Introducing La Casa Fea: Our New Studio Home in Centro Barranquitas
A new chapter for Forrest Glover Design
After five years of designing and fabricating furniture across Guadalajara, I’ve finally found a new home base — a humble but beautiful old house in Centro Barranquitas. Locals might walk past it without a second glance, but I saw something different: the bones, the color, the soul of a space ready to come back to life.
La Casa Fea — “the ugly house” — felt instantly honest. Nothing about it tries too hard. The walls tilt a little, the floors tell stories, and the sunlight hits every corner differently depending on the hour. It’s the kind of house that reminds you perfection isn’t the goal; presence is.
A studio built from the inside out
Over the next few months, we’ll be transforming it into a studio-apartment hybrid — part design office, part creative lab, and part crash pad for collaborators.
Think of it as a living sketchbook: a place where we test materials, prototype furniture, style shoots, and host conversations that stretch late into the night. The plan is intentionally fluid — like most projects in Mexico, it will evolve slowly and organically, one layer of plaster, one piece of parota, one good story at a time.
The renovation will be a blend of restoration and restraint. Some rooms will stay raw and imperfect; others will take on new life through color, textiles, and custom furniture. We’ll be using locally sourced materials wherever possible — parota, rosa morada, hand-troweled lime plaster, natural cottons, and woven palm accents. The goal isn’t to erase its age, but to celebrate the patina that’s already there.
Why Centro Barranquitas?
Centro Barranquitas is a small, character-filled neighborhood tucked between the bustle of downtown and the creative pulse of Americana. You’ll find metalworkers, upholsterers, and old-school carpenters alongside new cafés and concept studios. It’s rough around the edges in the best way — still a bit wild, still deeply authentic.
For me, it represents what I love most about Guadalajara: craftsmanship that’s still tied to the street. Here, you can step outside and find someone welding a gate, painting tiles, or loading handmade furniture onto a truck headed for the coast. It’s the real engine of Mexico’s design scene, hiding in plain sight.
The creative experiment ahead
La Casa Fea isn’t just a studio; it’s an experiment in living with design. Every corner will be a working vignette: curtains in progress, prototypes being tested, and surfaces that show the fingerprints of their makers.
It will also serve as a meeting ground for our extended design community — visiting designers, photographers, and artisans who want to immerse themselves in Guadalajara’s maker culture. My hope is that this house becomes not just a workspace, but a conversation — about how design in Mexico feels, smells, and sounds when you’re living inside it.
Follow the process
I’ll be documenting the transformation here on the Forrest Glover Design blog and in the Guadalajara Furniture and Decor group — from early sketches and sourcing trips to the tiny finishing details that make a space feel like home.
Expect a few surprises along the way: uneven floors, brilliant accidents, and plenty of moments where “good enough” turns out to be exactly right. That’s the charm of Mexico’s creative process — it’s rarely linear, but it’s always alive.
A shared story of imperfection
My hope is that La Casa Fea becomes a small symbol of what we all love about living and creating in Mexico: imperfect beauty, honest craftsmanship, and the quiet magic of starting fresh. It’s a reminder that design doesn’t always begin with a clean slate — sometimes it begins with a crooked wall and a vision.
If you’ve renovated or restored a home in Mexico, I’d love to hear your story — or your favorite trick for working with old walls that never seem straight.
Share your experiences in the Guadalajara Furniture and Decor group, or message me directly. Let’s trade ideas, frustrations, and the kinds of small victories that only come from breathing new life into something old.
Guadalajara Furniture and Decor: Your Guide to Furnishing Homes in Mexico
Moving to or living in Mexico? This group, created by Forrest Glover Design in Guadalajara, is your trusted community for navigating the city’s vibrant furniture and decor scene. Connect with locals, artisans, and designers to find authentic, high-quality pieces that make your house a home.
Inside, you’ll discover:
Verified recommendations for local furniture makers and artisans
Honest reviews of showrooms and decor shops
Practical advice on pricing, shipping, and importing
Inspiration to bring Mexican craftsmanship into your space
Friendly support for all your furnishing questions
Let’s make your Mexico home beautiful, authentic, and uniquely yours.
Join us:
👉 facebook.com/groups/guadalajarafurnitureanddecor
Need sourcing help?
🌐 forrestgloverdesign.com
Link to your blog: “Furnishing Your Mexico Home: What to Know Before You Shop.”
Link to your Furniture Sourcing Guide for Guadalajara.
Link to your Puerta de la Paz Collection page as an example of local craftsmanship.
FAQ Section
Q: Where is Centro Barranquitas in Guadalajara?
A: It’s a small historic neighborhood just west of downtown, between Santa Tere and Americana, known for its mix of craft studios and traditional homes.
Q: What does La Casa Fea mean?
A: “La Casa Fea” literally means “The Ugly House.” It’s our tongue-in-cheek way of celebrating imperfection and the beauty of authentic, unpolished spaces.
Q: Will the studio be open to visitors or clients?
A: Eventually, yes. We plan to host small open-house events, photo shoots, and workshops once renovations are complete.
Q: What types of projects will you work on from La Casa Fea?
A: Everything from custom furniture design and sourcing to residential interior projects and art collaborations.
Q: How can I follow the progress of La Casa Fea?
A: Follow @forrestgloverdesign on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for behind-the-scenes updates, photos, and videos of the transformation.
