Interior Designers: Explore the Beauty of Mediterranean Decor

The Mediterranean decor is associated with the romanticised aesthetic of Southern European, Northern African and Western Asian countries.

It’s a relaxed and cheerful style that’s rooted in history. Its simplicity, combined with boldness and convenience, makes extensive use of natural materials (ceramics, wood, cotton and wrought iron).

The best Mediterranean-style interior design focuses on indoor-outdoor living, natural materials and finishes and an effortless, minimalist approach. It can be both casual and formal, suitable for a house and an apartment.

The key to recreating it is a correct selection and combination of colours for the walls, floors, furniture and fabrics. When it comes to Mediterranean interior design, less is more.

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The Main Elements of Mediterranean Decor

The elements of Mediterranean decor include pieces that are associated with the idealised life in countries like Spain, Italy, Greece and Morocco. The style includes light outdoor furniture and wooden, stone and forged decor elements. Beauty and functionality, as well as conciseness, are the distinguishing characteristics of this style.

Each country inspiring it has its own colour palette, fabrics and elements, but there are common features shared between them:

The finishes, furniture, and accessories should be made from natural materials such as wood, wrought iron, glass and stone. Otherwise, the interior will be burdened with unnecessary elements. A single statement piece in a bold colour can be the focal point of the decor.
The cold tones of the natural materials have to be balanced with the bright textiles of the other decoration pieces (rugs, cushions and bedding). Wood is the best material to add to accent pieces, such as baskets next to the sofa. This combination of minimalism and wood brings the feeling of nature inside your home. For other accessories, include art and books to add personality to your home. The fabrics typically included are wool, silk and cotton.
A common feature in Mediterranean interior design is ceramic tile flooring as well as rough bleached wooden planks, natural stone, painted wooden boards or laminate with an untreated surface.
The ceilings are usually high in a colour palette consisting of sandy yellow, beige and milky shades. Ideally, they should be decorated with massive wooden beams of grey and dark brown.
For this style, plastered and painted walls in light shades are typical rather than wallpapers or panels.
Patterns make the Mediterranean style complete. Arabic, Moroccan and mosaic patterns can be used to highlight certain parts of the interior.
Mediterranean interior design focuses on maximising natural lighting and views of the outdoors. It commonly includes bare windows, solar shades or pale, gauzy curtains. Arched windows, doors and interior casings are also common elements in this style.
The space is planned for hospitality and family, with plenty of focus on common areas.
The outdoor space is typically furnished with a patio, a balcony or a terrace. It’s given the same amount of attention as the interior space because it plays an important role in the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Mediterranean Colour Palette

Mediterranean hues span the colour wheel, but they pull their inspiration from nature. Colours like coral blue, turquoise, lavender, emerald green, sandy yellow, and others inspired by the sky and the sea make up the cool colour palette of the Mediterranean style.

If you prefer warmer tones, terracotta, olive, red, pink, peach and deep yellow are the “sunny” colours.

How to Create a Mediterranean-Style Room

When starting to design in the Mediterranean style, first decide which country you want to take inspiration from. Here are two options you can take as a starting point:

White and Blue Greek

The distinctive features of the Greek Mediterranean interior design are the deep blue and turquoise tones of the sea.

They are often paired with white plaster and whitewashed flooring. The white walls are usually combined with authentic Greek patterns on the ceiling and in the accessories. It combines the traditional with the modern. The ideal colours for the Greek Mediterranean style are white, blue, olive and light terracotta. For this style, simple wooden furniture is typical.

However, it should be arranged in such a way that there is enough space for comfortable movement.

Restrained Italian

The Italian Mediterranean is characterised by rough village motifs. It gives a feeling of the charm of the simple, old way of living.

The most common elements are dark floors, solid furniture and wooden ceiling beams. The accessories are often a bold combination of bright orange and red. The background colours are usually earthy and neutral.

The interior design may also include Venetian plaster texture. If you choose the Italian Mediterranean, stick to earthy shades like grey, sandy yellow and terracotta.

To convey this aesthetic, focus on wooden furniture with wrought-iron elements. Italian Mediterranean style emphasises the colours and textiles of its surrounding area.

Other things to consider when designing in the Mediterranean style:

Include curtains of light, airy fabric to balance the roughness of the natural furniture. A light and simple pattern is allowed. Use forged cornice as a decoration.
Include small or chipped ceramic tiles or a set of mirrors. Allowing natural imperfections around the house to add texture is typical for this style.
Use mosaics inside and outside of the house. To add a little playfulness, use it as a highlight in any corner of your living space.
The kitchen or kitchen-living room should remind of the cultural traditions of Southern countries. It should embody the idea of comfort, hospitality and convenience. A Mediterranean-style kitchen may include many elements, but it shouldn’t be oversaturated. Decorate it using various warm colours, which will make it more cosy during the winter season.
For furniture in the kitchen-dining room, including a large dining table for a minimum of 4 people, natural wood cabinets, glass inserts and metal fittings. Open-shelf cupboards filled with accessories (such as bright kitchen utensils and decorative plates) go beautifully with this style. For chairs, a set of wooden ones with wide backs, elegant metal frames and soft seats fit the interior perfectly.
An ornate bed with four turrets fits this style perfectly in combination with modern table lamps, bedding and delicate window curtains.
The floors’ colour scheme should be in harmony with the walls and the ceiling. Use the same flooring throughout the house to create a cohesive look.
As decoration elements, you can go for decorative ceramics (pots, decorative plates, amphoras), wrought copper (candlesticks and lamps to give a special charm of comfort), bright cushions and soft mats.
Include Mediterranean greenery such as potted olive or lemon greens. If your climate doesn’t allow it, decorate the space with dried-out branches or flowers in plain vases.

Final Thoughts

Designing your home in Mediterranean style allows you to bring the beauty and charm of Southern Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia.

With its focus on natural materials, simplicity, and indoor-outdoor living. This style creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in any home.

You opt for the white and blue tones of Greek decor or the rustic elegance of Italian design. Incorporating elements such as wooden furniture, ceramic tiles, and bold colours will help create an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.

So, embrace the beauty of Mediterranean decor, creating an elegant and tranquil home.