From a bare plot of Land to a coastal oasis, here's how our Oaxaca dream house came to life -And the moordboard that guided it all.
Hello from Marseille,
For those who’ve been following along on Instagram these past months, you already know that the dream house I built with my best friends is finally complete! From purchasing the land to carefully designing every detail, it has been a journey of patience, passion, and a lot of learning. And now, just under a month ago, Monte Lalala officially opened its doors.
We reached a major milestone over the holidays when we hosted our very first group of guests. Their experience—and their feedback—was everything we could have hoped for and more. Their thoughtful review on Airbnb left me incredibly emotional. Five years of hard work suddenly felt so worth it—not just for us but for the chance to share this special corner of Oaxaca with the world.
“We had a magical time at Monte Lalala! After 12 years away, it was incredible to return with our family, including our young kids who loved splashing in the pool, falling asleep to the sound of the ocean, and watching whales play in the sea. The views are breathtaking!! The house is absolutely beautiful, spacious, and comfortable, and the pool is perfection. (…)” —Billy and Ale, NY
It’s such an honor to see Monte Lalala come to life as a space for people to connect, unwind, and experience the beauty of this magical region.
Designing the Heart of the House
My favorite part of this journey has been designing the interiors of the house. I worked on this part over the last year, dedicating countless hours to it. It turns out it’s really, really hard to envision the interior of a house you’ve never seen in person—especially when it’s located 6,000 miles away
I wanted to keep the space simple yet thoughtful, where every piece has a purpose and tells a story. Most of the furniture and decor are handcrafted in Oaxaca, made by artisans located less than 100 miles from the house.
To achieve the vision I had for Monte LALALA, I worked with multiple moodboards throughout the process. These moodboards became my guide, helping me create a space where colors, textures, vintage pieces, and local crafts come together in harmony.
The moodboard I’m sharing today represents the vision I’ve had from the very beginning—a blend of minimalism, warmth, and the vibrancy of Oaxacan craftsmanship. Some pieces are still out of reach for now (like these gorgeouuuus wine glasses), but they continue to inspire me, and I hope they’ll one day find their place in the house. Others, I actually bought, like the organic-shaped mirrors (which look incredible in one of the bathrooms!), and many of the pieces here, are ones I purchased directly in Oaxaca.
For those who can’t make it to Oaxaca just yet, I’ve curated a selection of items you can shop online, shipped from the U.S.
One of my favorites is the incredible handmade candles from Teotitlán del Valle, crafted by a Zapotec family. I just found this stunning colorway online and ordered two—one for the house in Oaxaca and another for my home in Marseille.
I’m constantly adding and updating this collection, so feel free to check back often to see what’s been added to the moodboard.
Or better yet, come visit us in Oaxaca! Stay at Monte Lalala, and I’ll happily share a full list of the talented artisans you can shop from while you’re here.
Thank you for following along on this journey and for your support.
With love,
—Maud
Instagram Monte Lalala // Airbnb Monte Lalala // Instagram Behind the Hill