Interior designer Margaret Bissu shares with Sona Decor the inspiration behind this three-level beach home, which exudes joy and freshness.
I wanted to create a penthouse filled with color and modern accents that would reflect good energy in a fresh atmosphere,” says interior designer Margaret Bissu.
The homeowner designed the colourful sofa herself.
![20180312-164601-margaret-19597-683x1024-1 The homeowner designed the colourful sofa herself.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20180312-164601-margaret-19597-683x1024-1.jpg)
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo City, Mexico
Located in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, in the Mexican state of Guerrero, along the Pacific coast, this home offers an exceptional panorama.
Honoring the meaning of Ixtapa, “white place,” in indigenous language Nahuatl, Margaret started from a neutral canvas to imagine all the living spaces of this penthouse that spreads over three levels.
The living room, dining room, kitchen and three bedrooms occupy the first floor while the family room, main bedroom and another bedroom are located on the second. The top floor is dedicated to the terrace, which comprises a living and dining area, as well as well the pool.
![20180312-164830-margaret-19607-1024x683-1 The contemporary design of the home provides a youthful touch to the interiors.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20180312-164830-margaret-19607-1024x683-1.jpg)
Inspired by Freshness, Pop Art
“The inspiration was freshness and pop art,” says Margaret, who successfully blended a beach vibe with high-end, contemporary design. The objective is relaxation, but with style.
To find the perfect balance, the interior designer played with color, combining neutrals with bolder tones throughout. “It is a sort of sweet-and-sour mix,” she says. “A sophisticated yet playful home.”
![20180312-155636-margaret-19498-1024x683-1 The dining area is furnished with a table by Cattelan Italia adorned with plates by Fornasetti, and surrounded by Kartell chairs.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20180312-155636-margaret-19498-1024x683-1.jpg)
Living & Dining Room
While all the rooms share a cohesive look, each features visual surprises and has its own atmosphere.
In the living room, where the armchairs were designed by Margaret, and in the dining room — furnished with a table by Cattelan Italia adorned with plates by Fornasetti, and surrounded by Kartell chairs — the aesthetic is a bit more formal than the rest of the home.
Family Room
In the family area, where the colorful sofa is also by her, the ambience is more fun. Among some of the other key pieces are a sculpture by Studio Orfeo and a mirror in by Christopher Guy.
![20180312-171928-margaret-19678-1024x683-1 A stunning headboard helps to anchor the look of this bedroom.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20180312-171928-margaret-19678-1024x683-1.jpg)
Bedroom
Every bedroom — including the main, with a headboard dressed by a Christian Lacroix textile for Designers Guild — has its own color accent and, like throughout the penthouse, Margaret drew a lot of inspiration from the Missoni rugs with different patterns and hues.
![20180312-161343-margaret-19539-1024x683-1 Large louvered panels frame the beautiful vista of the surrounding scenery.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20180312-161343-margaret-19539-1024x683-1.jpg)
“You have to take risks to create infinite possibilities,” says Margaret , whose style is impermanent. “Not one of our projects looks like another.”
![20180312-190028-margaret-19911-1024x683-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20180312-190028-margaret-19911-1024x683-1.jpg)
Terrace
The more neutral terrace, with pieces by Janus et Cie and Devon, is an invitation to admire the sublime views.
![20180312-180155-margaret-19824-683x1024-1 The low table and ikebana-style vase complete the Zen vibe.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20180312-180155-margaret-19824-683x1024-1.jpg)
“We had to be very careful when selecting the materials as these are affected by weather conditions,” says the interior designer.
![20180312-194025-margaret-19927-pano-1024x414-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20180312-194025-margaret-19927-pano-1024x414-1.jpg)
Dream Penthouse
Creating unity from unique combinations, this dream penthouse on the coast brings together elegance and playfulness.
“The result is a home that is 100 per cent different from the others,” says Margaret. “The signature is in the detail that we put into each element and the harmony that is manifested.”