Be inspired by our guide on styling a Spanish patio or alfresco area. When it comes to outdoor areas, Australians have a set list of values they want and the Spanish patio ticks all the boxes. Dining, relaxing, and entertaining are at the heart of the style, which is why so many local homeowners want to add a Spanish spark to their property.
Spanish Colonial-style homes are commonplace in Australia, and the natural, rugged landscapes of Spain have several similarities to our own home soil, meaning this look will never look out of place.
Read on to learn how to design a Spanish patio in Australia.
Set A Strong Base
Spanish-inspired outdoor areas are minimalist, but they require strong bones to achieve the right look. Think of the iconic terracotta pots, stucco walls, exposed ceiling beams, arches, wrought iron features and arid plant gardens. All these features combine to make the stunning style we know and love.
A Spanish-style patio works best with Australian homes that are made of brick, stone or those that have been rendered. Bonus points if you have a clay-tiled roof, but the look can still be achieved with classic Aussie tin roofing. You’ll be on the right path to renovating a perfect Spanish patio in Australia by utilising as many of the points above.
Growing A Spanish Garden
Bring life to your Spanish-inspired patio with lush vegetation. Unlike other popular Australian gardens like Balinese, or overgrown tropical styles, Spanish gardens use foliage sparingly. Pot plants and thin garden beds allow for pops of green to liven up your outdoor areas, but not swallow them up.
Succulents, cacti, and flowering shrubs like lavender do wonders for placement on the ground. Placing vines or ivy on balconies or wall-mounted planters is great for creating height in your garden space, as well as tall hedges for extra dimension and privacy from your neighbours. If you want to integrate Spanish flavours into your life, include a herb garden featuring thyme, rosemary and oregano, so you always have authentic and fresh Spanish flavours nearby. For extra points, a citrus tree can be a great centre point of your terrace, offering wonderful shade and the natural perfume of the fruits it bears.
Seal the Look with a Courtyard or Terrace
Indoor-outdoor living is a staple of the romanticised Spanish lifestyle. Because of the arid conditions, many gardens in Spain do away with grass lawns and instead lay stunning stone courtyards that are decorated with pops of green from potplants or garden beds.
Spanish Patio
Patios are synonymous with Spanish outdoor living. It’s especially common in the Spanish Colonial style to marry indoor and outdoor living as seamlessly as possible. Many homes in this style will feature large doors or windows across the connecting patio wall to enhance visibility and accessibility to the alfresco area.
Traditional Spanish patios are reserved to be the centre of dining, relaxation and entertainment. Because of this, they tend to surround a courtyard, an outdoor dining area or a pool. The shade shouldn’t take up your entire outdoor space but instead offer a choice between shade and sunshine for those soaking in the outdoors. Separately, a pergola will add style and sophistication to an outdoor lounge area, namely near a pool or garden.
Traditional Spanish Materials
As a country rich with history, many homes have maintained the use of traditional materials. Many courtyards are paved with brick, flagstone or rustic clay tiles. Decorate with wrought-iron features and terracotta pots which are layered on several vertical surfaces.
Light Tones With A Touch Of Colour
Similarly to a Mediterranean-style patio, the base of Spanish design is centred around light, earthy tones, complemented with vibrant colours. Creme, burnt orange or stone brown buildings are invigorated with features of brilliant blues, reds, greens or yellow. These bright accents are often reserved for pots, furniture, art, and mosaiced items.
Light tones should occupy most of your space because Spain – like Australia – is blessed with strong sunlight. Using light tones will reduce the noticeability of sun-bleaching and ensure your Spanish-style patio continues to look fantastic year after year.
Accents Of Art
Historically, Spain was a hub for the development of art and architecture. It would be a waste not to feature the iconic and immortal artistic style founded by the culture thousands of years ago. Choose between a gentle clutter of glazed pottery, oil-painted canvases and vibrant colours or a focus of clean lines and geometric shapes to put the finishing touches on your patio.
Add Shade To Your Spanish-style Home
SEQ Patio Group removes the ‘pain’ from Spain when it comes to designing a stunning, Spanish-inspired alfresco area. When you work with us, you’re guaranteed top-quality workmanship, excellent communication and, of course, a stunning, custom patio. Contact us today and let’s discuss building your dream patio.
