September 10, 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS
TUSCAN SPIRIT, GUATEMALAN SOUL
words & production Karine Monie
photos Topofilia Studio
design Elemento
In Antigua Guatemala—a UNESCO World Heritage site where cobblestone streets meet centuries-old ruins—an extraordinary home has been reimagined as a retreat that bridges time. The property, dating back to the 17th century, has been transformed into a sanctuary where Spanish Colonial architecture and subtle Moroccan notes meet contemporary elegance. The result is a house that honors history while embracing the rhythms of modern family life.
A LIVING LEGACY
Set beside the Ruina San Agustin, a 1650s church and convent, the property itself carries a remarkable legacy. Portions of the first-floor walls are believed to date back to the same period. During restoration, the design team uncovered a hidden arch near the pool—once thought to be the entrance to the convent’s stables—revealing yet another layer of narrative. Over the centuries, the house has evolved: the second floor was added in 1994, while carved beams in the living-dining room were repurposed from a 1930s Antiguan hotel, preserving echoes of the city’s past.
BLENDING ERAS
The vision was to create a house that felt timeless yet current—“the cozy feeling of grandma’s house but with a modern twist,” as Sara Rodriguez of Elemento describes. To achieve this, the designers celebrated original elements like terracotta floors, natural stone walls, and dark wood beams, while introducing contemporary touches through lighting, art, and the interplay of glass with traditional ironwork. Modern amenities—including automated lighting, climate control in bedrooms, and enlarged windows—make the home both functional and luxurious, without compromising its historic fabric.
A NATURE-INSPIRED PALETTE
Elemento embraced a neutral palette to let the home’s materials speak. Terracotta, olive green, and natural stone anchor the interiors, while Tuscan-inspired shades of green, light blue, and beige define each bedroom, evoking the feel of an Italian countryside retreat. Stucco walls in white and beige provide balance, while dark porcelain floors and a redesigned pool lined with gray tile lend a subtle contemporary contrast.
TUSCAN CHARM, GUATEMALAN CRAFT
For the owners, the house echoed the spirit of old Tuscan villas—an influence visible in the warm, layered palettes and even the modern kitchen, which draws inspiration from traditional Italian farmhouses. Yet equally central was a celebration of Guatemalan artistry. Custom furniture, lighting, and artworks were commissioned from local artisans, makers, and carpenters. “Both the homeowners and we at Elemento are very proud to be Guatemalan,” says co-founder Daniela de la Riva. This pride resonates in every detail, grounding the Tuscan-inspired vision in the craftsmanship of Guatemala.
WEAVING OLD AND NEW
Perhaps the most powerful gesture came from the unearthed arch, which became “the heart of the project.” It embodies the spirit of the house itself: a structure that carries the weight of history yet welcomes the energy of the present. By weaving together eras, cultures, and traditions, Elemento has created a home that is both a retreat and a living testament to Antigua’s layered past.
