Smart Traveller

If you’ve been lucky enough to get your hands on the house, flat or apartment of your dreams in Spain and you’ve taken a seat among your new surroundings for the first time, you’re probably wondering what to do next. It’s always good to plan ahead and have your interior design prospects neatly organised in a portfolio of preparation work but there are some things you might only be inspired by when you touch down for the first time.

Some of these inspirations can be significant, whilst others are simply a touch of Spanish tradition that are more than capable of making you feel settled in your new neighbourhood and comfortable in your new property. If you’re seeking out some traditional Spanish inspiration for your new home, here’s a top ten for you to follow that includes what we believe to be essentials for any Spanish household. You’ll be impressing neighbours and visitors alike in no time!

A Clothes Line

There aren’t many tumble dryers around in Spain as the vast amounts of sunlight throughout the year tend to provide people with all the natural drying solutions they need. You don’t necessarily need a garden to use a clothes line in Spain either, as many people simply hang their washing from the balcony to get them dry. You wouldn’t want to be using additional electricity when the weather is usually quite warm throughout the year.

Coffee Machines (Cafetera)

Coffee is a very popular drink in Spain, so only the best coffee is expected wherever you go! With this in mind, it might be a good idea to get hold of your own traditional Spanish coffee maker and banish the thought of using instant coffee ever again!

Mops, Brooms and Dust Pans

There’s no need to have a vacuum cleaner in Spain as the vast majority of properties won’t have carpet as this is usually regarded as more of an insulation technique. Instead, there are plenty of decorative tiles and wooden floors in Spain that simply require the care and assistance provided by mops, brooms and other household cleaners.

Wine

No Spanish property is without a stunning, affordable bottle of red wine. There are plenty of shops in Spain that sell some beautiful bottles at very affordable prices, so you know what to purchase as a beverage to accompany your next meal.

Butane Gas Canisters

This is not always an essential but there are many properties in Spain that don’t have a mains gas supply. This means that many people replace used butane gas canisters themselves. You will need to get them delivered and get sued to changing them every now and then.

Blinds

Curtains may look elegant i any household but it’s definitely blinds that dominate most Spanish properties. This is because they do a much better job keeping the hot sunlight out during the summer. There are plenty of styles on offer so you won’t be without a detailed selection.

Napkins

These should be available wherever you eat in Spain as they contribute to personal hygiene. Any Spanish guest that you invite over for a meal will expect to have a napkin handy whilst eating.

Un Brasero

This is an electrical heating system that you can place at the foot of any dinner table prior to eating for the purpose of warming your feet. You might not think this to be an essential, especially as the temperature is almost always warm, yet it proves to be quite a common electrical contraption in Spain. It could be a useful addition to any home if you’re looking to impress your guests.

Bread

Bread is a Spanish delicacy, with all kinds of flavours and cooking methods available in restaurants across Spain. You should always look to serve meals with some bread on the side, regardless of how many carbohydrates are present in the main.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is another delicacy in Spain, with a number of different flavours and high quality oils available in most food shops and market stalls. This is definitely something you want in your kitchen cupboard permanently.

Content Editor, www.panorama.es

Mike James