Wrought iron
and framed windows are characteristic of Spanish design.
Spanish style homes feature stucco exteriors, arched windows and porticos, tile roofs and wrought iron railings on balconies and stairways. The interior architecture is characterized by arched doorways, plaster walls, tiled and hardwood flooring, and floor plans that extend the living space to the outdoors. Complement the interior of your Spanish style home with rich color, elaborately carved furnishings and Spanish inspired accessories. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove carpeting from the floor and add wide-planked hardwood in a dark wood tone. Add tile flooring to the kitchen and bathrooms, choosing an earth-toned porcelain or ceramic tile.
2. Paint the walls in earth tone colors and add a faux finish to the walls. Choose a color wash finish, a faux plaster finish or a glazed finish.
3. Frame interior windows with a wide trim that coordinates with the hardwood flooring and wall color.
4. Install sconces with wrought iron bases and decorative shades at the hallways and near entryways into the home. Hang chandeliers over the dining table and in the living room. Choose chandeliers with gold or black bases, preferably wrought iron. Avoid brass or nickel finishes.
5. Add wrought iron railings to stairways where possible. Install wrought iron wall art that reflects similar patterns to wrought iron or railings used throughout the home.
6. Arrange large, heavily upholstered furniture in the formal living spaces. Choose pieces upholstered in rich reds, greens and gold colors, depicting pastoral scenes or Moorish design patterns. Moorish patterns include curving shapes with intricate graphic patterns that resemble shapes found in nature as well as in the architecture. Patterns resembling Gothic arches or stylized leaves are appropriate for Spanish decor.
7. Arrange smaller furnishings -- such as wood chests, armoires and benches -- in the living room and throughout the remainder of the home. Choose solid color fabrics in reds, greens and yellows for side chairs.
8. Toss area rugs throughout the house, except for the kitchen and bathroom. Choose rugs that reflect the color scheme and patterns in the upholstery fabrics.
9. Use Saltillo tile, sometimes referred to as Spanish tile, for flooring for the outdoor space. Spanish architecture often includes a back patio or courtyard for outdoor dining. Add a long, trestle-style table to the patio and a selection of chairs. Use chairs found at thrift shops, swap meets and other unconventional outlets to create the rustic appeal associated with dining outdoors.
10. Arrange painted pottery and dishware as accessories throughout the house. Add large pots filled with herbs to the outdoor dining area.
11. Hang oil paintings and prints depicting Spanish countryside and Spanish architecture in strategic areas throughout the home.
Tags: iron railings, wrought iron, wrought iron, wrought iron railings, hardwood flooring, living room, outdoor dining