Are you dreaming of owning a home with the charm and elegance of old-world Spain?
Spanish style homes are known for their unique architectural features, vibrant colors, and inviting courtyards.
In this blog post, we will delve into the elements that make up a Spanish style home and explore the history behind this popular architectural style.
Whether you’re planning to build a new home or looking to infuse some Spanish flair into your current abode, this guide will provide you with the inspiration and information you need to create your own slice of Spanish paradise.
So grab a glass of sangria, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of Spanish style homes.
What is a Spanish-Style House?
A Spanish-style house is a type of home inspired by the architecture of Spanish colonial rule, characterized by features like stucco walls and terracotta roof tiles.
These houses are most commonly found in regions once ruled by Spain, such as California, Florida, and the Southwest. While they can be found throughout the country, they’re more prevalent in these areas.
Despite their historical roots, many Spanish-style homes today are modern interpretations, blending traditional elements with contemporary designs, reflecting the ongoing evolution of architectural styles.
What Makes a House Spanish-Style?
Spanish-style houses have certain things in common that make them unique from other American homes, especially those inspired by English designs. They take a lot from Mediterranean architecture.
These houses often have features like stucco walls and terracotta roofs, which were originally used to keep the house cool in hot climates but are now loved for their aesthetic.
Revival houses, which started being built in the late 19th century, also have things like exposed beams, fancy iron railings, and colorful tiles. Inside, you might find more tiles and exposed stucco walls, although newer versions might look more traditional.
Here’s a breakdown of some common features:
Exterior:
- Terracotta Roofs
- Stucco Walls
- Ornamental details
- Small windows
- Wooden support beams
- Made with local materials
Interior:
- Visible wooden beams
- Curved ceilings
- Decorative tiles
- Wrought iron details
The History of Spanish-Style Homes
While there are still some old Spanish colonial buildings and churches around America, most houses you’ll see nowadays are part of a revival movement.
This all started back in the 19th century when architects got inspired by things like the world’s fair and began building houses that looked like the ones from when Spain was in charge.
Lots of cities also decided to make their public buildings and spaces look Spanish too.
These new Spanish Revival homes aren’t exact copies of the old ones. They’ve got modern stuff like glass windows and second floors.
Plus, they mix together different styles from different times and places, like the fancy Spanish Baroque style and the Moorish Revival style.
Even Mexican architecture has played a part in shaping how these homes look in the U.S.
What are the Key Features of a Spanish-Style Home?
Spanish-style houses usually have white stucco walls, reddish-orange roof tiles made of clay, fancy iron railings for stairs, windows, or doors shaped like arches, dark wooden beams, and floors and decorations made with tiles. These houses often have beautiful gardens and spaces outside, like courtyards or places to hang out, to enjoy both indoor and outdoor living.
The Different Types of Spanish-Style Houses
Most Spanish-style homes you see were built in the past 150 years and are part of the Spanish Revival movement.
However, there are different kinds of this revival style all across the U.S.
Mission Revival
During the Mission Revival movement, people built homes and public buildings that looked like the old Spanish missions. These buildings were quite simple and were mostly found in California. They often had fronts that looked like the missions, with arched doorways, short roofs, and sometimes bell towers. Usually, the walls were covered in stucco and the roofs were made of tiles.
Pueblo Revival
In the 1920s and 30s, Pueblo Revival style became popular. It was borrowed from both Native American and Spanish designs. Pueblo houses usually have flat roofs, thick stucco walls, and visible rounded roof beams called “vigas,” which you can see both inside and outside the house. Lots of them also have enclosed courtyards or patios. Traditional Pueblo houses are often a reddish-brown color, but they can also be painted white or in other bright colors.
Monterey
The Spanish-style homes in Monterey are quite special, and a lot of them can be linked back to one person: Thomas O. Larkin. He built these homes first in 1835, which was fifty years before the Spanish Revival period. Even though they were built way back then, Larkin’s homes have a lot of the features we now associate with revival designs. He mixed influences from different times and cultures to create something really unique. His houses were influenced by English and French styles as well as Spanish. They had adobe walls and flat roofs like Spanish houses, but unlike most Spanish-style homes, they also had both upper and lower balconies, which is typical of French homes. The outside of these houses is also symmetrical, which is more common in English Colonial style houses.
Floridian
Wherever the Spanish settlers built houses, they used materials that were available locally. This means that Spanish colonial buildings in Florida look and feel different from ones in California, even if they’re similar. Similarly, the leaders of the Spanish Revival movement in different areas influenced how houses were built locally. In Florida, you’ll often see fewer of the simple, stucco houses that are common in the Southwest. Instead, Florida Renaissance homes (and the ones that came after) are more influenced by Baroque and Moorish styles. They have decorative columns, fancy window shapes, and detailed facades that make them stand out.
Spanish Eclectic
Newly built homes combine features from all the different styles of Spanish Revival and are often called “Spanish Eclectic.” These houses might have the layout of a ranch house, with different levels, but they’ll also have terracotta roof tiles and stucco walls like traditional Spanish houses. You might even see features that aren’t usually found in Spanish-style homes, like bay windows or brick. These homes often take inspiration from lots of different styles, like Renaissance, Baroque, Pueblo, Moorish, and even other Revival styles, all mixed together to make something really special.
Interior Design Idea for a Spanish Style Home
- Earthy Color Palette: Spanish-style homes often use earthy tones like red-orange, yellow, gold, off-white, and blue, which remind you of natural elements like earth, sand, pebbles, shells, oceans, and the sky.
- Tall Ceilings: Most Spanish-style homes have tall ceilings, taller than the usual 8 to 10 feet, especially in the living room, which makes the space feel bigger and enhances the decor.
- Dark Red Curtains: Heavy curtains in dark red or brown colors are common in Spanish-style homes, providing insulation against cold winds in winter and keeping the house cool in summer.
- Arched Doorways: Arched doorways are a distinctive feature of Spanish-style homes, adding visual interest, dividing spaces, and allowing extra lighting without adding weight.
- Dark Wood Floors: Spanish-style homes often feature dark hardwood floors, which absorb sunlight and maintain their sheen for many years, especially in rooms with large windows.
- White Stucco Walls: Rough-textured stucco exteriors are characteristic of Spanish-style homes, providing durability and moldability into any shape, a shift from costly bricks.
- Arcade Walkways: Metal and glass arcade walkways with arches and columns are common in Spanish interior design, making homes lighter and airier with large windows and open spaces.
- Wooden Doors: Carved wooden doors with iron accents are typical in Spanish-style homes, usually made of alder wood and featuring hand-made iron hardware for a Spanish feel.
- Painted Pattern Tiles: Painted tiles are a major element in Spanish interior design, offering both decorative and utilitarian purposes in various areas like stairs, fireplaces, patios, and rooms.
- Terracotta Roof Tiles: Red clay terracotta roof tiles add a warm, rustic look to Spanish-style homes, also used for walls, providing a sense of warmth to interior spaces.
- Stone Fireplaces: Stone fireplaces are essential fixtures in Spanish-style homes, offering a cozy and traditional focal point, sourced abundantly from Spanish mountains.
- Tower-like Chimneys: Tower-like chimneys with splendid decorations are distinctive features of Spanish-style homes, featuring intricate masonry techniques and intricate designs.
- Spanish Home Style Balconies: Balconies are common in Spanish-style homes, aiding in enjoying fresh air and expanding living spaces, often rounded to complement the architecture.
- Wrought Iron: Wrought ironwork is traditional in Spanish homes, seen in stair rails, door details, window grilles, gates, and light fixtures, adding both functionality and decoration.
- Courtyards and Patios: Large courtyards and spacious patios are integral to Spanish design, providing outdoor living spaces to enjoy the earthy colors and textures.
- Spanish Style Fountains: Fountains in gardens or courtyards offer respite from hot summers and complement the Spanish decor with their soothing presence.
- Mexican Pottery for Spanish Interiors: Mexican clay pots and vases add vibrant colors and historical depth to Spanish-style homes, showcasing centuries-old craftsmanship.
- Hanging Mirrors: Mirrors are essential in Spanish interiors to reflect light, create a sense of spaciousness, and highlight important features like fireplaces or artwork, contributing to an airy and relaxed atmosphere.
Evolution of Spanish Eclectic Design and Soaring Popularity
The popularity of Spanish home design and interior styles has been steadily increasing since the mid-19th century.
A significant turning point occurred in 1916 during the Panama-California Exposition in San Diego, led by architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue.
Goodhue aimed to modernize and enhance the traditional Spanish style by incorporating elements from various architectural influences, such as the Spanish Baroque and Moorish Revival.
This movement, known as the Spanish Colonial Revival, evolved into the modernist interpretation known as Spanish Eclectic.
Today, the enduring appeal of Spanish interior design offers a timeless aesthetic for those seeking to revitalize their home decor with a touch of classic elegance.
Conclusion
Spanish-style homes have a rich history and unique characteristics that make them a popular choice for homeowners.
With their distinctive architectural features, such as stucco exteriors, clay tile roofs, and wrought iron details, Spanish-style homes exude charm and elegance.
These homes often feature open floor plans, courtyards, and vibrant colors that reflect the Mediterranean influence.
Whether you’re looking to build a new Spanish-style home or renovate your existing one, incorporating elements of this style can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Embracing the beauty of Spanish-style homes is not only a nod to history but also a way to create a timeless and captivating living space.
If you’re interested in learning more about Spanish-style homes or need assistance with your design project, reach out to us for expert guidance and inspiration.
Let us help you bring the allure of Spanish architecture into your home.