Old Spanish-style home design is warm and inviting. Spanish-style décor is comfortable to live with, pulling its palette from the colors of nature. The rich, earthy colors of reds, oranges and terra cottas warm up a home and infuse it with Spanish design. Use these earthy colors in tiles, fabrics, ceramics, wood and copper. Lush, creamy stucco walls enhance this beautiful design style. Casual, rustic wood furniture draped with tapestries, along with runners on dining tables, and old Spanish-style wall themes mix well in most modern homes. Does this Spark an idea?
Walls
To create an authentic old Spanish-style, use a textured base on your walls. Use textured paint, stucco-style plaster or a color wash to infuse your walls with visual interest.
Do a color wash by first painting the walls in a pale base coat, then use a somewhat darker shade on top. Thin the darker shade slightly with water, and brush in random strokes over the pale first coat. You can create this effect with either a brush, cloth or a bunched-up plastic shopping bag. It takes a bit of practice to create this casual paint effect.
Pick bold, rustic colors for an old Spanish look like reds, yellow, orange, vivid blue, green and brown. Use bright white as an accent color for a good counterpoint.
Flooring and Furniture
Pick flooring that is hardwood for authentic Spanish design. Or, use ceramic tile and terra cotta tiles. Remember to keep the look rustic. Add soft, boldly colored rugs to soften the flooring base and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Opt for furniture that is dark wood, with a simple look. Rustic style is best, with black iron hardware.
Accessories
Accessorize your Spanish-style home with accents made from black wrought iron. Look for iron light fixtures, as well as candle holders. Wrought iron wall art makes an impressive statement. Choose ornately carved wood panels or old doors to hang on whitewashed walls for striking visual impact.
Hang tapestries on the walls to create a warm comfortable feel, especially if your home is in a colder climate. Avoid using curtains in Spanish design. If privacy is an issue, choose wooden shutters or venetian blinds. Add a few colorful pieces of pottery and a painted religious statue to complete the look.
Tags: Spanish design, color wash, create this, create warm, darker shade, earthy colors, Spanish-style home