How I Fell in Love With Spanish Mediterranean Design (And Brought It Into My Own Home)

 

 

A few years ago, I found myself completely mesmerized by a photo of a little white villa in Andalusia. Stucco walls glowing in the sun, hand-painted tiles on the steps, a worn wooden door framed in bougainvillea. It was one of those photos you save and never forget — I think I even printed it out and stuck it on the fridge like a dream home vision board.

I don’t live in Spain. I live in a modest house with a porch that needs repainting and a yard that the dog has half-destroyed. But that didn’t stop me from falling head over heels for Spanish Mediterranean style — and slowly, piece by piece, bringing bits of that warmth into our space.

image by pinterest

It wasn’t about copying a Pinterest board perfectly. It was about capturing a feeling: sun-soaked, earthy, a little rustic, but full of life and soul. Here are 14 elements that helped me channel that timeless, relaxed style — with a few affordable Amazon finds I used along the way (no passports required).

 

 

1. The White Stucco Villa with Wrought Iron Details

There’s something magical about whitewashed walls paired with wrought iron — it’s crisp, dramatic, and somehow both bold and calming.

We don’t have stucco siding, but I painted our exterior a warm white (“Swiss Coffee” was the shade) and added this wrought iron lantern by the front door. I swear, it changed the whole vibe.

🏡 Wrought Iron Outdoor Wall Lantern – Mediterranean Style See it on Amazon ›

2. Clay Tile Roofing and Arched Entryways

Nothing says “Spanish Mediterranean” like curved terracotta tiles and smooth arches. I obviously wasn’t about to re-roof our house, but I found ways to echo those shapes inside.

We added arched mirrors in the hallway and swapped a plain doorway for an arched entry frame (it was a sticky DIY weekend, but worth it). It made the space feel softer, more thoughtful.

🏺 Terracotta Decorative Planter – Mediterranean Garden Style See it on Amazon ›

3. Interior Courtyards with Fountains

Okay, I don’t have a courtyard. But I do have a little patio where I added a bubbling solar fountain surrounded by clay pots and a bistro table. On warm evenings, I sit out there with a drink and pretend I’m in Granada.

🌿 Solar-Powered Outdoor Fountain – Tiered Terracotta Look See it on Amazon ›

4. Hand-Painted Tiles

This was a non-negotiable. I’m obsessed with tile. But real Spanish tile is pricey — and I’m not made of euros.

Instead, I used tile decals for our stair risers and backsplash. They’ve held up shockingly well and give the whole space a splash of color and personality.

🖌️ Spanish Talavera Tile Stickers – Waterproof (Set of 24)See it on Amazon ›

5. Wrought Iron Chandeliers

I replaced our basic pendant light with this dramatic wrought iron chandelier and it immediately made the room feel grounded and moody in the best way.

💡 Rustic 6-Light Wrought Iron Chandelier – Vintage Bronze See it on Amazon ›

6. Wood Beam Ceilings

I used to think you needed a centuries-old ceiling for this look. Nope.

I added peel-and-stick wood beam wallpaper to the ceiling of our hallway and even though it’s fake, it added texture and warmth without construction.

🌲 Wood Beam Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper – Rustic Faux FinishSee it on Amazon ›

7. Textured Walls and Natural Plaster

I tried limewashing a wall once. It was… not cute. But eventually I found a textured paint that gave that earthy, imperfect Mediterranean look without the mess or mood swings.

🎨 Limewash-Style Wall Paint – Mediterranean White See it on Amazon ›

8. Outdoor Living Spaces with Character

Even the smallest porch or balcony can feel Mediterranean with the right materials: terra cotta pots, woven textures, maybe a weathered bench.

🪴 Clay Look Large Planters – Set of 2, Weather-Resistant See it on Amazon ›

9. Arched Wooden Doors

A Spanish home often makes its boldest statement at the entrance—with a dark wooden door, iron studs, and a hand-hammered knocker.

10. Warm Terracotta and Earth Tones

Spanish homes are rooted in the colors of the land—burnt sienna, olive green, mustard yellow, deep navy, and warm neutrals.

11. Curved Staircases with Iron Railings

Whether grand or modest, curved staircases add drama and movement, often lined with decorative tiles and intricate balusters.

🧱 Tile Stair Decals – Spanish Pattern Vinyl (Set of 12) See it on Amazon ›

12. Moorish Influence in Patterns

Geometric and floral motifs with Arabic roots echo across Spanish design, especially in textiles, tiles, and lanterns.

🕯️ Moroccan-Inspired Lantern – Aged Brass with Glass Panels See it on Amazon ›

13. Rustic Kitchen with Open Shelves

A Spanish kitchen blends warmth and practicality. Wood shelving, exposed cookware, and textured ceramics make it feel lived-in and soulful.

🍴 Rustic Wood Kitchen Shelf with Hanging Hooks See it on Amazon ›

14. Lush Landscaping and Iron Gates

Outside, the look continues with bougainvillea vines, gravel paths, and elegant ironwork around every corner.

🌸 Bougainvillea Vine (Artificial for Fence/Wall Decor) See it on Amazon ›

Spanish Mediterranean homes are all about timeless beauty, relaxed elegance, and deep connection to nature and history. From rustic wooden beams to sunlit courtyards and hand-tiled accents, these homes exude warmth and character.

With these 14 stunning inspirations—and handpicked Amazon pieces—you can bring this luxurious yet grounded style into your own home. Whether you’re designing a full villa or just updating a single room, a touch of the Mediterranean is always in season.