Mediterranean style in the interior is suitable for beautiful decoration of a house or apartment. This direction has its own characteristics, the main features of the interior are lightness, charm, and brevity. The use of luxury and highly attractive accessories is prohibited. The design theme accompanies the maritime style and summer climate.
Interior of an open living room with old furniture in a Mediterranean style Source gd-home.com
Living room with contrasting Mediterranean design furniture Source heatylab.com
Origins of the Mediterranean style
The Mediterranean style originated simultaneously in several coastal countries, but its main legislators were Italy, Spain and Greece. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about this area is the small snow-white chalets and houses located on the coast. The ascetic decoration is surprisingly complemented by the rich surrounding nature.
Interior design in the Mediterranean style is a harmonious combination of rich colors, various textures and decorative elements and furniture. This direction is not against bold experiments on oneself, but requires respect for the centuries-old traditions of the coastal residents.
- The Mediterranean style gained recognition and approval in the 1950s. Ordinary travelers and tourists visiting the southern countries were delighted with the architecture and design of the houses.
- The Mediterranean style is very laconic and simple, there is no excessive brilliance or luxury. It’s as if nature itself created this direction: soft, gentle, with a rich combination of natural colors.
- The Mediterranean style is very versatile and is suitable for decorating the interior of not only an apartment, but also a cottage. Thanks to this direction, harmony and a peaceful atmosphere will reign in the house.
From the history
From the name it is clear that the style was formed in the Mediterranean region. Several countries are considered the ancestors at the same time: Spain, Italy, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Greece, France. Therefore, the direction organically combines Eastern and European motifs.
The style of interior design itself has existed for hundreds of years. But it only took shape as a movement after the Second World War, when villagers flocked to the cities in search of work. The townspeople appreciated the cheerfulness of the style, its lightness and harmony - everything that was missing in the post-war period. So it spread throughout the continent.
Designers distinguish several trends in this style, but two prevail:
- Greek;
- Italian.
Important: both are characterized by thoughtfulness, conciseness, a fresh color scheme, the use of natural materials, and a refusal to use an abundance of accessories. But there are also differences.
Features of the Mediterranean style
Lightness in everything is the main concept of this style! There is no place for chic, extravagant jewelry and frilly accessories.
Affordability, practicality and attention to detail combine Mediterranean style with classic country style.
The romanticism of the Mediterranean is traditionally reflected in the colors of the interiors. This style seems to be filled with warm sunshine and fresh green foliage.
The Mediterranean style in the interior is usually divided into several subtypes, each of which has certain characteristics.
In the Italian direction of the Mediterranean style, warm and muted tones predominate. It often contains handmade elements, and the decoration of the room can include several finishing options. Large windows are another hallmark of this trend.
Good natural light plays an important role in all areas of Mediterranean style, so it's important to choose curtains made from lightweight fabrics that are easy on the environment.
In the Greek Mediterranean style, cool tones predominate, but the atmosphere of the interior retains its brightness and sunshine. The reason for this is the correct alternation and moderate use of colors. This trend is characterized by a classic combination of white with a full spectrum of blue and blue. Such a popular color duet is reminiscent not only of the beautiful distances of the sea, but also of the Greek flag.
Black is used as a contrasting color, but this must be done carefully. The presence of dark accessories and decorative details in the apartment should be minimal.
Kitchen
A kitchen is needed to welcome guests - a comfortable spacious room with a huge table for 10-12 people for all friends and neighbors. The decoration is simple, as everywhere else, nothing pretentious, bright, or conspicuous. The exception is the kitchen apron; it can be as bright as you like. Accessories include useful utensils, copper utensils, braids of garlic, peppers and onions, a lot of dried and fresh flowers.
What are the varieties?
Mediterranean interior design is divided into several types.
Italian motives
These interiors are characterized by a combination of warm light colors and the use of natural materials.
The color scheme is somewhat soft: pure and sharp tones (“like from a tube”), and very dark ones are not used. Similar combinations of tones are often used, but contrasting ones are rarely used.
In Italy, finishing materials with a rough surface are popular: decorative plaster (including Venetian), rough varieties of tiles, mosaics and masonry.
Gypsum mixtures may contain flakes of marble, travertine or sandstone. Plastered surfaces can be smooth or have a painted pattern (for example, in the faience style).
Sometimes different finishing materials are used to decorate the walls of a room. At the same time, it is important not to overdo it with their quantity, especially if we are talking about a small room: in such cases it is better to limit yourself to a contrasting apron or focus attention on a small fragment of the wall.
The Italian-style rooms feature large windows and plenty of light. Windows are often installed in the bathroom.
The furniture is generally simple, but quite massive, made of wood or metal with forged elements; The layout of the room is generally simple.
The living room has a fireplace. The premises are decorated with potted plants, clay and wooden figurines, and wicker baskets.
Spanish style
The Spanish character of the Mediterranean interior is functionality and comfort. The almost complete absence of wood is compensated by the widespread use of stone both as a building material and as a decorative element. In addition, plasticine, natural fabric and forged metal are used in the decor. Eco-friendly materials are combined with a natural color palette. Bright green and scarlet spots are rare. The furniture is predominantly dark in color.
Smoothness is a feature of the Spanish style. Complex geometric shapes with rounded corners are used in the design of furniture, fittings and accessories. In Spanish interiors, the ceilings are often domed or tunnel-shaped, and the walls are decorated with arched niches. An interesting design technique inherent in the Spanish interior is the design of the ceiling as an open brick or its full glazing.
The fireplace serves as a family hearth. It becomes a kind of center of interior design. The appliances blend harmoniously with antique rustic furnishings.
Greek motifs
On the contrary, the Greek style is characterized by the active use of cold tones. The color scheme of the Greek flag - white and blue or dark blue - is particularly common.
Shades of green and yellow are also popular. The main shade of the wall decoration is milky white. Black can also be used in small quantities (decorative elements, one of the colors in a painting), but there is never too much of it.
Despite the cool tones, the rooms have plenty of sun thanks to the large windows. Windows and doors are often arch-shaped.
Natural materials with a relief surface are used to decorate the walls and floors. When finishing the walls, you can also use a combination of materials: the upper parts are finished with textured plaster, the lower parts are finished with wooden panels.
Furniture in the Greek style is often low. It is usually made of wood and has carved elements (legs, decorations on the facades). Wicker rattan chairs are popular.
Artificial aging of furniture and other wooden products (for example, photo frames and paintings) is often used.
The craft was created in Greece, so ceramic plates and other crafts would be appropriate in the room. Candelabra with candles, sea pebbles, and decorative greenery will complement the interior.
A Greek-style private house often has a flat roof on which the family gathers in the evening to relax. The walls are decorated with light plaster and blue paint. The door may be made of dark wood. Forged structures, especially lamps, are appropriate in the design of such a house.
Turkish motifs in the interior
Some southern styles (such as Moroccan) are a mixture of Mediterranean and Arabic traditions. Arabic influence is manifested in the use of folk crafts, ceramics with Arabic designs as lining, homemade paths or massive carpets, and decorative pillows.
Interior walls are usually white and smooth. The windows and doors are arched. Tiles with Arabic motifs can be used not only in the bathroom or in the design of a kitchen apron, but also in other rooms.
Significant Arab influence can be seen in Spain. These interiors use less wood than Italian and Greek interiors, but make extensive use of ceramics, pottery, stone and textiles. The houses have low ceilings and very simple furniture.
Mediterranean style in different rooms
When thinking inside a room, it is important to consider its purpose. For example, a Mediterranean-style hallway can be decorated succinctly: with an oval-shaped mirror, a low and wide wooden shoe cabinet, open hangers and plastered walls.
Decorating the hall requires much more furniture and thoughtful placement.
Bedroom
An Italian-style bedroom should be warm, cozy and spacious.
When decorating rooms in a Mediterranean style, simple materials predominate:
- decorative plaster or wallpaper with a soft geometric pattern on the walls;
- laminate or parquet;
- matte ceiling with decorative beams;
- arched windows divided into sectors;
- shutters, Roman shutters or blinds.
The Mediterranean style in the bedroom interior involves the placement of simple, laconic furniture:
- beds with a wooden or wrought-iron base and a neat headboard;
- a wardrobe, the facades of which are made in the form of lattice shutters or a sheet of white wood;
- wicker chair or pouf;
- wooden bedside tables on which rough wrought-iron lamps are placed;
- massive chest of drawers for artificially aged linen.
The fabrics are designed to highlight the Mediterranean style. For decoration, use linen or cotton in natural shades.
Important! A classic bedroom should not have frills, frills, fringes, floral prints, or overlays. Flowing, weightless fabrics that do not block light and air movement in the room are suitable.
The classic interpretation of the Mediterranean style does not include a dressing table in the bedroom. A tall mirror in a simple wooden frame becomes an indispensable attribute. The dark border dilutes the light interior of the room and creates the necessary accent.
Living room
There are no strict rules for decorating rooms in Italian or Spanish style. It is important to create a light, warm, comfortable atmosphere with light accents, reminiscent of the Mediterranean sea and sun. Light fabrics, unpretentious furniture, simplicity of forms and bright decorative elements help with this.
Mediterranean motifs will fit perfectly into the interior of a country house. For the living room, you should choose a spacious room with panoramic windows and high ceilings. An exit to the terrace, a neat fireplace and beamed ceilings will create the desired Mediterranean atmosphere and become the central elements of the design.
To create a Mediterranean style in the interior of the living room of a city apartment, you will need to combine a kitchen, dining room and large room. Arched openings will help to delimit functional areas.
The living room and kitchen in the Mediterranean style are often united by a common space; they are similar in design techniques and general mood. Oriental-style ceramic tiles used to cover the apron echo the frame of the fireplace. Forged chairs and lamps continue with iron candlesticks and lamps. Wicker furniture forms a single composition with soft sofas and simple-shaped armchairs in mustard, beige or orange tones.
The Mediterranean style in the interior of the apartment is reminiscent of the rustic design of the living space. It is based on simple and natural materials: gypsum, untreated wood, stone.
Mediterranean-themed window treatments combine airy tulle with carved shutters or shutters. Thick Roman blinds with a simple geometric pattern are acceptable.
Kitchen
Italian or Spanish colors are great for spacious rooms in a private house or country house. Creating a Mediterranean-style kitchen in a small city apartment is difficult. In a limited space there will not be the lightness and airiness inherent in this direction.
The classic Mediterranean style in the kitchen interior is based on a combination of rich blue and white colors. The Italian direction allows the use of shades of brown, yellow, olive, terracotta, orange, wine, green.
For wall cladding, tiles with characteristic oriental patterns, natural stones, mosaics and plaster with a rough texture that is pleasant to the touch are used. The floor surface is covered with parquet strips, porcelain stoneware or cement screed imitating clay or stone.
Important! In the decoration it is allowed to use artificial materials that are not typical for the design of a Mediterranean-style kitchen. The imitation must be of high quality and not detract from or spoil the overall image of the room.
The ceiling is decorated with matte paint, plaster or white stretch fabric. Beams can be painted white or stand out against the background, creating accents.
In a Mediterranean-style kitchen, the dining table takes center stage. It can be of any shape: round, oval or rectangular. The chairs are comfortable, most often wicker or covered with a mat. All furniture is durable, without unnecessary decorations, made from specially aged solid wood.
Italian style involves the use of more elegant wrought iron furniture.
When creating a modern Mediterranean interior, in addition to classic materials, designers also use glass and plastic.
A kitchen set in a spacious room does not include wall cabinets. Their place is taken by open shelves on which the necessary utensils for cooking are placed. When choosing storage systems, you should choose a simple option with white wooden facades.
The Mediterranean style in the kitchen interior in the photo is easily recognizable by the abundance of ceramics, the variety of containers with spices and herbs, and wooden accessories.
Children's
Decorating a nursery in a Mediterranean style can be inspired by Greek or Italian traditions.
In the first case, the design will be dominated by white color - it is used to decorate both the walls and the ceiling. Colorful accents are placed on furniture and textiles - shades of blue, lemon, yellow-green are suitable.
In the second case, you should use warm and delicate shades - cream, sand, peach, olive. In this case, the furniture can have rich brown tones. In a Mediterranean-style children's room, it is appropriate to decorate one of the walls with shell or stone panels, paintings, or mosaics.
Bathroom and toilet
To decorate the bathroom interior, select a round or oval font, a sink of regular square, round or rectangular shape. The sink may have raised sides and a column.
The bathroom decoration uses tiles or mosaics in light pastel colors with the addition of bright accents. Marble or stone tiles are also chosen for decoration in combination with wrought iron, ceramic accessories and wooden furniture.
Retro metal models with valves are suitable as faucets. An effective addition to the ambiance of a Mediterranean bathroom will be a toilet with a cistern suspended from the ceiling.
Hallway and corridor
The interior of the corridor is furnished with a small antique cabinet or chest of drawers, an original clothes hanger and a mirror in a wooden or metal frame.
A symmetrical arch-shaped passage leading to the kitchen or living room will perfectly complement the interior.
Decoration of balconies and loggias
To allow natural light to penetrate the loggia, they prefer to install large window structures. The decoration of the balcony depends on its functional load. For example, for a relaxation area with a low sofa, a rocking chair and a compact table, the Italian direction is suitable.
The balcony can be equipped with lighting, a pouf with soft pillows or even a small swing.
The photo shows a Mediterranean-style loggia with wicker furniture.
Finishes and materials
Favorable adherence to the direction of thematic design is not only the right choice of color palette, fabrics and furniture, but also the creation of the right decoration.
Ceiling
Light and sunny colors should prevail. This is the basis of everything, so high-quality whitewashing will be a simple and aesthetic solution. The finishing with wooden beams (or their imitation) will look original.
Walls
When it comes to wall cladding, it’s worth using your imagination. Suitable elements would be decorative plasters and small colored mosaics. Each of these options can skillfully highlight the beauty of the house.
Window
A Mediterranean-style room, regardless of its purpose, traditionally has large windows, especially in the living room. An abundance of natural light completes the design and allows you to highlight all its features. In addition, port houses have always been flooded with light, and this trend can be seen in modern interpretations. Even in the bathroom, in the absence of a window, they create an imitation.
The lamps are usually large, wooden, painted white, blue, blue or simply varnished. It is advisable to leave them open or use a minimum of curtains.
Floor
One of the most famous options is wood. Next up are tiles and laminate. For walls, it is better to choose shades of one or two different levels. Such a successful combination will create an excellent, but at the same time slightly noticeable contrast.
Preferences in finishing
Mediterranean style in the interior does not involve the use of bright colors. Interesting surface finishing with simple and natural materials helps make it interesting.
To decorate a ceiling in a Mediterranean style, regular light green or matte paint in light and warm shades is often used. Decorative beams painted in all shades of brown help create accents. The classic Mediterranean design features natural lacquered wood supports that retain the grain and grain of the wood.
Typical applications for wall cladding are:
- decorative plaster;
- tile;
- mosaic;
- wood coating;
- natural stone.
A Mediterranean style kitchen can have multiple finishes for each area. In the bedroom, paper wallpaper for painting or with discreet geometric patterns is acceptable.
Important! When decorating walls with oriental style tiles, it is important to maintain a balance so as not to overload the interior with small bright details.
The floor in the classic version with a Mediterranean flavor is usually made of wood (laminate, parquet). The layout is simple, without frills or patterns.
The Mediterranean style kitchen floor could have been brighter and more contrasting. In the photo of the interior, improvised tile carpets with oriental motifs placed in the dining area look great.
Lighting
A classic Mediterranean interior involves natural light sources - panoramic windows, hinged doors leading to the terrace, vaulted ceilings with observation glasses. Weightless curtains do not prevent the penetration of sunlight and air, and the overall light design maintains the mood without obscuring even the far corners of the room.
Credit: @
If the room does not meet the requirements of a Mediterranean home, it is necessary to provide sources of artificial lighting when decorating. For this use:
- point spots placed on beams;
- lamps with simple glass shades;
- vintage forged lamps;
- desk lamp.
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The design of all light sources does not involve the use of crystal, massive fringed lampshades, floral motifs or bugles. Smooth glass framed with a forged edging is best.
Important!
The light in a room decorated in a Mediterranean style should be soft and warm. Lamps with a cold glow, especially with a blue and white design, will make the environment cold and gloomy.
Colors in the interior
The color scheme of the Mediterranean-style interior is formed thanks to the naturalness and traditions of certain regions. For example, in the southern regions, turquoise colors are welcomed, evoking associations with the warm waves of the Mediterranean Sea, golden tones - symbolizing an endless wheat field, as well as green, red or blue colors.
The photo shows the interior of the living room decorated in light green tones.
The paints used in the decor are distinguished by their naturalness. This style combines all the shades of seascapes. Dazzling white, blue, blue, olive, sand, coral, brown and bright yellow.
The design of the room is made in beige, cream, light orange, pistachio, brick or gray colors. The colors chosen should be relaxed and sun-bleached.
The photo shows turquoise walls in a Mediterranean-style bathroom.
Color spectrum
Be inspired by nature, imitate its natural shades. Do you want bright ones: blue sky in spring, dark green ocean, tender May greens, red poppies, warm yellow forget-me-nots. Do you want gentle, muted ones: terracotta clay, lavender fields, rusty earthy shades. Take a white background as a basis, dilute it with painted wood - it’s more harmonious.
Style accents
Each interior has special elements that distinguish it from others. For this stylistic direction, these are original color solutions - a combination of white with blue, dark blue, and beige. Designer and handmade furniture, as well as unusual upholstery and fabrics, emphasize the past century and port cities. Read more about Mediterranean-style photo accents.
Textile
The most frequent guests are bright colored pillows on dark furniture and carpets on a cold floor. Patterns strongly depend on the region - in Greece they prefer simple fabrics without patterns, in Spain you can find Moroccan motifs.
Curtains are optional, but if you want, light and modest fabrics give the interior an airiness, enjoying every ray of sunshine.
Mediterranean style furniture and decor
First of all, it is worth noting that the decor of Mediterranean-style rooms should not be too conservative and strict. The color scheme, shape and composition of furniture can be completely different. Popular aesthetics include large wood chests of drawers, simple dresser designs, metal stands, glass sideboards, and unfinished wood furniture. This choice will help create comfortable, elegant and practical spaces.
Sofas and armchairs
For a style with southern notes, both upholstered wicker furniture and regular wooden furniture are suitable. The upholstery can be leather (plain) or fabric with a discreet pattern. Chairs often have huge legs made of dark wood, and leather furniture has rounded armrests.
Cabinets and shelving
Wooden cabinets have simple shapes, but they are quite massive and allow you to store a lot of dishes, kitchen utensils and other things.
Enameled sideboards and wide open shelves are also used. The shelf can be installed both in the kitchen (in this case, you can place ceramic plates and jars for spices) and in the living room (this is how books are stored, and figurines are used for decoration).
It will also fit a large suitcase in which you can store clothes. For the Greek style, a good solution would be to artificially age furniture with patina.
Lighting
If you want to create a traditional Mediterranean style interior, make sure there is enough light in the room. Chandeliers, sconces, floor lamps, sconces, table lamps - these are things you shouldn’t skimp on.
LED strips are increasingly used in Mediterranean-style interiors. They are installed around the entire perimeter of the ceiling to create excellent additional lighting.
Decor and textiles
Crafts in the Mediterranean countries are very diverse, so their samples would be appropriate in decor: ceramics and faience (including decorative), weaving from branches or ropes, figurines made of clay, stone or wood.
The region is also rich in flora. Inside, this can be reflected in pots with ornamental plants and flowers.
The most versatile curtains in the Mediterranean style are Roman blinds. They give the interior a feeling of lightness, are compatible with different types of rooms (including the kitchen) and let in a lot of light, which will help create good natural light.
Italian printed curtains can be hung in the living room. Nowadays bamboo blinds are becoming popular in this design direction. They are environmentally friendly, have an attractive appearance and do not require complex maintenance, which allows them to be used even in kitchens, cafes and restaurants.
In general, Mediterranean-style interiors do not have as many fabrics as classic and rustic interiors. Mainly used in the bedroom (bed linen) and kitchen (tablecloths, towels).
Suitable items are made from natural fabrics, plain or with traditional patterns (for example, Greek). Using fabric you can add bright or warm accents to your interior.
Curtains
In a Mediterranean-style interior, fabrics are not only decorative. All items are strictly functional: tablecloths, pillows, bedspreads, napkins, carpets. The windows are protected from the sun and prying eyes by bamboo or wooden shutters, as well as shutters made of cotton or linen. There are practically no traditional tents.
You can use pillows as decoration to create a poopy atmosphere. Ceramics are also widely used: plates, figurines, vases, jugs, amphorae, as well as paintings in the Mediterranean style. The climate on the Mediterranean coast is quite warm, so residents of these regions value coolness very much and try in various ways to create a real oasis in their homes. That is why there are so many decorative flowers and plants in every house or apartment.
Bedroom
The bedroom should have a lot of light - large windows, light curtains. A massive comfortable bed (sometimes with a canopy), white walls, always natural materials. Even in a small bedroom there are bedside tables and wardrobes for clothes.
