Spanish-style homes, sometimes called Spanish Colonial or Mediterranean homes, are known for their stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, arches, and courtyards. The colors used on these homes create a warm, inviting aesthetic that complements the architectural style. When deciding what paint colors to use on a Spanish-style home, it’s important to consider the climate and traditional color schemes to create an authentic look.
Climate Considerations
Spanish architectural styles originated in the warm, sunny climates of Spain, the Mediterranean, and Latin America. Therefore, the color palettes used on these homes are often lighter shades ideal for reflecting sunlight and keeping interiors cool. White and other pale neutrals are commonly used as base colors. Bolder accent colors in earthy terra cotta and reddish hues add warmth and vibrancy.
In hot, arid climates like the American Southwest, light reflective colors help combat the intense sun exposure. Stucco exteriors are often painted in creamy whites or beiges. Tile roofs in terra cotta red or orange-red also reflect sunlight away from the home.
In more temperate climates, deeper earth tones like tan, brown, and muted reds can be used. However, the principles of using lighter base colors with bolder accents still applies.
Traditional Color Schemes
Here are some of the most popular color combinations used on Spanish-style homes:
| Color Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
| White with terracotta or red accents | Crisp white stucco walls with terracotta tile roofs and shutters, wood doors, and ironwork in reddish earth tones |
| Beige with terra cotta | Softer beige or tan stucco with terra cotta roof tiles and accents |
| White or beige with blue | White or light tan stucco with a blue door and shutter accents |
| Earth tones | Stucco or adobe walls in muted tans, browns, and reds with a terracotta roof |
| Yellow/orange | Warm yellow or orange stucco with white or blue accents |
The white and beige bases paired with terracotta red accents are most emblematic of the Spanish style. Blue adds a pretty, cooling contrast. Earth tones like tan, brown, and red evoke the colors of clay adobe construction. Yellow and orange add brightness and warmth.
Stucco
Stucco siding is the quintessential wall material of Spanish homes. Traditional stucco colors tend towards off-whites, creams, tans, and pale earth tones:
– White
– Ivory
– Cream
– Beige
– Light tan
– Pale gray
These base stucco colors reflect light and add to the sunny ambiance. Whitewash and limewash treatments also create a sun-bleached effect.
While white and cream stucco is most common, some regions use darker beiges, tans, grays, and earth tones. Santa Fe-style adobe homes often have tan, brown, or reddish stucco. In Florida, stucco often has a pinkish “Florida cracker” hue.
Deeper, richer stucco colors should be muted and softened to suit the Spanish style. Extremely dark colors are rare.
Tile Roofs
The other defining exterior feature of Spanish homes is the clay tile roof. The traditional terra cotta red is the most popular color. Orange and reddish earth tones are also common roof tile colors:
– Terra cotta
– Brick red
– Clay red
– Orange-red
– Rust red
These warm roof colors contrast beautifully with white stucco walls. They also stand up well to weathering and aging.
Other Mediterranean-style tile roof colors include earth tones like orange, brown, and tan. Natural gray and black slate-style concrete tiles are options too, though less common. Blue or green glazed roof tiles add a pop of color.
Doors
Wood doors in weathered brown and red finishes suit the Spanish style. Distressed metal doors in dark wrought iron, bronze, or rusty red are also fitting choices.
For painted doors, deeper reddish-browns, navy blue, forest green, black, and white are traditional options. Yellow and turquoise doors add bright Mediterranean accents.
Arched doors with decorative woodcarving or wrought iron add extra Spanish flair.
Windows and Shutters
Windows on Spanish homes are often trimmed with decorative shutters or metalwork. Popular shutter colors include:
– Terra cotta
– Forest green
– Navy blue
– Black
Wrought iron window grilles and railings typically have an aged, rusty patina or are painted black, bronze, or dark brown.
Interior Colors
Spanish style homes have colorful, inviting interiors. Traditional colors include:
– Terracotta red
– Sunny yellow
– Orange
– Green
– Blue
Earth tones like brown, tan, and terracotta mimic the colors of adobe clay. Yellow and orange add warmth and vibrancy. Blue and green cool things down.
The interior color palette often ties into exterior colors. For example, sunny yellow walls complement a home with white stucco and blue accents. Terracotta walls and tiled floors mirror the roof tiles.
Patterned tile as backsplashes, flooring, stair risers, and bathroom surfacing is another way to incorporate colors. Traditional patterns include Talavera, Moroccan, and Spanish ceramic tile.
Creating a Cohesive Look
When selecting paint colors for a Spanish home, the key is sticking to a cohesive palette. The stucco, roof tiles, doors, window accents, and interior colors should coordinate.
Start with a neutral base color like white, beige, or tan stucco. Next choose roof tiles in terracotta or earth tones. Then pick accent shades for the doors, shutters, ironwork, and interior. Colors like blue, green, yellow, and red add eye-catching pops.
Tie everything together using similar shades and undertones. For example, coordinate red roof tiles with terracotta stucco accents and reddish-brown wood doors. Use the same yellow on the interior walls as on the exterior details. Echo interior blues and greens outside as door and shutter colors.
Follow these principles to create harmonious, inviting Spanish style color schemes.
Conclusion
Spanish-style architecture calls for warm, sunny color palettes. Traditional exterior colors include white, beige, or tan stucco walls with terra cotta roofs. Reddish-brown, green, blue, and yellow accents add vibrance. Interiors feature bright colors like sunny yellow, terra cotta, and blue paired with decorative tilework. By sticking to a cohesive color scheme inspired by the climate and history of the Spanish style, you can create an authentic atmosphere.
