15 Gorgeous Spanish Kitchen Designs Showcasing Warm Elegance
(…And That Time I Tried to DIY a Terracotta Backsplash and Ended Up with Caulk in My Hair)

image by pixabay

So here’s how it started: I fell down a Pinterest hole looking for “cozy rustic kitchen ideas” and three hours later, I was mentally living in a sun-drenched Spanish villa. You know the kind—arched doorways, hand-painted tile, a giant bowl of lemons just casually sitting on the counter like it’s always citrus season.*

Meanwhile, my actual kitchen featured mismatched knobs, a very tired linoleum floor, and a stovetop that only worked when you thumped it gently with a wooden spoon. Clearly, something had to change.

What I didn’t expect? How deeply in love I’d fall with Spanish-style kitchens. They’re warm, earthy, imperfect in the most beautiful way, and filled with texture, color, and history. Here are some stunning ideas I’ve gathered—some I’ve tried (with mild success), others I’m still dreaming about.

Hand-Painted Tile Backsplash

You don’t need a whole wall—just a few rows of Talavera or Moroccan-style tiles instantly add that artisanal charm. I attempted a DIY version with stick-on tiles. One peeled off mid-dinner and scared the dog, but otherwise? Very vibey.

Warm Wood Cabinets (Scratches Welcome)

Forget glossy modern cabinets. Think knotty walnut, rich cherry, or reclaimed pine. Ours came “pre-scratched” thanks to our toddler and her plastic kitchen set, and honestly—it fits the look.

Exposed Wooden Ceiling Beams

Beams = instant hacienda. We don’t have real ones, but I may or may not have painted fake ones using foam and a YouTube tutorial. My husband walked in and asked, “Why is there a pool noodle on the ceiling?” Progress, not perfection.

Terracotta Tile Floors

Worn, sun-warmed, and a little uneven in the best way. We tried peel-and-stick terracotta vinyl to “test the look” and accidentally fell in love. It hides crumbs like a champ, which is basically my only design requirement.

Arched Cabinet Doors

Spanish style loves a good curve. I found a local carpenter who added soft arches to our upper cabinet doors and it totally transformed the space. Bonus: no more banging my head on sharp corners when reaching for cereal.

Copper Accents

Aged copper range hoods, pots, or even drawer pulls add warmth and character. I bought a copper teapot purely for the aesthetic. I do not drink tea. It now holds dried lavender and looks amazing.

Colorful Pottery Display

Spanish kitchens embrace open shelving, especially when filled with ceramic bowls and pitchers. Warning: open shelves will collect dust. Also warning: you won’t care because it looks so good.

Plaster Walls in Cream or Sand

Flat white can feel too sterile. A buttery stucco-textured plaster makes everything feel lived-in and golden. We used limewash paint for a similar effect and I’m obsessed (even though I forgot to tape the ceiling—oops).

Wrought Iron Lighting

Swap out your builder-grade pendant for a black iron chandelier or lantern-style fixture. Ours came slightly crooked. I told everyone it was “intentionally rustic.” No one questioned it.

Built-In Nooks and Alcoves

Think: arched pantry niches, little cubbies for spices, or even a built-in bench under the window. I tried to fake one with IKEA cabinets and molding. It looks… mostly believable, especially from far away.

A Spanish-Style Range Hood

Stucco or tiled range hoods make a serious statement. I’m still saving up for one, but in the meantime, I stuck a few leftover tiles on ours and draped a faux eucalyptus garland over it. Instant upgrade.

Rustic Stone Countertops

Granite is great, but a honed limestone or travertine counter? That’s the good stuff. I’ve learned that stains add “patina.” (Translation: I spilled sangria and couldn’t get it out. But it kind of works?)

Patterned Floor Tile Rugs

If you can’t commit to a whole floor, try a patterned tile “rug” under your sink or stove area. I did a stick-on version and now everyone thinks I hired a designer. Joke’s on them—it was $12 and a Saturday afternoon.

Earthy Color Palette

Rust. Clay. Soft olive. Deep blue. These rich, natural tones make the whole kitchen feel sun-kissed and grounded. I painted our walls “warm sand” and the whole room just exhaled.

A Touch of Imperfection

Cracked pottery, handwoven baskets, slightly chipped tiles—Spanish kitchens don’t strive for flawlessness. They tell a story. So if your grout line is crooked or your antique bowl wobbles a little? You’re doing it right.

Final Thoughts (While Stirring Soup with a Wooden Spoon That’s Older Than My Marriage)
Spanish kitchens aren’t just about looks—they’re about feeling. Warmth, gathering, soul. A little old-world elegance mixed with everyday messiness. (Like, yes, my counter has dried pasta stuck to it, but look at those beautiful tiles!)

If you’re craving a kitchen that feels relaxed, inviting, and perfectly imperfect, the Spanish style might just be your love language. Start small, let it evolve, and don’t stress about nailing every detail. A crooked tile here, a paint splatter there—it’s all part of the charm.

And if you end up with caulk in your hair? Welcome to the club. We have sangria.

xo,
Your slightly dusty but very inspired kitchen-loving friend