Spanish flair

Spanish style interiors are very robust and dramatic (probably why they create the perfect setting for the highly popular and dramatic Spanish soap operas), but more than anything else, they are inviting.

This style says “mi casa es su casa” (“my home is your home”), which invites the guest to relax and feel free.

Because of this characteristic, this style works well in foyers (if you have one) and rooms that see the most entertaining, such as the living room and dining area.

The style however, like any other, can be applied to the entire interior and exterior of a home.

There are different stylistic approaches to Spanish décor: the colonial style, which features bold dark wood furnishings with hand-crafted details; the hacienda (Spanish for estate) style that integrates antiques and distressed finishes with architectural elements such as niches and arches; the rustic style that applies contrasting texture and earthenware vessels; and the Mediterranean style that favours an earth palette accented by seaside colours.

The beauty of these styles is that most of their elements overlap and, when combined, complement each other well.

So, if you’ve been admiring the interiors on the set of your favourite soap, there are a few elements you can apply to your home that will transform it into your own Spanish casa.

But I would refrain from applying the dramatic antics that seem to come with the beautiful interiors, though.

Wall treatments

Textured walls are one of the main features of this style. This can be achieved by applying stucco (this will give you the most authentic finish), plaster or a textured paint finish.

Applying a colour wash is a great way of creating visual texture without the wall actually being textured.

For a good colour wash, use a paler base coat, then a darker shade of the same colour for the top coat. Textured finishes can be applied to both the interior and exterior of the home.

Colour

The Spanish palette steers clear of pastels and jewel tones in favour of light, natural and earthy hues accented by bold and moody colours.

Walls in cream, gold, buttery yellow, beige or antique whites and antique browns provide a neutral backdrop for an accent wall in pumpkin orange, indigo, ochre, ocean blue, bright pink, bold red and terracotta.

These accent colours liven up the room and can also be used on fabrics and accessories.

Furniture

Usually ornate and bold, pieces of furniture (from huge headboards in the bedrooms to elaborate finely crafted armoires and cabinets) speak of the style’s boldness.