Guest Picks: Obsessed With Otomi
Bring the energy of Mexico’s dynamic colors and patterns to your walls, bedding, furniture and more
Noelani Zervas
January 12, 2014
Interiors, styling, curating cool stuff / mom to Niko & Daphne / Boston & Nantucket
Interiors, styling, curating cool stuff / mom to Niko & Daphne / Boston & Nantucket... More
The Otomi people, indigenous inhabitants of central Mexico, are probably best known today for their colorful embroidery and textiles. Influenced by nature and ancient cliff paintings, the pieces incorporate vibrant images of animals, flora, fauna and native people. Their lively aesthetic is clean and modern.
Whether you are on the hunt for an original work or a more modest mass-produced item that references the Otomi style, I have curated stunning selections from far and wide for home and hearth. — Lani from Mon Petit Chou Chou
Whether you are on the hunt for an original work or a more modest mass-produced item that references the Otomi style, I have curated stunning selections from far and wide for home and hearth. — Lani from Mon Petit Chou Chou
This Otomi tapestry is a kaleidoscope of stunning colors. I would love to see it on the wall in place of a headboard, or as a grand way to greet guests when they enter the house.
I very much like the way this colorful hanging was used in this Houzz Tour. It really pops against the neutral Mediterranean-style stairwell.
If a large wall hanging would be too big a commitment, inject a little Otomi pattern in an unexpected spot — like with this pouf.
Otomi art is hardly limited to fabric. Papel amate, or bark paper, is a traditional Mexican medium used for paintings by the Nahua and Otomi peoples. This painting, “Birds of Paradise,” is a beautiful papel amate piece at a reasonable price.
Look at that splash of pillow pattern! It brings this minimalist space by Cathy Schwabe Architecture to life. And it’s proof positive that a little dose of color can go a long way.
Pillows are the easiest way to change up a room, as well as one of the most affordable. This one with a golden pattern based on Otomi designs rings in at a mere $19.
The Clay Bungalow creates Otomi-inspired pottery, among other things. Take a look at its platters, pitchers and plates, all with lovely interpretations of this style.
This lampshade from The Land of Nod is cheery and kid friendly. It features a menagerie of colorful animal figures in a design inspired by traditional Otomi artwork.
Hello, crazy cool headboard! This beauty from Design Sponge is a much more budget-friendly version of the stunning headboards at One&Only Palmilla in Cabo.
This Otomi bedspread via Casa Otomi on Etsy would fit a king-size bed. It’s such a colorful and creative idea for a guest room.
Or even better, buy some of this fabric and sew up a duvet of your own. It would be both budget friendly and chic.
Cocktail hour! This pitcher from The Clay Bungalow on Etsy is just begging for a batch of margaritas.
I indulged in a set of these Otomi-influenced stockings this past Christmas. The teal and red colors together make for a fun take on traditional holiday colors.
I’m still tempted to pick up the matching tree skirt from Red Envelope. Time to check in on those postholiday sales!
The Hidalgo runner from Crate & Barrel easily rounds out my Otomi holiday decor. It beats holly and pine any day.
I feel a DIY project brewing — I have been itching to redo the tile around the fireplace, so why not use some Otomi tiles? Handmade and finely detailed, these would work well in my Tudor home.
The bold pink pattern on this chair would be delicious in a child’s room or nursery. It is playful without being too precious.
Walmart is a great source for decor on the cheap. This Otomi poster is very budget friendly at a mere $15.20. Take the money you saved and get a great frame for the piece. No one will be the wiser!
I just ordered a few of these Otomi cocktail napkins. (They’re sold individually.) They’re hand embroidered — your cocktail never had it so good.
Brighten up any corner with this Otomi lamp by Jane Gray for Stray Dog Designs. With its vibrant shade and gold base, it doesn’t even need to be lit to make an impact.
Stenciling is a great way to craft a custom wall space without the commitment of wallpaper. Just paint over it when you need a change.
These organic Otomi-print tea towels would make a nice addition to the washroom. They beat bland white any day.
Ring in the new year with an Otomi-print calendar.
Itching to learn more about the Otomi people? Pick up Living Art: Designs and Crafts of the Otomi of San Pablito by Kevin Gould. It’s not a bad book for the coffee table, either.
This lush red wallpaper pattern, from Hygge & West, is perfect for brightening a petite washroom or even for lining some bookshelves and drawers.
West Elm has this unique take on Otomi patterns from Paulina Reyes. These silk pillow covers feature an enlarged print, making a great statement on your chair.
Next: Color Your World With Otomi Embroidery
Next: Color Your World With Otomi Embroidery
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All the best!
You can visit as well the site www.otomimexico.com. They sell beautiful Otomi table runners and other decoration articles.