The Artisan’s Loving Touch
Time to share some inspiration!
On a recent trip to celebrate a friend’s 50th in San Miguel de Allende, I was completely captivated by the city’s beauty and history. The streets and walls are alive with centuries of craftsmanship, and I felt it in every step I took. Each cobblestone beneath my feet seemed to tell a story, and behind every intricately designed door, there was a hidden world of art, craft, and beauty just waiting to be discovered.
San Miguel de Allende is a city that has been shaped by artisans for hundreds of years. Established in the 16th century, the vibrant colonial architecture, with colorful facades and detailed craftsmanship, speaks volumes about the skill, intention and love that went into each building. Walking through the city feels like stepping back in time, with every building, street, and corner telling its own tale.
The city's artistic spirit is everywhere. Galleries and studios line the streets, showcasing everything from traditional Mexican folk art to modern pieces. For designers like me, this place is a treasure trove of inspiration. It’s not just about the visual beauty—it’s the energy that these handmade objects carry. There’s a deep sense of care and purpose behind every piece, whether it's a woven textile, a ceramic bowl, or a hand-carved wooden sculpture. These pieces are not just functional objects; they’re infused with the spirit of the person who made them, and that adds a layer of meaning that mass-produced items just don’t always have.
As designers, we’re always looking for ways to bring life and spirit into the spaces we create. Being in San Miguel de Allende, surrounded by so many handmade goods, reminded me how important it is to fill a space with objects that carry this wonderful energy. There’s something incredibly special about knowing that an item was crafted by hand, with care, and that it has a story behind it. These objects add depth to a room and make it feel more personal, more alive.
I have to admit, I was tempted to bring back as much as I could from San Miguel de Allende—if only the luggage weight limits weren’t so strict! But even without packing my bags full of treasures, I left San Miguel de Allende with a renewed understanding of how important it is to fill the spaces we design with items that carry meaning and artisan energy. Handmade goods have the power to transform a room, not just by adding beauty, but by imbuing it with warmth, love, and a sense of connection to the artisans who created them. It's this type of intentional design that helps to turn a house or a space into a sanctuary.
At home, many of us have special handmade treasures—a quilted blanket passed down through generations or a handmade card from a loved one. Do you have something like that in your space? A handcrafted object that you treasure above everything else? Can you feel the love and care that went into making it, and in turn, do you give that love back every time you interact with it? I would love to know – please share. You know I’m always looking for inspiration!
With love and gratitude,
Lisa