We may have spent several seasons talking about Japandi (the perfect fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics), but in 2024, the merging of two different locations has taken center stage.
Spanifornia, the blend of Spanish and Californian style, is a movement that celebrates the best of both destinations in one space. Think rustic terracotta, rough-hewn textiles, and tropical houseplants – or, for an instant Spanifornia fix, take Novak Djokovic's entryway.
The Serbian-born tennis pro has homes in Monte Carlo, Miami, New York City, and Marbella, but it is the latter entryway that exhibits the design trend perfectly. Complete with monochromatic checkered tiles, wooden architectural features, and gold accents. It combines quaint Spanish style with pared-back Californian luxury – and creates the right first impression in the first room of his home.
While our entryway is the perfect base for experimenting with the Spanifornia style, this look translates to every room – including our living space, as designer Carolyn Cerminara-Kelly, the founder of Cerminara Design, explains.
'The Spanifornia aesthetic captures everything I adore. It blends the freshness and subtle earthiness of California living with warm tones alongside the traditional yet intricate style of Spanish design, which boasts color and natural materials,' Kelly says.
'Bringing this style into your home is easy. I would start by incorporating a large handmade woven rug in natural hues, featuring a pattern and a vibrant pop of color, into your main living space. Pair it with furniture in natural tones, along with marble and wrought iron accent tables.'
Similarly, introducing artwork (whether this is in our entryway, as Djokovic demonstrates) or another space is a powerful way to introduce just the right amount of color.
'Decorating with art is always a great opportunity to introduce vibrant colors into your space,' Kelly explains. 'You can either frame it in a rustic wood frame for a more earthy feel or keep your art black and white and frame it with an ornate frame to add a touch of sophistication. If you're doing that, I would reduce the scale of art pieces in your space, which can also add to that traditional element.'
Alternatively, while large-scale renovations can be trickier (and more time and cost-consuming), the end result will create a space to rival the tennis star's space.
'I would begin by adding arches throughout your space, tiled with intricate handmade terracotta tiles. Whether the tile is loud or subtle depends on what it pairs with, but the consistency of the handmade tile will give it that unmistakable Spanifornia vibe,' Kelly suggests. 'Plus, always incorporate marble and wrought iron accents into your space for a cohesive look. Ultimately, the goal is to create a space that feels effortless, relaxed, and well-traveled, embodying the best of both California and Spanish influences.'
