Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Culture With a Style for Everyone!
Take a look at some of our authentic Hispanic products that celebrate culture, from vibrant talaveras to Mexican Modernism.
Since 1988, the United States has held September 15 to October 15 as a month-long appreciation for the different Hispanic roots that have benefited and contributed to the state’s culture and social success. While most can quickly think about their favorite Hispanic dishes, it’s essential to acknowledge the significance of style and design, which have also transformed lives worldwide. Whether you are looking to find new styles or learn more about how Hispanic culture inspires design, Nueva Casa de Cerámica is proud to celebrate this month and bring that information to you!
Hispanic Design’s Popular Forms: Talaveras and Folk Art
One type of product that has been the longest-running in Hispanic design and styles is talaveras. Talaveras, since the 15th century, have gone through two major phases in Hispanic culture. The first reflects traditional talaveras, a craft brought over by the Spanish while Mexico was still conquered by Europe. Traditional styles include glazing with white and blue colors and patterns which were first on ceramics from Asia. These first designs of talaveras had motifs that enforced the religion and customs of Spanish culture. After Mexico's independence from Spain, the talaveras demonstrated cultural change and growth. This second phase moved away from the traditional use of white and blue to brighter colors, including orange, red, green, and black. Besides color, talaveras also started demonstrating patterns and other motifs belonging to the Indigenous and Hispanic people living in Mexico, deviating from Spanish culture.
Talaveras may show a diversity of color and style. However, for more intricate designs, there are tile forms of folk art that demonstrate an amplified view of Hispanic culture. For instance, two of the most common forms of these types of design are the Virgin Mary's and Jesus Christ's illustrations on wall tile. These are examples of folk art with biblical significance, but Hispanic design covers a wide range of culturally motivated styles.
Next Wave of Influence: Mexican Modernism
When it comes to minimalism and more simplistic design styles, it’s easy to look at most cultures, yet, many overlook its impact on Hispanic cultures. That is no longer the case as Mexican Modernism is making its bold entrance into mainstream media and bringing over interior design’s next wave of influence. Mexican Modernist-inspired interior design projects take the essence of Hispanic culture into a more relaxed aesthetic than what the traditional Mexican styles portray. Instead of emphasizing vibrant colors, these styles have a foundation in neutral tones and organic accents. For example, consider a beige-colored wall with a cream-white tile floor, pair it up with some natural accent furniture, and include in some ceramics. This makes up some of the basic foundations of this Mexican Modernist design. At the same time, other motifs, including plants, art, and crafts representative of Hispanic culture can be added to give your home the perfect Mexican-style feel.
Nueva Casa de Ceramica will continue sharing content celebrating this year’s Hispanic Heritage month! Subscribe to our newsletter to look at the latest content and learn more!
TikToks describing and showcasing Mexican Modernism inspired homes:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR5D59fx/, @monica.marie.co
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR5D2Dxa/, @bananna_rama
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR5Dyw33/, @eka_oso
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR5DBPPr/, @lovemarlynbarrera
More about Hispanic Heritage Month and Talaveras:
Teel, Sarah. “Talavera Pottery: Researched by Shayna MacDonald,” October 2020, https://blogs.missouristate.edu/arthistory/talavera-pottery-researched-by-shayna-macdonald/#:~:text=Mexican%20Talavera%20pottery%20has%20a,to%20this%20pottery%2Dmaking%20area.
Asaff, Beth. “Mexican Interior Design: 8 Defining tips and Tricks,” https://interiordesign.lovetoknow.com/Mexican_Interior_Design.
The Library of Congress, “About National Hispanic Heritage Month,” https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/
