Many countries use the same decorative techniques but in a way unique to that location, such as outlines a la México, seen here.

Using outline as decoration is not unique to India. México makes use of them as well but in a simpler way.

Interior outlines a la México.

A painted wainscot is commonly seen in México. Sometimes there is a thin line above in the same color. A pair of stripes line the walls in the library of Hacienda San José Cholul, seen above. Wood strips along the ceiling repeat the stripe motif.

This wall in Casa Seis, Campeche uses multiple lines of various shades of red with a decorative band included in the mix.

The stripes seen at Hacienda Itzincab, above, remind me the most of India. They tie in nicely with the Yucatan-style window that opens to allow a breeze.

The Church of Cuilapan, Oaxaca also reminds me of India. The black outlines on the white remind me of the City Palace in Udaipur, image below. The lines on the wall, to the left, create a trompe l’oeil effect.

The outlines here are much more detailed, as is typical of India, but the idea is similar to the Mexican church.

Exterior outlines a la México.

Hacienda Chan Paxilá uses bright white lines to wrap around its building and openings.

Bold crimson lines frame this building in San Miguel de Allende.

Again a red outline provides a punch to the bull’s eye windows and door of this 18th century granary.

I saw this detail inside the bar at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar long ago, but it left an impression on me. The simple bright pink line added a zing of Mexican color to the space.

Many images above come from some excellent books on Mexican design. They are here, here, and here.

Casa V Interiors is an Orlando-based interior design firm.