Question
QUESTION: Hi Marc, I am in the process of adding stamped concrete to my backyard. With so many patterns and colors I am a little overwhelmed. I would like to know what patterns look best for Spanish style homes? Also, how do I pick the right color?

ANSWER: Hi, Elsa - I prefer a dark orange, ochre, dark yellow, or grey color with stream cobble or large field tile patterns. The large field tiles go well with a Mediterranean / Alhambra / Spanish feel. Avoid brick, ashlar, boardwalk, wood-like, or fancy European cobblestone fans & patterns.  

I'd even consider edging stream cobbles with a row of orange/ochre tile accents. Make sense? Different installers are going to have different patterns that go by similar names, but generally these are example images of what I would consider "Spanish" style:

Stream Pattern:
http://www.slice-heaven.com/store/show/35-2624

Roman Slate / Garden Stone Patterns:
http://stampsrubberstamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Concrete-Stamp-Patterns.
http://www.northeasterndecorativeconcrete.com/files/pat8.jpg

Stone Pattern:
http://www.northeasterndecorativeconcrete.com/files/random_stone.jpg

As you've discovered, there are lots of options, both with color, texture, and patterns!

If you know the stamp manufacturer name, I can get more specific for you.

If you live in southern California, these patterns and colors accent well with Jacaranda, flowering Oleander, & Bougainvillea. These will not grow in every area, so, be cautious. Think to yourself, "What would a Padre in the 1800's at a California Mission pick?"

Hope it helps!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


stamp concrete for spa   QUESTION: Hi Mark, I'm glad I wrote to you before adding the stamp concrete since I was going with the totally wrong patterns. As far as my house style I am not sure the type of feel my house has, so I took a picture for a better idea. In the future though, I would like to paint my house in Sunbath color from Behr. Will this affect the color that I choose for the stamp concrete now, or do those colors that you mentioned go with any paint color? The stamp manufacturer name is Proline. www.prolinestamps.com and the concrete color company is Davis Colors. Once again, thank you so much for your help!!!

Answer
Sunbath is a lovely color, and it looks very similar to the color of your house, now.  Behr does a wonderful job of pairing colors for homeowners who are timid and hesitant to mix the wrong ones together.  

In your case, the Behr exterior guide suggests that with a base color of Sunbath (ECC-50-1), you accent the trim and eves with Rustic Cream (ECC-50-2) &/or Brick Path (ECC-50-3).   If you notice in their online brochure, in other pairings of the same family of creamy Mediterranean colors, there are some selections with accents in the green and red hues, which I think work well, too.  

It is your house.  Choose what pleases you.  The concrete colors I suggested previously will go with these Mediterranean ranges, as well.  Proline stamps offer a great selection.

These Proline stamp patterns will work with your house style:
Seamless skin
Random stone (any)
Cobble (Appian)
Square (large, not small patterns)
Banding (Roman slate, Belgian slate)
Accents &/or medallions if you want, but I find them a bit cartoonish...

Avoid these patterns, which I don't think fit your house style:
European fan
Cut stone cobble
Radius cobble
Slate series
Punning, double soldier banding
Brick series
Wood plank series

Davis color is the industry standard, and with a mix of powdered colors and stamp releasing agents can really provide an excellent look of layer and depth to a concrete stamp project.  As your existing concrete looks to be in pretty good condition, I might also suggest a stain, instead if you are more budget conscious...Otherwise concrete works, too!  

Finally, trust your concrete stamper - If they are reputable, they're not going to stear you wrong, as they know it will be their "name" on the final outcome, too.  All the best. ~M