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  1. Home
  2. Style
  3. How to Decorate Your Home Like a Cuban Casita

How to Decorate Your Home Like a Cuban Casita

By Dobrina Zhekova
March 30, 2017
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Credit: 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

Credit: Courtesy of NOVICA

To buy: novica.com, $135

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Legendary Set: Panama Hats & Havana Cigars

Credit: Courtesy of AHAlife

To buy: ahalife.com, $170

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Wood Plankprints

Credit: Courtesy of AHAlife

To buy: ahalife.com, $240

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Bells Retro Pillow

Credit: Courtesy of AHAlife

To buy: ahalife.com, $88

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Peacock Chair

Credit: Courtesy of CB2

To buy: cb2.com, $289

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O&G Ladderback Dining Chair in Vermillion

Credit: Courtesy of Rejuvenation

To buy: rejuvenation.com, $499

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Sidi Lounge Chair

Credit: Courtesy of CB2

To buy: cb2.com, $699

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All Weather Wicker Marina Del Ray Coffee Table

Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $180

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Rustic Distressed Reclaimed Wood Sideboard

Credit: Courtesy of Houzz

To buy: amazon.com, $2,306

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White Wood Cassia Entryway Storage Bench with Baskets

Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $300

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Atwood Chest

Credit: Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $1,699

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Keely Floor Lamp

Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia

To buy: luluandgeorgia.com, $619

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Wood and Rattan Syena Backless Barstool

Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $130

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Josephine Mirror

Credit: Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $399

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Rustic Wood Cabinet

Credit: Courtesy of World Market

To buy: worldmarket.com, $180

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End Table

Credit: Courtesy of Target

To buy: target.com, $68

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Sky Blue Cabinet

Credit: Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports

To buy: pier1.com, $350

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Entryway Rustic Style 5 Hook Wall Mount Wooden Coat Rack

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $38

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Banana Trees

Credit: Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, from $299

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Havana Large Vase

Credit: Courtesy of Wayfair

To buy: wayfair.com, $58

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Cuban Vanilla Reed Diffuser

Credit: Courtesy of Pier 1 Imports

To buy: pier1.com, $17

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Tommy Bahama Birds of Paradise Sheet Set

Credit: Courtesy of BeddingStyle

To buy: beddingstyle.com, $130

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Round All Weather Wicker Vernazza Chairs

Credit: Courtesy of World Market

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

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Heavily Distressed Terracotta Pot

Credit: Courtesy of Houzz

To buy: houzz.com, $29

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Dubois Large Square Wall Mirror

Credit: Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

To buy: crateandbarrel.com, $199

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Banana Palm Pillow

Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia

To buy: luluandgeorgia.com, $75

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Painted Desert Rug

Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia

To buy: luluandgeorgia.com, from $182

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Visit Cuba Vintage Travel Poster

Credit: Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, from $12

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Vintage Car in Havana Photo

Credit: Courtesy of Etsy

To buy: etsy.com, from $35

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Buena Vista Social Club Vinyl

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $28

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Bird-of-Paradise Live Plant

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $15

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Glass and Wood Mojito Set

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

To buy: amazon.com, $30

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