Monica Rezman’s harmonious blend of art, architecture, and light comes to life
Artist Monica Rezman’s transition to Mérida was prompted by the growing challenges of maintaining her Chicago home while frequently traveling. “I went back to put my house on the market because I’m just going back too much to take care of it,” she explains.
In 2018, after an extensive search, Monica found a property in Mérida that seemed perfect for her next chapter. She enlisted the help of TACO architect Carlos Patrón and his cousin Alex, as contractor, to design and build her new home. Monica had a clear vision: “I wanted tall ceilings, a big open room, and a connection to the outdoors,” she shares. This vision — encased in white surfaces and flooded in light —was well-suited to the warm, tropical climate of Mérida.
Casa section in Yucatán Magazine Issue 14. Photo: Patricia Robert
Where she lives is all-new construction, set behind a minimally touched colonial home, which contains her art studio. The new home’s floor plan was configured to maximize the space and the lot’s favorable dimensions.
“I bought this land because it’s 12 meters wide. I want to feel that space,” she says. The resulting design features dramatic high ceilings and an open layout that connects the interior with the outdoor environment.
One of Monica’s home’s most distinctive features is how it integrates nature into the living space. Plants grow directly from the floor in la sala, a unique element that brings the lushness of Mérida’s outdoors inside. “I’m just sort of throwing things in and seeing how they work,” she admitted as she continues to experiment with different trees and plants to enhance the greenery.
Monica’s bedroom is on the ground floor and opens onto a peaceful garden, offering a quiet retreat. The guest rooms are upstairs, providing privacy while offering views of the surrounding area. “It was important to me to have my bedroom downstairs,” she noted, reflecting on the practical considerations that shaped her choices.
Living in Mérida has brought Monica a sense of community that she values. The neighborhood of San Cristóbal, where she resides, has become increasingly popular, with friends from the US even moving into the area. “My friends from Chicago just bought the building across the street,” she says, appreciating the connections in her new environment.
Despite the challenges of building a home from scratch, Monica is pleased with the outcome.
“I don’t have a lot of money, but I’m willing to pay an architect. This is what you live in,” she reflects, highlighting the importance of investing in a space that reflects her vision and suits her needs.
