Three Home Styles with European Roots to Inspire Your Dream Design
Climate-friendly features and timeless beauty link past and future.
Above: The Gantz House, a Spanish farmhouse designed by Jason Osborne Craig and Mary McLaughlin Craig
Now Serving Santa Barbara
New Avenue Homes is pleased to announce that we are offering our services to Santa Barbara, where New Avenue designer Lu de León is a board member for Santa Barbara Beautiful. Lu participated in awarding Santa Barbara Beautiful Awards to the Gantz House, Pistachio House, and El Jardin, all pictured in this email.
Lu has extensive experience designing within variations of the Mediterranean styles that are popular across the US (and, perhaps, perfected in Santa Barbara). Here are some of her thoughts on these styles.
Timeless Elegance: Exploring Spanish Colonial, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Mediterranean Styles
The Spanish Colonial, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Mediterranean styles embody an enduring charm, blending historical richness with modern functionality. At New Avenue Homes, we celebrate the artistry behind these designs, which inspire homes that are elegant, practical, and perfect for contemporary living.
Let’s explore the defining features of each style and take a look at some New Avenue homes that incorporate elements of these styles to achieve the homeowner's vision.
Spanish Colonial Style: The Foundation of Timeless Design
The Spanish Colonial style originates with the early Spanish settlers in the Americas and showcases a rustic and functional aesthetic. In a nod to its origins, modern usage of this style prioritizes durability, efficiency, and environmental harmony.
Key Features
Simple Stucco Exteriors: These exterior surfaces are minimalist and weather resistant.
Low-Pitched Red Tile Roofs: Flatter roofs pay homage to the simple, material-conserving roofs of Spanish settlements.
Deep-Set Windows: Smaller, rectangular openings provide shade and keep interiors cool.
Heavy Wood Accents: Rustic beams and shutters have a handcrafted quality.
Asymmetrical Layouts: Creative layouts without the need for symmetry are designed to adapt to the natural landscape.
Functional Outdoor Spaces: Utilitarian courtyards emphasize practical outdoor living.
Rustic Appeal
The charm of Spanish Colonial homes lies in their authenticity. Their understated beauty resonates with homeowners who value tradition, simplicity, and an earthy connection to history.
Above: El Jardin, a Spanish Colonial Revival home by Jeff Shelton
Spanish Colonial Revival Style: A Harmonious Blend of Old and New
Spanish Colonial Revival style captures the elegance of historic Mediterranean villas while adapting to modern needs. Popular in the early 20th century, this style blends Old World craftsmanship with a warm, inviting aesthetic.
Key Features
Stucco Walls: Smooth, light-colored exteriors offer durability and insulation.
Red Tile Roofs: Iconic clay tiles provide rustic charm and practical water shedding.
Arched Elements: Graceful curves in doorways and windows enhance the flow of design.
Wrought Iron Details: From railings to light fixtures, wrought iron adds texture and sophistication.
Outdoor Living Spaces: Courtyards and shaded patios blur the line between indoors and outdoors.
Cozy Interiors: Terracotta tiles, dark wood beams, and textured plaster walls create a warm atmosphere.
Why It Endures
Spanish Colonial Revival’s versatility shines in both urban and suburban settings. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to combine historical charm with modern functionality, making it an ideal choice for everything from new single-family homes to large California compounds.
Above: Pistachio House, a Spanish Colonial Revival home by Jeff Shelton
Mediterranean Style: Coastal Sophistication
Inspired by the sun-soaked villas of Spain, Italy, and Greece, Mediterranean design adds a coastal twist to timeless elegance. This style exudes casual sophistication, making it a favorite for relaxed yet luxurious living.
Key Features
Warm Stucco Tones: Sandy beige and terracotta hues reflect the Mediterranean landscape.
Red Tile Roofs: Extended eaves provide shade and aesthetic appeal.
Expansive Arches: Large doorways and windows invite natural light and breezes.
Symmetrical Facades: Balanced proportions create visual harmony.
Decorative Tiles: Vibrant patterns add personality to entryways and fountains.
Lush Landscaping: Terraces and courtyards adorned with climbing vines and potted plants evoke resort-like tranquility.
A Perfect Coastal Blend
Mediterranean homes emphasize the outdoor lifestyle, offering elegant spaces for relaxation and entertaining. Their symmetrical layouts and rich details make them a standout option for modern homeowners seeking a blend of comfort and style.
Above: The iconic rose garden at Mission Historical Park. The nearby Mission Santa Barbara and neighboring homes are examples of Spanish Colonial Revival design.
Sustainability in 21st-Century Homes: Eco-Friendly Features of Timeless Styles
The Spanish Colonial, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Mediterranean design styles inherently support sustainability, blending timeless beauty with eco-conscious design. Key features such as stucco walls and tile roofs contribute to energy efficiency by providing excellent insulation and thermal mass, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. Deep overhangs, low-pitched roofs, and strategically placed windows optimize natural light and ventilation, minimizing reliance on electricity.
When you factor in the use of locally sourced materials and today’s all-electric, net-zero-energy technologies, any home inspired by these enduring styles can be as environmentally conscious as it is elegant.
Spanish Colonial Revival structures in downtown Santa Barbara
Your Dream Home Awaits
At New Avenue Homes, we honor the rich traditions of global styles while tailoring each design to fit modern lifestyles. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of Spanish Colonial Revival, the authenticity of Spanish Colonial, the breezy charm of Mediterranean, or a design style that’s uniquely yours, we’ll bring your vision to life.
Whether you're in Santa Barbara or the San Francisco Bay Area, schedule your free consultation call to start your journey toward a timeless home that reflects your style and enhances your way of life.
