Day 11 Spanish Colonial Interiors

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Day 11 Spanish Colonial Interiors

Beginning in the 15th century, countries began to trade with one another by land and sea. Trade was amongst the highest between Italy, France, and Spain. This is the primary reason that the design styles of Tuscan, French Country, and Spanish Colonial complement one another quite well. Because the countries traded so easily amongst one another, each adapted their own styles in similar materials.

Spanish Colonial interiors can be quite elaborate or relatively simple in style. The use of wrought iron is used quite prevalent. But it does not appear harsh or cold as rugs, tapestries and warm colors help soften the metal.

 

Spanish Colonial interiors can also be quite elegant or extremely casual. It depends on furniture and accessory selection.

Design Elements

For elegant interiors, you will often find hand plastered walls in a rich cream or honey yellow color. Flooring will often be parquet, rich stone, or beautiful tile. Beautiful, richly colored carpets are then layered on top of the floor. Heavily carved furniture made of dark wood, generally walnut, is used.

The upholstery is often leather or rich velvets. Fireplaces are often a focal point. Tapestries and rich oil paintings cover the walls. Lighting is in the form of elaborate sconces and candelabras in wrought iron or brass.

A casual feel can be obtained with flooring made of brickwork, tile, or wood that is more rustic in appearance. Ceiling beams, while used in both formal and casual rooms, are generally more present in a casual atmosphere. Dark wood furniture is still used but in simpler styles. Leather upholstery is popular and often trimmed in nail heads. Generally, window treatments are not used, but shutters and simple panels work well with this style.

This is a great example of a lighter color palette. Songstress Sheryl Crow created an inviting space in her Spanish Colonial home.

In more casual settings, plaster walls often feature colors of deep rich red, gold, or blue. This design element stems from the Moroccan influence that was also encountered during the years of Spanish trading.

Architectural niches are often incorporated into the design of a room. They can be filled with religious icons, statuary, pottery, or wrought iron pieces.

Spanish Colonial Dining Room

In dining areas, you often find quite a bit of candlelight, dark furniture, and rich upholstery.

This dining space has a lighter look with the use of light-colored leather and linen. It balances the dark wood and heavy wrought iron.

This is a simple, but warm space. Urns and pottery play a large role when accessorizing a Spanish Colonial home.

Spanish Colonial Kitchens

Spanish Colonial style for kitchens is perfect given it’s warm and inviting look.

Kitchens will often feature bright colors.  One can see the Arab influence in the glazed ceramic tiles that often feature interlocking geometric, curvilinear, or floral motifs.

This kitchen belongs to actress Diane Keaton. It features tile which is reminiscent of Azulejo tile which was introduced by Spain in the 15th century by the Moors who had learned the craft from the Persians. I love how the Fiesta ware pottery pops against the white walls.

Copper is a metal that is often featured in Spanish colonial homes. It’s well suited in the kitchen through pots, pans, sinks, and other hardware. The copper accents pair beautifully with the turquoise cabinets.

Spanish Colonial Bedrooms

In bedrooms, color is often used profusely. This example also shows a Moorish influence.

Beds will often feature a canopy. This style remains from a time when central heating was not available and fabric panels would be closed to keep out a draft.

Bed linens are often simple matelasse, heavily embroidered cotton or silk, brocade, and in more recent years, rich chenille.

Here is a room featuring a magnificent wrought iron headboard. It absolutely pops on a beautiful blue wall. This is the main focal point of the room. The rest of the furniture is fairly simple and more neutral colors are used.

Spanish Colonial Style

Spanish accents can be brought into other areas of the home. This is a lovely wrought iron staircase.

This fireplace is the perfect picture of coziness. Notice the dark wood cabinet which is beautifully carved. Wrought iron candle holders and the iconic art are perfect above the mantel. To the right of the fireplace is a chair reminiscent of the Sella Curulis which is a chair with an “X” shaped base.

Accessories are quite important in Spanish Colonial décor. They include iconic art pieces, tapestry, stonework, and pottery. All of which would have been collected by a world traveler or trader. The crystal chandelier is a wee bit out of place, but I like how it elevates the more rustic pieces.

More iconic art, a beautiful mirror, and the chandelier reflected in it. The candelabra and candleholder collection is just amazing.

A great image for those that prefer a streamlined look. A lovely carved table, simple lamp, religious statue, and artwork are all that is needed for this stunning vignette.

Spanish Colonial Outdoor Style

A popular concept in decorating is creating outdoor living spaces. You can continue the feel of a Spanish Colonial home in the outdoors. See how the elements of dark wood, copper, wrought iron and leather can work well in a covered outdoor space.

Bright colors work very well.

This post was originally written on September 14, 2008. It was updated for your enjoyment.

Laura