There’s a romantic quality to Hacienda design, revealed in arched entries, carved wood doors, and courtyards designed for lingering. Vines and bougainvillea spill across walls, softening the architecture with color and movement. Rooted in Spanish Colonial architecture, Hacienda style is defined by craftsmanship, natural materials, and a deep connection to the land — qualities that continue to shape homes today, from traditional estates to modern condos.

What is Hacienda Style?

Hacienda homes were originally built as country estates during the Spanish Colonial period. They were designed to stay cool in the heat, withstand time, and provide comfort for large families and gatherings.

An Old Hacienda in Puebla, MX — Hacienda Chautla, Puebla, MX

Some hallmarks of the style include:

Stucco, brick or adobe walls that keep interiors naturally cool.
Clay tile roofs with their iconic curved red tones.
Arched doorways and windows that create flow and symmetry.
Central courtyards with fountains or gardens at the heart of the home.
Rustic carved wood and wrought iron details throughout.

It’s a style that feels both solid and soulful — grounded in the Mexican landscape.

Key Elements of Hacienda Interior

Inside, Hacienda homes tell their story through materials and craftsmanship.

Floors: Terracotta and Saltillo tiles are classics, often showing natural variations that add character. Natural stone is also common.
Walls: Stucco or plaster, sometimes whitewashed, sometimes painted in earthy tones.
Wood: Exposed beams, carved cabinetry, rustic doors — often in darker finishes.
Textiles: Handwoven rugs, embroidered cushions, and artisanal linens bring softness.
Accents: Wrought iron railings, lanterns, and Talavera tiles add artistry to everyday details.

The Hacienda Color Palette

Hacienda style embraces bold color, but it never feels overpowering. Deep reds, golden ochres, and bright yellows are grounded by the warmth of terracotta and wood. Blues and greens appear through Talavera tile, pottery, and garden foliage, adding freshness to sun-washed walls. Because these colors live in natural materials and textured surfaces, they feel harmonious, vibrant, and full of life without overwhelming a space.

Hacienda Furniture & Decor

Furniture in this style makes a statement — often oversized, rustic, and designed to last.

Some notable pieces include:

Dining tables: Long, heavy wood tables (perfect for gatherings).
Trasteros and Armoires: Large, carved wooden storage cabinets, often showcasing pottery or glassware.
Leather and Hide Accents: From equipales chairs to ottomans and stools wrapped in leather or cowhide.
Textured Seating: Rush seats, or handwoven textile upholstery.
Ironwork: Chandeliers and lanterns, rought iron headboards, curtain rods, gates and window frames.
Canopy beds: Often with carved posts or iron detailing.
Accent pieces: Benches and consoles in rich woods.
Handwoven Rugs: Wool or cotton rugs in earthy tones and geometric patterns.
Religious or Folk Art: Retablos, wooden crosses, or hand-carved saints — often used as wall art or tucked into niches.
Accessories: Clay pots, ceramic jugs, copper pans, and woven baskets, which add warmth and utility.

To keep the look from feeling too heavy, balance statement pieces with lighter textiles — think neutral linen cushions or woven cotton throws.

Modernizing Hacienda Style

Love the character but not sure about all the dark wood and heavy finishes? There are easy ways to bring Hacienda design into a modern home without losing its charm.

Lighten up the palette: Pair rustic wood with cream walls and soft natural fabrics.
Mix old and new: Pair a rustic carved coffee table with a contemporary sofa to balance weight and lightness.
Use accents instead of architecture: If you live in a condo without arches or courtyards, you can still incorporate Hacienda flair through arched mirrors, a Talavera tile backsplash, or iron light fixtures.
Bring in texture: Even small touches like woven baskets, clay pots, or embroidered cushions echo the spirit of the style.

Modern Condo with Hacienda-Style Furnishings

This approach makes Hacienda design adaptable — not just for sprawling estates, but for apartments, rental properties, and modern coastal homes too.

Hacienda Style Outdoors

One of the most defining features of Hacienda living is the connection between indoors and outdoors. Courtyards, gardens, and shaded terraces extend the living space and invite gathering.

Classic Touches include:

Central courtyard — the defining outdoor feature, often paved in stone or tile.
Arcades/portales — shaded walkways with arches and columns, providing shelter from sun and rain.
Tiled or stone fountains — both decorative and practical, cooling the air.
Clay pots and planters — filled with greenery, citrus trees, or herbs.
Wrought iron details — railings, lanterns, and gates.
Shaded dining or gathering areas — often under arcades or vines.
Thick stucco walls — sometimes whitewashed, sometimes painted in earthy tones, defining the outdoor rooms.
Wooden doors and shutters — often heavy and carved, opening onto the courtyard.

Hacienda Courtyard with Outdoor Fountain

Even a small balcony or patio can borrow from this tradition with terracotta pots, rustic seating, and a splash of vibrant color.

Small Outdoor Terrace with “Hacienda” Decor

Bringing Hacienda Style Home

What makes Hacienda style so enduring is the way it brings people together. These homes were designed for open doors and long meals, for living spaces that flow effortlessly between indoors and out. The arches, carved wood, and cool stone walls ground the design in history, but it’s the ease of gathering and connection that gives it lasting appeal. Strong yet welcoming, permanent yet full of movement, Hacienda style is as much about how we live as how a home looks — a blueprint for connection that still feels at home in Mexico today.

Hacienda Style in Mexico: How to Bring Spanish Colonial Charm into Your Home