A Spanish interior design will create a space with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, no matter where you live.
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So, what you should have in your "Spanish" home? It's better to start with what you don't have to have. Rugs. Spain is in south, climate is good, so rugs and carpets are not a necessity, so they are added if there is a need for some detail. A traditional home will have hardwood floor or tiles throughout the whole house, the same style you can see in other Mediterranean countries. Terracotta tiles is standard, and if you want a small rug, it will most probably be beige or cream, simple but effective.
Another feature of the Spanish design are ceiling beams. They are big, they are bold, and there is a lot of them. They are left in their natural color and the effect of the cathedral ceiling, which would be more appropriately described as a log house ceiling, is visible. That creates a feeling of a sturdy, protective environment, with a lot of warmth and homely atmosphere. The design may be simple or intricate, but wood plays a huge role in the Spanish home design.
Walls are an interesting story. As you would expect in a Mediterranean home, walls are made of stone, their design is plain and one thing you will never see in a traditional Spanish home are wallpapers. If there are no stone walls, a good effect may be achieved using cement applied in an uneven fashion, then applying color with different size brushes to get a more natural look. Warm tones are most welcome, in several hues, creating the style you will recognize from afar.
When you decorate a Spanish home, there are simple rules to follow: no clutter, keep if practical, and use wrought iron. Traditionally, a Spanish interior is bright and open, without too many elements coming in the way. Wrought iron is another must, be it something old you found or new pieces that some contemporary master made. It's black and used as candle holders, furniture frames or simply a small decorating piece. It plays well with wood and, in a way, you can never have too much of it. ■
Modified arctic air combined with a moisture-laden area of low pressure along the Gulf Coast will continue to allow for a broad area of winter weather impacts from the Lower Mississippi Valley to the Southeast today into early Saturday morning.
