Irish-born writer Susana Ordovás’ home in Mexico City reveals her love of green and graphic pattern…
“I live in the Lomas de Chapultec neighbourhood in Mexico City, which is known for its wide, treelined avenues and rambling villas. My husband and I renovated a 1950s townhouse which has a garden and a terrace where we enjoy al fresco lunches. I have filled it with objects I love, many from La Lagunilla flea market. I make a beeline for this market on Sundays.
I recall flying into Mexico for the first time 30 years ago. I was working for a press agency that took me to remote corners of the globe and I was looking forward to finally working in a country where I could speak the language – my father is Spanish – and relate to its people and culture. As I settled into my new life, I became enthralled by its vibrant culture and historical richness. The sprawling metropolis became my home.
In the drawing room, Gastón y Daniela’s “Morris Original” wallpaper. The portrait was a flea market find. The ceramic plates are from Granada, Spain.
I have always been drawn to the colour green and have used the colour extensively in both our homes – we have another house in Madrid. Green instantly transports me to Irish meadows and reminds me of my mother. My mother is English but was raised in Ireland, in Killiney in Co Dublin. My parents bought a holiday cottage in Knockanarrigan, Co Wicklow when I was eight and Wicklow became our primary holiday destination. I was sent to Castle Park boarding school in Dalkey, and to ensure my children also experienced Irish culture, they attended boarding school in Ireland, my daughter at Rathdown in Glenageary, and my son at Headfort in Kells, Co Meath. My aunts still live in Ireland – I try to visit as much as possible.
The drawing room features two 19th-century portraits from Kabinett and Kammer, New York, a Van Beuren sideboard and a chair upholstered in Kelly Wearstler’s Agate fabric.
I have a passion for interiors [Susana contributes to Cabana and World of Interiors magazines]. On a trip in 2020, I found myself enchanted by the Yucatán region’s faded glory and charm, particularly its crumbling haciendas, austere colonial buildings and the decadent mansions lining the streets of Mérida, and began researching interiors there. I went back with photographer Guido Taroni to photograph 27 properties. They all feature in my book.”
The black ceiling adds drama to the dining room. The geometric rug is from The Rug Company and the Agate wallpaper is by Kelly Wearstler.
The powder room features a Christian Lacroix wallpaper from Designer’s Guild, an antique mirror and antique bronze wall sconce. Photograph: Angela Suárez.
The walls and ceiling on the landing are painted black; an antique chest holds Susana’s table linens.
The guest bedroom features a Lisa Corti bedspread and cushion; the painting was found at Les Puces in Paris and the lamp in Madrid.
Inside Yucatán: Hidden Mérida and Beyond by Susana Ordovás with photography by Guido Taroni (Vendome Press) is out now.
