Whether it’s the earthy textures or the refined palette that instantly evokes bright cloudless days, Spanish Colonial is a style with staying power. And what better place to recreate that warmth and elegance than in your bathroom?
Spanish Colonial, or Spanish Revival, often incorporates intricate tile detailing to create an elevated yet approachable aesthetic. Learn about this distinctive style and how you can transform your bathroom into a Spanish-style haven using our handmade tile.
Tile: Valencia custom colorway, 4x8 White Wash | Design: The Brownstone Boys | Image: Nick Glimenakis
What is Spanish Colonial Revival Style?
A blend of Spanish, Mexican, Mediterranean and Indigenous influences, it takes inspiration from its environment. Spanish Colonial homes were traditionally designed for warm climates to keep inhabitants comfortable in the heat, so it makes sense that these styles of homes are unmistakable staples of sunny states like California and Florida.
Tile: Star & Cross Sand Dune | Design: Katie Hodges Design | Image: Jenna Peffley
Architectural Elements
Spanish Colonial style is typically defined by multi-level, asymmetrical exteriors topped with flat roofs. You’ll often find arches, remnants of its Moorish heritage, as well as second-story balconies, tower-like chimneys, and fenestration.
At the heart of traditional Spanish Colonial homes, you’ll find arcades that lead to lush courtyards. Nooks and alcoves are tucked away within various corners of the home.
Tile: Valencia custom colorway | Design + Image: Chelsea Design + Construction
Materials & Color Palette
The materials used in Spanish Colonial style are typically a mixture of regional natural elements that contribute to the style’s rustic feel–most notably, stucco exteriors and terracotta roofs. Stucco, which is a mix of sand, water, and cement or lime, is commonly used for walls and will sometimes have layers of paint for an antiqued, Old World look.
Exposed wood beams in rich dark finishes help to anchor and frame a Spanish Colonial home’s interior. Decorative wrought iron accents that can be found in railings, gates, window grills, and lanterns elevate the style by incorporating classic elements.
A rustic and generally neutral palette echoes the earthy desert landscape. You’ll often find a rustic blend of warm tans and peachy neutrals; however, splashes of color, especially in the form of tilework, add a delightful and decorative touch to the space.
Tile: 4x4 Koi | Design: Anthony Roxas Architecture | Image: María del Río
Tile for a Spanish Colonial Bathroom
A Spanish Colonial bathroom design can incorporate all the elements above, but the main attraction is the tile. A neutral backdrop either in tan or red accented with colorful borders and trim can achieve a traditional look.
That said, today’s Spanish Colonial bathrooms don’t necessarily need to adhere to their dominantly neutral palette. Traditional design elements like arches and Handpainted Tile can be enough to achieve a Spanish Colonial design, so don’t be afraid to experiment with colors you’ve been wanting to try!
Tile: Madrid custom colorway, Star & Cross Antique, 6x6 Milky Way, 6x6 Sunflower | Image: Malcolm Fearon
Handpainted Tile
A key element in this design style, Handpainted Tile can be the most colorful element in a Spanish Colonial home. You’ll often see it acting as a border or accent in bathrooms–a splash of Handpainted Tile can be all it takes to bring the Spanish Colonial style home.
Tile: Grandola custom colorway, 6x6 White Wash | Image: Malcolm Fearon
On the other hand, don’t be afraid to use it as the dominant feature in your bathroom design whether that's on accent walls or as floor tiles.
A thoughtfully chosen block of Handpainted Tiles in the bathroom can instantly lend your space Spanish flair, as demonstrated by this desert oasis.
Tile: Jardin Fretwork custom colorway | Design + Image: Sara Combs & Rich Combs
It’s also common to see handpainted accents in tile wainscoting. We love how the sunny yellow tile here is complemented by a custom Handpainted border that gracefully hangs just above the sink.
Tile: 4x4 Tuolumne Meadows, Moorish Knot | Image: Malcolm Fearon
Patterns
Tile patterns are another key marker of Spanish Colonial design. For a traditional look, opt for square, straight set tile–but you can make it unconventional by choosing a fun splash of color.
Tile: 1x1 Sheeted and 4x4 Tiki Blue | Design: April Interiors | Image: Shelby Bella
Moorish influences will also be found in Spanish Colonial tile. Star & Cross designs can add the perfect touch of this design style, especially in our bestselling Antique glaze reminiscent of terracotta roofs.
Tile: Mini Star & Cross Antique | Design + Image: Plural Design Studio
Modern Spanish Revival Tile
Want to bring this look into a more modern aesthetic? No problem. By thoughtfully choosing one or two notable Spanish Colonial elements, you can easily incorporate this style into your bathroom.
Take this modern bath. The intricate fretwork on our handpainted Kasbah Trellis Tile brings a hint of Spanish Revival into the space, while the neutral colorway allows it to meld seamlessly with the otherwise modern elements.
Tile: Kasbah Trellis Neutral Motif, 3x6 Calcite Gloss | Design: Annabode + Co | Image: Brandon Lopez
This bathroom chose to keep the original terracotta floor and arched elements to infuse a subtle Spanish Colonial essence but brought the space into the 21st century with the help of textured black Brick.
Brick: Black Hills | Design: Paula Oblen, Bobby Berk | Image: Sara Tramp | Installer: Casa Tierra
