Design Inspiration: Spain

I just returned from a whirlwind tour of Southern Spain.  Amidst Tinto de Verrano (almost no Spainaird drinks Sangria, but just about everyone in Seville drinks this Lemonade/Redwine mixture) and tapas, I was struck by the sheer beauty of the winding streets and style influences present in Andalucia. 
See, Andalucia was the hub of cultural...exchange...shall we say.  Between the Moorish conquest of Spain and the eventual reconquista, and subsequen centuries of trade and conflict, no region of Spain has had a more profound fusion of cultures.  No region of Spain shows it off quite as much either. 

In Seville, during the medieval ages, the term 'eating iron' came to represent lovers stealing kisses through the wrought iron window gates of their houses.  Wrought iron is still a very popular design element of Spanish interior design.  Wall ornaments abound in tapas bars as well as classically decorated homes.

Inside, Spanish homes are spacious and warm, earthy tones suggest that even villa owners aren't far removed from the beautiful landscapes that surround them.  Terraces inside as well as rough, stucco walls are still in style in Spain as well as traditional Terra Cotta roofing.

What I loved about Spain's food culture was there was a very distinct and tasteful level of style.  While some tapas bars would - like any bar or resturaunt - flood your sense visually, Spanish homes and home-style resturaunts always maintained an earthy, minimalized feel which emphasized the food and company, not the visuals. 
Spain's a country which - seemingly almost conciously - lays low on the international scene.  It doesn't take itself too seriously and it's style reflects a conciousness towards the importance of inner warmth and happiness.