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There are many styles of stucco for different types of architecture; this period advertisement shows just a few. Courtesy Coons Collection |
Ask the Experts: Historic Stucco
By Bruce Coons
Executive Director, SOHO
May/June 2023
Introducing occasional columns focused on basic care of the architectural details of your historic home by learning what makes it historic.
One of the most frequent inquiries I receive is about historic and vintage stucco finishes from homeowners wanting to know if their home’s stucco is original or what style it is.
Stucco is a type of plaster that has been used for centuries as a decorative and protective coating for buildings. In Southern California, stucco has been a popular choice for many historic homes, with several different styles throughout the region's history.
Here are a few of the most notable styles you will find in San Diego:
 Mission Revival
This style was popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was inspired by the architecture of the Southwest Spanish missions. Mission Revival stucco is typically flat, with a medium to heavy sand finish with sharp corners.
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 Spanish Colonial Revival
This style was popular in the 1920s and '30s and was inspired by the architecture of the Spanish missions of California. Spanish Colonial Revival stucco is typically applied as smooth, undulating, simulated adobe plaster, with rounded corners.
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 Mediterranean Revival
This style was popular in the 1920s and ’30s and was inspired by the architecture of the Mediterranean region. Mediterranean Revival stucco is typically smooth, with light-colored finishes and sharper corners, and it often features decorative elements, like arches, columns, and tile roofs.
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 Art Deco
This style was popular in the 1920s and ’30s and was characterized by its geometric shapes and bold colors. Art Deco stucco is typically smooth, with a polished finish and clean lines that emphasize its streamlined, modern look.
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 Mid-Century Modern
This style was popular in the 1950s and ‘60s and was characterized by its clean, minimalist design. Mid-Century Modern stucco is typically smooth, with a simple, unadorned finish and sharp corners that emphasize its geometric shapes.
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