Home Design Insights and Trends

Katherine Pullen Locket is the director of interior design for Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts. It’s a big job, one she’s held for years. In addition to overseeing the interior design of existing hotels and new properties such as the Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende (slated to open next year), she also guides the look and style of the real estate projects within Quivira Los Cabos. It’s an impressive list: Copala, Coronado, Mavila, and under-construction projects such as Alvar, St. Regis Resort & Residences, and Old Lighthouse Golf and Ocean Club.

If anyone can make sense of current design trends and create a unified motif for each property, it’s Katherine. 

Looking at the big picture, she believes the hospitality business in general is getting more residential in its look and feel. “In our hotels, we’re certainly designing to the aesthetics of residential. ¨

“Most importantly, all aspects of interior design elements in our hotels and real estate communities must make a nod to the culture of Mexico,” Katherine stated. “Mexican design elements are generally found in the form of artwork, artifacts, and textiles. Clients and buyers come to Los Cabos to experience the essence of the Baja, with the accoutrements and luxuries of the latest in appliances, plumbing, and technology. Our job is to maintain a sense of place, to make sure we’re always capturing regional design themes.

“Current market trends include the use of natural or natural-like fibers for a more ‘beachy’ vibe,” she explained. “We take our inspiration from the Land’s End setting of this magical place where the desert meets the sea.

“Soft textural and layered elements have evolved over the last few years,” she continued, “especially with the inspiration of hues like indigo blue, driftwood and all colors of bougainvillea as accents.  Additionally, pale agave green color palettes have recently emerged along with light natural colors.” She noted that  her design team opts for indigenous materials but also uses linen-like performance fabrics.  

Hand-forged irons rods are now used to hang curtains and draperies, she said, adding that “the days of heavy brocades and swags” are over. 

“Decorative,” she noted, “is the jewelry of a home. Decorative sconces, chandeliers and pendants can create a special ambience. They’re like art. They can change the feel of a room.” She’s also fond of antique mirror fixtures and “seeded” glass accents with little air bubbles suspended in the glass. 

Katherine feels plumbing fixtures can be viewed in the same way as lighting. “Hand-forged black iron elements in lighting as well as black finishes in general currently dominate the world of plumbing,” she said. Granite countertops are rarely being specified for kitchens. Quartz or quartzite, usually white to gray in color but available in other hues based on mineral content, is currently in vogue.  

“Finally, we are embracing a more simple yet elegant approach to interior design,” Katherine stated. “It’s layered, but without what I refer to as gingerbread or too much ornamentation. For a more timeless design aesthetic, we have found that less is more. We try to keep it elegant and simple. We bring Nature into the room whenever we can.”