Step into a world of timeless elegance and Mediterranean charm as we explore the captivating realm of Mediterranean interior design. whether you live in a bustling metropolis Nashville, TNor trying to convert your suburban home Sarasota, FLThis design style brings old world charm straight into your modern abode.
In this Redfin article, we’ve enlisted the expertise of pros to share their top recommendations on how to infuse your home with the essence of Mediterranean living. From vibrant colors to rustic textures and a seamless mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, get ready to transport yourself to the sun-drenched beaches of Italy, Greece and beyond.
1. Pay attention to small details
When it comes to Mediterranean interior design, one major aspect that sets it apart is the emphasis placed on the small details. Attention to intricate elements can transform an ordinary space into a haven of old-world beauty.
“This can mean adding a unique hand-painted tile to a typically basic white stair riser, incorporating an arched detail such as a curved marble backsplash when it is typically straight, or white builder-grade Replacing vent covers that once ‘blended’ into the wall with attractive ornamental wrought iron register covers,” suggests LS Design Studio,
Courtesy LS Design Studio
2. Make new elements feel like they were part of the original design
In the area of Mediterranean interior design, seamlessly integrating new elements into an existing space is a skill that really enhances the authenticity and cohesiveness of the overall aesthetic.
LS Design Studio continues, “At the end of any project our goal is to make all new design elements feel as if they were perfectly preserved in the home over many years and breathe new life into the existing architecture.”
Courtesy LS Design Studio
2. Include items that create a sense of discovery. How to add rustic beauty to your Mediterranean interior design
This style embraces the idea of a curated space with a rich history and historical past. Look for antique furniture, vintage artwork and unique artifacts that evoke a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship.
“Decor pieces should also evoke the idea of found objects rather than new, polished objects. For example, a wooden bread bowl filled with moss balls along with some brass or ceramic candlesticks would be a perfect styling solution for a coffee table. Large terracotta vases filled with cut branches would be perfect for a dining table or kitchen island. Since this style is all about comfort, don’t think too much about it,” recommends Christy Mengott Interior Design,
Courtesy Christy Mengott Interior Design
3. Add a Mix of Textures and Layers
Focus on incorporating a variety of textures and layers that enhance simple walls and add depth to them.
“The New Mediterranean Interior is all about simplicity and festive craftsmanship. Use a mix of natural materials to give the home texture and layers: stone, terracotta, rattan, linen, leather, seagrass, marble, wood and metal. Make it fresh and contemporary by adding some white,” says Jette van Basten Battenberg, interior designer and owner couvalup,
“Whitewashed walls will give an instant Mediterranean feel when combined with wood and neutral fabrics. Use elements that are tactile and lightweight: Jute and basketry are both functional and beautiful.
4. Incorporate Signature Mediterranean Elements
To truly capture the essence of Mediterranean interior design, it’s essential to incorporate the signature elements that are synonymous with this timeless style.
“One of the biggest signatures is the use of low-pitched barrel tile roofs. Today there are many colors to choose from, but traditionally red was the most common. Symmetrical features and the use of repeating details, such as soffit corbels and banding, are also important. Stucco exterior walls painted white or a light color give the home a distinctive Mediterranean look,” suggests David Grusgott Atelier Design Group,
“Thick and heavy door and window banding with other ornate trim work and details. Finally, you should have some large columns to add an old world feel. Connection to the outdoors is also important. Plants and lots of light should do the trick.
5. Use Marble Throughout Your Home
Marble, with its beautiful white background adorned with veins of gold, is a quintessential element in the Mediterranean aesthetic, and can be enhanced in a variety of ways.
“When envisioning Mediterranean style, it is natural for Italy to be the first association due to its role as the origin of our timeless and refined Calacatta marble,” shares primestone, “With its white background adorned with delicate traces of gold and brown veins, Calacatta marble exemplifies the essence of beauty. Similar to the Mediterranean style, the stone’s intricate layers of colors and veining come together to create a breathtaking natural masterpiece.
Here are three tips to make your marble surfaces sparkle:
- A paved surface feels incredibly soft and velvety under your fingers and will show no sign of an edge when acidic liquids such as vinegar or lemon juice are spilled, although we highly recommend cleaning up all spills immediately.
- Adding a sealant to your stone will help prevent staining and protect the stone from daily wear and tear. Be sure to talk to a professional about which sealant is best and what aftercare will be like for you.
- Marble absorbs heat and can withstand the temperature of pots and pans coming straight from your oven or stove.
Courtesy primestone
6. Create a Mediterranean aesthetic using accent pieces
Incorporate exotic pieces such as antique furniture and art inspired by architectural elements from Mediterranean countries.
“You can create an Old World look by combining a few accent pieces with a simple sofa upholstered in linen or velvet, a great Persian-style rug, leather, linen, or upholstered chairs, walnut tables with turned legs, decorated chests Can recreate the look of. As a coffee table, or at the end of a bed. Add a touch of tapestry in the pillows or on an upholstered club chair. Colored tile can be used as an accessory or on a stair riser or backsplash. A fountain, wrought iron pendant lights, and wall sconces can complete the desired look,” shares Gabrielle Gliniak ggid interior design
7. Incorporate Your Mediterranean Style Outside
Extend your Mediterranean style outdoors by incorporating materials, colors and a cozy, earthy ambiance into your garden.
“In a Mediterranean-inspired home design, the materials, colors, and home’s cozy, earthy feeling can continue into the garden. If your garden has freestanding or retaining walls made of concrete, you can cover them with stone veneer or textured plaster to match the house, ”advises Richard Held, designer and contractor. Mediterranean landscape,
Courtesy Mediterranean landscape
“Drought tolerant plants from the Mediterranean region or one of the other regions of the world that enjoy a Mediterranean climate, such as the California coast and Australia, can provide beautiful color, texture and sculptural form to your garden. The garden includes Phormium ‘Black Adder’, Helicotrichon sempervirens and Agave ‘Blue Glo’.
Courtesy Mediterranean landscape
