Furnishing a condo or apartment as a couple is an exciting adventure, especially in a vibrant location like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. However, combining two distinct decor styles can be challenging.
For Gerald and Robert, this meant finding a balance between Gerald’s love for mid-century modern furniture and Robert’s passion for contemporary.
Mexican decor. Through thoughtful planning, compromise, and creativity, they transformed their space into a harmonious blend of their tastes, proving that style conflicts don’t have to overshadow the joy of building a home together.
Starting with a Vision
The first step in blending styles is understanding each other’s preferences. Gerald, a retired architect, appreciates clean lines, organic forms, and functional elegance of mid-century modern design. His ideal living room would feature teak wood furniture, a streamlined sectional sofa, and an Eames lounge chair.
On the other hand, Robert finds inspiration in the bold colors, artisan craftsmanship, and cultural richness of contemporary Mexican decor. A collector of Mexican art, he envisions a space with Talavera tiles, handwoven textiles, and vibrant colors inspired by Puerto Vallarta’s breathtaking sunsets.
Rather than trying to dominate the aesthetic direction, the couple embraced the idea that blending styles in a shared space is less about compromising and more about curating a home that reflects both personalities—where each piece tells a story, and together, they create a harmony that feels uniquely theirs.
Finding Common Ground
Gerald and Robert decided to focus on elements their styles shared, rather than their differences. Both mid-century modern and contemporary Mexican design emphasize authenticity and craftsmanship. They selected pieces that celebrated these values.
For example, they chose a sleek walnut credenza for the living room—a nod to Gerald’s preference for mid-century modern furniture—with colorful ceramic vases handcrafted by Mexican artisans displayed on top.
This combination brought together the simplicity of one style and the vibrant personality of the other.
The couple also found commonality in their love for open, airy spaces. They kept the condo’s layout uncluttered, using a neutral color palette as a base. Cream-colored walls and polished concrete floors provided a canvas for showcasing their individual styles without overwhelming the space.
Highlighting Each Style
With a neutral foundation in place, Gerald and Robert created designated areas to highlight each style. In the dining room, Gerald’s mid-century modern influence shines through with a teak dining table surrounded by molded plastic chairs, while Robert’s touch is evident in the handwoven Oaxacan rug beneath the table and the colorful ceramic chandelier overhead.
Using Color Strategically
Color played a crucial role in balancing the two styles. Gerald, who prefers muted tones, initially hesitated to include bold colors in the condo. However, Robert convinced him that color could be used sparingly to enhance the space rather than overpower it.
In the bedroom, the couple leaned into a more contemporary Mexican aesthetic, selecting a hand-carved wooden headboard and adding pops of color with embroidered throw pillows and a striped blanket. Gerald contributed to the minimalist design by incorporating a pair of vintage mid-century modern nightstands, tying the look together seamlessly.
The couple introduced pops of color through accessories like throw pillows, artwork, and pottery. A vibrant painting by a local Puerto Vallarta artist became the focal point in their living room, its hues reflecting the surrounding ocean and jungle. These colorful accents gave the home a distinctly Mexican feel while respecting Gerald’s preference for a subdued base.
Choosing Multi-Functional Furniture
Living in a condo meant making the most of limited space. To blend their styles without overcrowding the apartment, Gerald and Robert opted for multi-functional furniture.
A mid-century modern sofa bed in the guest room doubled as seating during the day and a bed for visitors at night. In the living room, a Mexican-inspired coffee table with hidden storage served both as a practical solution and a statement piece.
Adding Personal Touches
Blending decor styles also gave Gerald and Robert an opportunity to weave their personal stories into the design. They incorporated heirloom pieces, like Gerald’s vintage clock, into the overall aesthetic, placing it on a shelf surrounded by Robert’s collection of Mexican folk art.
The couple also prioritized decorating with local finds, spending weekends exploring Puerto Vallarta’s markets and galleries. These outings not only enriched their decor but also added a sense of adventure and shared memories to their home.
The Result: A Harmonious Blend
By blending mid-century modern and contemporary Mexican decor, Gerald and Robert created a home that feels cohesive yet deeply personal. Their condo is now a space where clean lines meet vibrant colors and where every piece reflects a part of who they are.
Visitors to their home are often struck by the thoughtful design and unique atmosphere. Gerald’s colleagues from his architectural days admire the mid-century modern furniture, while Robert’s friends from his artist circles appreciate the bold, cultural elements. The couple’s ability to harmonize their styles has made their condo not only a beautiful space but also a reflection of their partnership.
Tips for Blending Decor Styles
For couples with different décor preferences, here are some tips for successfully blending styles:
- Start with a Neutral Base: Use neutral colors for walls and large furniture pieces, allowing your accents to shine.
- Highlight Common Themes: Focus on shared design principles, such as craftsmanship or functionality.
- Designate Style-Specific Spaces: Create areas in your home where each partner’s style can take center stage.
- Incorporate Local Art and Decor: Add personality to your space by including locally made pieces that celebrate your surroundings.
- Communicate Openly: Make decorating a collaborative process, ensuring both partners feel heard and represented.
Blending decor styles doesn’t mean losing your individual preferences—it’s about creating a space where both personalities can coexist and complement one another.
For Gerald and Robert, their Puerto Vallarta apartment condo is more than just a home; it’s a testament to their love, creativity, and shared vision. In the end, their design journey proved that a well-curated space is always greater than the sum of its parts.
