Up in the mountains of Costa Rica, searching for good design takes on a whole new meaning. Throughout our trip, I've been thinking lots about design and local culture and how it all fits together. Last week, I was lucky enough to spend some serious time up in the rainforest, unplugged and offline, taking in as much fresh air as possible. I started to think less and less about human-made design, and concentrated more on the breathtaking natural inspiration all around me.
A while back, one of our fantastic readers suggested that I check out Rincon de La Vieja, an area of Costa Rica with crystal blue waters, lush forests and even a currently erupting volcano. Here, I began to think less about innovation in design and more about taking a backseat to the natural beauty that was around me.
The cool thing was, somehow all of this natural beauty really got me thinking about how it's all connected back to what makes us comfortable at home. The rich greens of the vegetation could be repeated in a wall color or a handmade quilt. A furry plant is inspiration for a brightly colored throw pillow with a fuzzy overlay. The crystal blue waters that occur naturally due to calcium deposits could easily inspire bathroom decor, and the intricate patterns of the butterfly could become the rhythm of a rug or print textile. There's an innate sense of being at home when you're enveloped by nature, so when we're indoors, surrounding ourselves with objects inspired by these natural resources is the fastest way to immediately make your place feel more like home.
(Images: Smith Schwartz)
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Hola ^_^
I've been a long time reader and all this designs and materials that you show case were just an illusion. The prices in my country (costa rica :P ) are super high.
And it's been impossible for me to acquired well design items. It is just so refreshing to have a post like this one that will embrace our nature and show us the beauty in frugality.
On a side note, did you know that we had our annual FID and karim rashid was one of the guest. It is nice to have this type of events here.
We are waiting for the CLEFA.
http://www.fidcr.com/
I was just there last week - Monteverde, La Fortuna, San Jose, and Manuel Antonio. Such a beautiful country!
My biggest problem in Costa Rica was that I'm used to flat roads. Even so, I'd recommend visiting there. The mountains and countryside are beautiful. The plants and wildlife are fascinating. Also, I enjoyed the local cuisine.
Ugh our roads are awful so many freaking holes everywhere!
Btw if any of you are here like right now I recommend you to visit our festival de las artes:
http://www.festivaldelasartes.go.cr/
And on the 24 and 25th we are going to have the flaming lips, bjork and so much more within el festival imperial http://www.festivalimperial.com/
And bob dylan is coming. I'm just so happy.
I was just there as well (Mar 1-11): Liberia, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Tamarindo. Such a beautiful country and such nice people! No one laughed at my bad attempts at Spanish either. :) Each little pocket of the country seems to have it's own personality, climate, vegetation etc. Even the bumpy roads in and out of Santa Elena have their charm...the first time.
I think it's the colours that stand out in my memory. The beautiful purple hummingbirds, the bright red parrots, the lush green of the forest, turquoise green of a waterfall fed pool and the most beautiful sunsets. Even the red-eyed tree-frog has got it goin' on: green, blue, red & orange...such a great pallet.
Your pictures are absolutely breath-taking! I have never been there, but would love to go after seeing your column! Thanks for sharing these! I think your thoughts about using this beauty as an inspiration to decorate a room is so creative! Your home would always remind you of this place, and make it more meaningful!
Costa Rica is very cultural and little by little it is getting involved in Design. I actually study interior design in Costa Rica. So much talent! Hopefully it will grow. And yed Festival Internacional de las Artes is spectacular. A Must see if you are near the valley.