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Honoring Spanish History and Authentic Design with a Home Remodel

Whether it’s the roof tiles, arches, or stucco walls, there is no question that Spanish home design makes a statement. It is firmly rooted in the Mediterranean with its bold colors and distinct architectural elements. Remodeling your home with a Spanish design looks great and works well in SoCal, especially if you honor the history of that design by using authentic techniques.

The Tile Roof

The simplest Spanish design and remodel starts at the top: the roof.

Drive by a home covered with red curved clay tiles that are layered and you know immediately that it is Spanish in nature.

Once attached, the tiles should remain natural and untouched, so they can age gracefully and have that fantastic patina that ancient villas possess.

Many Spanish homes have a sort of reclaimed look to them so it is OK to mix and match tile colors.

This adds to the authenticity of your home remodel.

Red Brick Curving Walkways

A Mediterranean Spanish home often has a very distinctive red brick and curved pathway leading to the front door. To honor this style for your home, the walkway should always reflect the color and design of your roof. More walkways may also be used in the garden with  flowers planted beside the brick to provide color. Pinks, reds, and yellows are always favorites.

Spanish Stucco

If you want to truly have a touch of authenticity in your Spanish theme home remodel, the traditional stucco and paint shades are absolutely essential. A stark white stucco façade is stunning while an earthy gold one is soft and alluring that looks aged and almost sun baked. Stucco not only cools the home but gives it a sense of movement on its textured surface.

The Spanish Kitchen

The people of Spain love food. It is a tradition passed down the generations. Food is life and life is family. It is a very important aspect of their history and culture. The kitchens reflected this in design and function. Remodel yours to be large enough to host generations of family. Place intricate tiling on the backsplashes, install solid stone countertops or distressed hardwood, then include antique wood facades on the cupboards. Brass and copper accents and fixtures complete the Spanish look.

Bathroom

Bathrooms in the Spanish design style are often Mediterranean northern coastal from Spain to Turkey. You will see a lot of terra cotta tiles used as flooring. Golds, reds and browns are often the color choices. Intricate tilework can be found on the backsplash as well as the floor and walls in a gorgeous mosaic pattern. Other elements like brass and copper are used.

Interior and Exterior Accents

When it comes to a home remodel in Spanish design, the devil is in the details. There are little things you can do to make your Spanish home design look authentic and historical.

• Wrought-Iron – Heavy, black and forged by hand. This is for window trim, gates, on doors, windows, and for lamps.
• Dark Wood – Since Spanish design often relies on using bright white stucco (inside and out), pair it with with dark wood finishes.
• Exposed Beams – These have long been part of the authentic Spanish home.
• Pops of Color – Brightly colored flowers stand out from the plain stucco, the earth tones and the wrought iron. Place them in planter boxes, garden beds and hanging baskets.
• Arches – So indicative of Spanish design, arches are a must for your home remodel.
• Tiles – The Spanish are known for their gorgeous tiling work. It is smooth, functional, hard wearing, easy to clean and helps keep the home cool. Use tiles in the kitchen, bathrooms, the laundry room, on floors, and even for frescoes.

The Spanish style of home is as timeless as it is beautiful. If you are planning to remodel your home in this style, use these tips to ensure you honor the history and be as authentic as possible in your approach. When in doubt, ask your design and remodel experts for advice.

“Romney Tripp started construction in 1977 and formed RWT Design & Construction in 1992, eventually setting up the shop in Burbank. From the mid 1980’s Romney has been working on building recording studios as well as…” Read more.

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