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Spanish Revival architecture, with its elegant white stucco facades, red-tiled roofs, and intricate detailing, is one of the most enduring architectural styles in the United States, visible everywhere from the Flagler College in St Augustine, Florida (formerly the Ponce de Leon hotel) to Casa Walsh on Beverly Hills 90210. Drawing from the architecture of the Spanish colonization of the Americas, this architectural movement can be found across California, Florida, and the Southwest today, in homes ranging from grand estates to cozy bungalows. Today, its signature elements continue to inspire homeowners and architects alike. Here's everything you need to know about Spanish Revival architecture.More on Architectural StylesThe History of Spanish Revival ArchitectureTo understand Spanish Revival architecture, we have to look back several hundred years. From the 16th to the mid-19th century, Spain was the dominant colonizer in the Americas. The parts of America settled by Spaniardsnamely Florida, California, and the Southwesthave a similar temperate climate as Spain. So the houses the colonizers built were quite similar to those found in their homeland. "As a matter of practicality, colonizing settlers merged building practices of their home nation with the local materials and tools available," explains Andrew Cogar, AIA, and president of Historical Concepts, an architecture firm based in Atlanta and New York that specializes in traditional yet modern homes. Thus, Spanish Colonial architecture was born.Now, as for Spanish Revival architecture, that happened a bit laterit was part of the Colonial Revival movement that spread all across the United States in the early 1900s as Americans grew fascinated with their colonial heritage. Spanish Revival took off after the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego, where architects Bertram Goodhue Carleton Winslow riffed on Spanish Colonial architecture for the design of the expo's main buildingsthis style became known as Spanish Colonial Revival, or simply Spanish Revival. uschools//Getty ImagesSeveral buildings in what is now San Diegos Balboa Park were built as part of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.This time around, Spanish architectural elements (the white stucco exterior, red tile roof, etc.) were more of a choice than a necessity, emphasizing the beauty and old-world feel of the materials that have become so closely tied with California casual style.As Andrew notes, it's no surprise that this unique architecture style continues to be popular and to "capture the imagination of Americans as an ideal example for individual homes in temperate climate zones." Spanish Revival homes are still widely found (and built) throughout Florida and California, but also extending further into the Southeast and Southwest.Spanish Revival Architecture Characteristics Douglas FriedmanA Spanish Revival interior by designer Jon De La Cruz.Spanish Revival homes share several distinct characteristics. White Stucco WallsThe structures are built with very thick walls, typically white stucco over adobe brick or stone, which help keep the houses cool.Red Tile RoofsOne of the most recognizable features is the red, barrel tile roof, which was low-pitched. In the Southwest, homes often have completely flat roofs with castle-like parapets lining the perimeter.Arched DoorwaysWooden doors accent the light stucco exterior walls and are sometimes arched, mimicked by arched doorways inside the homes.Small WindowsIn true Spanish Colonial homes, these tiny windows didn't have glass, just holes with wood shutters that opened and closed. Today, we've modernized them with glass panes.Intricate Interior DetailingThe interiors of Spanish Revival homes innately have a casual, warm feel to them, since the raw adobe walls may not be covered with plaster or accented with trim or painted tiles. Wooden beams often serve as structural support along the ceilings, while wrought iron detailing adds an industrial touch.Courtyards or PatiosGiven the warm climate in the areas where Spanish Revival architecture is found, it's perhaps no surprise that outdoor living is a main feature of the style.sara princeAn arched doorway in a home by Rita Chan Interiors.Regional Variations on Spanish Revival ArchitectureSince Spanish Colonial architecture was built across such a large geographic area with varying indigenous populations, the style has some regional distinctions as well. "Despite sharing the same Spanish cultural traditions and building techniques, the Southeast and Southwest had markedly different stylistic responses, based upon their specific geography and indigenous cultures," Andrew says.John Elk//Getty ImagesThe Pacific House Museum in Monterey, California.This holds true in Spanish Revival architecture, too. Monterey-style homes (of Monterey, California) were noted for their distinctive second-story porch that ran across the front of the house, Andrew says, as an addition to that original external breezeway. Walter Bibikow//Getty ImagesThe Mission-Style Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida.Mission-style architecture drew inspiration from the myriad churches built by Spanish settlers in California, which could be spotted by their use of arches and bell towers. Today, secular buildings including hotels, courthouses and even homes flaunt the style.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.
