Coastal Zen Modern: Creating Serene Sanctuaries in Cabo with Natural Materials and Timeless Design
Author: Forrest Glover Design
Location Focus: Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur
Design Style: Coastal Zen Modern
Published: November 2025
Executive Summary
Cabo’s most enduring homes are calm, climate-smart, and materially honest. Coastal Zen Modern blends Baja’s stone‑neutral palette (honed travertine, concrete, limestone), warm Mexican woods (rosa morada, parota), and breathable textiles (linen, jute) to create sanctuaries that blur indoor–outdoor living. Prioritize matte finishes, low‑profile furniture, and hidden lighting to reduce glare and visual noise. Design for wellness and maintenance reality: native xeriscapes, passive cooling, and materials that patina gracefully. The FGD advantage is direct collaboration with Guadalajara artisans for higher quality at better value, with transparent costing and a 12–14 month concept‑to‑completion path.
TL;DR Checklist
Honed, matte finishes only; no glossy surfaces
Stone‑neutral base + natural woods; color via landscape and small accents
Low, horizontal furniture; minimal ornamentation
Seamless thresholds and matching floors inside–out
Hidden architectural lighting; oversized natural‑fiber pendants
Linen, jute, organic cotton; avoid synthetics and heavy fabrics
Native plants, drip irrigation, xeriscaping
Align budget and timeline early; leverage GDL artisan network
Table of Contents
🇪🇸 Tip: Para sonar más premium, usa “criterios de especificación” en lugar de “consejos” cuando expliques decisiones como acabados mate u umbrales sin salto.
The Evolution of Cabo Interior Design
Cabo San Lucas has long been synonymous with dramatic desert landscapes meeting turquoise waters, creating one of Mexico's most stunning coastal environments. But the interior design aesthetic in Los Cabos is evolving. Gone are the heavy Spanish Colonial interiors and overly ornate Tuscan villas that dominated the early 2000s. Today's Cabo homeowners—whether building vacation retreats or permanent residences—are embracing a more refined, serene approach: Coastal Zen Modern.
This design philosophy blends the ease of coastal living with the minimalist principles of Zen design and the clean lines of contemporary architecture. The result? Spaces that feel like sanctuaries—uncluttered, deeply connected to nature, and designed around the interplay of natural light, organic materials, and the breathtaking desert-ocean landscape unique to Baja.
At Forrest Glover Design, we've watched this aesthetic emerge and refine itself through projects across coastal Mexico, from Punta Mita to Todos Santos. Casa Zen, one of our recent conceptual projects, exemplifies this approach perfectly. Let's explore what makes Coastal Zen Modern the ideal design language for Cabo homes.
What is Coastal Zen Modern?
Coastal Zen Modern is an intentional convergence of three design philosophies:
1. Coastal Design
Natural, weathered materials that age beautifully in salt air and sun
Indoor-outdoor living with seamless transitions
Light, breathable textiles and finishes that don't trap heat
A connection to water, sky, and landscape through material choices and views
2. Zen Minimalism
Serene, uncluttered environments
Emphasis on negative space and restraint
Functionality over ornamentation
Mindful material selection—every element serves a purpose
Focus on tranquility and creating spaces for contemplation
3. Modern Design
Clean, architectural lines
Sleek finishes and contemporary forms
Minimal window treatments to maximize views
Integration of modern conveniences without visual clutter
Horizontal emphasis that echoes the Cabo horizon
The result? Homes that feel like they're part of the landscape rather than imposed upon it. Spaces where the desert's ochre tones, the ocean's blues, and the sky's infinite expanse become the primary "decor."
The Stone Neutral Palette: Building from the Earth
In Cabo, where the desert meets the sea, your material palette should be pulled directly from that landscape. We call this the Stone Neutral Palette—an architectural foundation that supports everything else.
Core Materials
Travertine Beige
Warm, earthy, and quintessentially Mexican. Travertine has been used in architecture here for centuries because it thrives in this climate. Use it for floors that stay cool underfoot, countertops with organic pitting and variation, and wall cladding that catches and reflects the golden hour light.
Concrete Grey
Modern, grounded, and perfectly suited to Cabo's contemporary architectural language. Polished concrete floors are common, but we prefer honed concrete—matte surfaces that don't glare in the intense Baja sun. Use concrete for sculptural elements like integrated sinks, outdoor kitchen counters, and statement fireplace surrounds.
Washed Limestone
Softer than travertine, limestone brings a subtle warmth and organic texture. It's ideal for feature walls, bathroom surfaces, and outdoor living areas where you want material continuity between interior and exterior.
Dusty Clay
The warmest tone in the palette, pulling from the terracotta and desert clay tones of Baja's landscape. Use it sparingly—accent walls, planters, ceramic vessels—to add warmth without overwhelming the neutral base.
The One Non-Negotiable Rule
Honed finishes only. Shiny surfaces are banned.
In Cabo's intense sunlight, glossy tiles and polished stone create glare that's not just aesthetically unpleasant—it's genuinely uncomfortable. Honed, matte finishes absorb and diffuse light, creating the serene atmosphere that defines Coastal Zen Modern.
This palette is pulled straight from the earth. It supports bolder accent colors beautifully (think muted sage green from desert plants, dusty blue-grey from distant mountains), but it also holds a room with zero color at all. That's the power of well-executed neutrals.
Wood: Weathered, Reclaimed, and Built to Last
Cabo's climate is unforgiving. Salt air, intense UV, temperature swings from cool mornings to hot afternoons—your wood selections need to be strategic.
Interior Wood
Rosa Morada
This is your primary choice for indoor furniture, cabinetry, and built-ins. A Mexican hardwood with a beautiful light tone and subtle grain, rosa morada is durable, takes a matte finish beautifully, and ages gracefully. It's the material that gives Coastal Zen Modern its warm, organic backbone.
Parota (Mexican Walnut)
As a backup where rosa morada isn't available, parota offers rich grain patterns and structural integrity. Use it for statement pieces like dining tables or live-edge counters.
Reclaimed or Weathered Wood
For ceiling beams, accent walls, or architectural elements, weathered wood brings coastal authenticity. The grey-washed patina of driftwood or the organic texture of reclaimed barn wood creates visual interest without color.
Outdoor Wood
Teak (FSC-Certified)
The only wood that truly thrives in Cabo's outdoor conditions. Teak contains natural oils that resist water, resist rot, and weather beautifully to a silver-grey patina. Use it for outdoor furniture, deck surfaces, pergola structures, and any wood element exposed to the elements.
Never use pine. It cannot withstand Cabo's moisture and humidity, even indoors near open walls.
Furniture Design: Low-Profile, Minimal, Functional
Coastal Zen Modern furniture is defined by what it isn't as much as what it is.
Key Characteristics
Platform Everything
Beds, sofas, coffee tables—keep them low to the ground. This creates horizontal emphasis that echoes Cabo's landscape (endless ocean, flat desert, wide sky) and makes ceilings feel taller. It also keeps the visual focus on your views rather than bulky furniture.
Clean Lines, Zero Ornamentation
No carved wood, no decorative hardware, no unnecessary curves. Every line should be intentional. A simple wooden platform bed in rosa morada with integrated nightstands says everything you need to say.
Woven Textures for Coastal Feel
Rattan, jute, woven palm—these natural fiber elements bring coastal texture without pattern. Think oversized woven pendant lights in living areas, rattan accent chairs with simple frames, or a woven headboard that adds warmth to a minimalist bedroom.
Modular and Flexible
Cabo homes often host guests. Modular sectionals that can be reconfigured, daybeds that double as seating, dining tables that extend—design for flexibility without compromising clean aesthetics.
What We Source in Guadalajara
One of Forrest Glover Design's unique advantages is our access to Mexican artisans and fabricators:
Export Muebles (Alma): Custom rosa morada and parota furniture—beds, dining tables, cabinetry, built-ins
Tucurinca (Colombia): Woven coastal furniture imported directly—40-50% less expensive than retail
Local GDL ceramic artists: Custom lighting bases, sculptural vessels, handmade tile
Stone suppliers: Direct relationships for travertine, limestone, concrete fabrication
This network means we can create furniture and source materials that you simply cannot find through conventional retail channels in Los Cabos.
Indoor-Outdoor Living: Blurring the Boundaries
Cabo's climate demands indoor-outdoor integration. You didn't buy in Los Cabos to sit inside.
Design Strategies
Pocket Doors and Minimal Thresholds
Where walls meet patios, use pocket door systems that disappear entirely. The transition from living room to outdoor living area should be seamless—same flooring material flowing through, same ceiling height, minimal visual barriers.
Material Continuity
Use the same tile or stone inside and out. When your travertine floor flows from interior to terrace without interruption, the house feels twice as large. Your eye reads it as one continuous space.
Covered Outdoor Rooms
These aren't patios—they're rooms. Treat them as such. Stone floors, permanent furniture, integrated lighting, ceiling fans. These are the spaces you'll use 9 months of the year in Cabo.
Views as Art
Minimal window treatments (sheer linen at most), oversized openings, strategic furniture placement that frames views rather than blocks them. That vista of the Sea of Cortez or dramatic desert mountains? That's your artwork. Everything else is secondary.
Lighting: Natural Fiber and Architectural Integration
Lighting in Coastal Zen Modern serves two purposes: functional illumination and sculptural presence.
Pendant Lights
Oversized Natural Fiber
Woven jute, rattan, or palm pendants—think 24-36" diameter—create dramatic focal points over dining tables or in double-height living spaces. These organic shapes soften the hard edges of stone and concrete while providing warm, diffused light.
In Cabo's intense sun, you want lighting that creates intimacy in the evening without harsh glare. Natural fiber achieves this.
Architectural Lighting
Hidden LED Strips
Uplight your textured plaster walls, integrate LEDs into ceiling coves, backlight stone feature walls. The light source should be invisible—only the effect visible.
Sconces: Minimal and Ceramic
Simple ceramic or matte black metal sconces along hallways or flanking beds. Clean-lined, architectural, providing soft illumination without visual clutter.
What to Avoid
Ornate chandeliers, glass pendants that create glare, anything with visible bulbs or decorative metalwork. This isn't that kind of design.
Textiles: Linen, Jute, and Breathability
Cabo is hot. Even with air conditioning, your textile choices affect how a space feels.
Primary Textiles
Linen
Natural, breathable, and it gets softer with every wash. Use linen for:
Sofa and chair upholstery (natural, oatmeal, warm grey)
Curtains (sheer linen for privacy without blocking light)
Bedding (crisp white or cream linen sheets are luxurious and cool)
Throw pillows (textural, not patterned)
Jute and Sisal Rugs
Flatweave natural fiber rugs are ideal for Cabo. They don't trap sand (critical if you're near the beach), they're cool underfoot, and they provide textural grounding without pattern or color.
Organic Cotton
For towels, secondary bedding layers, and anywhere you want softness. Stick to neutral tones—white, cream, warm grey.
What to Avoid
Synthetic fabrics (they trap heat), heavy velvets or corduroys (seasonally inappropriate), busy patterns (they compete with your views).
Color Strategy: When Less is More
The Coastal Zen Modern approach to color is simple: use restraint.
The Pure Neutral Approach
You can create a complete, sophisticated Cabo home using only:
Travertine beige
Concrete grey
Washed limestone
Dusty clay
Natural wood tones (rosa morada, weathered grey, teak)
Linen whites and creams
This palette alone—with textural variation through stone, wood, linen, woven elements—creates spaces of profound serenity.
Adding Subtle Color (If You Must)
If the client wants color, introduce it through:
Muted sage green (echoing desert plants—sage, agave)
Dusty blue-grey (pulling from distant mountains and morning ocean haze)
Warm terracotta (extending the clay palette)
Natural plant color (bougainvillea blooms visible through windows, potted succulents)
Application rules:
Textile accents only (pillows, throws)
Ceramic vessels or small art pieces
Landscape visible through openings
Never on walls or large surfaces
Your views provide all the color you need. Cabo's sunsets are free.
Landscape Integration: Native Plants and Xeriscaping
Your landscape is as important as your interiors in Coastal Zen Modern design.
Featured Plant Species for Cabo
Bougainvillea
Drought-tolerant, thrives in Cabo's sun, provides privacy screening, and offers vibrant color (purple, coral, white) without requiring design color inside. Train it over pergolas or along walls.
Agave and Desert Succulents
Sculptural, architectural, zero maintenance once established. Blue agave, century plants, and barrel cactus create dramatic focal points.
Native Palms
Mexican fan palms and blue hesper palms provide shade, movement, and that quintessential Baja aesthetic.
Sage and Lavender
Fragrant, silvery-grey foliage, minimal water needs. Plant along pathways where you'll brush against them—the sensory element is part of the design.
Xeriscaping Principles
Cabo is a desert. Your landscape should reflect that, not fight it:
Gravel or decomposed granite instead of lawn
Drip irrigation on timers
Grouping plants by water needs
Hardscaping (stone, concrete) as primary design element
Native species that thrive without intervention
Case Study: Casa Zen (Conceptual Project)
Let's look at how these principles come together in a real (conceptual) project.
The Vision
Casa Zen is a hypothetical 3-bedroom home in Cabo with casita, designed around the Coastal Zen Modern aesthetic. The client's brief emphasized:
Serene, tranquil ambiance
Continuity of materials throughout
Neutral color palette as foundation
Maximizing views of nature
Native, low-maintenance landscaping (bougainvillea, lavender, sage)
Indoor-outdoor living spaces
Design Solutions
Material Palette
Travertine floors (honed) flow from interior through covered terraces. Textured plaster walls in warm grey. Rosa morada cabinetry and built-ins. Concrete countertops in kitchen and baths.
Furniture
Low-profile platform beds in all bedrooms with integrated nightstands. Living room features a modular linen sectional (custom upholstered in natural linen by GDL artisan), woven rattan accent chairs imported from Tucurinca, organic-edge rosa morada coffee table.
Lighting
Three oversized woven sphere pendants (36" diameter) in the study area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. Minimal ceramic sconces in hallways. Hidden LED uplighting on textured walls.
Outdoor Spaces
Covered BBQ area with stone counters and built-in grill becomes primary entertaining space. Teak loungers around pool. Bougainvillea trained over pergola provides filtered shade and vibrant magenta color contrast.
The Casita
Guest quarters maintain the same aesthetic—travertine, rosa morada, linen, minimal color. Private entrance, compact kitchenette, full bath, bedroom that can convert to meditation space.
The Result
A home that feels like a sanctuary. Uncluttered, serene, deeply connected to Cabo's dramatic landscape. Every material choice—from the honed travertine to the woven pendants to the native plantings—reinforces the sense of place.
Why Cabo Homeowners Are Choosing This Aesthetic
The shift toward Coastal Zen Modern in Los Cabos isn't arbitrary—it's a response to how people want to live in Cabo now.
1. Wellness and Retreat
Cabo homes increasingly serve as wellness retreats. The minimalist, serene aesthetic supports meditation, yoga, mindfulness practices. There's a reason so many luxury resorts in Los Cabos have adopted this language—it works.
2. Climate Appropriateness
Heavy drapes, dark furniture, ornate details—these make Cabo homes feel stuffy and overheated. Coastal Zen Modern embraces light, air, and the natural cooling that comes from stone floors, high ceilings, and cross-ventilation.
3. Timelessness
Trends change. Coastal Zen Modern, rooted in natural materials and minimalist principles, won't look dated in 10 years. Your home becomes a backdrop for life, not a statement about a particular design moment.
4. Maintenance Reality
Cabo homeowners—especially those using properties part-time—need designs that don't require constant upkeep. Natural materials age beautifully. Minimal decor means nothing to dust, rearrange, or replace. Native landscaping thrives with minimal intervention.
5. Resale Value
Neutral, sophisticated, well-executed design appeals to the broadest buyer pool. When it's time to sell, a Coastal Zen Modern home in Cabo won't need a redesign to attract buyers.
Working with Local Artisans: The GDL Advantage
One of the unique aspects of working with Forrest Glover Design on a Cabo project is our Guadalajara base.
Guadalajara is Mexico's furniture and artisan capital. The city and surrounding region are home to:
Master woodworkers specializing in rosa morada and parota
Stone fabricators with decades of experience in travertine and limestone
Ceramic artists creating custom tiles, lighting, and vessels
Textile weavers producing natural fiber rugs and fabrics
Metal workers for custom furniture frames and architectural elements
We've spent years building relationships with these artisans. When we design furniture for a Cabo home, we're not ordering from a catalog—we're collaborating with fabricators to create pieces specific to your project.
The cost advantage is significant. Custom rosa morada dining table from our GDL network? 40-60% less than equivalent quality imported furniture. Custom travertine vanities? Direct from the fabricator, no markup from a Cabo showroom.
The quality is extraordinary. Mexican artisans have been working with these materials for generations. They understand how wood moves in humidity, how stone should be cut for longevity, how to finish surfaces for coastal climates.
The Investment: What Does Coastal Zen Modern Cost?
Let's be transparent about budgets.
Design Services (FGD)
Full-Service Design & Coordination: USD $60,000 - 75,000
This includes: Complete design concept, material palette development, mood boards, space planning, FF&E selection and specification, custom furniture design, procurement management, quality control, installation coordination.
Design Concept Only: USD $15,000 - 20,000
For clients with existing architects and contractors who need design direction and material specifications.
Design + Furniture Procurement: USD $45,000 - 60,000
Design services plus full furniture sourcing through our artisan network.
Architectural Services (Separate)
A qualified architect in Mexico for construction drawings, permits, and technical documentation: USD $15,000 - 26,000 for a 3-4 bedroom home.
Construction Costs
This varies wildly based on scope (new build vs. remodel), finishes level, and site conditions. For a full renovation of an existing Cabo home (3-4 bedrooms):
Mid-Range: USD $150,000 - 250,000
High-End: USD $250,000 - 400,000+
Furniture & Materials
Furniture/FF&E Budget for a fully-furnished 3-bedroom home with casita: USD $50,000 - 150,000+ depending on selections (custom vs. ready-made, import pieces, quantity of built-ins).
Total Project Example (Full renovation, high-end finishes):
Design Services: $65,000
Architectural Services: $20,000
Construction: $300,000
Furniture & Materials: $100,000
Total: $485,000
This is an investment. But when executed well, a Coastal Zen Modern home in Cabo becomes a sanctuary that serves you for decades.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing Shiny Finishes
Polished marble, glossy tile, lacquered furniture—these create glare in Cabo's sun and undermine the serene aesthetic. Always specify honed, matte, or textured finishes.
2. Over-Furnishing
Minimalism isn't about empty rooms—it's about restraint. Each piece of furniture should earn its place. One beautiful sofa is better than a sofa plus four accent chairs plus ottomans plus side tables. Let the space breathe.
3. Ignoring Climate
Fabrics that trap heat, wood species that warp in humidity, landscaping that requires daily watering—these are fundamental errors. Design for Cabo's climate, not against it.
4. Fighting the View
If you have ocean or desert views, they should be the focal point of every room they're visible from. Don't place a large TV on the view wall. Don't hang art that competes with the vista. Frame the view, enhance it, defer to it.
5. Trendy Color Choices
That trendy color you love today will look dated in three years. Stick to the stone neutral palette with subtle, timeless accents. Your home should be a backdrop for your life, not a statement about this year's color trends.
Sourcing Guide: Where to Find Materials in Cabo
While we source most materials through our Guadalajara network, here are Cabo resources:
Stone & Tile
Mármoles y Granitos Cabo (travertine, limestone)
Tile shops in San José del Cabo (local artisan tile)
Furniture (Limited Selection)
Cactus Azul (some modern Mexican pieces)
Artesanos San José del Cabo (smaller items, decor)
Outdoor Furniture
Most quality outdoor furniture will be imported from GDL or the U.S.
Plants & Landscaping
Vivero Los Cabos (native plants, succulents)
Desert Gardens (xeriscaping consultation)
The reality: Cabo's design resources are limited compared to GDL, Mexico City, or Monterrey. Working with a designer who has artisan networks elsewhere in Mexico gives you access to significantly more options at better prices.
Timeline: From Concept to Completion
What does the process actually look like?
Month 1-2: Design Concept
Initial site visit and consultation
Design concept development
Material palette refinement
Mood board presentation
Space planning and furniture layouts
Month 3-4: Design Development
Detailed material specifications
FF&E selection and pricing
Custom furniture design
Lighting plan
Coordination with architect
Month 5-6: Construction Documentation
Architect produces construction drawings
Permit applications
Contractor bidding and selection
Month 7-12: Construction
Demo and framing
Rough-ins (plumbing, electrical)
Stone installation
Millwork fabrication and installation
Finishes
Concurrent with Construction: Furniture Procurement
Custom furniture fabrication (6-10 weeks)
Import coordination if needed
Quality control and receiving
Month 13-14: Installation & Styling
Furniture delivery and placement
Lighting installation
Final styling and punch list
Landscape installation
Total timeline: 12-14 months from initial concept to move-in ready.
This assumes no major delays in permitting, material availability, or construction. Cabo projects can experience delays due to:
Seasonal weather (hurricane season interruptions)
Material shipping to Baja (it's remote)
Permitting bureaucracy
Labor availability during high construction seasons
Build buffer into your timeline.
Why Cabo is Different from Other Coastal Locations
Having worked on coastal projects from Punta Mita to Todos Santos to Zihuatanejo, Cabo presents unique design considerations:
The Climate
Drier than Pacific coast locations. Less humidity means more wood species options (though still specify carefully). Limestone and travertine weather better here than in Oaxaca or Zihua.
More extreme temperature swings. Cool desert mornings, scorching midday sun, pleasant evenings. Your design needs to accommodate this range—good insulation, cross-ventilation, thermal mass from stone floors.
The Aesthetic Context
Desert-meets-ocean is unique to Baja. Your palette should reference both—desert ochres and greys, ocean blues only as subtle accents. The dusty clay tones that work here might feel wrong in Tulum's jungle setting.
The Development Level
More luxury, less artisan. Cabo has resorts, golf communities, high-end development. The artisan, bohemian aesthetic of Sayulita doesn't fit here. Coastal Zen Modern's sophistication and refinement align with Cabo's luxury positioning.
The Client Base
U.S. and Canadian buyers dominate. They expect high-end finishes, modern conveniences, and design sophistication. Coastal Zen Modern delivers all three while still feeling connected to place.
Sustainability Considerations
Coastal Zen Modern aligns naturally with sustainable design principles:
Material Longevity
Stone, hardwood, natural textiles—these materials last decades when specified correctly. You're not replacing furniture every 5 years or renovating every 10.
Local Sourcing
Working with Mexican artisans and fabricators reduces shipping carbon footprint compared to importing everything from the U.S. or Asia.
Passive Cooling
Stone floors, high ceilings, cross-ventilation, covered outdoor spaces—these reduce air conditioning needs. Cabo's climate rewards passive design strategies.
Water Conservation
Xeriscaping with native plants dramatically reduces water use. In a region where water is precious, this isn't optional—it's responsible design.
Timeless Aesthetics
Design that won't look dated = less renovation waste. Homes that age beautifully don't end up in landfills.
The Emotional Impact: Why This Design Matters
Here's what we've learned from clients who've embraced Coastal Zen Modern in Cabo:
"I didn't realize how much visual clutter was stressing me out until I didn't have it anymore." —Alexis, Casa Andante, Punta Mita
The minimalist approach isn't aesthetic preference—it's psychological relief. When you remove visual noise, you create space for actual relaxation. In a Cabo vacation home, this matters.
"The house feels cool even when it's 35°C outside."
Stone floors, matte finishes, linen textiles, natural ventilation—these aren't decorative choices, they're climate-responsive design. The space feels comfortable because it's designed for Cabo, not imported from somewhere else.
"Every morning I sit with coffee and just look at the view. The house doesn't compete with it—it frames it."
This is the goal. Your home should enhance your experience of Cabo's dramatic landscape, not distract from it.
"Maintenance is so much easier than our previous home."
No ornate decor to dust, no fussy furniture to maintain, native landscaping that thrives with minimal water. Especially for part-time residents, this is critical.
Getting Started: Next Steps
If Coastal Zen Modern resonates with your vision for a Cabo home:
1. Define Your Scope
Are you:
Building new construction?
Renovating an existing home?
Just furnishing a completed space?
This determines the team you need (architect, contractor, designer) and the timeline.
2. Establish Your Budget
Be realistic about investment:
Design services: $15,000 - 75,000 (depending on scope)
Architectural services: $15,000 - 26,000
Construction: $150,000 - 400,000+ (depending on scale)
Furniture/FF&E: $50,000 - 150,000+
3. Gather Inspiration
Create a Pinterest board or folder of images that resonate. Note what draws you to each image—is it the material, the color, the layout, the lighting? This helps your designer understand your preferences.
4. Schedule a Consultation
Whether with FGD or another designer, start with a 90-minute consultation to:
Review your property and goals
Discuss design direction and preferences
Understand timeline and budget parameters
Determine team needs (architect, contractor, etc.)
5. Commit to the Process
Good design takes time. From concept to completion, expect 12-14 months. Shortcuts in design or material selection usually result in regret. Trust the process.
Final Thoughts: Designing for How You Want to Live
Coastal Zen Modern isn't about following a trend—it's about creating spaces that support how you actually want to live in Cabo.
Do you want to feel relaxed the moment you walk through the door? Design for serenity through restraint and natural materials.
Do you want to spend most of your time outdoors? Blur the boundaries between interior and exterior.
Do you want a home that ages beautifully with minimal maintenance? Choose materials and finishes that improve with time.
Do you want your guests to remember the views and the feeling of your home, not the decor? Let the landscape and architecture take center stage.
This is what Coastal Zen Modern delivers. It's a design philosophy rooted in place—specifically, the dramatic desert-ocean convergence that makes Los Cabos one of the world's most stunning locations.
Your Cabo home should feel like a sanctuary. Serene. Uncluttered. Deeply connected to the landscape. Timeless.
That's not just good design—it's designing for life.
About Forrest Glover Design
Forrest Glover Design is a Guadalajara-based interior design and furniture sourcing studio specializing in coastal Mexico projects. With direct access to Mexican artisans, stone suppliers, and custom fabricators, we create homes that reflect both international design sophistication and deep connection to Mexican materials and craftsmanship.
Our work spans from Cabo to Punta Mita to San Miguel de Allende, always with the same philosophy: natural materials, thoughtful restraint, and design that enhances rather than competes with Mexico's extraordinary landscapes.
Contact: forrestgloverdesign@gmail.com
Location: Guadalajara, Jalisco
Services: Full-service interior design, furniture procurement, artisan coordination
Specialties: Coastal Zen Modern, natural material palettes, Mexican artisan collaboration
