apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

WOW!

I'm simply blown away!

wow x a million! beyond amazing.

Incredible. I've been in your direction many times and have found so much inspiration in the patterns and hues. Thank you so much for sharing your art with the world!

In a league of its own in this contest. I love that he mixes his own colors. In fact, I love everything about this room!

What a tour de force. I think this works well because the high ceilings and windows give all those gorgeous colors some "breathing room."

Soooo whimsically magical! I LOVE the rug... My favorite thing in the room (if it were possible to pick)!

Not fair!!!!

This Fabulous and so stimulating. What a wonderful apartment.

This is why I LOVE Guanajuato. I lived there for a summer and have spent many times going back. I am so happy to see this on AT. There are may great artist and interesting interiors there.

Love love it!! Thank you for sharing.

100% fearless! You've got to love someone who loves color this much.

The best apartment ever!
I love every single thing! Those cushions, rug, walls.

Colorful bones are fabulous :)

my eyes hurt but in a good way :-))) definetly a winnner.

If i could give this 10 thumbs up i would. sigh.

GREAT !!!
What an imagination you have !

Would love to see some of your paintings -
- you are definitely a painter - aren't you ?

Could not believe how much color you could fit together,
and IT ALL WORKS !!!

Congratulation on your talent, work and effort you've spent to create such a gem,

..... and THANKS for sharing this with us ... and for:

.. .. .. ... .. .. I N S P I R A T I O N ... . .... ...

=====================================
Alexandra

OMG---I have been here! I recognized the space right away from the first photo. I came for a house tour with mutual friend Anna, from Seattle and a group of other artists about six years ago around los dias del la muerte!!! For certain Anado has no fear of color!!! Hola, Anado, thank you for sharing again! ;o)

Absolutely amazing, everything goes so well!

Viva Mexico!

Yes!

YES!!! Now that's color! I like your bold choices.

Whoo hooo! What a riot of color. Love to see someone take things all the way.

I loved the quote, "There are no rules, only consequences"... for that, SUPER THUMBS UP! For the "apartment", (and I quote apartment, 'cause I've never really seen any apts in Guanajuato that size, and it's probably a house... even if it's rented) not that many thumbs up; and I'll explain why.

I personally love the colors, and the usage for A LOT of it, but to be honest, the problem with having so many colors is that they usually make up for indecision and lack of inspiration, just the same as beige does. A room, even if painted 20 different colors can still be cluttered and have bad taste regardless of the overstimulation (think American 1980s and early 90s graffiti). That being said, I DO love some selections of some of his juxtaposing color selections, for example the red walls and complementary green ceiling, and the wonderful acid green vs aquamarine... which force me to think of playful, if Nickelodeon-ized decor; but he still manages to have some classy appeal because of the less childish religious-art choices in the room... (which sort-of makes me think of old temples and THEIR crazy color choices) on the other hand, however, I really blame the Photography for that perception; since that's really where the magic ends... when I think of the reality of this concept. I then have to consider the live-ability factor... and as much as I love the "product" those pictures try to sell me, I'm stuck REALLY thinking about the McDonald's "what you see is definitely NOT what you get" beautiful photography. It's playful, it's definitely artsy and fun!... but so is the playground at (again) McDonald's. Is that really considered good design? And that's another thing, are we "judging" design too, or only color choices? Are we casting our votes for quality or just wacky ideas? Is collecting Tchotchkes and hanging them on our walls over a technicolor garden fence the most desirable design choice nowadays? Are those the standards for Apartment Therapy now? Are YOU GUYS lowering your standards because this is faux-thnic? Or should I just lighten up and shrug it off, 'cause hell, I don't have to live in THAT mess? lol I understand hippies with money love to do things like this... (I'm sorry, "Artists") but should this be encouraged, and if so... would YOU allow him to do your own home. I personally think that's the best way of "judging"... Is it really YOUR taste you're voting for or are you being nice 'cause he's a "sensitive artist"?

Enthusiastic thumbs up here!

Fabulous!

" Or should I just lighten up and shrug it off" Yes you should!

Pretty judgmental of you to be critical of us that love this home and are inspired. Pretty judgmental to assume the artist home is of a wealthy hippie.

Pretty judgmental to assume we are voting because you think we need to be nice 'cause he's a "sensitive artist"

I think you are jealous and your comments are out of touch.

lol @ djluckyonline. What's your problem?

LOVE this magical place!

I absolutely love it and would love for my children to live somewhere so colorful and bright.

yeah, I would give my pinky-toe for that man-pillow..and this is a joke - you guys need some color!!

It's GLORIOUS and it would give me nightmares if I had to live there.

But I love it.

I hate to be picky, but upon close examination I think I have determined there are a couple colors not represented in this home.

this is crazy and so much fun! I can't believe the attention to detail - awesome.

Djluckyonline asks a good question-- how many of you would paint your OWN homes like this? If you wouldn't be willing to live with these wall colors, why? And, why the gushing praise? Imitation IS the sincerest form of flattery.

There are some really nice things in this room-- the soaring windows, the tile floors, the textiles, some of the art. The wall colors? Oy.

This is the most colour mind blower in the universe

WHO CARES if we would paint our own homes these colors? It's an irrelevant question. People on this site live in New England and Nebraska and Norway, not just Guanajuato. The way we decorate our homes is influenced by vernacular architecture, local custom, and the preferences we bring from our own histories. The primary criterion for this contest is COLOR. And this house uses color extremely well.

Too much. From a Destroyer song:

"Don't worry about her
She's been known to appreciate the elegance of an empty room"

Truly the living day-glo, jumping-for-joy center of the universe!

I have had the privilege to visit Anado and Richard's home on several occasions. Every square inch of this house, interior and exterior, is inspired, rich, whimsical and joyous. The transitions between art, dwelling, life and spirituality are seamless... they live, breathe, eat, sing and pray color and they are two of the most gentle souls I have ever met. This home is a feast of the eyes and for the heart.

This is Glorious!

You already know how I feel about your "anadoville"...send me a postcard from NYC!...or at least take tons of groovy pics...love you guys!

pure courage, and an expression of joy
the world needs more anado and richard
thumbs up!!!!!

Fan-effing-tastic. And not one single iconic furniture design piece! Thank you, gentlemen.

I saw Anado's house in a NYT article a while ago. It was love at first sight. Always has my vote. This house is a technicolor dream.

Fabulous! Fun! Whimsical!

This is the difference experience and inspiration make when using colour and designing. These folks are artists with a lifetime of experience using colour and yes there are a ton of colours but the huge thing is they all WORK. Compare this with the "designer" version in that horrible entry from Texas and you can compare design that comes from your life and design that comes from other people's lives.

I don't think this because they are artist and I have to be nice to them but because they are artists and they know colour theory through experience if not through a degree from freaking parsons.

Would I use these colours? Hell no, my current homes are in San Francisco and the Netherlands neither which has the sunlight to these colours justice, would I have used them in my place in Malaysia, hell yeah.

With the soaring ceilings, simple lines and solid planes, the furniture and walls can handle all the patterns and colour.

Kudos to Anado! This is a real step into "no rules".

Anado and Richard's home is a pure delight of color and whimsy. It is the essence of Mexico...and also of the characters/personalities of the two of them.

your home is incredibly beautiful.

This doesn't look chaotic or disjointed to me because the man's vision has been so thoroughly realized. If you're going to go for a crazy, arty, boho, folk-Mexican look, then you have to go big or go home. Restraint isn't the point. Vibrant, intricate excess is.

Of course I wouldn't do this because it's not my taste and it wouldn't look right in my New England flat. This is a fearless display of a personal aesthetic and I love that it exists.

it seems like some people are entering the contest who are still afraid of color.... and this entry isn't. isn't waking readers up to the possibilities of color the point of this contest? especially living in a grey city like i do, i wish my home could carry off colors like these. but i need to make do with a little less because natural light is fleeting...but seeing all these bright colors together reminds me to test some of them out anyway, and if it doesnt work, i spend 20 more bucks and repaint.

so if the idea is to inspire use of color in our homes, then this entry is one of the few that actually does it. color is supposed to be fun, not stuck up. take some risks and try some new things, naysayers.

THIS is my fave--replaces all previously labeled 'faves'.

Wow...if you don't place # 1 in this contest, I can't imagine who will...the painter's palette clearly made it to your home...not my style, but I certainly celebrate yours. It's utterly unique and what a cheery place to reside. Good for you!!

This is wonderful. I love it!

"How many of you would paint your OWN homes like this? If you wouldn't be willing to live with these wall colors, why? And, why the gushing praise?"

I would never paint my own home like this. I would never decorate like this. But that's beside the point, isn't it? This isn't my personal style at all, but that doesn't mean I can't be impressed or inspired by this. I can't admire or respect someone else for their choices just because I wouldn't make the same? Silly.

Brilliant -- and I mean that in all ways.

Anado's use of color is beautifully joyous!

Dazzling in concept and in execution. Anado is so far beyond good taste as to leave it lying in the road. His work is about beauty and excitement, his colors are about movement, light and brilliance.

While I appreciate the mastery with which this home has been put together, I'm really not a fan.

It feels like a warm cocoon, but so warm and so cluttered there's no place for me to breeze. Every inch is covered with something, every surface is painted a different color. A lot of things glitter, some shine... it's a far too busy room for me.

I'm happy to see that some poeple can get inspired in places like this; I only get distracted. For me rooms, like life, must have some blank spaces, some room to breeze.

Wow :D

I've spent many hours at Anado and Richard's It is an extraordinary experience. Lots of color, fluid yet antic design with liberal use of mosaics and tiles. One is completely surrounded in a beautiful tranquility. The exterior is the same fantasia of color, materials and design.

And then there is a variety of gorgeous mosaic patios and lush gardens all around the house - vegetable, flowers and fruit trees. And, finally, the Mexican high desert, a rolling landscape in every direction and viewed from every window and second floor balcony in the house.

This is one of my very, very favorite environments inside and out. It may be my favorite. Being there makes me smile. It inspires my creativity, calm and compatibility. What could be better!!!

sharonbercutt@yahoo.com

Love it! Of course it must be the home of an artist. Thumbs up!

Awesome is all one can say.

total overload.. :S

Wow.

Good luck and best wishes to Anado! Michael O'Neil

Absolutely fabulous!!! Unique, fearless, and magical. I love it!

Living in a dream.

I also love that the owner's shoes match the house :)

What a perfect space for anyone's inner child to come out and play in!

Djluckyonline, you are an idiot. You could have saved your fingers from so much typing because it's clear that you are just jealous and maybe a tad homophobic. It's a vote, you either like it and give thumbs up, or you don't, move on and go vote for another of your preference. There's no need to over analyze their choices because it's a free expression of their personality. Obviously the rule breaking, the total freedom of expression is what attracts those who enjoy this home. There's no need to elaborate an empty dissertation over this.

Let me say it again: you are an idiot.

This is gloriously beautiful and divine! Hats off to these characters....

Soy Mexicana pero vivo en San Francisco, California, desde 1992. Imposible ver estas fotos sin sentir nostalgia por la luz magica de Mexico.

Feeling impossibly homesick and inspired by these photos...

I would love to go there. They hold wonderful workshops that must be lovely to particiate in! Good luck, I hope you win!

one day. . .
Lauren

No guts, no glory!

Wonderful!!!

Anado's pink and turquoise sneakers makes anything he does a winner in my book....

And is that a multicolored dogbone mobile?????

I would gasp, but my breath has been taken away...

Such fun to play with color in this way...

First of all anyone who looks like Santa gets my vote. This place is awesome! This is what this contest is about! Am I shouting, I can't help it; this space shouts (in a great way).

Hola Anado.

Your house is incredible, I liked a lot the green ceiling and the bones lamp.

Saludos.

You have earned my vote because of your joie de vie and ultimate class!

Makes me happy just looking at the colors. Hooray!

I Love San Miguel and I love this apt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's like taking a far out Psychedelic Mystery tour-- and well worth going through the five minute process to register.

Thanks to my friend Hope in San Miguel I had the pleasure of meeting Anando and visiting his home and studio. it is quite magical in person, life and art so intertwined, the living out loud of one's creative life - very inspiring. And what a nice gentle being he is.

This is inspiring and awesome!

Q: Would I paint and decorate my own home this way?
A: Yes! However, I could only hope to achieve half as much beauty as this home.

I dunno...all those pastels. It's a bit subtle for my taste....

Let me say it again: you are an idiot.
posted by kali

All of a sudden I'm an idiot for bringing a few points to the table?... and then trying to back them up, not just pulling them out of ... thin air. (And on top, homophobic)? WTF...

I stated, I like some of the color combos, even if I've seen them before in lego houses, McDonald's playpens or Taco Bell...

I thought I'd asked a few valid questions and trust me, I'm NOT, repeat, NOT jealous of living there and couldn't possibly add so many hues to my place without feeling sick. I'd literally feel sick; and since I couldn't live with it, I really, honestly, couldn't give it my vote.

To me, a home IS a sanctuary from the business and stress of life... in some places, where life is much slower and who knows, maybe even boring... drama and stress might be necessary to balance their psyche out... I like many others need a restful place to "unplug" and enjoy a little peace and why not... control over an otherwise eventful and random life... To me, life IS their home; it's busy, it's chaotic, it's extremely eclectic and full of crazy combinations... so, to see that instead of a more edited and thoughtful approach, just seems lazy and uninspired to me.

If I'm an idiot for that, well, I guess I am a total dumb-a**. :)

the afterglow of this place, people obviously feel after visiting, minutes or years later...it's not just a home, it's a spiritual force (thanks so much for posting/helping even cretinous souls like myself keep going). house call please, closeups? you guys are awesome.

I'VE BEEN TO ANADO AND RICHARD'S HOME TWICE DURING VISITS TO SMA. IT IS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION TO ME EVEN WHEN I'M NOT IN MEXICO.

This is such a fabulous contrast to my stereotypical suburban surroundings (Yawn...this would look subversive there.) I love Anado's style!

I appreciate his artistry and I think there are a lot of gems in this little space. However, I don't think most of us would allow him to do our own spaces. I believe that his gems would be more special if he hit the delete button. More is overwhelming and I believe that his space would be more lovely if he reined himself in. My two cents.

Forget what DJ**** has said and remember it was his buttons that were pushed (he is still young)...This house is not about confrontation and judgement...It appears to me to be about celebration and freedom....Something sadly missing in the grey beige boring world that his generation has inherited...I salute this house!

This is like living in a wonderful brilliant painting. This is a wonderland...absolutely fantastic!

I have visited Anados home in Cineguita, Mexico just outside of San MIguel, it is without doubt of the most fascinating and brilliant spaces that I have seen. His use of color and design is remarkable. I give him a big Thumbs Up.
Ruth carol Feldman,Canada

I just googled this house...wow! LA Times and NY Times gave it glowing reviews...wow!

Kick Ass!!! I love it, AND Guanajuato is an incredibly cool (colourful!) place! I want to move in.

I've seen this place in person. Photos don't do it justice. Anado is a genius. His use of color, shape, and texture is simply mesmerizing!

absolutely beautiful :)

I tried to vote, but voing is done. I'm sad.

Djluckyonline - If the primary standard for giving a positive vote is if we as individuals see our subjective realities and moods fit in a room, then crap, all of us would be submitting pictures and not merely voicing opinions. I agree that a home is one's "sanctuary," but that doesn't presume "plugging out" or "re-balancing." Sanctuary could mean a place to have your creative juices zapped into over drive, or a place to have your crazy imaginations run free.

The primary standard for a positive vote is "successful realization of one's notion of 'sanctuary' with the use of color." ("Edited and thoughtful" can be considered "successful," but not standards--what is edited and thoughtful to you may be cluttered and accidental to me.) This standard still requires us to use our subjective faculties to judge (to determine what is "successful" to us), but also forces us to realize our determinations beyond our personal subjectivity (ultimately, the room is of another person's, not ours). Ultimately, we are not lowering our "standards," but being conscious of the fact that our "standards" are to be applied to a reality different from ours.

As for good design, see http://www.metropolismag.com/story/20090318/a-good-argument

Really cool. Fantastical. It reminds me of Tony Duquette's Dawnridge.

I wish to thank all of you who voted for our submission. I would also like to thank all of those who left comments. We are artists creating a whimsical home that satisfies our imagination and kindles and ignites our own personal "Sanctuary". We joined this little contest on a lark...just for fun. To the individual who left some rather long replies challenging our work ethic inspiration...nice try...but sadly you missed. No big deal...we can't please everyone. We bring joy to our lives and those who visit. People from all over the world have contacted us and visited...I am including a couple of links. Thanks again
Anado
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2009/07/home-tour-casa-las-ranas-is-the-happiest-house-in-san-miguel-de-allende.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/23/garden/23mexico.html

amazing!

wow you get my vote, lover of Osho

Love it!

Thanks for the link to see the entire home...spectacular!

Fearless and fun. Love that.

Absolutely full of vida! It's great!!

It's beautiful! Love it, great work!

Playful, exuberant, endlessly fun. I could never be depressed in such a joyful place.

This home is an organic work in progress of two loving hearts who follow their own path fearlessly. And it's a celebration of being on that path.

amazing!

Hm.

I looked at the photos several times, but I guess it's an art form I don't quite understand.

I'm glad everyone else likes it, but I would go crazy in there.

Oh well.

This is coo-coo. Seriously. But I must admit, I love it.

"She lit up like a pinball machine and paid out in Silver Dollars" as Jack would say in one flew over the cuckoos nest. I LOVE THIS! Can I say an orgasm of color?!

I didn't realize that delight could be so polarizing, but these comments prove it.
Rigid personalities wilt in that room.

I'd never heard of Anado before, but the old guys in the photos are adorable and I want to snuggle them.

It still lost in the 1ST round. To what? Brandyce's Modern Mix Living Room... a room that restricted its color usage. lol Kind of ironic. With that said, it's kind of plain :( Is there a room in the middle? Damn.

Yup, that's a work of art, alright, yup, yup... It's inspiration for all of us!!

One of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen.
You have my vote.

This was a COLOR contest right??
It's clear between these two houses who should have won in my opinoin!
LOVE IT!! You can send me some of you Mexican tchotchkes anyday!! You were the winner in my eyes!!!