gray sandstone.
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by Sophie Azouaou
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| 7. Pastels. Colors à la Marie Antoinette were a huge part of the new French baroque interiors of Chapultepec Castle. Bedrooms, sitting rooms, and traditional French furniture were often done in soft shades of blue … |
| … periwinkle, green, and even pink. Surprisingly, this is another facet of French design that wormed its way into Mexican decor well into the 20th century. Many homes eventually evolved with paint shades that were deeper and richer than the Easter-egg variations of the French palace. |
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8. Door reliefs. These intricate carvings were an unexpected European attribute that began to be used in many Mexican homes and churches during the French occupation.
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The new style of reliefs in Mexico retained the incredible details of the designs that served as their muse, but often implemented Spanish and traditional Mexican design elements as well.
| 9. Roof and public gardens. As a final embellishment on the already grandiose Chapultepec Castle, Emperor Maximilian had botanist Willhelm Knechtel create various gardens throughout Mexico City, most notably perhaps, the roof garden on the top of the palace. These gardens had wide paths, lush lawns, water features, and a surrounding border of columned walkways on the roof of the castle — much like the garden above.
More: 10 Favorite Features of Spanish-Revival Style 9 Architectural Elements of Spanish-Revival Style 9 Features of Spanish-Revival Kitchens |
Comments
Becky Harris So interesting! I never knew any of this before. Thanks!
2 years ago · Like
Shareen Webb Excellent history and design influence lesson! Thank you so much.
2 years ago · Like
Denise Vilim Great ideabook! I always find knowing the history behind a design or style tends to make me appreciate all the more! Thanks for the lesson!!
2 years ago · Like
chasa I always wondered if there was any French influence in Mexico. This was great to read!
2 years ago · Like
westinflorida This has been fascinating! Thanks for the educational and picturesque journey!
2 years ago · Like
margaretjam41 I have to say that the images are a wonderful reflection of the blending of the different cultures and are an inspiration for all to take a chance on something new! I particularly love the colors, blues, purples etc and of course the architectural elements are spectacular.
2 years ago · Like
Danielle This is an amazing ideabook, thanks! I love learning about design, keep these coming please!
2 years ago · Like
ofelia I always asked me, why americans celebrate 5 de mayo? Here in México, where I live, is an important date, but no as far as 16 de septiembre, our Independance day, something like 4th july. Now, I got an answer. One more thing, the french influence in Mexico got into music, food, and many other aspects of our culture.
2 years ago · Like
Ideabook updated on May 5, 2011.
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