Visiting Casa Bonita in Stover feels like stepping into a piece of authentic Mexican culture with its textures, colors, and fresh design elements. Large bright blue, lime green, and white glass flowers are artistically arranged at the end of a stem-like metal structure. This eye-catching chandelier is just one of the many unique statement pieces with vibrant colors and intricate designs that exude the feeling of relaxing in the warm tropics. In fact, almost all the offerings in Casa Bonita come straight from artists in Mexico.
Owners Jorge and Marsha Flores have built long-term relationships with these artists. They opened their 400-square-foot store in Stover in 1998, and in 2008, they decided to move the family to San José del Cabo, Mexico, to open a sister store, also called Casa Bonita. Today, the family splits their time between their stores and homes in Mexico and in Stover. Jorge explained that he is from Cuernavaca, Mexico, and his wife, Marsha, is from Stover. They met in Mexico through friends in 1994 and lived in Cuernavaca for a couple of years. While there, they spent a lot of time road tripping to different areas of Mexico and became interested in all the artisans and their beautiful handmade pieces for the home. Jorge and Marsha’s daughter, Isabel Flores, who does marketing for Casa Bonita, explains it was while they were traveling around Mexico that “they were inspired by the artistry and methods of artisanal handcraft of the country and wanted to bring it to the US.”
Isabel pointed to the offerings as one of the reasons both stores have been thriving ever since opening. The pieces are “truly one-of-a-kind, many using techniques that have been passed down over generations.” She describes the furnishings as timeless, eclectic, vibrant and full of old-world charm.
“Our collection features rich, high-quality materials including wrought iron, hammered copper and aluminum, handblown glass, and natural stone, which makes pieces as long-lasting as they are beautiful,” Isabel says.
The store also has eye-catching wall decor, sculptures, vases, tables, and armoires—many of them made out of recycled wood. In Mexico, Jorge says, buildings are made with wood and are topped with clay shingle roofs. Once replaced, materials from the homes are discarded. Jorge and Marsha partner with artists who recycle the wood and turn it into striking pieces of furniture.
When Jorge spoke of the store’s offerings, he lit up, grabbing a pad of paper with a detailed hand-drawn sketch. He had been working on a custom chandelier, detailing its dimensions and colors. The work of the artists in Casa Bonita can be custom-designed based on customer’s requests.
“Our friendly team works with customers one-on-one, priding ourselves on the guidance and care we provide to each customer to help them find the perfect pieces for their space, from initial selection to delivery and beyond,” Isabel says.
Whether it’s sourcing the pieces that are put into the store or building strong relationships with both featured artists and people who visit the shop, Jorge and Marsha love to help bring the beauty of Mexico to Missouri. If Mexico seems too far away, visiting Casa Bonita in Stover is a parallel experience on its own filled with color, culture, and warmth. CasaBonitaHome.com, 100 East 4th Street, Stover From Mexico to Missouri This home goods store brings the colorful artistry of Mexico to any living room.
This story originally appeared in the September 2025 edition of Missouri Life.
