Often associated with the sun, sea, and vegetation, Mediterranean design style encompasses a variety of influences from many different countries surrounding the Mediterranean sea. An interesting blend of boldness and simplicity, this style is a great choice for homeowners who are all about creativity, practicality, and comfort. If you are eager to spice up your living space, consider implementing these six tips when redesigning your home.

Implement earthy tones and subtle hues

When designing a home in Mediterranean style, the first thing you need to do is decide on the color palette. Mediterranean homes often take a cue from nature. Warm, earthy tones combined with shades of blue are often used to enrich the space with hues that echo the colors of the earth, sea, and sky. Warmer tones such as terracotta, yellow, and beige are the perfect color choices for your furniture, while pops of playful lime, cheerful turquoise, and subtle lavender will freshen up your living space and make it more lively. As for your rugs and curtains, it’s best to stick with neutral tones, such as white or beige, since they act as supporting elements while colorful ones take the spotlight.

Beautify the exterior of your home for a sense of cohesiveness

                   

Another area of your home where you can add a touch of Mediterranean style is your backyard. First, tackle the walls. Mediterranean homeowners often opt for external wall cladding to ensure their walls look natural and timeless. Stone wall cladding comes in a variety of colors and profiles, and look great on any home, regardless of its style, and since it doesn’t require too much work, you will get a beautiful feature piece in no time. Iron fences are another feature often found in Mediterranean homes as they enhance the simple and romantic aesthetics of Southern Europe countries. Also, be sure to include lots of greenery into your backyard in order to connect your home with nature, thus achieving a smooth transition between enclosed spaces and the outdoor area.

Vary the textures to enhance the visual interest of your living space

                 

One of the most prominent features of Mediterranean style is the presence of textures. From textiles and furniture to walls and accessories – you will notice a variety of different materials, patterns, colors, and fabric. They are used to portray the culture of countries such as Greece, Italy, and Spain, capturing the warmth of their climate, the vivaciousness of their turquoise waters, as well as luscious flowers and plants characteristic for this region. Plaster and sand-textured walls are covered by layers of paint, adding depth to the room, while bronze and iron dominate most Mediterranean homes. Consider adding mosaic tile tabletops and mirrors, linen curtains in the color of the walls, and a couple of throw pillows with different patterns to make your room look more textural, thus adding visual weight to your living space.

Use colorful decor elements and natural materials

                 

Rustic and colorful – two words that sum up Mediterranean style decor. Handmade accessories such as ceramic bowls and terracotta pottery perfectly capture the essence of Mediterranean lifestyle – relaxed, optimistic, and down to earth. When choosing accessories for your home, you need to pick something that is functional. Avoid overloading your interiors with numerous ornaments and unnecessary items. Instead, opt for pieces that are beautiful in their simplicity – get copper cookware and earthenware, and introduce a couple of braids of garlic and peppers to create a homely vibe. Also, be sure to enrich your home with a variety of natural materials, which are a staple in Mediterranean interior design. Ceramics, cotton, wood, and wrought iron are all natural and reliable materials often incorporated in Mediterranean homes. The cold tones of these materials are often diluted by adding warm, bright fabrics and textiles, such as rugs and cushions, thus creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in your living space.

Illuminate your living space with different layers of lighting

                 

Lighting is another important decor element you should invest in when decorating your Mediterranean–inspired home. Professional interior designers recommend introducing three different layers of light in order to achieve an effective lighting design. That way, you’ll provide your home with functionality, as well as visual interest. Illuminate your dining area with light glass cluster pendants or add a chandelier in satin brass to infuse your dining room with a sense of elegance and sophistication. A shell, crackle, or glass table lamp will ensure your home is enriched with the second layer of lighting, while filigree lighting fixtures will add a touch of glamour to your living space. Complete the lighting trio with some candle style wall sconces and a couple of scented candles. By doing this, you’re sure to create a pleasant, cozy atmosphere in your home which will complement the warmth of earthy tones of your Mediterranean-inspired home.

Get formal but comfortable furniture

                 

As we previously mentioned, Mediterranean interiors are most often designed using natural materials, and furniture is no exception. The living room and the dining area are often combined, so the table becomes the main subject shared by the two rooms. While Italian style often uses wrought iron tables and chair seats, Greek style gravitates to wooden or wicker furniture. As for the living room, it’s best to stick with solid and sturdy furnishings. Besides a couple of sofas and armchairs, you’ll need to add a coffee table and a bookshelf, preferably made from pine or bog oak, and consider including an antique armoire to make the whole room more charming and refined.

There you have it – six tips for implementing Mediterranean style into your home. Use the tips above to design a space where you’ll enjoy spending time this summer.

                 

About the author: Lilly Miller is a Sydney-based graphic designer and a passionate writer. Loves everything about home decor, art history and baking. Shares home with two loving dogs and a gecko named Rodney.

“Poetry creates the myth, the prose writer draws his own portrait.”

 – Jean – Paul Sartre