It’s hard not to be familiar with this style, popular in California, Florida, Texas, and southwestern states. The two-year Panama-California Exposition held between 1915 and 1917 in San Diego celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and, with it, brought a growing interest in Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean style architecture. The exhibition marks the beginning of Spanish Revival in the area, and the style continues to be popular today.
Spanish Revival differs from its predecessor Mission style architecture in that it is more ornate and finely detailed, particularly in trims, balcony rails and tiles. In terms of massing, homes will often be asymmetrical and include towers for chimneys (meant to mimic old Spanish castles and clock towers), arcades, balconies and low-pitched roofs.
Today’s Best in American Living Award winners continue to showcase the quintessential features of the style, including romantic arches, iron detailing, balconies, and stucco exteriors. Scroll through the gallery below to see 21st century examples of this 20th century style.
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- The asymmetrical massing and window trim detailing are reminiscent of the Spanish Revival style. Casabella Plan Three, Photography by Chris Mayer Photography.
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- A detailed balcony railing and front window give this home Spanish Revival flair. Torrey at Beacon Park – Plan 1, Photography by AG Photography Inc.
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- Although not traditional Spanish Revival Materials, the massing, tower-like chimney and balcony detailing speak to the style. Torrey at Beacon Park – Plan 3, Photography by AG Photography Inc.
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- This home is classic Spanish Revival with its rounded doorways and windows, stucco exteriors, tower-like massing, and iron balcony railings. Avalon, Photography by Chris Mayer Photography.
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- 2015 judges named this home the Best in Region: Pacific. Arches, stucco, and railings borrow from Spanish Revival influences. Cassis, Photography by Chris Mayer Photography.
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- A tile roof, stucco and rounded entryway borrow from Spanish Revival style architecture. Refined Desert Haven, Photography by Werner Segarra Photography.
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- This home’s many arches, stucco exterior, balconies, and tile roof showcase Spanish Revival features. Summit Vista, Photography by Werner Segarra Photography.
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- Detailed tile work, like seen on this staircase, is a feature in Spanish Revival not found in Mission style architecture. Memorial Moroccan, Photography by Piston Design.
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- Arcades like this one were also features of Spanish Revival homes. Memorial Moroccon, Photography by Piston Design.
Alexandra Isham is the Design Program Manager at NAHB.
