Decorating Guides
Decorating Styles
15 Ways to Make Your Home Speak Spanish
You won't need a translator to appreciate the beauty of Spanish-style ironwork, tile, architecture and more around the home
The other day at a favorite Mexican restaurant, my family and I were delighted by the sudden appearance of a well-known mariachi band, there as part of the restaurant's 10th-anniversary celebration. The food was divine, and the music was wonderful, and the experience put me in the mood for all things Mexican.
As my family sat and talked about cities they would like to visit in Mexico, I started to dream about Spanish-style architecture and interiors. There are so many wonderful details that create this classic aesthetic. Here is a glimpse at some of its hallmarks to make you contento.
As my family sat and talked about cities they would like to visit in Mexico, I started to dream about Spanish-style architecture and interiors. There are so many wonderful details that create this classic aesthetic. Here is a glimpse at some of its hallmarks to make you contento.
Refectory Table (Mesa Refectorio)
Originally used in monasteries for dining, this table is typical of Spanish-style interiors. The design is defined by a trestle-style leg with a stretcher.
Originally used in monasteries for dining, this table is typical of Spanish-style interiors. The design is defined by a trestle-style leg with a stretcher.
Tiles on Risers (Bandas de Azulejos)
Risers covered in Mexican tile are both eye catching and practical, as the tile protects the risers from scuffs and scratches.
Risers covered in Mexican tile are both eye catching and practical, as the tile protects the risers from scuffs and scratches.
Warm Wood Details (Detalles Cálidos de Madera)
Interesting details such as the design on these bathroom cabinet doors create warmth and interest in this Spanish-style master bathroom. Notice the Moroccan chandelier in the mirror's reflection.
Interesting details such as the design on these bathroom cabinet doors create warmth and interest in this Spanish-style master bathroom. Notice the Moroccan chandelier in the mirror's reflection.
Arched Doors (Puertas de Arco)
An ancient detail that creates a load-bearing opening, arches are elegant and style defining. Here, in addition to the interior arches, each door is heavily detailed with pattern, creating further interest.
An ancient detail that creates a load-bearing opening, arches are elegant and style defining. Here, in addition to the interior arches, each door is heavily detailed with pattern, creating further interest.
Succulent Garden (Jardín Suculento)
Succulents just seem to go with Spanish houses. In addition to beautiful color and texture, succulents are drought tolerant and easy to maintain.
Read about great succulents for home landscapes
Succulents just seem to go with Spanish houses. In addition to beautiful color and texture, succulents are drought tolerant and easy to maintain.
Read about great succulents for home landscapes
Wood Ceilings (Techos de Madera)
Exposed and rustic trusses, beams and joists all speak Spanish in a home. Wood ceilings can be stained naturally or with color. Sometimes beams can even feature elaborate hand-painted designs.
Exposed and rustic trusses, beams and joists all speak Spanish in a home. Wood ceilings can be stained naturally or with color. Sometimes beams can even feature elaborate hand-painted designs.
Courtyard Fountain (Patio con Fuente)
Spanish-style architecture typically features an interior courtyard. In addition to beautiful trees and gardens, fountains are a common feature. These fountains can be made from stone or Mexican tile.
Spanish-style architecture typically features an interior courtyard. In addition to beautiful trees and gardens, fountains are a common feature. These fountains can be made from stone or Mexican tile.
Interior Mexican Pavers (Adoquines del Interior Mexicanos)
Saltillo tiles, or Mexican pavers, are named for the Mexican city Saltillo. Coahuila pavers are made of terra-cotta and come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and colors.
Saltillo tiles, or Mexican pavers, are named for the Mexican city Saltillo. Coahuila pavers are made of terra-cotta and come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and colors.
Exterior Mexican Pavers (Adoquines del Exterior Mexicanos)
Pavers are just as beautiful for exterior applications on courtyards and patios, especially when paired with decorative Spanish tiles in earth tones.
Pavers are just as beautiful for exterior applications on courtyards and patios, especially when paired with decorative Spanish tiles in earth tones.
Rustic Details (Detalles Rústicos)
Spanish-style architecture, similar to Mediterranean style, boasts great rustic details. This fireplace features a single rustic timber as a mantel against the earthy elegance of the Mexican tile on the surround.
Spanish-style architecture, similar to Mediterranean style, boasts great rustic details. This fireplace features a single rustic timber as a mantel against the earthy elegance of the Mexican tile on the surround.
Vaulted Ceiling (Abovedado Techo)
This type of vaulted ceiling, known as a "groin vault," creates a beautiful main walkway that is very typical of Spanish architecture. Notice the arched windows and iron chandeliers that further define this space as Spanish.
This type of vaulted ceiling, known as a "groin vault," creates a beautiful main walkway that is very typical of Spanish architecture. Notice the arched windows and iron chandeliers that further define this space as Spanish.
Velvet Curtains (Cortinas de Terciopelo)
I always love to see velvet curtains in Spanish interiors; they add to the drama of Spanish architecture. Even more contemporary translations look great on windows and entryways. Additionally, velvet pairs naturally with ironwork.
I always love to see velvet curtains in Spanish interiors; they add to the drama of Spanish architecture. Even more contemporary translations look great on windows and entryways. Additionally, velvet pairs naturally with ironwork.
Canyon Color (Cañón de Color)
Canyon color is a made-up term I use to describe terra-cotta. There are so many shades of terra-cotta, I like to refer to them as canyon colors. This is the earthy side of Spanish, different from the vibrant hues seen in Mexican tiles. The effect is elegant and minimalist, especially when terra-cotta is paired with warm woods.
Canyon color is a made-up term I use to describe terra-cotta. There are so many shades of terra-cotta, I like to refer to them as canyon colors. This is the earthy side of Spanish, different from the vibrant hues seen in Mexican tiles. The effect is elegant and minimalist, especially when terra-cotta is paired with warm woods.
Eclectic Furniture (Mobiliario ecléctico)
My favorite aspect of Spanish-style homes is the ability to mix several different styles of furniture. Because the architecture is somewhat organic and nonfussy, it can feature an assortment of eclectic furnishings, including Indian, Moroccan, African and Syrian pieces. Here is your chance to really mix things up.
My favorite aspect of Spanish-style homes is the ability to mix several different styles of furniture. Because the architecture is somewhat organic and nonfussy, it can feature an assortment of eclectic furnishings, including Indian, Moroccan, African and Syrian pieces. Here is your chance to really mix things up.
Hand-forged ironwork is a centuries-old trade. Spanish-style architecture features ironwork on interior and exterior doors, lighting, stairways and hardware.