Everything To Know About Spanish-Style Homes

Spanish style homes are captivating, majestic structures with a longstanding history. Although each home has unique qualities, Spanish style architecture has an unmistakable look that differentiates it from other popular house styles. Thinking of purchasing a Spanish-style home for your family? Here are a few things you should know before making the jump.

What Are Spanish-Style Homes?

Spanish-style homes first made an appearance in North America when Spanish colonials began to colonize the Southwest in the late 1600s, making them some of the oldest dwellings in the country. This home style is often found in the south, as their terracotta roofs, thick stucco walls and slim open windows help to combat the southern heat. The bright exterior walls with contrasting arched windows, doors and entryways, are just a couple of reasons why Spanish-style architecture has such a timeless look.

Defining Features Of Spanish-Style Houses And Architecture

While Spanish-style homes have been modernized, there are a few defining characteristics that differentiate this type of home from others. In fact, many people confuse Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes. However, the two design types are slightly different because while Mediterranean-style architecture is derived from Spanish influence, it is also shaped by Italian design.

You can tell if a home is Spanish-style if you see these key characteristics:

Exterior

The exterior features of a Spanish-style home are the hallmark characteristics that distinguish it from other architecture styles. Exterior aspects of Spanish-style homes include:

• Terra cotta roofs
• Thick stucco walls
• Arched windows and doorways
• Eaves
• Iron accents
• Courtyards with intricate landscaping

Interior

A few interior features of a Spanish-style home include:

• Simple, functional layouts
• Decorative tiles
• Wrought iron accents
• Wooden beams
• Kiva fireplaces

Types Of Spanish-Style Homes

Throughout the existence of Spanish-style homes in North America, the design has been modernized and revived quite a few times. While the popularity of Spanish-style homes dwindled for years after Spanish colonizers arrived, the late 19th and early 20th centuries created a resurgence of appreciation for Spanish-style architecture. Structures designed during this period are formally known as the Spanish Colonial Revival Style.

We won’t bore you with a history lesson, but it’s important you know how we distinguish the Spanish-style homes we know and love today.

Simply put, architect Arthur Page Brown sparked the fire which ignited the Spanish Architectural Revival. For the 1893 Columbian Exposition, Brown was to design The California State Building. The Spanish design inspired other architects across other regions, quickly evolving as it made waves. Soon, Spanish Revival Style architecture dominated the southwest, but found its way to other states along the west coast, and even in states like Florida and Texas.

Below are the five types of Spanish-style homes that emerged from this period.

Pueblo Revival

Between 1900 – 1940, Pueblo Revival homes became a popular design choice in the southwest. Originating in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this Spanish-style home was inspired by a mixture of Spanish Colonial and Indian Pueblo architecture. The exterior stucco, adobe like walls and projecting roof rafters called “vigas”, make the Pueblo Revival homes simple, but very distinguishable.

The roof of the Pueblo Revival is usually flat or slightly sloped and is hidden behind a low parapet wall. Like other Spanish-style homes, the Pueblo Revival typically have recessed, multilight, rectangular windows, along with large, heavy doors.

As mentioned before, a common theme amongst all Spanish-style homes are the covered stoops, and sheltered courtyards and patios. For Pueblo Revival-style homes, the short walls fencing in courtyards might be lined with built-in benches, also known as “bancos”.  

Pueblo Revival homes are mostly found in Arizona, New Mexico and California, with very few making it to the pacific northwest.

Mission Revival

Dating back to the late 19th century, Mission Revival homes are reminiscent of Spanish colonial style architecture. Also known as “Western Craftsman” style, this home type is especially popular in California and other states along the west coast.

Coming in several colors, shapes and sizes, Mission Revival-style homes are charming and distinctive with key features. You can tell a home is Mission Revival-style if it has smooth stucco exterior walls which are accented with overhanging eaves. Supported by large square pillars, a gabled tile roof dresses the top of the homes, unlike the flat, hidden roofs in Pueblo Revival designs. Mission Revival homes also have arched entryways and windows, a stark difference from the straight-headed windows of the forementioned architectural style.

Spanish Eclectic

Spanish Eclectic-style homes are gorgeous, unique structures inspired by Native American, Mexican and Spanish missionary styles. Tracing back to the earliest Spanish settlers, these homes were built with adobe, stucco and clay. As time passed, these dwellings were revitalized to be suitable for modern families, but there are still a few unique features that separate them from other Spanish-style homes.

Traditionally built form adobe, thick walls and rounded corners are staples of Spanish Eclectic architecture. It is similar to both of the forementioned architectural styles, as these homes have arched entryways, low pitched tile roofs, and exposed wooden beams. The Spanish Eclectic homes that you would find today are Mediterranean like structures, likely designed and built in the 20th century. They are most commonly found in the southwest.

Monterey                                                         

Monterey-style homes are named after the Californian city in which they are most prevalent. One of the only Spanish styles developed in America, this type of home is the result of Californians blending Spanish colonial and New England colonial styles during the 18th century. These gorgeous homes are typically two stories and are usually constructed of adobo.

Unlike other Spanish styles, Monterey homes have low-pitched shingle roofing and large, double-hinged windows. The clean style, bare exterior walls and arched entryways are the most prominent Spanish influences of Monterey homes. However, all Monterey-style homes have a distinguishable, second-story balcony.

Floridian

As the name suggests, Floridian Spanish-style homes can be found in Florida. Of the other Spanish-style homes, Floridian architecture is the most Americanized. These homes typically have a stucco exterior and large windows. While you will find Floridian Spanish-style homes have a few arched entryways, they are not as prominent as they are in other architecture types. 

How To Decorate A Spanish-Style House

As the current decorating trends suggest, there are many ways to design a Spanish-style home to your liking. As Spanish-style homes tend to have exposed wooden beams, decorative tile, elaborate fireplaces and built in bookshelves, there are so many directions you can consider when decorating your space. However, when you’re planning what pieces you’ll ornament your living room with, keep in mind that Spanish-style living is rooted in functionality.

The Bottom Line 

Spanish-style homes have a rich, longstanding history. As time has progressed, these gorgeous houses have coalesced with other cultural motifs, creating unique, distinguishable dwellings with a traditional Spanish feel. While Spanish-style homes are typically found in California, you may find this style of home for sale all over the U.S. They are especially popular on the west coast and southern pacific regions.

If you think you would like to make one of these Spanish-style dwellings your home, take some time to match with an agent today. A trusted real estate agent will help you find the perfect space for your family, allowing you to call one of these vacation-style lodgings home. We wish you the best on your home buying journey.