Michelle Nussbaumer’s Colorful Maximalism

Texas-based Designer Michelle Nussbaumer—founder of Ceylon et Cie—reflects Her Eclectic Universe in Her Holiday Home in Mexico

For most people, it is difficult to create a vision for a house that needs many renovations. But for interior and product Texas-based designer Michelle Nussbaumer, the opposite is true. While walking the streets of San Miguel de Allende, a charming city in Mexico, Nussbaumer was drawn to a dilapidated wall that inspired her to discover what was behind it: a 16th-century hacienda.

Immediately seduced by its potential, Michelle Nussbaumer sought out the owner, convinced him to sell her the property, and started a complete renovation to make it her family holiday home.

This 23,000-square-foot project reflects Michelle Nussbaumer’s love for different cultures and her eclectic style, characterized by a mix of colors and motifs.

The house has an authentic Mexican vibe thanks to traditional elements such as blue and white talavera tiles in the kitchen; at the same time, it includes references to a palace in Istanbul, the arches of Morocco, pilasters of Rome, and flooring seen in the Château de Versailles, among others.

Filled with antiques and art, this very personal project, where Michelle Nussbaumer honors old techniques in a contemporary context, features visual surprises both inside and outside, where charming gardens, patios with fountains, and terraces invite dwellers and visitors to enjoy sunny days. michellenussbaumer.com

Photographs: courtesy of Douglas Friedman