Latin American Textiles, Vintage & New: Add Character to Home Decor

Otomi Pillow: Morrissey Fabric

vintage or new, Latin American textiles are often filled with vibrant color and bold designs.  The Otomi embroidered pillow above is from Hidalgo, Mexico, and the bright trim on the black and white African mud cloth pillow is from Guatemala.
Otomi Embroidery:
Otomi women from Tenango de Noria sew colorful embroidery on cotton or linen cloths. Animals like birds and deer as well as flowers are hand embroidered in multiple or single color patterns. The lively patterns decorate textiles meant for use as table cloths, pillow cases, quilts and clothing. These beautiful Mexican textiles have been reproduced by fine couture companies such as Hermes, and copied as prints by large home decor corporations like Pottery Barn.

Yukatan Henequen Pillow, Novika.com

So what is henequen? Found in the Yukatan, henequen is a natural thread spun from agave fibers. If you think all Latin American textiles are brightly colored, as you can see, the a neutral palette is attainable as well. Artisan Mily Cauich Canul crafts an original cushion for Taller Maya's "Milagros" collection featuring four decorative buttons carved from bull horn. Canul works on the pedal loom with henequen threads spun from agave fibers. Black diagonal stitches create a harmonious contrast with henequen's natural hue and is on the mark for any interior space with a black, white, or natural color story.

Photo: Barij

Latin American textiles of the vintage variety are a pleasure to layer within an interior space. I have found there are some style-makers particularly adept at layering their colorful textiles, rugs, and pillows.  Bari J. is a blogger who is well known for her vibrant mixes as you can see from the interior space above. Guatemalan huipils (tops) and corte cloth (skirts) were used to make the embroidered pillow and throw selection on the vintage day bed.

Keekacollection, Dallas, Texas

The stack of frazada textiles in the photo above are each one of a kind and made from soft cotton or wool yarns. Because they are heavier in weight, they make great blankets and throws.  These lofty textiles come from Peru and can be seen made into purses, pillows, or used just as they are. The company, Pink Frazada, based in the UK, specializes in home and wearable accessories made from Peruvian frazadas.

The Global Trunk

Guatemalan textiles are sturdy and well crafted fabrics.  You will find new pieces or vintage Guatemalan textiles will suit just about any diy or designer project.  The Global Trunk, based in Los Angeles, uses Guatemalan huipiles and corte cloth to make a nice range of home goods.  The dog bed cover above is made by one of their artisan coops in Guatemala. The indigo blue plaid with the rainbow colored ronda detail will keep a pampered pooch sitting pretty. 
A wide range of Latin American textiles can be found in my Etsy shop or on this website store.  If you don't see what you need, please contact me via my contact page or by email.

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