Whether you are looking to embrace warmer seasons or to warm up colder climates, Contemporary Spanish interior design is a lovely choice for any home year-round. Also referred to as “Spanish Modern,” this popular aesthetic is really a contemporary take on the 1990s and early 2000s “California Tuscan.”
Some traits of California Tuscan include aged finishes, iron scrollwork, and intricate patterns – all also hallmarks of Spanish Modern. Both utilize architecture, which begins with travertine terra cotta tile flooring, travels up textured or plaster walls, and finishes with beamed ceilings.
The main difference between these two is that the Tuscan style focuses solely on influences from Italy, while Spanish design incorporates elements from other cultures, including French, Moroccan, Turkish, and Greek influences.
Perhaps that’s why we enjoy Spanish Modern so much – it blends old and new, which allows for more creativity. Brighter materials, earthy textures, and clean lines are coupled with porcelain or cement graphic tiles, usually adding an Islamic influence or bold colors of Mexican origin.
The use of iron is prominent in Spanish Modern. From chandeliers to candelabras, iron is always a feature in traditional and contemporary Spanish design. Brightly colored vintage rugs, honed quartz finishes, and natural honey woods are also part of this aesthetic.
Earthy tones are definitely of the essence; think warmer shades of brown and burnt oranges. Yellow is a typical wall color in Spanish-themed rooms. Usually, the hue will be a warm mustard shade, but if you prefer a shade cooler, then white – not butter – is the go-to alternative.
Of course, our favorite aspect of Spanish Modern is the furniture. When choosing pieces to complement the style, choose textured, upholstered chairs coupled with wooden side and coffee tables. Heavy leather may be a feature you select for your couches or other seating arrangements. Dark wooden, chunkier benches add an authentic Spanish element to any space. The dark woods draw the room together by harmonizing with the wooden arches and beams of the architecture common to this style.
The beauty of Spanish Modern is that it combines the best of both worlds – traditional and contemporary. With such a rich past and promising future, the versatility and adaptability of Spanish Modern means it is here to stay. Time to pour some Sangria and get creative!
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ERIC BRAND
Founded in 1996 and based in San Francisco, Eric Brand offers custom-styled furniture and worldwide sourcing along with exquisite materials and finishes, specifically for the high-end residential design market and hospitality industry.
