August 6, 2023 Brandon C Hall
Discover the allure of Spanish-style homes, blending modern elements with everlasting charm. Explore the richness of Mediterranean-inspired living. These architectural masterpieces have stood the test of time, evoking a sense of romance, warmth, and timeless elegance. In this blog, we uncover how Spanish-style houses have captured the hearts of admirers around the globe. Vamonos! Let’s embark on this delightful exploration together.
What makes a house Spanish style?
Spanish-style architecture is where timeless charm and cultural heritage come together to create homes that exude character. To understand Spanish-style homes, let’s travel back to the 1600s when Spanish explorers were uncovering the unknown lands of North America. Of course, when traveling, the explorers brought elements from their homeland, primarily from Spain. The colonial architecture that was once brought to America more than 400 years ago has impacted the world of architecture that we know today.
Now that we know the history of these homes, the question still stands of what makes homes Spanish-style. What makes a house Spanish-style is its distinctive elements that harken back to the Mediterranean and Moorish influences. Spanish-style residences captivate admirers with the earthy color palette of the façade, stucco exteriors, and intricate wrought iron details that help create this artistic craftsmanship we know as these homes. Spanish-style dwellings reflect a solid connection to their natural surroundings. Expansive courtyards and charming patios provide a tranquil oasis, inviting homeowners and guests to appreciate the outdoors while creating a perfect spot for entertaining. With arched windows and doorways, these homes evoke a sense of romance and elegance. Adding exposed wooden beams and high ceilings gives us visual appeal with a sense of grandeur. Spanish-style homes blend modern comfort harmoniously with historical authenticity, creating a haven that celebrates the beauty of the past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
What are the Spanish-style homes called?
When exploring the world of Spanish-style architecture, you may come across a few words that might stumble you, so let’s clear up what these homes are called. These architectural gems are commonly referred to as “Spanish Revival homes,” this is just another name for the homes and is frequently used interchangeably with “Spanish style.” With that being said, there are five common types of Spanish-style homes that we’ll cover:
Mediterranean
Being the more popular of Spanish-style homes, Mediterranean-style houses reflect the surrounding area of the sea it’s named after. These homes often have a warm appeal that perfectly balances design and culture.
Florida
With a large Spanish influence in Florida, there’s no doubt it would influence the architecture in this southern state. These homes perfectly embody the Florida lifestyle, embracing the sun, sea, and vibrant culture that the state is known for. These homes capture the essence of Spanish culture while being fit for Florida life.
Southwest
These homes draw inspiration from the traditional adobe houses built by Native American and Spanish settlers, blending indigenous design elements with a touch of Spanish and Mexican influences.
Contemporary
Contemporary Spanish-style homes blend the rich architectural heritage of Spain with modern design elements, creating a captivating fusion of tradition and innovation. These homes draw inspiration from traditional Mediterranean architecture.
Coastal
Coastal-style homes, often called beach houses or seaside retreats, exude a distinct and refreshing charm that embodies the relaxed and carefree essence of coastal living.
What is a Spanish Mediterranean-style house?
Inspired by the sun-soaked coastal regions of Spain, Italy, and Greece, the Mediterranean style and timeless appeal capture the admiration of many homeowners. With low-pitched, red-tiled roofs and stucco walls in earthy hues, Mediterranean homes are built to transport you to a relaxing seaside village. Enchanting large windows and beautiful French doors allow for an abundance of light to flood the interior of these homes. Not only are you bound to get the beauty of nature indoors, but you also get the perfect home for entertaining. The focal point of many Mediterranean homes is the expansive terraces, balconies, and courtyards that offer the best environment for any social gathering, whether a lively fiesta or a few casual co*cktails under the stars. Mediterranean homes offer a striking visual appeal, but the practicality in these homes is made to adapt to the region’s warm climate, with thick walls and shaded outdoor areas that help maintain a comfortable temperature indoors, even during scorching summers. If you’re enchanted by the idea of living in a timeless retreat that embodies the spirit of the Mediterranean coast, then the Mediterranean-style house might be your dream come true.
What are some elements of Spanish-style homes?
Several distinctive elements define the allure of Spanish-style houses. We can begin with what is known to be the hallmark of these homes the commonly used red-tile roofs. These terracotta tiles do more than add a pop of color to the stucco walls; they protect the house from the elements while reflecting the region’s sunny climate. So these roof tiles are stylish AND practical! Arched doorways and windows are another essential element of Spanish-style houses. The additional graceful curve of these elements gives the house an elegant and romantic look. Of course, we can’t forget about the large courtyards and terraces. These private outdoor spaces are enclosed by the home’s walls and offer a secluded oasis where one can relax, entertain guests, or cultivate a beautiful garden.
Now let’s discuss the commonly used materials in these homes. Commonly, the use of natural materials is a defining feature. Along with the red clay roof tiles and stucco walls, wooden beams and accents are included to add warmth and character to these homes. Spanish-style houses exude a captivating blend of elegance, history, and natural beauty.
Where are Spanish-style homes most popular?
While the roots of this architectural style lie in Spain and surrounding countries, it has found a welcoming embrace in various corners of the globe. Among the places where they are most popular, California stands out as a prime example. The state’s coastal environment and Spanish history make it perfect for these styles of homes. Spanish-style homes dot the landscape, infusing a touch of Mediterranean allure into the neighborhoods of California. Additionally, in Florida, especially in cities like Miami and Coral Gables, Spanish-style architecture has also captured the imagination of residents for almost identical reasons as California. Of course, you don’t have to live on the coast to feel like you reside in a beachside village! You can build the Spanish-style house of your dreams anywhere! With more than 20,000 plans, we can help you find the perfect Spanish-style house today!
Brandon Hall
Our "go to guy" and company expert, Brandon is the visionary and dreamer of all we do here at America's Best House Plans. He manages quality assurance, audits existing processes for maximum effectiveness, and develops strategies to increase productivity and efficiency. With over 15 years experience in the home design industry, Brandon has a hand in every aspect of the day-to-day operations of our company, in addition to ensuring an unparalleled level of service to our customers.
