Perhaps better described as “Spanish Eclectic,” this style borrows heavily from a wide range of forms found within traditional Spanish architecture. The style was most prevalent between 1915 and 1940, and was popular in the southwestern states of California and Arizona. Homes in this style are also numerous in locations such a Florida and Texas, where earlier, original Spanish Colonial structures were present. The facades of early examples are often rather simple in their execution, and draw heavily from Spanish Colonial missions and ranchos. Those built after 1920, are often more elaborate and exhibit influences from a broader range of historic Spanish architecture. Many historians associate this change in style to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition held in San Diego.  This largely attended and publicized event, revealed a number structures which reflected a much richer and more authentic interpretation of Spanish sources found throughout Latin America.

Exteriors of Spanish Colonial Revival homes are almost exclusively finished in stucco.  Occasionally, larger commercial or institutional buildings were constructed of poured-in-place concrete, and painted to resemble stucco or plaster finish.  Roof forms are typically rather simple and generally fall into one of three groups; either flat with parapet walls, or moderately low pitched roofs finished in clay tile, or a combination there of. Roof eaves are typically shallow and provide little or no overhangs. Gables are often embellished with attic vents, constructed of tile or stucco in geometric patterns. Covered porches are typically smaller and less elaborate than those found with other styles of the period. Patio spaces left open to the sky and often paved with clay tiles are frequently surrounded with walls of varying height.  The use of plastered arches is common, particularly over primary entrances and porch openings. Exterior door and window surrounds are typically either conventional wood or a more simple plaster reveal.  Windows found in earlier examples are often conventional double-hung or casement styles, and differ little from those used in other styles of the period. Homes dating from after 1920 may feature steel-framed casement types. Decorative features such as light fixtures and gates crafted of wrought iron are also common to the style.         

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