The Mediterranean region evokes images of warm sunny days, cobalt blue seas, whitewashed villages, and relaxed outdoor living.
Known for its laidback lifestyle, the Mediterranean aesthetic is characterized by neutral tones, natural materials, and effortless elegance.
Infusing some Mediterranean charm into your home is an easy way to create a tranquil, welcoming space that feels connected to nature.
Let’s look at some ideas to help you bring Mediterranean style into your home.
With a little planning and creativity, you can infuse any room with the warmth and casual refinement of authentic Mediterranean style.
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Use Plaster Walls and Arched Doorways
One of the most distinctive architectural features of Mediterranean spaces is the textured plaster wall.
Plaster lends an organic, earthy feel and visibly connects the home to the landscape.
Whitewashed walls and ceilings are ubiquitous in Mediterranean décor, offering a neutral backdrop that allows other elements to shine.
If a full plaster wall treatment isn’t feasible, consider just adding texture above the chair rail in a dining room, or in the bath by lining walls with cork tiles.
Arched doorways and windows are another way to emulate Mediterranean architecture.
The rounded shape softens hard edges and adds an inviting, Old World elegance.
To get the look without major renovation, use arched freestanding partitions to define spaces, or swap out standard doors for prefab arched ones.
Wrought iron accents on arched doors or windows reinforce the Mediterranean vibe.
Pay attention to entryways – a stately arched front door makes an impressive statement.
Incorporate Neutral Tones
The Mediterranean color palette is grounded in soft, neutral hues that evoke the natural landscape – think warm whites, ivory, tan, and pale grey.
Use larger neutral features like walls, floors and furniture as a neutral canvas, then layer in pops of color through accessories.
For example, white-washed wood floors keep things light and airy, while patterned throw pillows provide visual interest.
When selecting neutrals, gravitate towards warm rather than cool tones.
Off-whites with a subtle yellow undertone feel brighter and more welcoming than stark white in a Mediterranean space.
Natural linen and soft greys work better than sleek silvers.
Remember that neutrals shouldn’t feel sterile – varying textures and natural materials will keep things interesting.
Maximize Natural Light
Sun-drenched spaces are synonymous with Mediterranean style.
Maximizing natural light helps recreate that bright, airy ambiance.
Strategically placed windows and light-colored interiors reflect daylight effectively.
Skylights and clerestory windows borrowed from traditional Mediterranean architecture allow light to wash interior walls.
Flip the switch on overhead fixtures during the day to let natural light take the lead.
Sheer curtains filter sunlight while still allowing light through.
Position furniture to take advantage of the best daylight – for example, place your dining table near a bank of windows.
If your space lacks sufficient natural light, layer in strategically placed lamps or sconces to mimic the effect.
Just take care not to overdo artificial lighting – a few key light sources go farther than overly bright overhead lighting.
Incorporate Tile and Terracotta
Mediterranean spaces showcase artisan craftsmanship through materials like handmade tiles and terra cotta.
Introduce tile with a backsplash in the kitchen, on floors, or in the entryway.
Stick to traditional patterns like Moroccan zellige tiles or Spanish encaustic patterns.
Warm terracotta tiles laid in a herringbone pattern make a fantastic rustic flooring choice.
For a lower-commitment option, use ceramic or terra cotta vases and planters rather than tile.
A terra cotta floor vase filled with dried lavender and placed by an entryway makes a striking statement.
Or, line a bookshelf with ceramic vessels in blues and yellows.
Use tile or terra cotta across multiple rooms for a cohesive look.
Just take care not to overdo it – their handmade imperfections are best enjoyed in moderation.
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Display Textural Fabrics and Rugs
Layering rugs and textiles adds visual richness while reinforcing the indoor-outdoor Mediterranean vibe.
Cotton, linen and wool in natural hues bring organic texture.
Introduce special woven or embroidered fabric touches through pillows or throw blankets.
Macrame wall hangings and poufs lend dimension and feel bohemian.
Rugs ground Mediterranean spaces; the trick is finding the right weight and texture.
Light sisal or jute area rugs work for laidback living rooms.
Save ornate antique Persian rugs for formal dining rooms.
Skip fluffy pile carpets in favor of flatweave, hand knotted styles.
And don’t forget the entryway – a Mediterranean-inspired rug makes the perfect welcome.
Select Wood Furniture and Beams
Wood brings warmth and connects interiors to nature.
Mediterranean spaces incorporate wood through beams, furniture, cabinetry and even ceilings.
Exposed wood beams emulate an architectural touch commonly seen in old villas and farmhouses.
The aged, weathered look of reclaimed wood fits right in.
When selecting wood furniture, consider finely crafted antique reproductions that embody traditional woodworking techniques.
Look for carved details and turned legs for visual interest.
Rustic farmhouse dining tables feel right at home.
Accent with side chairs that feature traditional rush or cane seats and botanical inspired patterns.
If antique reproductions feel too formal, introduce wood through furnishings like floating shelves, a console table behind the sofa, or a live edge wood coffee table.
Display Vibrant Pottery and Handblown Glass
The Mediterranean region has a rich history of pottery and glasswork.
Displaying artisan ceramics and glass brings bold pops of color and handcrafted appeal.
Deep blues, vibrant yellows, greens and bright geometric patterns epitomize the look.
For pottery, think hand-thrown bowls or vases in traditional Italian majolica patterns.
Portuguese azulejos tiles liven up kitchen walls.
Big ceramic urns for plants speak to ancient Greek and Roman design.
Moroccan tea glasses continue traditional aesthetics.
Handblown Italian glassware adds slimmer silhouettes and aquatic hues.
Collections of pottery or glassware make more impact clustered together than spaced out – embrace the eclectic feel.
Incorporate Wrought Iron and Wooden Accents
Wrought iron and carved wood accents complement Mediterranean interiors with traditional Old World charm.
Iron light fixtures and sconces bring detail.
An iron canopy bed feels both romantic and refined.
Wooden shutters offer privacy in a picturesque way.
Carved wooden frames accent wall decor.
For authentic Mediterranean cred, source true antique accents if possible.
Look for signs of aging like worn paint or rust on iron pieces and nicks or imperfect glazing on wooden accents.
The imperfections lend character.
If antiques are unattainable, quality reproductions also work well.
Just stick to traditional shapes and ornate detailing.
Pro tip: visit estate sales or secondhand stores to hunt for budget-friendly vintage Mediterranean treasures.
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Display Herb Filled Planters and Potted Citrus
No Mediterranean space is complete without nods to abundant gardens and fresh greenery.
Herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano flourish in terra cotta pots – tuck them into corners, place by a sunny window, or display on the counter.
Packaged olive branches add lively flavor.
Consider a mini citrus tree on the patio or balcony – lemon and lime trees thrive in containers.
Simple ceramic planters filled with leafy greens, vines or succulents bring the outdoors in.
Try decorating with a fig tree – their oversized leaves feel tropical and on theme.
Just avoid cacti and desert plants, which skew more Southwestern.
And don’t worry about impressively manicured gardens – the Mediterranean vibe is casual, not overly formal.
Let plants grow freely and embrace their natural imperfections.
Use Rustic Wooden Shutters and Pergolas
Mediterranean exteriors integrate homes seamlessly with nature through features like shutters and pergolas.
Shutters originated as a practical way to shade interiors from sun while allowing fresh breezes to filter through open slats.
Today, they lend rustic architectural interest with minimal upkeep required.
Wooden shutters complement both formal and relaxed exteriors, especially when painted in the traditional Mediterranean blue-grey tone.
Free-standing pergolas similarly bridge indoor and outdoor living spaces.
They offer shady respite and a backdrop for climbing vines and blooms.
Pergola beams painted white connect to the whitewashed aesthetic.
For smaller spaces, introduce a pergola “canopy” over a balcony, courtyard or patio to define the area while connecting it to the home.
Mediterranean gardens rely more on trees and architectural features for shade instead of umbrellas and awnings.
Embrace Al Fresco Dining and Living
The Mediterranean approach embraces extended outdoor living, from morning coffee on the patio to relaxed evening meals under the stars.
Make your outdoor area an extension of interior living space rather than an occasional seasonal retreat.
Stylish weatherproof patio furniture allows use into the cooler months.
Deep seating sofas and sectionals encourage lounging with a book.
Design your outdoor space to accommodate both intimate and group gatherings.
Include a dining table with room to spread out.
Hang or pot lights for evening ambiance.
Portable heaters extend comfort when temperatures dip.
Just avoid furniture and accessories that feel too pristine – weathered teak finishes and all-weather wicker fit better than polished metal sets.
Printed cushions in sunny yellows, blues, and greens enliven outdoor décor.
Select Mediterranean-Inspired Art and Décor
From classic Greek key patterns, to mosaic tile work, to Impressionist landscapes, art selections can reinforce Mediterranean style.
Framed botanical sketches, figurative paintings, and navigational maps conjure Old World discoveries.
Display distressed antique frames orSimplify frames to remove visual clutter.
For three-dimensional interest, introduce decorative ropes, shells, or ship wheels.
Amphoras orLarge-scale candle vessels work as striking décor.
avoid nautical themes like anchors and life preservers and mermaids, which skew coastal traditional rather than Mediterranean.
When selecting fine art, aim for a refined but approachable aesthetic.
Watercolors in soft palettes relay the sun-drenched atmosphere beautifully.
Sculptural accents also work well – just steer clear of intimidatingly large or heavy pieces.
The alluring, relaxed Mediterranean ambiance stems from a unique blend of elements rooted in regional climate and culture.
By thoughtfully incorporating a selection of the ideas above throughout your home, you can breathe new life into your space and surround yourself with subtle reminders of the Mediterranean’s beauty.
Start with foundational elements like plaster walls or tile flooring, then build on the overall aesthetic through smaller details over time.
Soon you’ll look around and find that the colors, textures, materials, even the mood of your home transports you to the easygoing, gracious way of life synonymous with the Mediterranean region.
