12 Design Features That Bring Spanish Flavor to a Kitchen
Cook up a fresh take on old-world style in your kitchen with these ideas for mixing in Spanish-style materials and architectural details
Whether you are planning a new Spanish-style kitchen or remodeling an old one, these 12 design features will help you capture the rustic charm and warmth of this unique architectural style.
Most of these ideas — arches, wood and stone ceilings, decorative hoods, a kitchen fireplace and more — are best incorporated during the drawing phase to allow for proper integration into the whole. Take a look at these inspiration photos and tell us: What's your favorite thing about a Spanish-style kitchen?
Most of these ideas — arches, wood and stone ceilings, decorative hoods, a kitchen fireplace and more — are best incorporated during the drawing phase to allow for proper integration into the whole. Take a look at these inspiration photos and tell us: What's your favorite thing about a Spanish-style kitchen?
2. Wood and stone ceilings. Typical Spanish-style homes have neutral color schemes. For this reason elaborately detailed ceilings, such as this brick barrel-vaulted ceiling, look great.
3. Copper sinks. I love to use copper sinks in Spanish-style kitchens. This hammered island sink by Native Trails perfectly complements the oil-rubbed-bronze faucet.
4. Stone siding. Don't be afraid to bring a bit of the outdoors into the kitchen. This rustic stone siding contrasts the modern stove and countertops, creating warmth and texture. Notice the two different but perfectly paired cabinet colors.
5. A decorative hood. The stove or range hood is very often a kitchen's focal point. Create interest with details such as this carved trim piece. Timber and Mexican tiles are other materials that can showcase this area.
6. Iron sconces. If there is an opportunity for additional lighting, consider adding sconces as accents. Sconces are nice on dimmers during the evening hours, when bright light is not necessary.
7. Arches. In this generously sized kitchen, an arch separates the cooking and dining areas and adds to the Mediterranean look. There's another arch in the niche by the range.
8. A fireplace. If you have the room in your kitchen, consider a cozy Spanish-style fireplace with banco seating and space for wood storage.
9. Soft white cabinets. I like this kitchen because it shows that white can be warm. With soft white cabinets mixed with warm wood details, such as beams and wood flooring, this kitchen is cohesive and has a true Spanish aesthetic. Notice the Mexican tiles on the backsplash in quiet colors.
10. Open shelves and cabinets. Open shelving is one of those old-world details that look fresh for today. Spanish-style kitchens are simple and unfussy. I love the casual feel of these open shelves and lower cabinets. Notice how the smooth plaster rounds the edges of the few door cabinets that are visible.
11. Saltillo floors. A hallmark of Spanish-style interiors, Saltillo tiles offer great patina and texture, and make great kitchen floors. They are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and can be sealed with a clear or tinted sealer to give the patina even more depth.
12. A courtyard. If you're in the drawing phase, consider locating the kitchen adjacent to a courtyard. This is an ideal layout for dining outside on warm, sunny days or cool summer nights.
Tell us: Do you have a Spanish-style kitchen, or do you dream of one? Tell us about it in the Comments section below!
Tell us: Do you have a Spanish-style kitchen, or do you dream of one? Tell us about it in the Comments section below!