Interior trends: what is Mediterranean decor style?
If you’ve ever holidayed along the Mediterranean coastline, opened the summer edit of any glossy interiors magazine, or you’re just a die-hard Mamma Mia! fan—you’ll know what we’re talking about. Venturing further afield than its geographical origins, Mediterranean decor is everywhere. You know the look: white-washed interiors lead onto a breezy, open-air dining terrace, centuries-old warm stone walls covered in well-established bougainvillaea. If you close your eyes, you can almost smell the sea air. Sound like paradise? We think so. Wherever you live, if you want to bring a bit of The Med back into your home, continue reading to find out how you can get the look.
What is Mediterranean decor style?
As the name suggests, Mediterranean decor style is inspired by the coastal living lifestyle of countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece (to name a few). It’s a geographical variation of the much broader coastal decor trend, which focuses on white-washed walls, indoor-outdoor living, and lots of natural elements. As these countries benefit from that coveted Mediterranean climate, they’re blessed with warm summers and pleasant winters, meaning doors can be flung open almost year-round. These light-filled spaces are perfect for a neutral and paired-back colour palette. Where the Mediterranean decor style differs is its history and the cultural elements of these regions that have played a part in shaping this style.
The history behind Mediterranean decor style
Today, a more contemporary Mediterranean decor style is in vogue, including large windows that you can throw open and let the light stream in. Owing to Spanish influences and as some coastal areas of the US share that balmy Mediterranean climate, the decor trend grew in popularity in The States. Not only did this timeless style represent a globally fashionable design but also a life of leisure. No surprise then that you’ll find it everywhere, from Palm Beach to Los Angeles.
Key characteristics of Mediterranean decor style
Use of colour as an accent, with palettes that reflect the natural environment
These might vary from region to region. Whilst traditionally Greece it is often cobalt blue on the Spanish mainland, it might be the warm red of terracotta tiles, whilst in Ibiza, it could be a modern grey accent. If you’re looking to recreate that Mediterranean coastal feel in your home, go for a light and airy colour palette, with lots of warming whites to echo that white-washed look and earthy beiges. You could also incorporate some blue accents on your woodwork, as a nod to its nautical origins, for a clean, fresh, and timeless feel.
Try this Mediterranean colour palette at home
Natural stone walls and exposed architectural wooden features
Bring the warmth by embracing natural architectural elements like exposed beams, terracotta tiles, or stone walls. These will add tons of character to your property, and if your home is blessed with them, you can keep your fabrics and furnishings minimal whilst allowing those architectural elements to do the talking. If you don’t, you could create this look by using a mix of natural materials in your decor.
Include Mediterranean plants
And don’t forget the plants! Be inspired by the region and place an olive tree in an oversized terracotta pot. If you’ve got enough light, an orange or lemon tree will instantly transport you to the Sicilian coast. Lavender will manage indoors as long as there’s enough light and will add a soothing fragrance to your home, whilst rosemary, thyme, and basil are very useful to have to hand in a Mediterranean kitchen.
Use of natural textures and materials
In keeping with boho decor style, Mediterranean decor champions natural elements. From laying terracotta flooring in your living room to using kiln-baked clay tiles in your Mediterranean style kitchen or bathroom or even placing a reclaimed beam above a fireplace, there are many ingenious ways to bring some of that coastal feel into your home through the use of natural materials. Some of which are really simple. Wicker baskets, natural-colour linen curtains and cushions, and sisal carpets all contribute to an unmistakably Mediterranean feel, whilst a blue-and-white clay fruit bowl on your kitchen table will instantly conjure up images of Provencial farmers markets.
Airy interior spaces that maximise natural light and connect to the outside
Synonymous with contemporary Mediterranean decor is light and airy spaces that maximise natural light—in keeping with Japandi decor style and even incorporating elements of biophilic design. That fresh colour palette bounces light around your home rather than soaks it up, whilst there should be a sense of flow from one room to another. Picture this: a kitchen that’s the heart of the home that leads onto an airy living room with glass panelled double doors that you can fling open onto an outdoor living-cum-dining area. Where do we sign?
Space designed for hosting
Speaking of entertaining, the countries that inspired the Mediterranean decor trend place a strong emphasis on family. French, Spanish, and Italian dining tables will often be multi-generational, so they need to be able to accommodate everyone. This means living rooms and dining areas (and more specifically dining room tables) that are large enough to seat everyone are essential components to this decor trend.
We can’t imagine a more idyllic style than Mediterranean decor. If you’d like to recreate this style in your garden, take a look at our guide on how to create a Mediterranean-style garden.