The art of Spanish Revival reimagined: Jim Parsons’ terrace turns a beloved architectural trend into a daring, stunning statement

Redefining a beloved architectural trend, Jim's terrace brings Spanish Revival to life in a sophisticated and unexpected way

Jim Parsons
(Image credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic via Getty Images)

If there's a design aesthetic that celebrities return to time and time again, it's the timeless Spanish Revival style. From Diane Keaton to Robert Pattinson and Scarlett Johansson, this European-inspired architectural trend is evident in some of Hollywood's most famous interiors. In the case of Jim Parsons, however, Spanish Revival lives on outside.

While it's not uncommon to see the Spanish Revival trend dominate living rooms and kitchens, outdoor spaces are notably more complex to decorate in excess. In the Big Bang Theory actor's former Los Feliz home, however, things are done differently.

Jim enlisted the expertise of Steven Johanknecht, co-founder of the design firm Commune Design. Together, they created an outdoor living room that brings the intricate Spanish Revival style to an exterior space.

It's hard to believe this arrangement exists outdoors, in an area that's exposed to natural elements. It's accessorized in the same way as an interior, featuring antique furniture, wall art, ornate candleholders, and several vases filled with blooms. I've seen many spaces try to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, but none do it in a way as exceptional as Jim Parsons' terrace.

Shop the look

While we can't all enjoy a Los Feliz mansion on this scale, designers say much of Jim's arrangement is replicable, whether on your terrace, patio, or back indoors. To start, you need to prioritize natural materials and an earthy-colored base.

'Natural materials are the foundation of Spanish modern interior design. Think stucco walls and terracotta tiles. Spain is renowned for its craftsmanship, and these touches embody that traditional charm while aligning with modern elegance,' comments
Joyce Huston, the co-founder and lead interior designer at Decorilla.

'Earthy tones inspired by Spain’s natural landscape make up the color palette. Soft off-whites and sandy creams or beiges make up the foundation of the palette, largely used on the walls, but also on large pieces of furniture and decor like sofas and rugs. Warm hues like terracotta, saffron, and olive can be used to bring vibrancy. I also love to lean on deep blues and greens that are reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast.'

Eagle-eyed readers may have also spotted the intricate tiles seen above the outdoor fireplace in the center of the terrace. Incorporating such tiles is similarly essential to getting the look, as Joyce explains.

'Statement ceramic tiles are a hallmark of Spanish decor. They add both vibrancy and pattern to an otherwise very simple style,' she says.

'These can be used as accent pieces in flooring to create visual interest. Another idea is to use them as a backsplash to an outdoor bar or kitchen area. I always apply these sparingly in a more modern look.'

Will you be following Jim's example inside or outside your house? Wherever you decorate, you can hold this image as the most intricate Spanish Revival space you can copy. It's bold, beautiful, and always timeless.


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.

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