Spanish-Style Home Restorations

A Look at Spanish Architecture

Spanish architecture in North America dates back to the 1500s when Spain set up a fort in St. Augustine, Florida, as part of the trade route. When we think about Spanish architecture, we’re talking more about Spanish Colonial architecture with heavy masonry walls, stucco finishes, lots of woodwork in the ceilings and balconies, and beautiful Spanish tile.

1928 Spanish Revival

The outside of the home was in great shape before Brett Waterman's restoration, but the front porch and gorgeous windows were blocked by overgrown shrubs that did not match the home's style. After the restoration, potted plants and simple landscaping made way for the Moorish-influenced arches to shine through. Go to the next slide to see the interior.

1928 Spanish Revival

Inside, the restoration brought warmth back to the living room. Brett's team stripped the white-painted ceiling beams and stained them a rich, dark brown. Underneath the paint covering the door header, they found an original stencil pattern, which was reinstated above the window (you may have to zoom in to see the detail). The stucco fireplace with colorful Spanish tile surrounding the arched opening was already gorgeous so it was left intact.

Before: Spanish Colonial

This 1928 Spanish Colonial is quintessential California architecture with stucco walls, a hand-formed terra-cotta roof, big archways, small windows and ironwork detailing. Cleaning up the dirty siding and overgrown landscaping will be one of the first steps of this restoration.

After: Spanish Colonial

Small changes made a huge impact on this home. Tall shrubs now flank the large window, the ironwork was painted black to pop against the green window trim, and lastly, the cleaned stucco made this home look brand new. The next slide shows the interior.

Spanish Colonial: Living Room

The restoration in the living room removed the sponge-style finish on the fireplace to help the tile stand out. The plaster walls were painted the same color as the crown molding and curved ceiling to give the room a more complete look.

1930s Spanish Farmhouse

Before Brett Waterman got here, the overgrown landscaping blocked sunlight from entering the house. Now the reduced landscaping opens up the front entry and creates an inviting sitting area. He also added custom-made spindles to the second-floor balcony that were from the original blueprints of the home. Click to the next slide to see the kitchen.

1930s Spanish Farmhouse

This restored farmhouse kitchen has charm everywhere you look. The Dutch door allows the cool California breeze to come in through the open top of the door, while the bottom half remains shut. The original alcove around the oven was preserved, along with the original orange tile. Brett replaced the busy countertop with simple white marble so that the colorful Spanish tile could stand out.

Spanish Ranch in the Mountains

A mix of California ranch style and Spanish Colonial, this home's mountain views are incredible. Brett's team planted low-maintenance desert plants to match the surrounding nature. They also poured, and then aged and stained, a concrete walkway to make it look patinated -- like it had always been there. The next slide shows the kitchen.

Spanish Ranch in the Mountains

The restoration reworked the kitchen space to bring in functionality while keeping many of the original materials. Black soapstone countertops contrast beautifully with the new white cabinetry while the period-specific backsplash tile and herb garden add color and aroma.

1923 Mediterranean Revival

Mediterranean Revival is very similar to the Spanish style; the difference is that there are Italian and French influences in the finer details. Consistent with the Spanish exteriors, this home features stucco walls, a terra-cotta tiled roof and dark wood used on the headers, corbels and balcony railing. Go to the next slide to see the kitchen.

1923 Mediterranean Revival

Before the restoration, the kitchen was dated and out of place. Now, it is more of the time period and style with period-specific tile, lighting and a stucco vent hood. The divider on the bar is a reproduction that Brett had commissioned to fit the space.

1923 Mediterranean Revival

A closer look at the center medallion inlay reveals intricate tile work created in the 1850s. These are called Cuenca tiles, which are made with raised lines on the surface to prevent colored glazes from running together. A few of these Spanish Cuenca tiles were already in the homeowner's possession; Brett had a tile artist create the four matching corner pieces to complete the pattern.

Simple Spanish Bungalow

A beautiful home before the restoration, this bungalow just needed some love and attention. After landscaping and building a garden wall to create a private side porch, the bungalow became much more inviting. They even found a 100-year-old iron gate from the time period of the home to add to the front entry.

Simple Spanish Bungalow

The bungalow received a brand new side patio behind a privacy wall with terra-cotta tiles, outdoor furniture and simple landscaping. It's the perfect space for the homeowner to enjoy a sunset. The next slide shows the interior.

Simple Spanish Bungalow

Keeping consistent with the Spanish style, this restored living room features exposed wood beams, a stucco fireplace, rich cream wall color and colorful accents to brighten up a once all-white room.

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Spanish-Style Home Restorations

Related To:

A Look at Spanish Architecture

1928 Spanish Revival

1928 Spanish Revival

Before: Spanish Colonial

After: Spanish Colonial

Spanish Colonial: Living Room

1930s Spanish Farmhouse

1930s Spanish Farmhouse

Spanish Ranch in the Mountains

Spanish Ranch in the Mountains

1923 Mediterranean Revival

1923 Mediterranean Revival

1923 Mediterranean Revival

Simple Spanish Bungalow

Simple Spanish Bungalow

Simple Spanish Bungalow

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