Spanish-style decorating is characterized by open-airy room layouts, rustic furnishings, rich fabrics, iron-work fixtures, colorful tiling with intricate designs, and inviting outdoor areas. During the early 20th century, Spanish Colonial and Mission architecture experienced a revival, especially in Florida and California, as well as in other parts of the Southwest.
Architects renowned for these styles include Addison Cairns Mizner (high-end residences and resorts in South Florida) and Lillian Jeannette Rice (developed Rancho Santa Fe, California.) While not everyone can dwell in a true Spanish-inspired structure, they can have an interior that achieves the look and feel of a lovely hacienda.
Spanish-Style Interior Design Tips
Veronica Cruz, interior designer offering tips to capture Spanish-style design.
Veronica Cruz, an interior designer specializing in Spanish and Mediterranean interior design, offers tips on how to add Spanish design elements to any dwelling space.
Entry Hall Design
Even if you are lacking the high ceilings, the winding wrought-iron staircase, and the arched doorway of a traditional Spanish-style entrance way, you can still achieve the essence of Spanish style, even in a city apartment. The trick is to turn the entranceway into a relevant, important space in the dwelling.
Traditionally, such a foyer would feature a rustic-looking wooden bench. The Pine Crest bench has just the right Spanish flair. It’s made of solid wood and designed in classic mission style that features a simple lattice design. Its presence is large and inviting, but it is actually only 40 ½ inches in width, so it works perfectly in a small space. An especially nice feature of this bench is the fact that it has arms and roomy storage drawers under the seat.
The Pine Crest Bench
Inclusion of eye-catching accessories will ensure that an entranceway rises to the level of full-room status. Most mission-style foyers feature a chandelier, but a grandiose hanging plant will do. The walls typically feature tapestries, bold paintings, and even objects, such as brightly-colored plates or musical instruments. Other ideas for accessories include eye-catching candle holders and vases.
Photo credit: Colleen Cochran
I rather like this Luna Candle Holder set. It comes in two sizes 16” and 13”, and I recommend using one of each size, for added intrigue. The candlesticks have a glossy brown finish that resembles wood, and feature granite embellishments that give them an Old World look.
The Luna Candle Holder Set
Living Room
The mainstay of any Spanish colonial revival living room is the fireplace. It might be rustic or ornate, stone or plaster, and tiled, carved, or painted. Don’t worry, you don’t have to forgo the whole Spanish-themed décor if you don’t have a built-in fireplace. Electric fireplaces come in a variety of styles nowadays, and are relatively inexpensive. A hacienda ambience can be achieved with the Vesti Faux Stone Electric Fireplace. It’s got a dark brown finish which, when coupled with dark-stained floors, will imbue a room with rustic charm.
The Vesti Faux Stone Electric Fireplace
The sofa might be fabric or leather. The key elements to achieving a Spanish revival look are throw pillows, and lots of them. Rich brocade fabrics are reminiscent of a formal Old World style; bright, lively fabrics adds the flavor of Mexico. Don’t be afraid to mix the two types!
The Banstead 90” sofa (or Banstead 68” Love Seat), which comes with elegant floral-patterned pillows, would work beautifully for the more formal Spanish-style living room.
The Banstead Sofa
The earth-colored Kristi Love sofa is perfect for a more relaxed living room. Made of warm linen-like fabric, it provides a beautiful canvas for patterned accent pillows. To achieve Mexican charm, I recommend adding vibrant, hand-sewn pillows such as those shown below.
The Kristi Love Seat
Colorful Spanish Style Throw Pillows CC0 Public Domain
This trunk-inspired end table conjures up images of Spanish explorers and adventure. The Milbank End Table is made of solid wood, wood veneer, and galvanized iron. It has authentic nail-head accents, and doubles as storage. It is 20” wide and long.
The Milbank End Table
Outdoors
Spanish Revival décor is open, airy, and in harmony with the outside environment. Indeed, true Revival style means the outdoor area should be an extension of the indoor area, and, thus, equally lovely and intriguing. The outdoor space should beckon in the mornings with its large colorful planters filled with flowering plants. In the evening, the patio should become a comfy haven that invites gathering.
Nothing is more beckoning than a fire pit. I think this 33 ½ inch Banno Fire Pit possesses simple, bucolic charm. It features a ceramic tile border and cast iron frame. Its placement ensures that the outdoor patio will become the summer-night gathering spot for tasty food roasting, conversation, and happy memories.
The Banno Fire Pit
These elements of Spanish styling and more can be found at Fine Furniture San Diego, a furniture boutique that serves both online customers and local from a centrally-located warehouse.
For More Tips on Home Styling
- Designer Tips: How to Arrange an Area Rug
- Basic Color Coordination – Earn Your Color Credentials
- 5 Patio Design Tips to Live By
About the Author
Veronica Cruz, Spanish and Mediterranean Interior Design specialist, is available to offer tips on Spanish styling by contacting her at VeromCruz.wixsite.com/VeronicaCruz.