From the Inside Flap
Incredibly beautiful, classic and timeless architectural details are shown in over 300 color photographs of new, old, and remodeled traditional Mexican style homes and gardens. From Spanish Colonial facades in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, to the best of the Mission and Spanish Eclectic homes, this volume is a must for everyone interested in Mexican architecture and outdoor charm. This book excites the reader's imagination through nine chapters, including facades, doors, gates, portales & patios, columns, fountains, pools, cantera stonework and gardens. Arcades support massive tiled roof overhangs and bring shade to the outdoor sala--an affirmation for outdoor living at its best. Sparkling pools and spouting fountains bring tranquility to flower-filled gardens and courtyards. The photographs will inspire decorators, designers, architects, builders, and homeowners looking for traditional and exciting ideas. Everyone who enjoys looking at beautiful facades, outdoor living areas, and gardens will covet this book. The companion book, Traditional Mexican Style Interiors, invites readers inside these same gorgeous homes for a tour of entryways, living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, floors, ceilings, stairways, niches, fireplaces, lighting, and arts.

About the Author
The Author Falling in love with Mexican architecture came easy to the author. During her trips to Mexico researching Popular Arts of Mexico 1850-1950, she was continually exposed to not only Mexico’s arts, but the country’s architecture as well. This constant barrage of intense color, talavera tiles, lavish gardens, and relaxing portales left an indelible impression on McMenamin. So much so, she acted as general contractor for the couple’s new Mexican style home in Tucson, Arizona which she shares with her husband, David and their two cats. McMenamin buys and sells antique Mexican and Native American Arts, accompanies clients to Mexico to shop for appropriate architectural details, and is a contributing writer for Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, Home & Garden. Donna is also the founding President of Latin American Art Patrons, affiliated with the Tucson Museum of Art. The Photographer After graduating from Ohio University in 1983, with a BFA in photography, Richard Loper chose Houston, Texas, with its thriving oil business, to launch his photography career. He freelanced for local advertising agencies, graphic designers, magazines, and energy companies. However, the late eighties marked a slowdown in Houston’s economy and Richard began dabbling in his other passion—building custom furniture. In 1993, he embarked on his new career as a craftsman of fine reproduction Arts & Crafts style furniture.His first collaboration with Donna McMenamin was Popular Arts of Mexico 1850-1950, for which he received rave reviews for his photography. Richard and his wife, Linda, recently purchased a 1926 Arts & Crafts Bungalow with a long-term plan for renovating and refurbishing it.

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