See Why This Eclectic and Colorful House Has a Space Named “The Avocado Room”
Name: Mylene Raspado and family
Location: Melrose Park, Illinois
Type of home: House
Size: 2,100 square feet
Years lived in: 8 months, own
Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I am an interior designer who loves to layer color, culture, and creativity in all I do. I am Puerto Rican and I married a Filipino. Mixing the two cultures is something I love to play with when it comes to what I choose to bring into our home. You will find stories behind my design choices, which most likely can be traced back to my family in one form or another. We have only been in this home for about eight months and have been focusing on the spaces we dwell together in as a family. So shown is our “sala,” which is our family room.
This is where the TV, kids’ toys, crafts, and books live. Connected to this room is our library/office space. I spend many hours in front of the computer designing for my clients, so I needed a space that inspired me. I am also a work-from-home mama, so having the kids’ space next to my work space is often needed! The wall mural, which is the room’s focal point, was inspired by the foliage you can find in Puerto Rico as well as the Philippines. We have named the sala area “The Avocado Room” as the walls are a beautiful green and the ceiling is in a deep brown/black like the seed of an avocado!
The artwork is heavily influenced by my own culture. You can see a well-loved fruit called Quenepas, photos of El Morro, and a picture my mother took while visiting her aunts in Puerto Rico last year — that is my favorite one! I truly desire for all my family no matter their age to feel thought of when at home. That can look like having the kids’ favorite art supplies at hands reach, a comfortable desk area if my husband is choosing to game, or just little reminders of our culture. I know I can lean maximalist in many ways and this area of our home was a fun place to layer that in since it is where we “play & work.” The other areas in our home will still have pops of color and layers but will end up being less maximal.
Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Eclectic, colorful, and culturally driven.
What is your favorite room and why? So far these two spaces are my favorite because they are the only spaces near completed. They are the only rooms fully painted, which makes my color-loving heart happy! The rest of our home still has all white walls.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? We were gifted the beautiful mural called “Intro to the Tropics” from Photowall, Sweden; we just love it so much!
Any advice for creating a home you love? Stay true to you! Do not get caught up with the trends or what others say is beautiful; if it gives you the feels then welcome it in! I also think you can tell a lot about your personal style from your wardrobe; the colors and patterns can give you a glimpse into your design style.
This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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