Your home is your personal sanctuary, and it should represent your distinct personality and taste. Mediterranean interior design is a good option if you want to create a lively environment. Luxurious fabrics, rich hues, and elegant furnishings characterize its Old-World style. This design style evokes thoughts of ancient Italian villas and Spanish haciendas, with stately columns and archways and airy outdoor spaces.
What is Mediterranean Interior Design?
The History
Mediterranean decor has a long history that can be traced back to Israel and Morocco, from where it spread to Southern European countries. Although every region has its own version of the style, all variations are linked to key aspects of the coastal style. In the United States, it is very common in Florida and California.
It is a style that is widespread in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, yet each country has its own variations. The sun-drenched regions of the Mediterranean Sea, such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Morocco, are the inspiration for this type of design.
The blend of a classic seaside vibe and contemporary features to produce a carefree and chic appearance is what makes the design so popular even miles away from the coast line. Let’s have a look at a few of the many Mediterranean styles.
Greek Mediterranean Interior Style
White and cool shades are infused into the overall opulent decor of ceramics, statues, lamps, and wickerwork in Greek Mediterranean interior design. These few crucial design features can help give your home a distinctive Greek Mediterranean atmosphere.
Begin with a color scheme that is neutral. With its glittering blues and greens, the Aegean Sea is the ideal inspiration for this. To properly capture that light and airy vibe, throw in some white. After that, add some bright accent colors in red, orange, and yellow. These bright colors will help to create a joyful and inviting environment.
Another key element of Greek Mediterranean is using natural materials wherever possible. Try using stone and ceramic tiles on the floors and walls, or wooden beams and furniture. This gives the space a sense of history and authenticity.
And finally, don’t forget the coastal indoor plants. Greenery is a must in any Mediterranean home, so add in some potted palms or hanging baskets of fern to complete the look.
Spanish Mediterranean Decor
If you want a more romantic and varied vibe, Spanish Mediterranean design can be the way to go. The use of bright, cheerful hues is characteristic of Spanish Riviera interior design, which takes its cues from the sunny regions of Spain. This look emphasizes delicate details and a variety of natural textures. Intricate patterns and designs, frequently inspired by Moorish architecture, can also be found in this style. Let wrought iron gates, vibrant ceramic tiles, and soft velvet sofas come to mind. When shopping for furniture, seek items made of natural materials such as wood or wicker.
Installing an open fireplace is a popular technique to give your home a Spanish Mediterranean atmosphere. This not only adds a sense of luxury, but also helps to create a warm and inviting environment. Don’t forget about the candles! They’re necessary for creating the right atmosphere.
Rustic Mediterranean Interior Design
Rustic Mediterranean decor is definitely worth exploring if you want a more rustic and traditional atmosphere. Stone walls, terracotta floors, and wood-beamed ceilings are just a few examples. Keeping things basic and natural is the key to achieving this look. Excessively elaborate furniture, as well as a plethora of patterns and colors, should be avoided. Instead, concentrate on establishing a welcoming and friendly environment with plenty of personality.
Incorporating exposed brickwork into your design is one method to give your home a rustic Mediterranean feel. This can be utilized on the outside as well as the inside of your home.
Exposed brick is a terrific technique to give a room more texture and intrigue. Distressed wood furniture or flooring is another prominent design feature. This gives the room an aged and realistic sense. You may also use wrought iron and bronze accents to enhance the rustic feel.
Tuscan Mediterranean Blend
The goal of Tuscan Mediterranean is to create a welcoming homely atmosphere. The Italian countryside is the source of inspiration for this design. Consider rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns.
Start with a neutral color palette and then add some bold accent colors to obtain a Tuscan vibe in your house. The color red is popular, but you may also use tones of green or blue. Then incorporate some warm elements, such as wood or stone. Wrought iron or ceramic tiles can also be used as decorative components. Finally, embellishments like chandeliers, sconces, and Tuscan-style paintings are all key features of this design.
General Characteristics of Mediterranean Style
Looking at all the Mediterranean styles, we can pick out commonalities that signify the style.
- Large airy spaces – The seaside is generally warm hence the need to create an airy space for free flow of air. The spaces feature expansive floors and very high ceilings. Windows are also large and numerous.
- Authentic finishes and materials.
- Indoor-outdoor living spaces – The Mediterranean style embraces open floor plan that extends to the outdoors. Outdoor dining spaces and entertainment areas are very common.
- Exposed architectural details – Ceilings feature numerous faux beams, unfinished brick surfaces on walls, and concrete elements.
Conclusion
When you think Mediterranean interior design, you think “beach” or “European summer”; a relaxed living that is also in tune with nature. Use lots of white and accent with brighter shades, let in maximum air and light, furnish outdoor spaces, and use lots of natural material as the first step to achieving any variation of the Mediterranean style.
