Let Us Be Inspired by Las Pircas

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I am getting tired of most “designed” houses looking the same. They are beautiful, it is true: the white walls, the mid-century furniture, the fig tree (which I have in my house, too)… it is all part of the plan, but lately I have been craving something different (I read this same sentiment in this blog the other day).

I am starting to appreciate more and more when somebody adds their own signature to a space. Something that is personal and uncommon. Something unexpected that fosters the soul of a room. Sometimes these places are not what I would do in my own place, but I still admire the boldness and care. I like when people dare to be themselves, instead of what a magazine is telling them to be (though I still like those white rooms, people!)

When I was in Costa Rica, I visited such a place, the house of my friend’s aunt: Las Pircas. It was a sweet house; full of details and decorations that Toya, the owner, has been collecting throughout the years. Every corner had a detail of her own: stained glass (created by her), cement work, vintage findings, etc. I felt I was in a house that was fearlessly curated from her guts (and heart).

We stayed here on our last day in Costa Rica, and I had 45 minutes to take pictures of Las Pircas before heading to the airport. Here is what I saw, if you care to see:jestcafe.com-casa-de-toya40 jestcafe.com-casa-de-toya42jestcafe.com-casa-de-toya38 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya35 She loves El Quixote.jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya34 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya33 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya32 So many cool findings on every wall!jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya31 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya30 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya37jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya26The owner: Toya, created this stained glass. The girl is supposed to represent one of her daughters.jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya27 A triangle window… genius!jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya36 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya25 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya24 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya23 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya4 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya1jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya5Teal…jestcafe.com-casa-de-toya39Toya created this stained glass, too. jestcafe.com-casa-de-toya43jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya22jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya2The garden was big and full of statues and random artifacts. It was a magic place: you would never know where the next surprise could be. Also, each statue has a meaning and a reason to be there. jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya12jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya8The house was constructed on the grounds of an old church. Can you spot the crosses in the photo above?jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya3jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya11 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya14This fairy is so cute. Not more than 5 inches tall, but a lot of personality. jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya18 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya17 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya16 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya15 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya20 jestcafe.com-las pircas 13 This statue of the man with the square head is my favorite. Toya bought it for her husband after an argument, and it represents the lack of flexibility (and empathy) that men have when seeing the world and women. Did I mention Toya is a feminist? jestcafe.com-las pircas19jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya10 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya9 jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya7jestcafe.com-Casa-de-la-Toya21

Hope you liked this small tour, and I hope it inspires you to see decoration as an expression of YOUR soul, not the soul of others – this is a lesson I need to apply to my life, too.

Let Us Connect:
8 replies
  1. Xitlali says:

    Me sacó las lágrimas leer comentarios tan lindos de mi madre y su casa !!!! Qué hermoso ver el efecto que produce el pedacito mágico de la casa !!! Gracias por compartir tus pensamientos !!! Y que SÚPER CÁMARA !!!

    Reply
    • Mila says:

      Cómo que súper cámara??? no será súper fotógrafa??? jajaja. Hola Xitlali! qué lindo verte por aquí. Visítame más seguido. Y qué bueno que te gusto lo que hice. La casa de tu madre es preciosa por donde se le mire. besos.

      Reply
    • Mila says:

      Linda, qué bueno que te gusto. Aunque a la hora que tomamos las fotos no era la mejor, igual salieron algunas fotos decentes. te quiero

      Reply
  2. Nessa The Procrastinator says:

    What beautiful photography, and I agree. I love when people’s homes reflect their style and personality. Sometimes people get caught up in wanting their home to look like other people’s. I’ve always enjoyed going to my older relatives’ homes because they don’t care about keeping up with trends. Their homes are cozy and well lived in.

    Reply
    • Mila says:

      True! I never thought about the older relatives. A lot of older houses have wooden panels and I heard those were making a come back! aren’t they?

      Reply

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