7 Frida Kahlo inspired home accessories with Mexican flair
Celebrate the life and work of Frida Kahlo by introducing bold, beautiful and modern Mexican inspired interiors into your home.
Image: Colin Poole
For the first time ever, personal artefacts belonging to iconic Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo will be shown outside her native home. From makeup and jewellery to clothes and a prosthetic leg, this extraordinary collection – previously locked away for fifty years – has been revealed the first time at London’s V&A Museum until Sunday 4th November 2018.
Frida Kahlo’s artwork and distinctive style shattered gender stereotypes, turning her into a feminist icon and one of the most recognised artists of the 20th century. Her famous self-portraits, made up of for bold, vibrant colours, and imagery of exotic animals and plants have influenced both the fashion and interiors industries, inspiring them to replicate the Frida-effect.
We show you how to add colour and culture into your home with a round up our favourite Mexican-inspired home accessories that pay homage to the creative lady herself.
Make your home more Frida with Mexican tiles
Image: Esty, AlegriaM
Invite the vivid colours and textures embraced by Mexico with these stunning Mexican-style square tile decals, from £15.45 at Etsy. Tropical flowers featured heavily in Frida Kahlo’s artwork and her carefully constructed style, so opt for tiles with bright-coloured floral patterns to add warmth to a cool kitchen or bathroom.
Embrace distinguishable Mexican design with the Acapulco chair
Image: Not on the Highstreet, I Love Retro
In the years that followed Frida Kahlo’s death, Acapulo became a tourist hotspot due to its portrayal as a glamourous, fun beach town by various media during the ’50s and ’60s. It was during this era that the Acapulo chair was created, and its open string construction became a recognisable element of Mexican design (although, its original designer is rumoured to be French). When creating a Mexican-themed decorating scheme, a Metallic Acapulco chair, £183.20, from Not on the High Street, is an essential piece of furniture.
Store your Frida-inspired jewellery in a Mexican style chest
Image: Myakka
If you’re a fan of Mexican-inspired tiles and have a penchant for jewellery like Frida, you’ll love this handpainted floral storage chest, £67, from Myakka which features ceramic drawers. Fairtrade and made from ethically sourced mango wood, this mini chest of drawers is ideal for storing your most treasured trinkets. Plus, its subtle Mexican charm will brighten up a window sill or side table.
Let Frida show you the light with this exotic lampshade
Image: Etsy, My My Moon
While you may not be able to get your hands on an original self-portrait of Frida Kahlo, this Frida Kahlo lampshade, from £15, Etsy, allows you to take home an elegant and flambuoyant pastiche of her work. The bright exotic print adds interest to any living space. Team with a vintage lamp to create a truly unique interior item that embraces surrealist art.
Introduce South-American
Image: Maisons du Monde
Let your living room or bedroom shine with Central American style by choosing this Aztec patterned multicoloured wool rug, £286.50, from Maisons du Monde. This ethnic rug is an authentic addition to any room crying out for some cheer.
Matthew Williamson channels Mexican-style with this butterfly cushion
Image: Debenhams
This Butterfly Home cushion by Matthew Williamson, £20.80, exclusive to Debenhams, will make a radiant and ultra fashionable addition to your sofa, incorporating the colours of traditional Mexican design. The carefully handcrafted embroidery and tassels give the cushion a unique character which we’re sure Frida would have appreciated.
What is your favourite Frida Kahlo-inspired home accessory? Let us know by tweeting us @goodhomesmag or posting a comment on our Facebook page.