What distinguishes a Spanish-style home? What’s the key aspect of such a space, and why are they important?
What Is a Spanish Style Home?
Stucco walls, a red terracotta roof, decorative wrought iron elements, and tiled designs are common features of a Spanish style home. These homes are frequently accompanied by elaborate landscaping and include courtyards or outdoor entertaining areas.
We spoke with designers about common aspects of such spaces. And why they’re so special to give you an inside look at Spanish style homes and their main elements.
Architectural Details to Consider
Stucco walls, terracotta roof tiles, and inner courtyards are common features of Spanish-style homes. “Which were all designed originally to keep homes naturally cool.” designer Laura Roberts explains. “Other details like wooden [support beams on] ceilings, doors, and windows, as well as ornamental iron work are found in Spanish style homes,” she adds.
Colorful Elements
When designing a Spanish-style home, designer Raymond Jimenez advises using bright colors. “Adapting a Spanish style to the exterior of your home boils down to a few very simple principles. You’re also looking to embody a rich, timeless aesthetic, and you’re not afraid to experiment with color. These colors like terracottas, blues, yellows, white, black, and of course green. They are usually not well put together with ‘timeless’ but when done in such a way, they evoke a very luxe and classic look.”
Laid Back Features
This Spanish-style home blends indoors and out, which allows for maximum relaxation. In general, “This style of architecture is very much laid-back and creates the feeling of always being on vacation.” Jimenez notes. “It inherently warms you up and calms you down.”
Adaptable Designs
Even if you aren’t building a house from the ground up. According to Roberts, there are numerous ways to incorporate Spanish-style influences into the front of a house. “Neutral white or beige stucco on the exterior walls, highlighted with terracotta and/or patterned tiles around a window frame, on stair risers, or on the walkway will bring a Spanish flair to any exterior,” she explains.
Iron Accents
Iron detailing is also common on Spanish-style exteriors. “It. can be used for gates, stair railings, or in Spanish style exterior light fixtures,” Roberts notices. Designer Allison Knizek agrees, also sharing a modern opinion on this feature. “Touches of wrought iron such as a handrail or a Juliet balcony instantly evoke an old-world Spanish mood,” she says. “Typically painted black, an updated take is to paint them a color. The same goes for wrought iron furniture—glossy color is an instant update.”
Interior Subtleties
Spanish design influences can also be found in the interior design of a home. Don’t know where to begin? Roberts offers some advice. “Subtleties like smooth plaster walls, arched cutouts between rooms, vibrant accents, and the use of linen in furniture and window treatments all contribute to a true Spanish look,” she says.
Many Spanish-style homes have impressive landscaping and outdoor settings. Basically, Jimenez emphasizes is extremely important. “Spanish style homes must be surrounded by thick, lush greenery and landscapes to really make you feel like you are escaping into your own personal paradise.”
Tons of Terracotta
If your home also lacks the signature red tiled roof, Knizek has an innovative solution. “A collection of terracotta pots against a bright white stucco wall does the trick,” she says. “Add some vibrant pink bougainvillea and you instantly achieve that blinding, sun-kissed, Spanish hacienda look.”
