Do coziness and comfort matter most to you for your home? One design style that fits this description is the Mediterranean aesthetic. With one look at any Mediterranean-inspired home, all you want to do is relax and bask in its warm comfort. And if this is what you want for your home, here are the must-have Mediterranean interior design elements to include.
Types of Mediterranean Interior Design
Greece, Italy, and Spain are four countries near the Mediterranean coast. These coastal countries offer different Mediterranean styles you can get inspiration from. But how do they differ from one another?
- Greek Mediterranean – Coastal Greek homes are distinctive with the use of stones. But one other prominent element is the color blue. Their distinct color blue motif initially has a functional purpose. But the blue has been integrated into the interiors.
- Italian Mediterranean – Italian Mediterranean homes are characterized by terracotta floors and overhead beams. Plus, earthy tones are prominent in this style.
- Spanish Mediterranean – The Spanish style embraces minimalism and natural aesthetics. However, Spanish Mediterranean styles include patterned tiles to add color and details to their space.
- Modern Mediterranean – Another Mediterranean interior design style is a contemporary one. After all, the three styles mentioned above still have traditional aspects. However, modern incorporates old-world elements and luxury to create this vibe.
Mediterranean Interior Design Elements
The Mediterranean style highlights the outdoors. After all, it’s sunny on the Mediterranean coast, and homeowners love to relax in their gardens or patios. Even if you don’t have an outdoor space to complete your envisioned aesthetic, here are Mediterranean interior design elements to incorporate into your home.
Arches
Any Mediterranean home will have an arch. This feature has a historical significance dating back to the Italian renaissance. But its function is to create sturdier and lighter walls. Another thing to note here is arches provide balance and contrast through geometry.
Patterned Tiles
Patterned tiles contrast minimalist walls. You can add patterned tiles to your floors or incorporate them into your stairs. However, you can use these tiles as accents to your walls.
Stucco Walls
Stucco is a signature style in most Mediterranean interior designs. Although these walls are for the exterior, you can use this to create a consistent look from the inside and out. They’re usually white or cream.
Exposed Wooden Beams or Rafters
Another notable feature in any Mediterranean home is wooden beams or rafters. It adds to the coziness and warmth of the overall space.
Stone
Finally, a Mediterranean home wouldn’t be complete without stone. Most homes would incorporate stone into their walls. However, stones are great as materials from your ceiling to the floor.
Design Tips to Create a Mediterranean Interior
1. Add Shades of Blue to Your Earthy or Neutral Aesthetic
A distinctive feature of any Mediterranean home is its earthy or natural look. Beige, brown, and white are the main stars of Mediterranean interiors. But a Mediterranean home doesn’t have to look boring. Spanish and Greek homes use blues to bring color to their homes. Plus, it’s inspired by the Mediterranean sea. You can use those as accent colors to make your home inviting and relaxing.
Alternatively, you can get inspiration from nature by adding greens, pinks, and yellows to brighten your home.
2. Use Natural Light
Lighting matters in Mediterranean homes. Since countries near the sea receive tons of sunlight, they maximize this by letting the sun into their homes. With arches, you can let natural light in. This allows you to highlight the features of your beautiful home. Plus, the natural light creates a warm and cozy atmosphere.
3. Add Plants
Adding plants to your Mediterranean-inspired home enhances the earthy look. This can modernize your home. Plus, Mediterranean homes emphasize outdoor living, you can then bring the outdoors inside. This is ideal if you don’t have outdoor space or live in an apartment.
4. Decorate and Layer
or completes the Mediterranean look. This includes pots, amphoras, wrought-iron items, wooden furniture, and cushions.
Pots and amphora, in particular, contribute to the rustic look of your home. Cushions are a must-have for this design style, adding to the coziness of the coastal living vibe. Plus, you can modernize your Mediterranean-inspired home with contemporary wrought-iron or wrought-copper lamps. Although rugs aren’t necessary, they serve as a great layer for the floor.
5. Incorporate Wood into Your Home
Exposed beams are one feature of most Mediterranean homes. That said, if you want to complete the look, go for wood, as this warms up the space. However, if beams aren’t possible in your home, you can go with chairs, shelves, and tables.
Final Thoughts
A Mediterranean home is ideal, especially if you live in a sunny area or near the sea. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a Mediterranean-inspired space, even if you live in the city or an apartment. Coziness and comfort are its key features. Plus, if you choose a neutral color palette, balance it with natural tones to bring brightness to your space. Complete the look with furniture that evoke relaxation.
About the author
Katrina Pascual
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