Mediterranean design is the sun-soaked style dominating our interiors in 2025. Spanish-style materials, such as terracotta and textured walls, have especially become a staple among the chicest in the design set. Though the look has recently surged in popularity, some were adopting the aesthetic long before it became a trend.
According to a recently unearthed archival image, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas were on the cutting edge. The Pacific Palisades house they bought in 1999 was the pinnacle of Spanish-style homes.
It featured terracotta roofing, a sunny balcony, and a stunningly clay-tiled pool. It's been over 20 years since the image was taken, and it looks just as stylish and contemporary.
Why? Because the trending aesthetic is timeless. Design expert Liam Cleverdon explains: 'Modern Spanish interiors is a very trendy style that combines traditional Spanish aesthetics with a more contemporary feel.'
He continues: 'The interior design trend consists of a warm color palette with textured walls and a focus on natural materials such as wood and stone. With the Modern Spanish style creating an inviting and sophisticated feel, it’s easy to see why it’s currently so popular.'
Shop the modern Spanish edit
Made from a warm, traditionally colored clay, the Terracotta Urn is a timeless accessory for any southern European-inspired living space. It would make the perfect focal point at the center of the space on a console table.
A pop of blue brightens and uplifts any Spanish-style space. Featuring dramatic curves and an elegant finish, this piece is a delicate accessory for any entryway.
A variety of textures is essential to creating a Spanish-style space with character and layers. These taper holders perfectly unite the antique and modern sensibilities of this style.
Though not everyone will buy a $2.5 million Spanish-style home, luckily for fans of Catherine and Michael's look, it's easy to tap into the Spanish revival style with a few simple additions to your interiors.
The team at Tile of Spain advises integrating a terracotta tile. They explain: 'Synonymous with traditional, Mediterranean interiors, terracotta decor has been a longstanding popular colour and style choice. From geometric patterns to glazed accent features and textured reliefs, the latest tile collections take the classic warmth of the terracotta colorway and blend it with a contemporary twist, providing a fresh, new take on a European design classic.'
The contrast of white and terracotta against wood is also an essential element of this earthy style. Liam suggests: 'To complement the Modern Spanish style, a dark engineered wood flooring would be best. The darker shades add additional warmth and can be easily contrasted with lighter wooden furniture or walls.'
Count on Catherina Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas to be perennially on trend. From the 90s until now, Spanish style decor remains a timeless classic.
