10 Key Features of Spanish Style Interiors

Spanish style homes are quite unique. The rustic yet elegant look has a timeless appeal that is hard to beat. Although Spanish inspired design is more prevalent throughout Sun Belt states like Nevada, New Mexico, Florida, Arizona, and California, there are several key features that make it easy to add Spanish flair to your home regardless of your location. Let’s take a look at 10 of them that will make your home muy bonito!  

UNO: Decorative wrought iron.

Not only is hand-forged ironwork is a centuries-old trade, it is a very prominent feature in Spanish-style homes. The architecture will often include ironwork on doors, lighting, stairways, and hardware.

DOS: Arches.

Arches are elegant and style-defining. In addition to interior archways, you will find arched doors, windows, alcoves, and niches.

TRES: Tiles on risers.

Risers covered in Mexican or Catalina style tile add beauty to stairways with their intricate patterns and eye-catching colors. These tiles also provide protection against scuffs and scratches, making them a functional addition as well. Combining different patterns is actually encouraged–just make sure the colors work well together.

QUATRO: Warm wood details.

Doors, floors, and furniture are popular features showcased by warm wood full of rich tones. If the pieces are heavily detailed with a pattern, even better. Many homes even feature warm wood on the ceilings whether it’s the entire ceiling or exposed wooden beams. Wood selections fitting for this design include ebony, walnut, butternut, teak, mahogany, and rosewood.

CINCO: Stucco walls.

Historically, stucco walls were a practical way to keep the interior cooler, however, they are now are also considered a key design feature. At one time, simple, crisp white was the preferred choice. While white is still popular, the style now embraces painting walls with layers of warm tones.

SEIS: Succulent garden.

The exterior of a Spanish-style home often includes succulents. Not only do succulents provide beautiful color and texture, they are drought tolerant and very easy to maintain.

SIETE: Mexican pavers.

Mexican pavers are handmade clay pavers that are traditionally made by Mexican artisans. They have been around for hundreds of years with design methods passed down for generations. Mexican pavers come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and colors and are individually named–typically after the town or region where the clay was found. Mexican pavers are equally as popular for the interior of Spanish-style homes as they are for the exterior.

OCHO: Rich textiles.

Rich fabrics are a traditional part of Spanish interiors. Something such as velvet curtains, for windows and entryways, are a great example. Not only does their richness add to the drama of the architecture, they pair beautifully with all the ironwork. Other textiles to use include Old World-style tapestries, Persian or Navajo rugs, upholstery fabrics, and accessories, such as pillows and throws. Our Capri and our Shabala are two fabrics that can offer both color and pattern for your Spanish-inspired design.

NUEVE: Eclectic furniture.

In Spanish-style homes, you have so much freedom to mix several different styles of furniture. With simple and somewhat organic architecture, an assortment of eclectic furnishings can easily be displayed. Think Indian, Moroccan, Syrian, and African pieces–pretty much anything goes!

DIEZ: Earth tones.

Within the walls of a Spanish-style home, you’ll find lots of warm, earth tones. Typical colors often include warm hues of reds, oranges, and browns, with accent colors such as turquoise green, blue and yellow. Colors tend to be displayed by way of textured walls and ceilings, wood flooring or beams, decorative tiles, large floral arrangements, and a variety of accents.