Origin: Mexico, formed in the Spanish colonial period and blended with indigenous craft
The hacienda was a colonial-era Mexican estate, with a main house whose arcaded veranda wrapped around a courtyard. Its signs are warm earth-toned plaster walls, rough timber ceiling beams, terracotta floors, heavy timber doors and colourful Talavera tile. Handmade ceramics, woven textiles and wrought iron add a rustic, warm and colourful character.
In Vietnam, earthy terracotta tones suit familiar fired brick and lime finishes. Plaster-look paint, arched openings, faux or reclaimed timber beams and encaustic or terracotta floor tiles can be used. Real terracotta absorbs water and grows moss in humid weather, so it needs a sealer; in dim rooms, choose lighter earth tones to avoid heaviness.
