What is Spanish Style Architecture?

The front exterior of a Spanish colonial style home with green grass and several plants in the flower beds.

The Spanish style of home design and the architecture from which it originates goes by many names but is commonly known as “Spanish Eclectic” or “Spanish Revival.” This distinct style has a long history that has helped to shape the residential aesthetic of certain parts of the United States, predominantly the Southwest. By digging into the history and design elements of this unique look, we can understand a bit more about why these homes are so special.

Spanish Eclectic

The Spanish Eclectic aesthetic is an amalgam of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish missionary styles. The first appearances of this housing style on American soil trace back to the days of the earliest Spanish settlers as they began to build out their dwellings. These homes were built with the materials that have become defined by their appearance: adobe, stucco, and clay. In this way, Spanish Eclectic shares some similarities with the Mediterranean style of architecture. Over time, this style saw periods of revival, during which construction of these homes experienced an uptick. Throughout these revival periods, additional features were added to the homes to accommodate the needs of modern living at the time.

The front exterior of an orange-tinted Spanish colonial style home with plants and trees in the front yard.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: felixmizioznikov

What is Spanish style architecture?

The Spanish Eclectic style has several distinct characteristics in both its interior and exterior design. The thick stucco walls provide the backdrop for their unique look, but also help to keep the home cool during hot days and insulated at night. These homes typically have low-pitched terracotta roofs, exposed wooden support beams, and arched entryways and corridors, reflecting the features of their missionary origins.

Additional design details include wrought iron, colorful tile, and small windows. Though they may not be present in every Spanish Eclectic home due to limited space, courtyards are a common feature of this house style. You’ll often see a courtyard in the center of the home for a plaza-like arrangement, on the side of the home, or in the back.