Arabic influences are evident in the south of Spain.
Spain is a country with a long and rich history and whose visual culture reflects its contact with Northern European and North African cultures. Decorating with Spanish-inspired colors can bring a relaxed, Mediterranean atmosphere to your home. Choose a medieval, rustic look, a sunny Andalusian theme or create your own palette to evoke the colors and feelings of Spain.
Rustic Schemes
Sand and brick are common Spanish home decor colors.
For a classic, rustic, old world look, choose warm, muted colors such as mustard, rust, tan, butter, camel or brick. Look for colors that complement wood. Add wood accents where possible, such as window frames, picture frames or ceiling beams. Don't feel limited to painting with with one color in a single room. Paint the ceiling a different color from the walls, or color one wall with an accent color. Choose paint textures that will enhance the overall classic Spanish feel. Avoid glossy or eggshell textures. Instead, choose finishes such as matte or suede, or sponge-paint the walls for a stone-like finish.
Moorish Spain
Use the blue from the Mediterranean Sea as an accent color to evoke Andalusian style.
Southern Spain, the area known as Andalusia, or Andalucia, absorbed centuries of Arabic presence that influenced design and decor. The warmer climate in the south of Spain meant lighter colors inside and out, and the proximity of the Mediterranean sea and bright sunshine provided inspiration for the palette as well. To create one iconic Andalusian look, place a row of Arabic tiles along the top or bottom of each wall or as a border around a window. Use white or off-white to show off the colors in the tiles, or paint the walls with one color from the tiles. Use cobalt blue or bright yellow accents for colors of window frames, doors or pottery.
Creative Color Schemes
Don't feel limited by traditional colors or decor elements. Get creative by painting with the bright colors associated with different cultural aspects of Spain. Find inspiration in the gold and red of the Spanish flag, bright bullfighters costumes or the paintings of the famous Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Find an especially evocative photograph or painting, and base your palette on your favorite colors in the work. Look through Spanish art or travel books for ideas. You can even use deep reds and blacks, inspired by the colors of flamenco dancers' costumes; paired with low lighting and candles, which will bring about the ambiance of a Moorish-Spanish cafe at night.
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