After living in Spain for a few years, I finally bought a Chalet with a yard in the suburbs of Valencia last year. The moment I got the keys, I knew I had to renovate it into the American style I’ve always dreamed of! Not the old-fashioned, dark American look, but a relaxed, bright, and slightly retro modern American style. After a whirlwind six months of work, I’ve finally moved in comfortably, and I wanted to share my renovation experience with everyone on the forum.
Color & Hard Finishes: Setting the American Tone
The soul of the American style lies in its color palette and hard finishes. I chose a classic off-white for all the walls, which feels warmer than pure white. For the flooring, I went with oak-colored herringbone parquet throughout the house, which instantly created a retro and cozy feel. Another key element is the wainscoting and plaster cornices, which are not very common in local Spanish renovations. I had them custom-made by a carpenter. Although it was a bit pricey, the result was totally worth it! The fireplace in the living room was also a centerpiece; I built a faux decorative fireplace, which instantly maxed out the ambiance.
Furniture Selection: A Balance of Comfort and Quality
American furniture is characterized by being ‘big’ and ‘comfortable.’ I chose a large, deep, off-white fabric sofa—it’s incredibly cozy for movie nights. The coffee table and side tables are made of dark solid wood to ground the light-colored space and add a sense of stability. In the dining room, I have a long solid wood table paired with several different styles of Windsor chairs for a bit of a mix and match feel. I found a lot of my furniture at El Corte Inglés and Maisons du Monde; shopping during the sales season saved me a lot.
Soft Furnishings: The Devil is in the Details
Soft furnishings are the soul of a home! I chose linen-cotton blend curtains because they are translucent, keeping the room bright even when closed during the day. The rug is made of sisal, giving it a natural, rustic touch. Lighting is also crucial. I used a vintage-style wrought iron chandelier in the living room, and chose warm table lamps and floor lamps for the bedroom and study. For wall art, I specifically selected some botanical and architectural sketches, which instantly added an artistic atmosphere to the house.
Here’s a summary of some practical problems I encountered while doing an American-style renovation in Spain and how I solved them. I hope this is helpful:
| Problem Encountered | My Solution |
|---|
| Carpenter didn’t understand the wainscoting style | Found high-definition detail photos online and printed them for the craftsman. |
| Couldn’t find suitable American-style light fixtures | Beyond physical stores, browse Amazon.es and European e-commerce sites; check out examples of American-Spanish style villas. |
| Budget overruns are easy | Invest in good quality hard finishes; soft furnishings and furniture can be added gradually during sales seasons. |
Although the process was exhausting, coming home every day to this house I built with my own hands makes it all worthwhile. I hope everyone in Spain can have the home of their dreams!
