When you think of Spanish style homes, what are some of the design elements that immediately come to mind? Tile floors? Dark wood? Crosses hanging on the walls? Indeed, when it comes to the traditional elements of Spanish décor, a lot of it is directly influenced by the Roman era, including Catholicism and the architectural approach to designing that many Catholic churches have displayed throughout the years.

Image via: Ron Rosenzweig

Are you thinking about bringing some “Spanish flavor” into your own home?

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If so, we have included five signature style elements that will definitely leave quite the impression:

Stucco walls.

There’s a pretty good chance that when people think of a Spanish home, the first thing that will come to their mind is the stucco walls. It’s basically a fine kind of plaster that is used to cover walls. Once it dries, it is then painted over with a neutral color such as off-white or beige. Aside from being used on walls, you can also find it on kitchen hoods and even as the border for fireplaces.

Tile.

Whether it’s the kitchen, the bathroom or even the hallways leading to various rooms in the home, one beautiful thing about the Spanish style of tile is that it tends to look very decorative. Although you can certainly go with a solid color, it is more traditional to opt for a pattern such as a Garbo, Moroccan or Syrian kind of look.

Image: Geoff Captain Studios

Arches.

What’s one of the things that Catholic churches are known for? Their really high arches, right? The same thing applies to the structure of a Spanish style home. If you don’t want to totally reconstruct your house, you might want to speak with a contractor about how you can create the appearance of a high arch in one of the doorways in your home, or even some of the windows in a particular room.

“Hideaway alcoves”.

If you’re not familiar with what an alcove is, it’s basically a lot like a breakfast nook that can be placed into any part of your home. They’re really ideal in a wall that is connected to a wide open space (like maybe a living room or bonus room). So, if you want to sneak away (but not too far away) to listen to someone of your favorite music or to do some journaling while contemplating big life questions such as “What is God?”, a hideaway cove is an ideal place to do it.

Dark wood and rich fabrics.

Do you want to simply add a couple of Spanish style elements to your home without doing anything too drastic? If so, another classic look is to purchase dark wood furniture (such as pieces made out of cherry, walnut or rosewood) for your kitchen table or beds. You can also opt for a sofa or set of chairs made from the same dark wood; just make sure that it’s upholstered with really rich fabrics such as woven brocade or deep-colored velvet. It won’t be an inexpensive addition, but the quality of this kind of furniture is definitely a wise investment that can be passed down to generations for years to come.

For more architectural ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Design the Ideal Home in Hot and Dry Climates 

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Building Materials for Hot and Dry Climates:

First off, consider the building materials you are going to use. A hot and dry climate will require thick walls to keep the temperature out. Adobe is a great option that has been used for as long as humans have been constructing dwellings, specifically for its thermal properties. It’s incredibly environmentally friendly, but will also keep the heat out, and retain heat in the winter or the cold nights often found in those climates.

Next, think about your windows and doors. You’ll want all of the construction to be as air-tight as possible, since the residents will be using air conditioning for significant stretches, and you don’t want to waste that energy with cool air escaping through improper seals. Any exterior doors should be as thick as the walls, and if you take it a step further and insulate them, they’ll keep out additional heat. Any windows will stay cooler if they are inset in the walls. If that’s not possible, design them with awnings, to keep off the worst of the sun. If you have the budget for it, go with double-panes, for added insulation. And you can take it a step further and treat the glass with UV-resistant chemicals, which will certainly help cool the house.

Learn more about hot dry climate home design with these resources:

Home Design for Desert Architecture

Hot and Dry Climate Architecture

Hot Dry Climate: Considering Air Flow House Design:

How the air flows through the home will also be a serious consideration. Floor plans in hot and dry climates should always be open, for maximum air flow from room to room. If you can design it with windows at each end of the house, the residents could take advantage of a great cross breeze if they want to shut down the air conditioning for a while. Adding a vaulted ceiling will give the hot air somewhere to escape well away from the people. And certainly add in windows on both the south and north sides of the home, for a great cross breeze in the evening.

Building Orientation for House Design in a Hot Dry Climate:

The way the home is positioned can also have a real impact on the everyday feel inside the home. Check out the property and position the construction so that it gets the least amount of sun. You should also create a floor plan that isn’t as wide as it is long. You can position the home so the shorter side faces the sunniest directions, and then plant trees on those sides to cut down the sun even further. Consider an interior courtyard instead of extensive exterior grounds, but if you are going to plant outside, make sure there is plenty of shade. The Constructor has some good tips for choosing the building orientation for your home design.

Finally, think about green building options. Do a search for alternative energy. Including solar panels and gray water systems will save energy and resources, which is hugely important in any hot and dry climate.

For more architecture ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you’re in the process of building a home, have you considered whether you will build with traditional wood framing or use metal studs? Today, my Guest Blogger gives tips for selecting framing for your home and weighs the pros and cons of metal versus wood studs.

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Although hard-core, residential builders swear by wood studs when framing a stick-built home, is this really the best choice?  The typical contractor tends to stick with their old, trusted habits instead of seeking out different materials or techniques that might offer additional value to the final owner.  That is, of course, until building codes or a picky client changes their mind.  On the other hand, many potential buyers consider a homemade of organic materials to be of the highest quality; they picture metal studs as something only used in cheap, manufactured homes.  To find out which material really is the biggest stud, take a closer look at both as well as their benefits:

Wood Studs: The Old Standby

Wood studs are used to construct the vertical framework of most buildings, especially older homes.  Usually, a combination of 2X4 and/or 2X6 planks is placed between 12- and 24-inches apart, depending on the building codes, to create both the interior and exterior walls of the structure. Because studs must support the vertical load, or downward weight, of the entire building, lumber designated as a stud is graded to reflect the amount of weight it can hold as well as for visual defects and knot size.

Metal Studs: Time-tested Newcomer or Expensive Joke?

Commercial construction and the manufactured-home industry have used metal studs for years with success.  Most metal studs are made by combining thin sheets of galvanized steel into a plank-like shape that closely resembles a wooden stud.  Aluminum is sometimes used, but this type of metal stud is generally more expensive and heavier that its steel counterpart.  Metal-stud advocates point to the fact that they can be used in exactly the same way that wooden studs are used, but they’re not prone to damage from termites, fire, or rot.  Most expert builders don’t use metal studs for the exterior, load-bearing walls although newer product lines are advertising load-bearing products and charging premium prices for the stronger item.

Which One is the Biggest Stud?

This might just be one of those “chicken or egg” questions.  Both wood and metal studs have significant benefits and some definite drawbacks. Use this list of important features to make the final choice:

• Cost – Prices vary depending on market conditions and current demand, but metal construction is usually more expensive and always requires a higher grade of electrical outlets and junction boxes.
• Durability – Although galvanized-steel studs are coated to prevent rust, most products are only guaranteed against this corrosive condition for about 10 years.  On the other hand, metal studs won’t burn, rot, or become infested with termites.
• Strength – Wood is still considered the clear winner in this category.  Compared to the stiffness of wood, metal studs may feel flimsy until sheetrock is attached to firm up the wall.  Even then, some homeowners find that hanging cabinets or shelving on a wall supported by metal studs is far from trouble free.
• Ease of Installation – Wood studs are easier to cut to size, but metal studs are simple to adjust after they are installed.  Because a metal stud is screwed into a modular grid, it can be easily removed by simply unbolting the item.
• Heating Concerns – This is an important, but often ignored, concern.  Metal, unlike wood, transfers the cold from the outside into the home. In addition to increasing the cost to heat the building, this temperature transfer can cause condensation to build up on the inside of the walls.  If metal studs are used on exterior walls, extra attention should be paid to the insulation needs of the structure.

Like most things, there is no clear winner in the stud competition.  The final choice should be made based on the pros and cons of each type of material and the desires of the final owner.

This guest post is brought to you by DIY Home Center, an online retailer specializing in Deckorators and FastenMaster home building products and accessories.

For more architecture ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Depending on what type of modifications, restoration or changes you want to your home, hiring a contractor could be in your near future. If you are considering a contractor, do you know what to ask, and what factors to consider before deciding on one? Today’s Guest Blogger, Mike Rogers gives tips for choosing one.

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Do you need to do residential construction at your home? If so, then it’s crucial that you choose the right contractor specializing in residential construction. Here are some key features to look for in such contractors:

1. Experience

It’s crucial that a residential contractor that you choose have enough experience. He doesn’t necessary have to have decades of experience in the business. But the “more is better” rule generally applies when choosing a contractor. Years of experience will help him to avoid common pitfalls, and to find the best solution if any problems arise while doing residential construction work.

2. Cost

Keep in mind that the residential construction work that you’ll have done on your home will be an investment. In fact, it could substantially increase its value. That said, make sure that you don’t pay more than you should. Do some research about the industry standard costs of completing the construction work on your home. Also, whenever possible try to negotiate the cost of the construction work. These steps will help you to get the best price. While work from quality contractors will likely cost more, it still shouldn’t cost more than usual.

3. Guarantee

This is crucial whether you’re searching for a roofing contractor or a different specialist. Keep in mind that not all guarantees are alike. It’s absolutely, positively important that the guarantee be written. Just as importantly, it should be detailed. What specific work will the contractor be doing? When will the work be completed? How much will the work cost you? If a certain residential contractor can’t provide a written guarantee that answers such questions, then you should keep searching.

4. History

Unfortunately, it’s difficult for any business to satisfy all of its customers. However, if a home construction contractor hasn’t satisfied most of its customers, then you should think twice about hiring him. So before choosing a contractor (such as a roofing contractor) do some research about a particular contractor’s track record. Get personal referrals from friends, relatives, and coworkers. Review organizations that track complaints filed about individual construction contractors. Taking these steps will help you to avoid contractors who have built up a bad reputation.

5. Paperwork

It’s crucial to choose a residential construction specialist who’s fully licensed, bonded, and insured. How about for outstanding contractors? You should do this paperwork check 100% of the time. Even if a residential contractor is skilled and careful, mistakes and accidents are simply a part of life. Stuff happens. Choosing a contractor who’s fully licensed, bonded, and insured will help to protect not only you, but also the construction contractor for residences.

6. Warranty

This is an official way to protect you if your house were to experience any problems after the contractor completes his work. Generally you should look for warranties that are at least a year long. Sometimes your house won’t experience any problems until months after the contractor completed the work. So make sure that you’ve protected yourself for such situations.

If you want to find the right construction contractor who specializes in homes, then the above considerations will help you to accomplish your mission

Mike Rogers is president of MW Rogers Construction which is a Houston roofing contractor and also does Houston residential construction

Rogers, M.W. Construction
7536 Harms Road # A, Houston, TX 77041-2142
(713) 937-7200

For more architectural ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The outside of your home is beginning to dethaw from the harsh winter and curb appeal is one of the forefront topics in Stagetecture’s – “Home Renewal’ month this March. This is the perfect time to start thinking about how to make your home look better, feel better, and welcome guests to your property.

Evening exterior address signage is not only important for guests to find your home, but in the evening time it can be the difference between your guests finding your home or not.

Today, my Guest Blogger is Dan Springer, from EVERLITE Tile & Illuminated House Numbers of Lake Geneva, WI. Dan is going to outline tips for you to add curb appeal to your home and enhance your exteriors with their illuminated signage.  Their low voltage lighting and solar options are eco-friendly, and that means a win- win for you and the Earth!

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Everyone’s obsessed with adding value to their home.  Of course, this is a natural outgrowth of buying a home, and if you have one, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Ask any decorator, and they’ll tell you that curb appeal is the first thing people notice about a home.  Or, in the case of all those poor delivery drivers schlepping antique furniture or that expensive new fridge with the brushed metal finish or whatever other item you obsessed over buying for months or even years to make the interior of your home an absolute delight, your home is literally getting passed up and probably cursed at.

Wouldn’t it be the worst if you built a new staircase, added central heating and cooling, hand built a gorgeous library, added new marble countertops in your kitchen, painted every wall top-to-bottom, and absolutely broke your back adding real value to the interior of your home only to have a buyer pull up to the curb and grimace at the first sight of your shabby entryway?

Ouch.

Well, never fear!  There are several easy things to do for your home’s entryway that are very easy but highly valuable to the look of your home.

Add Visibility!

Can anyone even see your house or is it just an inexpensive imitation of The Black Hole of Calcutta at night?  Do you notice your pizza orders always seem to be just a bit late rather than right on time?  It might not be the pizza guy’s fault.  A house’s address has got to be the number one curb appeal fail amongst homeowners.  Install a light that accents your door and cozies it up (or just buy a lamp and screw it in, lazy bones), get an exterior door with a large window for a more inviting “look inside” feel, or get more visible house numbers and replace numbers that are becoming an eye sore.   You could also illuminate your existing house numbers or replace them altogether with something totally new and stylish.

Keep it tidy!

This is of course a basic rule, but the consequences of not sweeping up on a regular basis, cleaning the windows and dusting down things a bit out there can’t be underestimated.  Salt stains, gunky windows you can’t even see inside of, and other such sloppy hallmarks are all-too-common in a surprising number of entryways world-wide.  Get the broom and window cleaner out!

Paint It, Stain It, Color It

This is one that’s very affordable and gets missed quite often.  It’s great that you have that freshly painted clean look inside, but treat the door to a nice little sprucing as well.  Paint that once-lovely trim while you’re at it!

Get Gardening!

A lot of stoops and entryways are blocked by shrubbery.  Cut it down and open it up.  On the other side of things, many entryways lack any form of life whatsoever and feel like walking into some kind of lifeless death trap.  Plant a shrub or add some potted plants near the door.  You could also plant some ivy at the base of the walls surrounding the door.

Add Accents

Get a new doorbell and rip out that boring, dirty plastic thing that’s been there since you moved in.  The door bell is probably the first thing any visitor to your home will interact with, so change the button into something that reflects you.  Install something that shows your family’s heritage or artistic flair on the front door.

As any homeowner will tell you, it’s the little things that matter at home.  Getting the details right is important on every level from your kids to your relationships to your home’s value.  Touching up and conducting proper upkeep on the front door is one of those little things that’s obviously (excuse the pun) key, but people tend to overlook it whilst treating the interior like it’s a shrine to Isis.

Upgrade the entryway and who knows?  You might even get a nice wave from the delivery guy every so often.  Hell, he might even be able to find your house!

We invite you to view our product on our web site or at one of the fine distributors that can be located on-line. If you choose to purchase an EVERLITE®, we are certain that you will agree, this is not just a lighted address sign…
it’s an …

Dan Springer is the Office Manager at EVERLITE Tile & Illuminated House Numbers of Lake Geneva, WI. Follow us on Twitter. They can be found on the web at www.everlite.us,

For additional information contact EVERLITE at:

P.O. Box 878,

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

866-895-9172

Fax 262-248-1722

sales@everlite.us

For more Illuminating ideas on Stagetecture, click here.