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Mediterranean decor style


Everything You Need to Know

Mediterranean decor originates from countries like Spain, Greece, Italy, Morocco, and others surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It features simple, romantic aesthetics with natural materials and warm, light tones, and it's one of the most iconic interior design styles.

"Calling to a faraway place of open spaces with a fluid indoor/outdoor lifestyle, Mediterranean decor has a gorgeous way of bringing what many associate with a vacation into your everyday life," says roomLift co-founder and COO Megan Hersch.

Mediterranean style is a favorite with interior designers and real estate agents alike, and you'll see it in custom homes throughout Los Angeles. But it's also easy to bring into almost any space, with flexible home design motifs that you can customize as needed.

This guide explores the key elements of Mediterranean decor, including color palettes and how to get this style in your home. Keep reading to learn how to create a staycation-ready style in any space.

Meet the Experts

At Living Cozy, we love working with interior designers and industry leaders to bring you the best possible information on all things home decor. In this article, you'll find tips and advice from the following experts:

What is Mediterranean Style?

Rancho Valencia Resort in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Designed by Megan Hersch (Photo Credit: Ollie Paterson)

"Mediterranean decor should be light and casual, sun-drenched and fresh," explains Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos. "When you think of coastal villages in Spain, France, Italy, and Northern Africa, you think of white stucco, the azure of the sea, terra cotta, and richly hued glazed ceramics. Mediterranean decor should never be heavy or fussy, and it should always feel like a breath of fresh air. "

This beautiful living room showcases the bright and airy ideal of Mediterranean style, featuring several of the following common elements:

"Mediterranean decor is usually simple and romantic, "Ben Hyman told Living Cozy. "It's characterized by light and warm colors usually found in nature, such as terracotta, chestnut, cerulean, azure, and seafoam green. While pieces are simple, many times they're bold in design."

"Mediterranean decor is usually simple and romantic. It's characterized by light and warm colors usually found in nature, such as terracotta, chestnut, cerulean, azure, and seafoam green."

Dramatic yet straightforward pieces are another staple of the Mediterranean style. For example, you might see romantic Spanish and Tuscan-style chandeliers in the kitchen or Spanish-style wrought iron banisters in the entryway.

Key Elements of a Mediterranean Room

No matter where you live, try incorporating as many critical elements of Mediterranean decor in your space to help capture the look. And since Mediterranean interior design draws inspiration from a wide range of countries and styles, you can almost always find a look that works for your tastes. Ready for some gorgeous design ideas?

Blending of Indoor and Outdoor


"Mediterranean homes seamlessly blend the interior and the exterior," Tina Delia explains. "It's all about being part of nature, taking advantage of the warmth of the sun and the crisp air."

The more you can blend indoor and outdoor elements in your space, the better your Mediterranean decor will shine through. Many Mediterranean-style homes feature large, open windows and archways that seamlessly incorporate outdoor spaces, looking out over scenic gardens and vistas.

Notice how this space uses a nature-inspired colorway with natural materials and eye-catching foliage to create an outdoorsy aesthetic. In addition, the large windows let in bright light, making the space appear larger and more inviting.

If you have a yard to work with, give it a makeover and incorporate indoor Mediterranean details like stone floors and tall archways outdoors. Create inviting nooks and comfy seating areas to complete the look.

Simplicity

Mediterranean decor often incorporates a minimalist-style sense of simplicity, similar to what you might see in a beautiful resort hotel room. Simple and sturdy furniture, bare windows, and neutral color palettes keep each space looking open, airy, and spacious. This doesn't mean your home will be boring, though — many modern Mediterranean decorating ideas use mosaic tile patterns to add visual interest to otherwise bare tile floors.

This seating area features a neutral colorway with white stucco walls, abstract artwork, sweeping archways, and a large, unobscured window. The textures and materials are natural, the accents are understated, and the walls are mostly unadorned.

"Simplicity means nothing extra," Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos told Living Cozy. "The necessities of beauty, convenience, and comfort should be all around you, but nothing extra. Natural fiber textiles like linen blend well into the Mediterranean aesthetic, and the textures and tones of large handcrafted terra cotta vessels add visual interest and scale."

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Bold Patterned Tile


Rancho Valencia Resort in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Designed by Megan Hersch (Photo Credit: Ollie Paterson)

"Patterned tile is typical of Mediterranean style. You will find hand-painted terra cotta or cement tiles in almost every Mediterranean home," said Tina Delia. "Not only for the aesthetic but because these tiles stay cool to the touch for this warm climate. Styles range from Italian line drawing to more intricate Moorish style designs. These tiles are used throughout the home to add color and pattern."

You'll be hard-pressed to find a Mediterranean-style home without patterned tile on the floors, walls, stairs, or other accents. You can use different patterns throughout the space, creating eye-catching variety. For example, your entryway floor might feature a Spanish-style mosaic theme, while your bathroom features traditional Moroccan-style tile accents.

This bathroom features tile on every visible surface except the ceiling, demonstrating a wide variety in just one space. In addition, the tile varies in color, style, and texture, creating visual depth and interest.

Natural Textures


Mediterranean decor is intrinsically linked with nature, so include as many natural textures as possible in your style. "Bring wood or natural materials into the space to make the inside feel like you're looking out over the Aegean Sea," recommended Ben Hyman.

"The natural grain and texture of wood is a beautiful counterpoint to the crispness of the stucco. Beautifully hand-carved wood details are also often found in Mediterranean decor, whether through furnishings or architectural details like doors and exposed beams," said Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos.

This space is an excellent example of how you can use your furniture and decor to add natural textures to your room, even if you can't do a remodel any time soon. Adding plants to your home is another excellent way to add texture to any room.

Layered Elements

In interior design, layering refers to more than layers of fabric and other textiles. It's an approach that you can use with any decor elements, and it's essential in Mediterranean spaces. The easiest way to apply layering to collections is by placing the tallest accents in the back and the smaller pieces in front.

"Layering multiple elements and collections is characteristic of Mediterranean style," explained Megan Hersch. "For example, a collection of pottery clustered on a shelf or in a corner. Brass elements are also very inherent in the Mediterranean decor — light fixtures, mirror work, and metal tables with intricate patterns are typically seen in collections and clusters throughout the spaces. "

What's the Mediterranean Color Palette?

Mediterranean decor features a wide range of color palette options, and most of them pull inspiration from nature. "The color palette has some variation often showcasing the crisp whites of the hot, beachy climate accented by deep, rich colors of the cultures surrounding – blues, reds, oranges, and yellows," Megan Hersch told Living Cozy.

Before you choose a color palette, it can help to decide if there's a particular style or region that you'd like to showcase in your Mediterranean decor. For example, if you opt for a Moroccan theme, you might opt for warmer, earthier tones. "Color palettes range from warm and earthy to blue and white crisp," explained Tina Delia. "The Greek Isles show crisp white plaster walls with pops of blue. Italian homes will be warmer with richer wood tones and a creamy base for walls."

"When thinking Mediterranean, a foundation of beautiful neutrals is a natural starting point," said Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos. "Begin by creating an environment inspired by 'colors' of stucco, stone, earth, linen, and wood. Then to add interest, choose colors like terra cotta, oxblood, and the aqua of the sea. Finally, to add a bit more contrast, bring in a little gold to mimic the glint of sunset on the water and moss green to recall the low lying shrubbery of a natural Mediterranean landscape."

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How to Get Started with Mediterranean Decor

Interior designers will approach Mediterranean decor from different angles, as you'll see in the recommendations below. After that, it's up to you to decide what'll work best for your space, whether that means using all three tactics or choosing just one.

Start with the Foundation

"To design a Mediterranean room, I'd start with white walls and a few colorful accents such as cerulean throw pillows or a seafoam green blanket," said Ben Hyman. "Add texture and bold elements such as a large coffee table or an oversized chair with a unique architectural design."

Start with a Feeling

"That feeling you have when you open a window, let the sun fall on your face, and feel the breeze on your skin is where you should begin," explained Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos. "Close your eyes, find that feeling, and then start imagining the space you are standing in before opening your eyes. When the design of the space evokes that feeling, when the space in your head causes you to exhale and relax, you have just started down the road of creating a Mediterranean style room. "

Start with Collections

"Collect collections — do you love baskets or pottery? Collect and group five or more of something similar. The trick is not to line them up in a row but rather to create a cluster of pots in a corner, as seen in the Dining Room in Rancho Valencia's resort collection. Or if you can find a pierced metal clustered Light Fixture that can transform your space immediately," said Megan Hersch of Rancho Valencia's resort (pictured above).

Written by

Shelby Golding

Shelby Golding is a Colorado-based writer/editor with over a decade of experience. She has a college education in interior design and enjoys woodworking in her free time.

What Is Mediterranean-Style Interior Design?

By

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 05/19/22

Fact checked by

Sarah Scott

Fact checked by Sarah Scott

Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

In This Article

Mediterranean-style interior design is a riff on the décor found in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you’re channeling a warm, carefree summer in Santorini, Capri, or Ibiza, the best Mediterranean-style interior design focuses on indoor-outdoor living; natural materials and finishes; and an effortless, minimalist-chic approach to decorating that is rooted in centuries of life along the beautiful Mediterranean coast. Mediterranean is a variation of coastal design, which is a broader term based on the generic codes of seaside living.

Westend61 / Getty Images

History of Mediterranean-Style Interior Design

When interior designers talk about Mediterranean style, they are generally referring to the aesthetics of Southern European countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, notably Greece, Italy, and Spain. But it’s important to keep in mind that there are actually 21 countries that border the Mediterranean, meaning that true Mediterranean style is just as likely to come from Israel, Morocco, and beyond. While many Mediterranean cultures borrow elements of one another’s style and share a collective sensibility related to their shared proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, they each still possess centuries of distinct culture and design traditions.

Variations on Mediterranean style even exist within individual countries. For example, in the part of Southern France that borders the Mediterranean, French Riviera Style is a glamorous take on Mediterranean style that originated in the 1930s. This particular style has seen a resurgence in recent years everywhere from fashion to hotels, restaurants, and design. One example of French Riviera style are the vintage and widely reproduced rattan sun-shaped mirrors that have become mainstream in all manner of interiors around the world in recent years.

Jessica Bindernagel / EyeEm / Getty Images

Though Mediterranean style has a timeless appeal, it can be interpreted in both classic and more contemporary ways. The original features of older homes like natural stone walls, exposed wood beams, or tile floors might preserve the character of the property, while adding contemporary furniture and decor make the home feel current. Contemporary Mediterranean architecture and interior design might focus on modern lifestyles with bigger rooms, larger energy-efficient windows, and modern luxuries like swimming pools, but old school materials and architectural details may be preserved or added as a nod to history.

Because Mediterranean-style architecture is particularly suited for warm, sunny climates, in the U. S. it is most often found in places like California and Florida. But Mediterranean-style interior design has become a catch-all for building and interior design and architecture throughout the U.S. and beyond. Just like spaghetti and meatballs is an American riff on Italian cuisine, the generic, clichéd way that Mediterranean-style interior design is often interpreted in the U.S. and elsewhere can be unrecognizable to a native of a country bordering the Mediterranean Sea. But there are some commonalities that can help you to identify the essence of Mediterranean style and adapt it for your interior regardless of location or climate.

K-STUDIO / Vora

Key Elements of Mediterranean-Style Design

K-STUDIO / Vora

Mediterranean-Style Interior Design Tips

Mediterranean style - the magic of the romance of the south coast in your home - Ottoman

Mediterranean style in the interior is a design that features a simple and romantic aesthetics of warm European countries: light, "earthly" and "sea" shades in the interior, as well as a wide the use of natural materials such as ceramics, wood, wrought iron and cotton. The design combines conciseness, simplicity and convenience. Therefore, he will find a place in any house or apartment. If you want to fill your home with the sunny romance of Spain, the abundance of warm colors of Italy, the sea freshness of Greece and the spices of Morocco, the interior in the Mediterranean style will certainly embody all of the above. nine0003

The friendly daily lifestyle of the South Coast is reflected in “relaxed” design, from garden furniture and furniture with a rustic touch (inspired by Greece) to wood, wrought iron and stone elements (derived from Italy). Each country in this region has its own shades, fabrics and textures in design, but there are still many more common features. Let's take a look at them.

Contents:

  1. Mediterranean-style apartment design: distinctive features
  2. Mediterranean-style kitchen: what to consider when decorating
  3. Mediterranean-style bedroom: main motifs
  4. Mediterranean-style living room and its features
    5. mediterranean style: design specifics
  5. Mediterranean-style house: outside view

Mediterranean-style apartment design: distinctive features

Mediterranean-style kitchen: what to consider when decorating

The kitchen or kitchen-living room in this interior is a delicious cocktail of the cultural traditions of the southern countries. Do you want to embody the idea of ​​comfort, hospitality and convenience? The Mediterranean style of the kitchen will provide you with a functional variety. A design can include many elements. But this does not mean at all that the room should be oversaturated with details. Choose any combination: from sunny colors to muted sand shades. Everything is limited only by your imagination and budget. nine0015

Furniture

  1. Large dining table for 4-6 people for a comfortable meal.
  2. Kitchen set. Choose sets made of natural wood with inserts of ceramics, glass and metal fittings.
  3. Chairs. You can choose a set of wooden chairs with wide backs or elegant metal frames and soft seats. Chairs upholstered in cotton or linen fabric in a cage will look harmonious. nine0020
  4. Cabinet. The interior of the Mediterranean-style kitchen allows for a laconic cabinet model with open shelves filled with beautiful accessories (bright kitchen utensils or decorative plates).
  5. Worktop. Choose between natural stone countertops, ceramic tiles or a combination of the two.
  6. Wash. A large bronze-coloured ceramic sink will perfectly complement your kitchen interior.

Walls

Wallpaper and panels in the kitchen in this design are rare. As a rule, the walls are faced with tiles or stone. Mediterranean-style tiles can be laid out in a mosaic pattern. As for the choice of colors, the most common are rich shades of yellow, soft cream, sand, as well as a variety of blotches of "sunny" colors. The design of the kitchen can also be decorated with various warm colors, which makes it even more cozy in the winter season. nine0003

Floor

As for the floor, it is often covered with ceramic tiles in colors that harmonize with the walls and ceiling. If the ceramic floor seems cold to you, lay down a soft rug.

Ceiling

Massive wood beams in gray and dark brown are a popular element of ceiling decor. They are ideal for a spacious kitchen. In the conditions of an apartment, it would be best to paint the ceiling with beige matte paint. nine0003

Mediterranean style kitchen with large dining area. At the same time, the cooking area and the dining area can be separated by an additional work surface or a bar counter.

Mediterranean style bedroom: basic motifs

Starting to decorate your bedroom in a Mediterranean style? First, decide which country you want to follow. Colorful Spanish or blue and white Greek? Or maybe a more restrained Italian? Here are some of the most popular options. nine0003

Italian Mediterranean

Rough rustic motifs characterize this style. The charm of the old world is achieved through the dark floor, luxurious massive furniture and wooden ceiling beams. A bold combination of bright orange and red is often used when choosing bedding. The earthy and neutral colors of the finishes serve as the backdrop for bright accessories. Mediterranean style in the interior of the bedroom can also include the texture of Venetian plaster. nine0003

Greek Mediterranean

The Greek influence in the interior can be easily recognized by the deep blues and turquoises that convey the colors of the sea. Such a marine color palette is often combined with snow-white plaster and whitewashed floors. White walls work well with authentic Greek patterns on the ceiling and bedding. This choice can safely be called both traditional and modern.

Universal design

Mediterranean bedroom design is perfect for this space because of its warm and inviting décor that blends classic, modern and unconventional options. So, an ornate bed with four turrets looks luxurious when paired with modern table lamps, bedding and delicate window curtains.

Mediterranean style living room and its features

Color

The first step is to choose the right palette, but first decide which trend will be decisive. If you chose Italian, then give preference to earth tones: from gray, sand to yellow and terracotta. In the case of the Greek direction, the ideal choice would be white, blue, olive and light terracotta. nine0003

Furniture

Regardless of the stylistic direction of the living room, opt for wooden furniture. To convey the richness of Italian aesthetics, purchase furniture with elegant wrought iron elements. The interior of the living room usually includes a low sofa, a pair of armchairs, a coffee table, a bookcase or a shelving unit. In addition, you can put a chest of drawers. For decoration, place lamps and high chairs.

Filling the living room with simple “rustic” wooden furniture is quite in the Greek spirit. Wicker chairs and pouffes with cotton covers and capes are also acceptable. At the same time, the furniture should be arranged so that there is enough space for comfortable movement. nine0003

Floor

As in the bedroom, the floor is usually laid with ceramic tiles, natural stone, painted wood planks or laminate with a raw surface.

Walls and ceiling

To meet the requirements of style in the interior of the living room, you should exclude any wall treatment other than embossed plaster and painting in a matte shade. Rough wooden beams on the ceiling, a decorative element characteristic of the original design, are chosen to match the window and door openings. A chandelier with wrought iron parts should be purchased only if the Italian style is recreated in the living room. nine0003

Decor

Finished with the renovation? It's time to start decorating. It is he who will create coziness in your living room. Therefore, feel free to buy decorative ceramics: pots, decorative plates, amphoras. Forged copper candlesticks and lamps will give your living room a special charm of comfort. Do not forget also about bright sofa cushions and soft rugs.

Mediterranean-style bathroom: the specifics of decoration

The southern-style bathroom is very recognizable thanks to its original decor. In this case, it is desirable to abandon the massive bath. Replace it with a shower or a neat rounded bathroom. nine0003

Natural materials are in everything here, from finishing materials to bath accessories. The interior of the bathroom is ideally complemented by floral decorations, as well as an antique mirror or amphora. Walls and ceilings can be decorated with antique or Roman style stripes.

For walls, it is recommended to use tiles in traditional colors for this design solution. Floor coverings (wood or ceramic tiles) should preferably be equipped with underfloor heating. The ideal bathroom combines naturalness and elegance with a minimal amount of decor. nine0003

Mediterranean-style house from the outside

The classic charm and beauty of the Mediterranean coast can not be better conveyed by any other design. This solution is one of the most popular all over the world. The question is, how can you successfully convey his idea in your home?

If your house is still under construction, arched windows and doors are the best choice. With this solution, you will be able to achieve a smooth transition between indoors and outdoors. After all, the interior of a Mediterranean-style house is closely connected with its outside. nine0003

Particular attention should be paid to the porch, stairs, gazebos and patios, which are required. You can start with an elegant wrought-iron fence, complement the exterior with a fountain or pool. Also, residents of the southern regions widely use forged elements in the external design of the house, in such a way that they echo the same elements inside the house. Do not forget that the Mediterranean style of the house is rich in greenery. With such a southern design solution in the exterior, you can easily create the atmosphere of a house on the coast. nine0003

We invite you to take a virtual tour of two beautiful Mediterranean style villas:

See also our stories about houses in this style:

- Mediterranean style: a view from Ibiza

- 900 19th century in Dubrovnik

— Luxurious Mediterranean-style mansion in California

Mediterranean-style interior | ELLEDECORATION

Buffy Birritella's country home in the Hamptons. nine0003

Mediterranean style in the interior is the best way to prolong the summer and keep the memories of vacation, sun, sea and serenity. To create a Mediterranean-style design in the interior of a city apartment, it is worth remembering its basics. First of all, it's a palette. It includes all the colors of the seascape: dazzling whites and blues, as well as azure, turquoise, olive, coral, sand and light brown. We take an example from the stars of design. We recall the Milan apartments of the famous Paola Navone (Paola Navone), in which this color scheme is played flawlessly. nine0003

The most typical wall finish for Mediterranean-style interiors is Bleached Plaster . An ideal addition to it would be a large striped wallpaper or ceramic tiles with a painted pattern.

white painted wood is the best flooring for a mediterranean style interior. A good reminder of a vacation spent on one of the Greek islands will be a coating of sea pebbles. It will be most appropriate in the design of the hallway or bathroom. nine0003

Options for using pebbles in interior design.

Options for using pebbles in interior design.

When it comes to window decoration, shutters are the best solution for interiors of Mediterranean style houses . At the same time, as practice shows, they look organically not only in a country house, but also in an ordinary city apartment.

Another win-win option for window decoration in the Mediterranean style - snow-white curtains on a wrought iron cornice . Ideally, curtains should be lace. In sunny weather, they will cast beautiful shadows, as if from the foliage of trees.

Even the most sumptuous Mediterranean-style interior is characterized by the sobriety and simplicity of an ordinary fisherman's hut. So, do not forget about ropes . They are suitable for use as stair railings and decorative elements.

To complete the picture, we add lamps with wicker lampshades , wrought iron furniture, as well as furniture and decoration elements with a marine theme . Our list of interests includes nets, boats, fish and anchors in furniture, fabrics and wallpaper. But remember: our goal is to set the accents, but in no case turn the house into a museum of navigation.

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