Earth tones
are common in Spanish hacienda styles.
The Spanish hacienda style of architecture originated around the Mediterranean, where there's a lot of bright sunshine. Earth tones and natural colors that reflect the beauty of sunlight are common in this traditional style. If you're building or remodeling a Spanish hacienda-style house, look at other examples of the same style to get ideas for effective color schemes. Does this Spark an idea?
Terracotta
Terracotta is a deep red color that's similar to the color of brick. It's commonly seen in Spanish hacienda architecture in the terracotta tile used on the roof. You can harmonize wall and trim colors with the color of terracotta roof tiles by choosing harmoniously differing shades of terracotta paint. Painting eaves and window trim with terracotta and the main walls with a lighter color create a pleasing contrast while simultaneously drawing the building together by presenting similar tones on the roof and at various points on the building.
Earth Tones
Earth tones emphasize natural materials such as adobe, clay and rammed earth that are traditionally used in Spanish architecture. Tones can range from light tan through ochre, sienna, brown and deep red. The lighter ends of the spectrum should be used on large walls. Broad expanses of dark colors can be overwhelming and cut down on reflected light. Darker colors can be effectively used on cabinetry, interior and exterior trim and flooring.
Yellows
The yellow spectrum creates a reminder of the brilliant Mediterranean sun. Yellows, golds and oranges create a vibrant mood for rooms such as kitchens, where there's lots of activity and bright light is valued. These tones can also make smaller rooms and closed-in alcoves seem larger by using reflected sunlight to great effect. Use bright colors as accents in larger rooms by painting a door or built-in shelf to make it stand out from the rest of the room.
Off-White
Cream, ivory and other variations of white are useful for creating areas of background that don't compete with focal points on an exterior or within a room. Painting ceilings in any color ranging from white to very light gray help illuminate the corners of the room and create a feeling of spaciousness. In hot environments, painting the exterior in a light white-spectrum color beautifies the house and helps keep it cooler under hot sunshine.
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