Mission Style House
Era: 1890–1920
The Mission style — Mission revival — took its cues from the Spanish missions of California. Its most distinctive feature is the curved, scalloped parapet rising above the roofline, often framing the entrance.
Smooth stucco walls, arcaded porches, red tile roofs and minimal ornament give Mission homes a solid, sculpted look that still suits warm climates. Inside and out, Mission style also influenced the simple, sturdy furniture that shares its name.
Key features of a mission style house
Curved parapets
Scalloped or stepped parapets on the main facade.
Smooth stucco
Plain stucco walls with little decoration.
Arcades
Arched porches and loggias along the front.
Red tile roofs
Low-pitched roofs with clay tiles and wide eaves.
Bell-tower details
Occasional towers or quatrefoil windows.
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Restyle my house freeCommon questions
What makes a house Mission style?
Curved parapets, smooth stucco, arcaded porches and red tile roofs inspired by California’s Spanish missions.
Mission vs Spanish style — what is the difference?
Mission revival is simpler and defined by curved parapets and arcades; Spanish colonial revival adds more ornament, ironwork and decorative tile.
What colors suit a Mission house?
Warm whites and creams for the stucco, terracotta roofs, and dark brown or black trim and ironwork.