Mediterranean Style Interior Design

Mediterranean Style Interior Design evokes the romance and cornucopia of smells, tastes, and colors that is the southern coast of Europe. The region's casual and friendly lifestyle is reflected in the relaxed design, rustic furniture and wall textures. It's a colorful and pleasing design style that brings a touch of the South of France (or Italy or Spain) to even the most northern home.

Mediterranean Style refers, roughly, to the design style of the south of France, Spain, and Italy. This region is known for its turquoise waters (hence, the cote d'azur), sparkling sunlit days, and vibrant produce and flowers. These elements are mirrored in Mediterranean Design.

Unlike formal Parisian drawing room style or dark Florentine or Madrileno design, Mediterranean design is carefree and casual, emphasizing the colors and textures found in the surrounding landscape. Nature is apparent in the architectural elements and furnishings in Mediterranean style. Terra cotta tiles, rough-cut stone, and pine wood are all used liberally.

Mediterranean colors are vibrant and earthy. Yellows, oranges, and deep reds mirror the spectacular seaside sunsets. Lavender, deep purple (aubergine), and cornflower yellow evoke the fields of flowers that cover the foothills, just up from the coast. Greens, from lush forest green to light mint green, reflect the lush countryside.

The textures of the Mediterranean are rough and earthy, just like the colors. Walls are customarily made of textured white plaster or stucco. Floors are covered with roughly finished tile or plain pine planking. Large, dark wooden ceiling beams are commonly used, in stark contrast to the white-washed stucco walls.

Water is another common Mediterranean design element, and many European homes include a courtyard fountain or other water feature. North American homeowners can capture this feel with a ceramic wall fountain or lavebo.

Mediterranean-style furnture 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 plank kitchen table, suitable for eight to twelve diners. Mediterranean kitchens are always open to neighbors and friends.

Large, usually pine, armoires are common; 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.

Accessories in Mediterranean Style Interior Design are also rustic and colorful. Door and furnture hardware are often made of rough-hewn iron. Additionally, mosaic tiles, taken from Spain's Islamic influences, are frequently found on tabletops, countertops, and even stuck in plaster as wall adornments. Smaller accessories are mostly useful items, such as copper and iron cookware, colorful crockery, and braids of garlic, peppers, and onions. Flowers, either fresh, dried, or simulated, add another source of color to a Mediterranean room.

Mediterranean Style need not be expensive. Charming pine furnishings are some of the least expensive and for just the price of a tub of plaster, an ordinary kitchen or porch can be transformed into an Italian seaside villa. Accessories can be acquired inexpensively via online auction sites, such as eBay, or by haunting garage and estate sales.

Developing a Mediterranean Style Interior Design is an easy way to bring a southern European flair to your home. With a little time and patience, your home can become a colorful and restful European hideaway.

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