Nestled into the quiet middle of a block in the historic center of the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, this 4,500 square foot courtyard home is accessed through lush gardens with trickling fountains and a luminous lap-pool. The living, dining, kitchen, library and master suite on the ground floor open onto a series of plant filled patios that flood each space with light that changes throughout the day. Elliptical domes and hewn wooden beams sculpt the ceilings, reflecting soft colors onto curving walls. A long, narrow stairway wrapped with windows and skylights is a serene connection to the second floor ''Moroccan' inspired suite with domed fireplace and hand-sculpted tub, and "French Country" inspired suite with a sunny balcony and oval shower. A curving bridge flies through the high living room with sparkling glass railings and overlooks onto sensuously shaped built in sofas. At the third floor windows wrap every space with balconies, light and views, linking indoors to the distant mountains, the morning sun and the bubbling jacuzzi. At the rooftop terrace domes and chimneys join the cozy seating for intimate gatherings.
Local handmade tile covers the kitchen backsplash, countertops and floor. The cupboards, also done by hand, are made of alder. "Our crew in San Miguel doesn't really use any power tools," says Cathi. "Every part of the house is made with someone's hands, which adds a really beautiful quality to our work — even the portions of this house that are meant to be more sleek."
Turn your kitchen into your second-favorite room in the house. Food prep burns calories, and eating at home is considered more waistline-whittling than dining out. If your kitchen has the space, create a breakfast nook for the day’s most important, metabolism-boosting meal.
5. Textured walls. In a Mediterranean kitchen, walls gain interest and depth from a tactile finish. Consider stucco, Venetian plaster or even drywall mud for a textural surface that evokes the sense of an old-world villa.