March 8, 2012
Spanish Home Design
Today we are continuing our thought process on what it means to distinguish one Home Design Style from another. This is our fourth post and our focus du jour is on Spanish Homes. Please see our other posts on Mediterranean, Tuscan, and French Home Design to follow what else we’ve been saying about each style and what kind of home suits your taste best.
Spanish residential architecture most broadly mimics Italianate and Tuscan architecture, in large part due to the similar climates of Spain and southern Italy. Spain and southern Italy are also share a landscape of rich colors, coastal environments, and relaxed, warm atmospheres.
Today, we will be specifically talking about Spanish Eclectic Design, which is one of the types of residential architecture we design and specialize in. Spanish eclectic design was and is most prolific in Southern California and had its heyday in the 1930’s, though this style still remains popular and is in demand today.
Traditionally, Spanish homes have white stucco exteriors, deep red barrel tile roofs with dark eaves, and ornamentation typically displayed through wrought iron and woodwork adorning the exterior. Both externally and internally, in Spanish eclectic homes, there is a dichotomy of very plain surfaces, such as walls, ceilings and sometimes floors, mixed with very detailed and ornate accessories, such as tile accents, wrought iron fences, trellises, or window shutters. The tension between the ornate and the simple helps define Spanish eclectic home style and also wakens all facades by adding points of interest and intrigue.
Though this home was not designed by Ripple, it exemplifies what Spanish eclectic home style is: white stucco walls, deep red tile roof, ornate accents, not overly complicated design, dark windows, and fairly loose landscape.
Spanish home interiors tend to have rich woodwork, exposed beam ceilings or barrel ceilings with plain stucco walls and brightly colored tile accents. The interiors traditionally emulate the exterior relationship between the simple and plain surfaces with highlighted and intricate accents.
One important aspect worth noting is that Spanish homes tend to be family-centric, meaning that the homes are designed to contain families and hold family gatherings. This informs the overall design because there are not too many formal spaces, the plans are not overly complex, and there tends to be large open spaces for families to gather. Spanish electric homes frequently have large covered outdoor spaces or covered porches for family occasions and to celebrate life and one another.
We are so excited to announce that we have a Spanish eclectic home under construction at present and will post updated photos as the project nears completion. For now, here is a little sneak peak at a rendering we produced for the project:
More updates to come with pictures for this and similar projects…stay tuned!