10 Spanish-Style Homes That Are Warm and Inviting (2024)

Design Styles

Architecture

• 01 of 10

  Thoughtful Architectural Details

  

  Spanish-style homes often feature stucco walls, terracotta roof tiles, and inner courtyards which were "designed originally to keep homes naturally cool," says designer Laura Roberts. "Other details like wooden [support beams on] ceilings, doors, and windows, as well as ornamental iron work are found in Spanish-style homes," she adds.
  

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• 02 of 10

  Adaptable Designs

  

  Even if you aren't constructing a home from scratch, there are plenty of ways to incorporate Spanish-style influences on the exterior. "Neutral white or beige stucco on the exterior walls, highlighted with terracotta and/or patterned tilesaround a window frame, on stair risers, or on the walkway will bring a Spanish flair to any exterior," says Roberts.
  

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• 03 of 10

  Colorful Elements

  

  Bring on the colorful touches when designing a Spanish-style home, says designer Raymond Jimenez. "Adapting a Spanish style to the exterior of your home boils down to a few very simple principles: You’re looking to embody a rich, timeless aesthetic, and you’re not afraid to experiment with color. These colors like terracottas, blues, yellows, white, black, and of course green are usually not synonymous with ‘timeless’ but when done in such a way, they evoke a very luxe and classic look."

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• 04 of 10

  Indoor-Outdoor Living

  

  This Spanish-style home truly blends indoors and out, encouraging maximum relaxation. "This style of architecture is very much laid-back and creates the feeling of always being on vacation," Jimenez says. "It inherently warms you up and calms you down."

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• 05 of 10

  Iron Accents

  

  Iron detailing, as showcased above, is also commonplace when it comes to Spanish style exteriors. "It can be used for gates, stair railings, or in Spanish-style exterior light fixtures," Roberts notes.

  Designer Allison Knizek points out that touches of wrought iron such as a handrail or a Juliet balcony instantly evoke an old world Spanish mood. "Typically painted black, an updated take is to paint them a color, she says. "Same goes for wrought iron furniture—glossy color is an instant update."
  

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• 06 of 10

  Interior Elements

  

  When it comes to modern Spanish-style interiors, Roberts says that details "like smooth plaster walls, arched cutouts between rooms, vibrant accents, and the use of linen in furniture and window treatments all contribute to a true Spanish look."

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• 07 of 10

  Lush Landscaping

  

  Many Spanish-style homes boast impressive landscaping and outdoor spaces. "Spanish style homes must be surrounded by thick, lush greenery and landscapes to really make you feel like you are escaping into your own personal paradise," says Jimenez.

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• 08 of 10

  Tons of Terracotta

  

  If your home doesn't feature a signature red tiled roof, Knizek offers an innovative solution. "A collection of terracotta pots against a bright white stucco wall does the trick," she says. "Add some vibrant pink bougainvillea and you instantly achieve that blinding, sun kissed, Spanish hacienda look."

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• 09 of 10

  Beautiful Tiles

  

  Beautiful tile lines this outdoor bench, and similar designs can be incorporated indoors, too. "Tile is the best way to infuse a little Spanish mood and decorative tiles are plentiful at the moment at every price point," Knizek says.

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• 10 of 10

  All the Arches

  

  Curves and arches, like the ones seen here, are a common characteristic that Knizek incorporates into her spaces. "I introduce arches or semicircles into every home I’m working on," she says. "A softly arched doorway can stand on its own especially if the door is painted an accent color to complement the room and surroundings."