Character is arguably the most important aspect of design. No matter how beautiful your finishes or how high-quality your materials, a house that feels like a showroom will never draw you in the way a place with a more lived-in energy does.
On this week's episode of HGTV's Celebrity IOU, Zach Braff worked with Drew and Johnathan Scott to infuse personality into his friend's bare-bones home. The Spanish-style results are stunning. Though Braff's friend Mark's home was build in the 1930s, by the time he bought it a series of ill-planned renovations had left the space feeling cold, uninviting, and disjointed. Braff collaborated with the property brothers to gift Mark's family the renovation of a lifetime; transforming the space from a simple house into a beautiful and highly functional home.
The finished space is full of personality. First, the brothers use curves in the interior design to add flow. They replaced the squared-off doorways with a more rounded style, and knocked out walls to make one room move dynamically to the next. This softness brings warmth and coziness to the home, perfect for a family.
Furthermore, the Scotts have incorporated a variety of warming finishes to make the interior of the home feel warm and organic. From matte white walls to metallic gold finishes to parquet wood flooring, varied materials create a dynamic and visually interesting feel in the home's living room. In the cooking space, wood kitchen cabinets are the perfect contrast to imitation marble countertops. The overall effect is vibrant and inviting.
If you hope to create a similar look, a great place to start is with the Spanish-style interior design trend. According to Ryan Fitzgerald, a real estate expert at Raleigh Realty, the secret to replicating the look is found in our architectural details. 'Arched doorways, stucco walls, and decorative tiles are all hallmarks of this style that I've seen make a significant impact,' he says. 'I've found that incorporating hand-painted tiles as a kitchen backsplash or on stair risers can add a pop of color and pattern that's quintessentially Spanish Revival.'
Next, we must consider textures. 'They play a big role in creating the cozy, inviting feel of Spanish Revival interiors. I often suggest using rich fabrics like velvet or brocade for upholstery and incorporating woven textiles such as rugs or throw pillows to add depth and visual interest to the space.'
Shop Homes & Gardens' Spanish Style Edit
As Fitzgerald emphasizes, the Spanish style is about using texture and warmth in your home. Natural materials like marble, wood, and clay are wonderful ways to incorporate them. Especially if you cannot do a full remodel where you bring in arched doorways, small accessories are perfect for recreating the cozy, romantic feel of the Spanish look. Candle holders, picture frames, and clay pots are the ideal places to start.
This earthy candleholder is perfect for bringing a warm, Spanish touch to your home
This woven frame is at once rustic and sophisticated
This artisan quality planter has an organic shape and feel to add some texture and interest to any room
If you are incorporating Spanish-style decor into your home, don't be afraid to go to for a minimalist approach to the look. Gierasinska states: 'The "less is more" approach is key with this trend to foster a relaxed and refreshing environment and to capture the sense of serene comfort enjoyed on holiday within one’s own home.'
With inspiration from Zach Braff's remodel with Drew and Johnathan Scott, you can make your house a space where every day feels like vacation.
