Doors and Windows

Last Sunday morning I decided to take my camera for a walk. It was a beautiful, sunny day (like always) and the temperature was a perfect 75-ish. I have been enthralled by the stunning homes that feature the work of local craftsmen and wanted to share a bit of that with my followers.

One of the things I enjoy most about Mexican homes is that there are no two alike. Don't you love this unusual wall and door?

The American phenomenon of neighborhoods filled with houses that are all the same shape and all painted one of five shades of dull is extremely rare here. There are a few areas where you will find a “planned” and “gated” community of boxes that are all the same size, shape and color, but they are few and far between and, judging by the billboards and other enticements around the sales office, they seem to be built to lure the American market. Most of those seem to be timeshares, condos and apartments that are sold at exorbitant prices with very restrictive usage agreements.

Most of the homes I see in the towns we frequent are built to the individual’s personal taste and painted to express their imagination. The palette of brilliant color combinations is unending and even though the dust is relentless, the buildings usually appear spotlessly clean or freshly painted. There seems to be a paint store on almost every corner so materials are readily available.

A walk through almost any neighborhood is a feast for the eyes. Here are homes painted pink, blue, gold, turquoise and purple with all manner of unusual trim combinations.

Hard to see but stained glass windows frame this door.

The “extras” are nothing short of amazing. Wrought iron is a real art and it is not unusual to see gates with dolphins, marlin, roses and all sorts of other symbols intricately worked into the iron. If the designs weren’t enough, they are often beautifully painted or set off by rock walls or brilliant plants that are clearly chosen specifically for that purpose.

Doors and windows are my particularly favorite eye candy. The designs are created by people with imaginations that have no limits and serve no masters. Artists who are not limited by strict rules set by a Neighborhood Association or the “What will the neighbors think?” concerns many of us grew up with. Clearly these stunning doors and windows are set into each home with much forethought and are intended to draw the eye of passersby. They are all different. Many are stunningly exotic. Some recall a past era. Love the fish & "seaweed" wrought iron!

Some are quaint or whimsical. Many are absolutely breathtaking.

Since I spend winters enjoying the sunshine and good will of Mexico I can understand others wanting the same thing. What I can’t understand is the draw of a beige box surrounded by a locked gate with all the same neighbors you have back home. I love the adventure of tottering down a cobblestone street, and being greeted with “Hola” or “Buenos Dias” by the people I pass. Rounding a corner or reaching a dead end and finding a home in front of me with spectacular doors and windows is the frosting on the cake.