Since moving to Spain, I’ve had a long-held dream of owning a country house full of sunshine and stories. Last year, I finally bought an old house in Andalusia that needed a major overhaul. Although the process was challenging, watching it transform into my dream home day by day made it all worth it! Today, I want to share my experience with this vintage country-style renovation to offer some inspiration for those who share the same dream.
Preserving the Marks of Time: The Soul of Vintage Style
When I took over, many of the house’s original features were still intact, like the rough stone walls, exposed wooden beams, and old terracotta floor tiles. At first, I considered tearing everything down and starting fresh. However, when discussing my plans for this Spanish villa, a designer friend had a piece of advice that changed my perspective: “These imperfections are the very soul of the house.” So, we decided to preserve these elements as much as possible. We simply replastered the weathered walls with a natural lime-based paint, which not only provides moisture resistance but also gives a rustic, handcrafted finish. The exposed wooden beams were cleaned and given a preservation treatment, retaining their original deep color. It turns out these ‘old things’ became the most characterful parts of our home.
Choosing Hard and Soft Furnishings
Once the structural elements set the tone, soft furnishings were key to infusing personality. Instead of chasing expensive designer brands, I preferred browsing Sunday flea markets and second-hand furniture shops. An old wooden chest, a vintage brass lamp, a handwoven wool rug—each piece has its own story. Of course, comfort is also crucial. For items used frequently like the sofa and bed, I chose new, comfortable, and durable pieces. However, I opted for natural fabrics like linen or pure cotton in earth tones such as off-white and oatmeal to seamlessly blend with the overall vintage atmosphere.
| Area | Key Focus | Suggested Materials/Elements |
|---|
| Living Room | Preserve structure, create warmth | Lime-washed walls, wooden beams, linen sofa, wool rug |
| Kitchen | Blend of function and aesthetics | Vintage tiles, solid wood cabinets, brass faucet |
| Bedroom | Comfort and tranquility | Cotton/linen bedding, rattan furniture, warm lighting |
In my opinion, the key to creating a vintage Spanish country style is ‘blending old and new.’ It’s not about just piling up antiques, nor is it a complete modern overhaul. It’s about preserving the essence of the old architecture while integrating the comforts and conveniences of modern life. For example, I installed a modern dishwasher and oven in my rustic kitchen—who says vintage can’t save you some work? Watching the sunlight stream through the small window onto the old wooden table as I sip my coffee, I feel like this is the life I’ve always dreamed of. I wonder if there’s anyone else in the community renovating an old house? I’d love to exchange experiences!
