Taupe, a grayish-brown hue, goes with almost anything. It is this characteristic that prompted Francis Tolentino, Executive Chef of Taupe in Bonifacio Global City, to name his restaurant after this neutral. It is also his favorite color, and for him, donning the restaurant interiors in monochromatic tones allows the food to shine. Tolentino worked with […]
Spanish Revival Style: The Comeback of Its Enduring Appeal
Spanish influences are still embedded in its colonized countries’ culture even after centuries have passed. They remain alive in language, names, festivities, cuisine, and faith. But one cultural aspect is now making a comeback after being idle for a long time despite continuous modernization. The Spanish revival trend is having its time again to take over interiors with the perfect blend of old and new.
Reviving a Classic
Spanish revival is a homage to its Spanish colonial and Moorish roots. Distinguished by its traditional and modern touches, it involves natural design elements like wooden beams, arched passages, and plaster walls. It also uses a blend of neutral and bold colors commonly reflected in tiles, mosaic accents, and other complex elements.
Its timeless appeal lies in showcasing conventional Spanish architecture while keeping up with the demands of modern living. And with its various lighting sources, comfy furniture, and various textures, it exhibits both an inviting and authentic ambiance.
Because Spanish revival lets its original and historical merits stand out and complement contemporary details, it creates classic, character-filled spaces.
Revived from the Traces of the Past
Interior designers have observed that European and Mediterranean-inspired interior styles are becoming trendier once again. Spanish revival, as one of the styles under this category, surged in popularity due to people’s sudden interest in restored interiors.
According to Dmar Interiors founder Mollie Ranize, people now fancy homes with a “cozy charm” instead of highly modernized spaces. She first noticed it in Southern California where historic Spanish-style homes established during the late 1700s are preserved. Although some of them have been renovated with the latest design trends, many of their original features remained intact. These make up the style’s unique visual interest that caught the attention of design communities.
YouTuber Lone Fox, aka Drew Michael Scott, adds that the mass production of furnishings with a Spanish revival touch further fuels this interior style’s comeback. On the other hand, interior designer Kristen Fiore regards it as more of a “revived interest and appreciation” than an interior craze. She explained that this design “has never gone out of style” because it sits in the middle of being bold and being simple. Such an aesthetic is always alluring to a wide range of homeowners and interior designers alike.
Another factor is the recent fascination for vintage and antique pieces. Since Spanish revival keeps its traditional vibe, it led to the resurgence of this design trend.
How to Achieve Spanish Revival
You don’t have to purchase a Spanish heritage house to achieve a revival interior. Your own home can be the perfect canvas to decorate with this style’s basic elements.
Terracotta and Earth Tones
Muted shades of red, orange, brown, green, and terracotta are all part of Spanish revival’s palette. Terracotta’s reddish brown hue is the resulting color of fired clay, often used in roof tiles.
But because it’s a strong color, incorporate this in your interiors with caution. To ensure terracotta won’t be too overpowering, apply it on floors and leave the walls and ceilings neutral. You can also use it in smaller details and items to give an unexpected pop of red.
Old and New
Antique and vintage pieces combined with modern items is the best way to manifest the Spanish revival look. But if you lack decor like these, you can opt for classic materials like rustic wood, iron, tapestries, wool, and leather. Use the fabrics for upholstery and hard materials for furniture and light fixtures. You can further embody its traditional cozy vibe by including statement lighting and oil paintings.
Architectural and Textural Interest
Spanish revival interiors are popular for their arches, coves, and exposed beams. But you don’t need to create faux architectural features to fully adopt this interior style. Instead, you can spice up the existing curves and lines by decorating them with tiles or textured paint. Apply limewash paint or plaster for your backsplash, door frames, and walls you want to accent. Or you can incorporate arabesque or mosaic tiles in bathrooms and countertops. Better if you choose eye-catching tile designs in darker earth tones to get a cohesive look.
While it can’t be denied that Spanish influences in houses are still evident, the aesthetics of these architectural remains are still stuck in the past. Spanish revival is back to bring its old world charm to modern homes, where traditional and contemporary styles can meet halfway.
Photos from GoodFon
Read more: Dopamine Decorating: Creating a Free and Happy Space at Home
Interior + Design Manila 2025 opened at the SMX Convention Center from March 6 to 8. The showcase of the local design industry by the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) hoped to go beyond just exceptional design—but to make the case for the future of interior design in the country as well. This trade […]
Artist Patrick de Veyra has always been obsessed with the idea of images and appropriation. As recently as last year, he curated two exhibits for Faculty Projects which tackle the idea of how we deal and define the images we use today. Storm in a Teacup, his most recent exhibition at West Gallery, circles around […]
Smart Home Philippines continues to solidify its position as a leader in smart home innovation, receiving the prestigious Best Interior Design Smart Home in Asia Pacific award at the IPAX Global Property Awards 2024-2025. Held at the Savoy Hotel in London, this recognition underscores the brand’s commitment to seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art technology with modern, functional […]
Kärcher, the German multinational company known for their cleaning machines, debuted the newest part of their 2025 Cultural Initiative as they partnered with the Intramuros Administration to clean up the walls of Fort Santiago. A “restorative cleaning effort” done to celebrate the company’s 90th anniversary, Kärcher’s team focused on cleaning up the wall facade and […]
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Primex Printers, Chief Marketing Officer Mariel Ching and Creative Director Gio Prado put together The Infinite Dot. The exhibit functions as a showcase of the capabilities of modern-day fine art printing, giving audiences a taste of the flexibility of the form to different ideas. The exhibit’s name comes from […]
Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]