Stylistically situated between mud-brick and Mediterranean traditions, Spanish Colonial architecture includes familiar elements of both, and its interesting juxtapositions add visual interest and complexity to the townscape of Shams ArRiyadh.

Sweeping gables add emphasis and hierarchy to building massing and recall the Mission style, and are combined with the use of horizontal parapets that frequently employ the familiar brick copings. Enlarged window settings with lime-washed insets add visual variety without compromising climatic considerations, and exposed roof beams, pergolas, shutters and gargoyles recall Mexican towns and the American South-West. These authentic architectural details add refinement to monolithic plastered walls, whose color palette ranges from bleached to more saturated colors, and includes soft pastels.