Hello everyone! It’s been almost half a year since I moved to Andalusia, and the renovation and decoration of my home are finally complete. Waking up to the sunshine and olive trees outside my window every day, I feel like life has slowed down. I’ve learned a lot from the many posts about life in Spain on this forum, so today I’d like to give back and share what the inside of a Southern Spanish villa really looks like, along with some of my personal experiences and insights.
The Soul of the Home: Flooring and Tiles
Before coming to Southern Spain, I always thought hardwood floors were the standard for a home. But after arriving, I discovered that terracotta tiles are the true stars of any Southern Spanish villa! They are wonderfully cool to the touch in the summer and have a great rustic feel. For the kitchen and bathrooms, Azulejos are a must. The variety of patterns is incredible, and you can create stunning effects by combining them. At first, I was worried it might be too flashy, but paired with the pure white walls here, they are the perfect finishing touch. Modern minimalist styles don’t really work here, haha.
A Play of Light and Shadow: White Walls and Arches
Andalusia is famous for its ‘passionate’ sunshine, which is why buildings here, both inside and out, are almost universally painted white. These whitewashed walls not only reflect the maximum amount of sunlight to keep the interior cool but also make any space, like a Spanish sea view villa, feel incredibly bright and airy. Another characteristic is the ubiquitous use of arches. From the doorways in the hallways to the porticoes connecting the living room and the patio, the rounded lines create a very natural and soft transition, replacing the sharp angles of modern architecture with a touch of relaxed romance.
The Heart of Living: The Patio
Unlike the ‘backyard’ as we might understand it, the patios here are often designed in the center of the house, acting as the core of the home. It’s not just a place for planting flowers; it’s more like a roofless living room. We put a table and chairs here to eat, drink coffee, and read. It’s also where we gather with friends. There’s usually a small fountain in the center of the patio, and the sound of trickling water is especially cooling in the summer. Planting a few lemon trees and bougainvillea fills the whole house with life.
Some Practical Tips
I also ran into some issues during the renovation, so here are a few takeaways for your reference. Material selection is particularly important, as different materials vary greatly.
| Material Comparison | Pros | Cons | Recommended Area |
|---|
| Terracotta Tiles | Cool in summer, rustic aesthetic, durable | Requires regular sealing, can stain easily | Living room, bedroom, hallway |
| Colorful Patterned Tiles (Azulejos) | Rich patterns, waterproof, moisture-resistant, easy to clean | Higher price, expensive labor for small tile installation | Kitchen walls, bathroom, stairs |
| Microcement | Modern look, seamless, waterproof | High skill required for installation, prone to cracking, expensive | Bathroom floors and walls |
When buying furniture, pay attention to the dimensions. Many houses here have narrow doorways, and oversized furniture might not fit inside. Also, and this is a big one, definitely install good awnings. Otherwise, the afternoon sun in the summer will literally bake you.
The home decor style in Southern Spain revolves around sunshine, nature, and family life. It’s both rustic and refined, and full of life. I hope my sharing can be a useful reference for those also living in Spain or who are interested in a Spanish sea view villa. If you have any questions or better suggestions, feel free to discuss them below!
