Evoke the romance and cornucopia of smells, tastes, and colors on the southern coast of Europe by designing your home with Mediterranean flair. The region\u2019s casual and friendly lifestyle is reflected in the relaxed design, rustic furniture, and wall textures. It\u2019s a colorful and pleasing design style that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to even the most northern home.<\/p>\n
Mediterranean\u00a0style refers, roughly, to the design style of the south of Greece, Italy, and Spain. This region is known for its turquoise waters (hence, the\u00a0cote d\u2019azur<\/em>), sparkling sunlit days and vibrant produce and flowers, which are mirrored in Mediterranean design. Each country uses specific colors, fabrics, textures and materials influenced by their culture but all typically stay true to incorporating the outdoors, rustic furniture, hardwood or stone tile floors, and wall textures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This style traditionally features white stucco walls and white wash wood floors with accents of cobalt blue and wrought iron patio-type furniture. Stately columns and arches are often used in this style along with Greek motifs and patterns within the textures and fabrics.<\/p>\n Creating the Greek style is easy and looks great with other Modern styles, such as in the Mediterranean living room as seen in the image to the upper right. The white wash walls, beams with touches of turquoise and cobalt blue accents within the chandelier, shelves, and accessories are typical of this style. While the furniture is more modern, the use of all-white pieces adds to the casual, patio-type feel often found within this design theme.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Italian Mediterranean Style is similar to\u00a0Tuscan design; carefree and casual, emphasizing the colors and textures found in the surrounding landscape. Cast iron, ornate pieces of furniture are found in this style, along with the use of earth tone colors, like oranges, deep reds and yellow, along with dark wood or rustic stone floors and weathered, brown stucco walls.<\/p>\n A good example is this Mediterranean-Italian bedroom that has dark, hardwood floors, archways, and textured walls. The key elements are the use of regional style furniture and earthy shades of browns, reds and yellows.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Spanish Mediterranean Style, is like\u00a0Spanish interior design; it uses Moroccan furniture, vibrant colors and mosaic murals that feature cobalt blue, yellow and dark red stones. These mosaics can also be found within mirror frames, tabletops or on accessories, such as lamps, pottery and vases. It\u2019s also common in this style to paint walls deep purple or blue as well as have terra-cotta tile floors.<\/p>\n An example of this Spanish influence is found in this Mediterranean foyer. The grand mosaic tile archway, clay pots, rustic bench, rough-hewn light fixtures and terra-cotta floors all reflect this rustic, casual style.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Rustic, colorful European furniture and accessories create the exact design you\u2019re looking for in the home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Large, usually pine,\u00a0armoires\u00a0are common \u2013 they were a necessity in 18th and 19th century homes that had no closets. In modern homes, these massive pieces can double as entertainment centers or linen closets. Mediterranean-style furniture reflects the casual lifestyle and community of the Mediterranean. Light pine furniture is a signature of this design style, as are large pieces, such as a\u00a0plank kitchen table, suitable for eight to twelve diners. Mediterranean kitchens are always open to neighbors and friends.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nGreek Style<\/h3>\n
Italian Style<\/h3>\n
Spanish Style<\/h3>\n
Furniture and Accessories<\/h2>\n
Furniture Pieces<\/h3>\n