How to Decorate Your Home Like a Cuban Casita

By Dobrina Zhekova
Updated: March 30, 2017
Patrik Bergström/Getty Images

Even before the U.S. formally restored diplomatic relations with Cuba and the small Caribbean country was on every traveler’s bucket list, the island had captivated the minds of writers (Ernest Hemingway lived there for 20 years), artists, and ordinary people alike.

Christopher Columbus noted back in 1492 that it was “the loveliest land ever beheld by human eyes." And more than five centuries later, his observations still hold true.

Cuba strikes with its authenticity, impulsiveness, the kindness of its people, and vibrant views at every turn. This is exactly what impressed Laurel & Wolf interior designer Heather Brents.

“Cuba is the most colorful country I've ever visited. In Havana, especially, seeing a turquoise building with an emerald door next to a pink building with sky blue trim is totally normal,” she said.

The city’s eclectic architecture is truly something to behold — a mixture of beautiful colonial, baroque, neo-classical, and Soviet-inspired buildings can be seen throughout the capital, reflecting the country’s rich history.

“Design inspired by Cuba has to embrace a contrast of bright, saturated hues along with lighter pastels," Brents said. "Quirky elements are a must."

If a recent trip to the Caribbean island has inspired you to redecorate your home, then focus on adding color through artwork or décor accents, she suggests, to ensure "the eclectic vibe is intentional."

“I'd use patterned rugs in bright colors and chunky wood furniture for a rustic, textural look,” Brent says.

And for designer Stacy Graves, it’s all about drawing inspiration from Cuba’s tropical landscape — turquoise waters, lush greenery, yellow sunshine, and orange-pink sunsets.

“The easiest way to decorate a modern home with the Cuban aesthetic is to paint the walls in a saturated hue,” Graves says. “I would do this with a lime wash paint to give the walls a weathered look reminiscent of the textured layers of paint and plaster found in Cuban homes. For furnishings, I would juxtapose distressed vintage pieces with the simplicity of mid-century modern furniture.”

Because of the hot tropical climate, Cubans prefer natural fabrics and materials that are cool to the touch — marble, metal, tile, and stone are best, according to Brents. And Graves recommends cane, wicker, and rattan pieces as well as incorporating large tropical plants such as a Bird-of-paradise or banana tree.

Take a look at 40 home décor items that will bring the character of Cuba into your home.

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Framed 'Beautiful Mulata' Collage

Courtesy of NOVICA

To buy: novica.com, $135

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Legendary Set: Panama Hats & Havana Cigars

Courtesy of AHAlife

To buy: ahalife.com, $170

3 of 37

Wood Plankprints

Courtesy of AHAlife

To buy: ahalife.com, $240

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Bells Retro Pillow

Courtesy of AHAlife

To buy: ahalife.com, $88

5 of 37

Peacock Chair

Courtesy of CB2

To buy: cb2.com, $289

6 of 37

O&G Ladderback Dining Chair in Vermillion

Courtesy of Rejuvenation

To buy: rejuvenation.com, $499

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7 of 37

Sidi Lounge Chair

Courtesy of CB2

To buy: cb2.com, $699

8 of 37

All Weather Wicker Marina Del Ray Coffee Table

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $180

9 of 37

Rustic Distressed Reclaimed Wood Sideboard

Courtesy of Houzz

To buy: amazon.com, $2,306

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10 of 37

White Wood Cassia Entryway Storage Bench with Baskets

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $300

11 of 37

Atwood Chest

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $1,699

12 of 37

Keely Floor Lamp

Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia

To buy: luluandgeorgia.com, $619

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13 of 37

Wood and Rattan Syena Backless Barstool

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $130

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Josephine Mirror

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $399

15 of 37

Rustic Wood Cabinet

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $180

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End Table

Courtesy of Target

To buy: target.com, $68

17 of 37

Sky Blue Cabinet

Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports

To buy: pier1.com, $350

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Entryway Rustic Style 5 Hook Wall Mount Wooden Coat Rack

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $38

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19 of 37

Banana Trees

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, from $299

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Havana Large Vase

Courtesy of Wayfair

To buy: wayfair.com, $58

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Cuban Vanilla Reed Diffuser

Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports

To buy: pier1.com, $17

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22 of 37

Tommy Bahama Birds of Paradise Sheet Set

Courtesy of BeddingStyle

To buy: beddingstyle.com, $130

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Round All Weather Wicker Vernazza Chairs

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $400 for set of two

24 of 37

Heavily Distressed Terracotta Pot

Courtesy of Houzz

To buy: houzz.com, $29

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25 of 37

Dubois Large Square Wall Mirror

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $199

26 of 37

Banana Palm Pillow

Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia

To buy: luluandgeorgia.com, $75

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Painted Desert Rug

Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia

To buy: luluandgeorgia.com, from $182

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28 of 37

Visit Cuba Vintage Travel Poster

Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, from $12

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Vintage Car in Havana Photo

Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, from $35

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Buena Vista Social Club Vinyl

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $28

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31 of 37

Bird-of-Paradise Live Plant

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $15

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Glass and Wood Mojito Set

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $30

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Vintage 1950s Solid Wood Radio Converted to Bluetooth iPhone iPod Player

Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, $350

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White Wood Pillar Candleholder

Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, from $13

35 of 37

Archipelago Boticario de Havana Soy Candle

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $20

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'Passage to Cuba: An Up-Close Look at the World's Most Colorful Culture' Book

Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $21

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