Mediterranean style is a take on coastal design. The style is exemplified as an understated luxury, embedded in nature.
Decorating with Mediterranean interior design style is like bringing the holiday spirit straight to your home. Who would not like that relaxed and delightful atmosphere all year round? Hence to keep the exuberance rolling, bring home this airy and scenic style.
Evolved through centuries, the style is witnessed in the coastal countries, bordering the sparkling blue Mediterranean sea. Like the dots of a chain, these include South European countries, like Spain, Greece, Italy, and France, along with others, including Morrocco, Israel, and Turkey.
Though the design ethos in each country is founded in its own rich and distinct culture, there exists a consistent, unifying flavor that is inspired by the gorgeous sea and its landscape. Also, the countries borrow various design elements from one another in some ways.
Mediterranean style key words
Romantic, Casual, Rustic, Classic European, Elegant, Traditional materials, Easy-going, Warm, Welcoming, Old-World Charm, Aqua, Earthy, Relaxed, Carefree, Friendly, Outdoors, Rich, Eclectic…
key elements of Mediterranean style
architectural elements – sense of history
In its backdrop, the Mediterranean style holds ornate and shapely architectural features like arches, balconies, columns, niches, and alcoves with smooth edges. So the nostalgic setup is ideal for the expression of this romantic style in its full glory.
However, a more modern take on this design style is to position contemporary and minimalistic furnishings in a shell loaded with ornate architectural elements and details.
wooden beams – hand hewn details
A hallmark feature for Mediterranean style is exposed wooden beams set on high ceilings, drawing the eyes upwards. These beams enhance the perspective feel of a space, rendering a sense of movement. Also, the directional appeal of these beams is ideal to emphasize any focal point in the space.
ceramic tiles – handmade vibe
From pottery of Italy to the tiles of Spain and Morocco, handpainted ceramics have a special place in this style. These artsy tiles are widely used as kitchen backsplash, on staircase risers, in bathrooms, or as flooring. Cheerful patterns add a pop of color and interest to any space. Also, Saltillo tiles in different shapes add a warm and earthy note to the space.
wrought iron – sense of craft
Intricate scrollwork in wrought iron for railings, gates, and grilles are a hallmark of this style. Also, furniture, pendant lights, chandeliers, candelabras, and other accessories and accents of wrought iron help anchor the look. Black metal hardware works very well with Mediterranean style.
Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Spacecrafting, Photography | City Homes, Builder
Credit – @interiorfacelift
mediterranean style furniture – casual elegance
Vernacular or regional style, European furniture adorns these warm and rooted spaces. The furniture pieces are classic and generally large in scale. Weighty and well-grounded, sturdy pieces that are comfortable, serve well to entertain people.
Armories, big tables, bookshelves, comfortable sofas, high chairs, poufs, impart a cozy and inviting sense. The style is not about passing, trendy furniture. So it is generally handcrafted, comfortable furniture that suggests having been there for a long time.
In conclusion, unrefined, rustic furniture with sinuous details in carved wood or wrought iron inserts is preferred over austere and starved pieces. Natural materials like wrought iron, wood, wicker, leather are used.
Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling |Troy Thies, Photography
mediterranean style color palette – down to earth
The Mediterranean style draws its colors either from the cool, breezy sea or the warm, sun-kissed landscape with vibrant flowers. Color preferences vary with the specific country of the region. Therefore, it is the pristine white that contrasts sharply with lapis or turquoise or cobalt blues, in Greece. Whereas it is the predominance of terracotta and warm clay colors in Spain and Italy.
In either case, the earthy color palette is very soothing and calming for the soul.
Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Spacecrafting, Photography | JPC Custom Homes, Builder
In brief, the array of colors seen in Mediterranean style include:
Vivid blue, sea, and sky, tones that impart tranquility. Like seafoam green, turquoise blue, aquamarine, teal, cobalt blue, azure, cerulean…
Warm and earthy tones that are unpretentious and modest. Like yellow ochre, shades of green, red browns, warm greys, olive green, mossy green, burnt orange, clay, brick red, tan, and terracotta…
Light neutral tones form the perfect background. Like sandy beige, stone grey, linen white, chalky white, light straw color…
Bold and rich jewel tones add a pop of color. Like aubergine, emerald green, jade, ruby, lapis…
For instance, consider a neutral background in earthen color and incorporate accent color through hand-painted tiles, rugs, pillows, etc.
weathered look – understated luxury
As if to reveal the effect of nature, the materials and finishes are usually weathered in appearance. The faded and worn character of interiors is easy on the eyes. As a result, even the rich and ornate embellishments are not overbearing for our sensibilities.
Anything that exhibits patina is ideal for the look like driftwood, reclaimed wood, burnished metal, stucco texture, etc. All impart a very natural and endured sense. There is something about this understated and unassuming luxury that appeals to you.
indoor outdoor connection
It is virtually inevitable to have the indoor connected to the mesmerizing outdoors. Windows frame the captivating views enhancing the indoor experience. Outdoor spaces like patios, balconies, and terraces are treated with equal attention and detail. Outdoors are like conforming extensions of the indoors.
The plentiful light and breeze help make the indoors light and bright. Go for plain, breezy, sheer curtains hung on wrought iron rods to nail the look. Olive trees in terracotta pots and bougainvillea blossoms against a Cycladic style, whitewashed, backdrop are a treat for the eyes.
Lighting
Ornate light fixtures with patina, made out of natural materials like wrought iron, wood, or rattan, fit well in this style. Moroccan lanterns in colored glass, fittings with cut stone or metalwork, creating diffused light patterns, are all appropriate for this style. Oversize, classic designs in an antique finish infuse a rustic feel to the space.
Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Jason Jones, Photography | Ron McHam Homes, Builder
Accessories – ornate details
The kind of accessories that blend well in Mediterranean style are :
- Nautical accessories inspired by blue sea, driftwood objects, ropes, baskets…
- Handmade ceramic and terracotta pots and vases or vase lamps…
- Vintage accessories like worn out sculptural finds, metal objects, wooden artifacts…
- Moroccon pieces like mirrors, lanterns…
- Accessories out of natural materials like wood, stone, wrought iron, straw, wicker…
- Fresh green plants in terracotta pots…
In Spain, we see more Moroccan and Islamic influences. Consider having some open shelves to display accessories.
Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Spacecrafting, Photography | JPC Custom Homes, Builder
Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Spacecrafting, Photography | JPC Custom Homes, Builder
Material Palette – Natural appeal
The material palette consists of natural materials like exposed stone and brick walls. Tuff is the local stone available here. It has a very rustic and natural appeal.
Dark and rich walnut texture, unfinished, reclaimed wood, driftwood, etc. add a slow living vibe.
Rich Venetian plaster on walls adds a visual depth and a sense of movement by virtue of its layered character. Stucco textures impart a rough, rugged, and sandy feel to the walls. The random and wavy, stone-like look provides an aged personality to the surfaces.
Reflective white limewash exteriors are perfect to cool off warm weather. Also, it is visually clean, cool, and relaxing. Limewash also has anti-bacterial properties.
Flooring is generally wooden or terracotta tiles. It imparts a pleasant earthy and tactile feel to the spaces.
Metals like wrought iron, copper, bronze, and dull burnished finishes are ideal for the look.
If you love spaces that are reminiscent of seaside living, you are sure to love this style. I hope you get enough inspiration from my blog to go the Mediterranean way.
Also Read:
Wabi-Sabi style interior design- how to get the look
Bohemian decor style – tips to get the look right
Simply Scandinavian Interiors – how to get the decor style right
Mid-century modern style – How to get the look
Till next time…
