Style Spotlight: Spanish Revival

The Spanish Revival Style became popular in the early 1900s and was based on the architecture and decorative style of the Spanish who colonized the Americas. 

This style can best be described as eclectic. Drawing on the influences of many cultures, Spanish Revival has elements of Spanish Baroque, Gothic, Moorish, and South American decor styles. With exteriors that include grand fountains and courtyards, arched doorways and windows, bright-tiled roofs, and wrought-iron ornamentation, it’s certainly not lacking in dramatic flair.

The juxtaposition of light and dark, of old-world formality and rustic practicality, of rough-textured wood mixed with smooth stone, make this style unique, gorgeous, and may be just the style you’ve been searching for.

Lighting

Each lighting element has the opportunity to be a statement piece in this style. Chandeliers are large, often wrought-iron in appearance, and almost always dark in color. Pendants are large as well, often baroque-style with candle lighting. Sconces are heavy in appearance and reminiscent of torches.

Kitchen

Appliances

The kitchen is the center of the home, and in the Spanish Revival style, cooking is the main activity. The oven and range are stately and elaborate. Here is an opportunity to add color as well.

Sink

The sink and faucet should be large elements also. Consider earthen materials like porcelain, cast iron, and fireclay for the sink and ornate faucet shapes in tones of copper or bronze.

Backsplash

A mosaic or mosaic-look backsplash can add gorgeous color to to what can be a monotone palette.

Flooring and Rugs

Dark hardwood is a classic look in this style. It provides a lovely canvas on which to add color by way of bold rugs, furniture, and wall art. Large tile is typical in the kitchen, contributing to the grand look in neutral or earth tones. 

Rugs in this style are particularly important because they incorporate color and add warmth to cool, polished surfaces. Choose large, classic, oriental-style area rugs and coordinate furniture and decor.

Bathroom

Nothing is more classic than a clawfoot tub. Design a Spanish Revival style bathroom by starting with a luxurious bathtub with adorning tub filler. 

Include mosaic tiles in the floor and shower walls and a large, gilded mirror above a large or elaborate pedestal vanity. Sconces complete the look.

Furniture

Dining furniture, rustic or polished, sits on embellished, curving legs and is large enough to accommodate a crowd. 

The living room furniture can vary. Heavy leather seating on slender legs is typical; but bold, colorful pieces are not uncommon. Wrought Iron is often found in table elements and is a great way to tie in the furniture with the lighting.

Choose heavy armoires and shelving to anchor the room.

Decor

This style suits many types of decor; from candelabras, suits of armor, and oil paintings of ancestors; to golden mirrors, colorful ceramics, and landscapes. This is the homeowner’s opportunity to express a personal spin on the style.

Spanish Revival style is a classic which deserves attention and updating. Don’t disregard classic elements which can be modernized while keeping their character.