The Beauty Of Spanish Colonial Interior Design

By Doris Rivas


Spanish Colonial interior design can be simple and rustic, or very elegant. Characteristic elements will appear in both versions. Dark wood, pottery, wrought iron, stonework and tiles will work very well in creating the right atmosphere. Covered outdoor space is bringing the feel of a Spanish colonial style in your outdoor living, using elements of copper, dark wood and leather to emphasize the entire impression.

Niches and alcoves are quite common elements in interior design. Niches are usually filled with large pottery, statuary or pictures, mostly iconic. Cozy seating alcoves look very appealing. Tiled patios and greenery are important elements in interior decoration and outdoor living is an integral part of interior design. Beautiful patios are used as an extension of a living room.

The most important architectural elements in Spanish colonial style are exposed wood beam ceilings, curved, paned windows, arches, built-in niches and alcoves, terracotta tiles, tile faced steps and stucco walls. Moroccan influence is quite obvious in those elements, as well as in bright colors. It can also be seen on hand painted tiles, with geometrical and floral motifs.

They can look quite unusual. There are no rules, and different tiles are often used on each step. Glazed tiles are very useful in kitchen, and the most frequently used colors are dark red, yellow and blue. Nevertheless, beautiful terracotta tiles are mostly used for flooring kitchens and entrance areas.

Floors are usually covered with parquet, stone or terracotta tiles. Carpets are mostly Persian, but Navajo rugs can also be successfully used for this purpose. Depending on style, vivid colors are more or less used on furniture, walls or other decorations. Rustic version will have more vivid colors in decorating entire home.

The most important elements in interior decoration are wood, mostly dark, heavily carved, decorative iron, copper and pottery. Extensive use of dark wood, originally mostly walnut, is a must. It will be seen on ceilings, floors, furniture or fireplaces. Fireplace is often used as a focal point.

Stucco walls can be white or cream, maybe honey yellow in more elegant interiors. Intensive dark red, blue and golden yellow are used on walls, but also in decorative elements. Walls are usually decorated with golden framed pictures, often iconic, tapestries or wrought iron decorative pieces.

Spanish baroque influence is obvious in rich brocade fabrics, often with elements of dark red and gold. Bed linens are usually silk, brocade, heavy cotton or even simple matelasse. Fabrics are mostly vividly colored using mentioned red and blue, or in nuances of cream and pale gold.

Bedroom walls can be white or cream, but seeing dark red or blue wall isn't unusual. Large, heavy beds often have canopies, carved headboards made of wood or even iron. Smaller decorative elements might be made of brass.

For achieving the right atmosphere, you need to have a few amazing dark wood made cabinets and lovely wooden furniture. Chandeliers are also made of wrought iron, copper or brass, as well as candelabras. Tapestries and pictures on your beautiful stucco walls will round the impression. Just add some warm and cozy looking terracotta tiles and few pieces of large pottery, and you will have a real Spanish Colonial interior design in your home.




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