What sets your home apart from the next? The way you decorate your interior, and more specifically, the intricate details you choose to include, are what takes a space from conventional and cookie-cutter to an original work of art. It’s no secret that every home needs a little bit of spice to make it feel like it’s truly reflective of you and your background, but creating a sense of character and authenticity that’s evident from the moment you walk through the door is often easier said than done.

One home decorator who has truly mastered the art of infusing a space with a distinct personal influence is Lidia Salazar, a content creator based in Phoenix, Arizona. Her unique design style, which can be described as “modern Mexican decor,” among other things, embodies the very essence of Home & Texture—modern individuality, warmth, and culture.

No matter your culture, her tips can provide inspiration for taking your home from generic and ordinary to one that’s distinctly yours, filled with undeniable vibrancy and charm in each and every room.

Home & Texture: Can you share the inspiration behind the design style of your home and what inspired you to include a prominent cultural influence?

Lidia Salazar: While designing my home, I set out to strike a balance between the many things I love. Finding a middle ground between minimalism and maximalism, new & old, and modern & traditional. As someone who is incredibly proud of her cultural heritage, I knew I wanted to integrate my culture into my design in a way that felt intentional and authentically me.

H&T: What are some of your favorite Latina-owned home brands and decor pieces that you currently have in your home?

LS: I’ve found so many incredible Latina-owned shops; here are my favorites:

• For the most beautiful candles, Luz y Tierra is simply the best! I can’t stop buying them.
• For the most incredible textiles and more, Vero’s Tiendita is a must.
• For an assortment of well-curated items, Mexico In My Pocket is the perfect shop.
• Sister stores Artelexia and Casa y Cocina both have impeccable taste and offer a variety of superb home, kitchen and lifestyle items.
• The Etsy shop “MadMaxTheDog” carries my all-time favorite ceramic pieces, including my favorite clay vases.

H&T: Your home is a great example of “modern Mexican decor.” What are your biggest tips for balancing cultural influences with modern design elements?

LS: I’ve found that swapping out basic decor pieces for their cultural counterparts is an easy way to bring in culture to any space. For example, swapping out a regular coffee table book for a book about Mexican art, or replacing the art in existing frames with beautiful Mexican art prints. My absolute favorite way to bring my culture into my design is to feature handmade Mexican ceramics instead of mass-produced ones.

H&T: What do you think are the most integral parts of Mexican style, and how can homeowners achieve the same warm, traditional and rustic atmosphere that’s present in your home in their own spaces?

LS: In a world where almost everything is mass-produced, having the beautiful yet imperfect look of handmade pieces is an integral part of Mexican style. It not only adds character and warmth but also a feeling of nostalgia. Those handmade pieces can be anything from carved wood furniture to embroidered textiles and all sorts of ceramics.

H&T: Are there any timeless or versatile decor pieces from Latina-owned brands that you think can suit a wide range of interior design styles that would be easy to incorporate into any home?

LS: This carved wood frame, this coppered mirror, and this coffee table book are all pieces that can easily be integrated into most homes.

H&T: You often use cultural books, pottery and objects as the foundation of your styling. What other simple and practical tips can you share for someone who wants to incorporate their culture into their own home?

LS: Sometimes incorporating your culture into your home isn’t about the decor at all. It’s about the music, dancing, food and keeping the traditions alive!

H&T: Your home seamlessly blends multiple different design styles. What design styles do you think naturally complement each other, making it easier for those who want to experiment with blending multiple aesthetics in their homes?

LS: Combining different design styles is so commonplace today that I don’t think there’s a single combination that can’t work. Sticking to a color palette can make it easier to blend styles in a way that feels cohesive and elevated. Making sure furniture pieces and decor items are the right scale will also help make the space feel balanced despite the mix of styles.

For more design inspiration from Lidia’s home, you can follow her on her Instagram, @everyday_home.

This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.