What I Love About Old Spanish-Style Homes (and How to Bring That Charm Into Yours)

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I’ll never forget the first time I walked into an old Spanish-style home. The light hit the archway just right, the air smelled faintly of something earthy—maybe terracotta or sunbaked stone—and I thought, Oh… this feels like something I’ve known forever. There’s something about these homes that reaches into the quiet corners of your memory, even if you’ve never actually lived in one.

Spanish-style homes, especially the older ones, have this lovely way of feeling grounded and soft all at once. They’re not flashy, but every detail feels chosen. Arched doorways, textured plaster walls, those heavy wooden doors that creak a little in the best way—they tell a story without trying too hard.

The Quiet Beauty of Arches, Plaster, and Wrought Iron

There’s just something about a rounded archway that feels gentler than a square doorway. You walk through it and you’re instantly wrapped in a feeling of calm. Old Spanish-style homes are full of these little design moments that don’t scream for attention but leave an impression anyway. Softly curved doorways, built-in wall niches, thick plaster that catches the light in all the right ways—it’s not about polish, it’s about presence.

And don’t get me started on the wrought iron. I used to think ironwork was too ornate for my taste, but in these homes it’s so balanced—slender railings, simple lantern-style lights, little window grilles that feel more romantic than decorative. Even the smallest metal detail somehow makes the whole space feel lived-in and loved.

Terracotta, Tile, and All the Earthy Things

Let’s talk about floors. Or more specifically, those dreamy terracotta tiles that always look like they’ve soaked up decades of sun. I don’t care if it’s winter—when you walk barefoot across a tile like that, it feels like summer. They add warmth and soul that hardwood sometimes can’t match, especially in homes where everything else leans white and airy.

In a lot of Spanish-style homes, you’ll also find handmade tiles used in places you wouldn’t expect—on stair risers, in bathroom alcoves, even as part of a kitchen backsplash. They’re often painted in deep blues, soft greens, or faded yellows, like they’ve been touched by the sea or the sky. I love how these little pops of color break up the neutrals without feeling busy.

How to Bring Spanish Charm into a More Modern Home

Now, I don’t live in a 1920s Spanish bungalow, and maybe you don’t either. But that doesn’t mean we can’t borrow the charm. I’ve added a few little touches to our space that carry that same feeling—and honestly, they’ve made our very normal apartment feel more grounded and more us.

Swapping in a few arched mirrors was a good place to start. They echo the feeling of old archways without requiring renovations. I’ve also leaned into plaster-textured vases and wall finishes when I can find them, and I try to keep the color palette simple—warm whites, natural wood, soft rust tones, and black iron here and there.

If you want to dip a toe into the look, something as small as a candle holder or wall sconce in dark metal can give that Spanish revival vibe. Woven baskets, rustic pottery, and linen curtains can all play a part too. The key, I think, is not to over-style it. Old Spanish-style homes always feel like they’ve been lived in for a long time. Let your space tell its own story—just with a few Spanish-inspired pages.

The Feeling That Stays With You

When I look at photos of these homes—or better yet, get to visit one—I always come away with the same feeling. It’s not just about how pretty the tile is or how thick the walls are. It’s about how it all works together to make a space feel peaceful, rooted, and full of warmth. That’s what I love about old Spanish-style homes. Not just the style, but the soul.

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