There are treasures to be found in Guadalajara—but not the kind you’ll stumble on in a tourist shop. The real treasure is the spirit of creativity woven into every corner of this city: the workshops in Tonalá where clay meets fire, the upholstery studios in Americana where fabrics are stretched and stitched with precision, the hands of artisans who transform volcanic stone, copper, or parota wood into works of art.
At Forrest Glover Design, we call this Coolhunting—the practice of seeking out the rare, the inspired, and the deeply human side of design. It’s about finding the pieces, people, and perspectives you wouldn’t see if you were shopping alone. It’s about noticing where tradition meets innovation, where heritage is preserved but not frozen in time.
Why Guadalajara Is Mexico’s Design Capital
Most visitors land in Mexico thinking about beaches, margaritas, or mariachi. But Guadalajara is quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) shaping itself as Mexico’s design capital. The city has a long history of craftsmanship—ceramics in Tlaquepaque, glass in Tonalá, woodwork in Santa Tere—and is now home to some of the most innovative furniture makers, lighting designers, and architects in Latin America.
From contemporary showrooms to tucked-away family workshops, Guadalajara is where artisanship is alive and evolving. This is not just shopping - it’s cultural immersion. Every piece carries a story, and every story connects you more deeply to Mexico.
To explore more of Mexico’s design culture, check out our travel and design blog like La Lagunilla Market, where art, fashion, and interiors collide.
The Humanity in Art and Design
One of the truths we hold closest at Forrest Glover Design is that art is never just an object. Behind every hand-turned leg of a parota wood table or every handwoven textile is a life, a family, and often generations of knowledge passed down with love and patience.
As Mexicans, and as designers working within this context, we know that there is love and humanity in every detail. That humanity demands respect. To honor Mexican artisanship is to honor the people behind it—acknowledging their dignity, paying fair prices, and ensuring their work is seen as more than a commodity.
This is why we always remind visitors: when you travel to Mexico (or anywhere outside your own culture), remember that you’re not just buying furniture - you’re investing in lives, traditions, and futures.
What Coolhunting Looks Like on the Ground
So what does Coolhunting in Guadalajara actually look like? Imagine this:
Walking through a busy workshop where the smell of fresh-cut parota wood mixes with the sound of saws and laughter.
Stepping into a small gallery where ceramics shimmer with volcanic glazes you’ve never seen before.
Sitting down with a family of upholsterers who proudly show you the custom sofa they just finished for a client in New York.
Every tour we host is a discovery—let us guide you through Guadalajara’s best workshops and showrooms with a curated Furniture Tour, designed for expats, designers, and design lovers alike.
Preserving Culture While Designing for the Future
The mission of Forrest Glover Design is simple but powerful: shine light on Mexican design while honoring its traditions.
This means:
Partnering directly with artisans rather than middlemen.
Promoting fair and transparent pricing.
Helping international homeowners and designers source pieces that are both authentic and contemporary.
Encouraging sustainable materials and practices that respect the land as much as the culture.
If you’d like a deeper dive into vetted artisans and makers, explore our Ultimate Guadalajara Furniture Sourcing Guide, built from six years of sourcing, testing, and building relationships.
Why Humanity Matters in Design
It’s easy to think of design as aesthetics—what looks good in your living room. But for us, design is a way of life. It’s about how we live, how we share culture, and how we carry forward traditions with dignity and grace.
When you bring a handmade piece into your home, you bring more than style. You bring the heartbeat of the artisan, the rhythm of a culture, and the humanity of a tradition that refuses to disappear in the face of mass production.
And that’s why Coolhunting isn’t just a job for us. It’s a calling.
Conclusion: Join Us in the Hunt
If you’re planning to visit Guadalajara, San Miguel, Puerto Vallarta, or anywhere else in Mexico, let us show you the world behind the showroom doors. The rare finds. The cultural connections. The people you’ll remember long after the furniture has been delivered.
Because Coolhunting isn’t just about what you buy—it’s about who you meet, the respect you show, and the stories you carry home.
At Forrest Glover Design, we invite you to join us in discovering the treasures of Guadalajara and beyond. Let’s honor artisans, preserve culture, and design with humanity at the heart.
FAQ Section
What is Coolhunting in design?
Coolhunting is the practice of finding rare, culturally significant, and innovative design pieces by exploring artisan workshops, showrooms, and creative communities.
Why is Guadalajara considered Mexico’s design capital?
Guadalajara is home to centuries-old traditions in ceramics, woodwork, and glass, as well as some of the most innovative furniture and interior design studios in Latin America.
How does Forrest Glover Design support artisans?
We partner directly with artisans, pay fair prices, promote their work internationally, and preserve cultural traditions while bringing them into modern interiors.
Can I book a furniture tour in Guadalajara?
Yes! Forrest Glover Design offers curated 1- and 2-day tours that connect you with the best artisans, furniture makers, and showrooms in Guadalajara.
What makes Mexican artisan furniture special?
Each piece is handmade, often using locally sourced materials, and carries the unique history and tradition of the artisan’s family and culture.
