Mexico house ideas

In addition to the interior design, Ana Paula de Alba also designed 80 percent of the furniture for all four homes at Las Rocas, all made by hand. “The energy of clients is different from one client to another. There’s the little part of it being your home—how you want to live in it, who you are,” says de Alba. “That’s what makes each project have its own character.”

“You can really feel when you’re in the interior that it is exterior when you make the windows disappear completely,” says architect Ignacio Urquiza. “They disappear completely so the interior dining and living turn into exterior. The architecture tries to not disappear, but rather to blend with the reflection of the windows.”

Architect Ignacio Urquiza explains that in Valle de Bravo, everyone has two living rooms, an interior and exterior. “You spend the whole year in the exterior because of the weather, even if it’s raining. All the interior spaces become abandoned. We wanted to erase the interior one. With the design of the windows, it would turn into the exterior façade. That was an important part of the project.”

At Las Rocas, architect Ignacio Urquiza and interior designer Ana Paula de Alba sought to integrate nature as much as possible—allowing existing rock formations to define the space complemented by minimalist design elements.

The third-level bar and kitchenette have four openings with wood coverings that slide away. The space is perfect for “wine and ceviche—for enjoying the sunset,” says Ernesto. The table, designed by Ellen, nests into concrete banquette seating. To connect the bar with the top-level viewing deck, Yektajo inserted a spiral staircase with a compact footprint to preserve the views.

The gallery has a new whitewashed pine roof that covers the main villa, which includes two one-bed suites and one of the property’s three and a half kitchens. “We think it was a little church before,” says architect Yashar Yektajo. The brick was stripped of plaster from a prior renovation. “It was completely rotten because there’s so much humidity here,” he adds. “Now the brick can breathe, and the whitewash brings it together.” Pinto, one of the couple’s two dogs, rests under a coffee table Ernesto and Ellen designed. The gallery is lined with original arches that lead to the courtyard.

The space was originally a dining room, but the first day they moved in, Josh and Matt decided to throw the floor plan out the window and reclaimed the space in the window for a conversation area, inspired by the sunken lounges of the 1970s. The cushions are crafted from recycled rugs.

The Ligne Roset bloom couch is topped with a carrot pillow. “Our design furniture wish list kind of came true after we started blowing up,” says Josh. A Moooi rug lies under foot. Josh and Matt bought one Togo chair, and then happened to find a second on Facebook Marketplace for a steal. (The coffee table is from Marketplace as well.)

Upon entry, a bright-green tiled floor extends a warm welcome, popping against the surrounding stone and wood-paneled walls.

1492 Stone Canyon Road in Los Angeles, California, is currently available for $42,500,000 by Brett Lawyer of Carolwood Estates.

235 Clyde Drive in Walnut Creek, California, is currently listed for $2,350,000 by Thomas Westfall of Compass.

The wood-paneled, walk-in wardrobe offers an abundance of custom-built storage. The home also comes with a spacious office area and gym that provides direct outdoor access.

A long, winding driveway leads to the sprawling home, which sits on nearly nine acres. Colorful sculptures dot the front yard, complementing the vibrant interiors awaiting inside.

Here is an aerial view showcasing the property's multi-car garage, front courtyard, and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean.