Modernizing the Hacienda – a 21st Century Spanish-Style Edit
Anaheim is rich with Mediterranean and Spanish-Colonial architecture. At Sterling Carpet & Flooring, we’ve helped generations of homeowners preserve the “Old World” soul of their Spanish-style homes while updating them for modern 2026 living.
The secret to a successful “Modern Hacienda” look lies in the contrast between traditional warmth and contemporary clean lines.
How to Blend the Old & the New with Anaheim’s Spanish Style Homes

The LVP “Wood-Look” Evolution
Traditional Spanish homes often feature dark, heavy wood beams. To bring this into the 21st century, homeowners are moving away from dark floors in favor of Natural Oak LVP.
- The 2026 Update: Pairing white-washed plaster walls with a light, “Honey Oak” or “Wheat” luxury vinyl plank creates a bright, airy version of the classic hacienda. It respects the wood tradition but makes the home feel significantly more modern and expansive.
Large-Format “Terracotta” Porcelain
Terracotta is the heart of Spanish design, but the original clay tiles can be high-maintenance.
- The 21st Century Solution: We are seeing a massive trend toward large-format porcelain tiles (24″x48″) that mimic the earthy, sun-baked look of Saltillo tile but with the indestructible nature of porcelain. It’s the look of the Mediterranean with the “life-proof” performance of 2026 technology.
Patterned Tile Inlays (The “Rug” Look)
In Anaheim, the “Spanish Farmhouse” trend utilizes bold, encaustic-style patterned tiles as permanent “area rugs” in entryways or under dining tables. Surrounding these patterns with sleek, modern LVP or hardwood bridges the gap between the 1920s and 2026 perfectly.

Honoring Heritage with Modern Innovation in Annaheim, CA
Modernizing an Anaheim hacienda isn’t about erasing its history—it’s about highlighting it through a contemporary lens.
As a family-owned business serving Orange County since 1962, we understand the architectural soul of our local neighborhoods. Whether you are looking to refresh a historic estate or bring a “Spanish Modern” vibe to a new build, our tenured installation crews and expert sales staff are here to help you bridge the gap between generations.
Call or Visit one of our showrooms today to explore our 2026 Mediterranean collections. Let’s bring your home’s traditional beauty into the 21st century.
Service Areas: Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Orange, Anaheim, Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Corona.
Anaheim Flooring Store
Address: 1439 S State College Blvd Anaheim, CA 92806
Phone: (714) 408-9882
Mission Viejo
Address: 24002 Via Fabricante Suite 104 Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone: (949) 323-7397
2026 Modern Hacienda Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is porcelain tile really as “warm” looking as real Saltillo terracotta?
A: Yes! The 2026 porcelain collections utilize ultra-high-definition inkjet printing that captures the color variations, subtle pitting, and hand-crafted edges of real clay. You get the soulful, sun-baked look of the Mediterranean without the need for constant sealing or the fear of cracking.
Q: Does light-colored LVP clash with dark ceiling beams?
A: Not at all! In fact, this is the hallmark of the Modern Hacienda look. The contrast between dark, traditional ceiling beams and light “Honey Oak” floors creates a sophisticated visual “sandwich” that makes your ceilings feel higher and your home feel significantly brighter.
Q: Where is the best place to use patterned tile inlays?
A: Entryways (foyers), laundry rooms, and directly under dining tables are the most popular “Modern Spanish” choices. In these areas, the pattern acts as a permanent architectural rug that is waterproof, easy to clean, and provides an immediate “wow” factor for guests.
Q: How do I maintain large-format porcelain tile?
A: One of the best benefits of the “21st Century Edit” is the ease of maintenance. Because the tiles are so large (24″x48″), there are far fewer grout lines to clean. A simple pH-neutral cleaner and a damp mop will keep your modern terracotta looking pristine for decades

