Drawing inspiration from the Greek islands, the coasts of Spain, the rolling hills of Italy and even Morocco, Mediterranean design spans many territories. Named for the Mediterranean Sea, this design style is perfect for anyone who loves decor that's equal parts beauty and function. Touches such as tiled accents, stucco walls, ornate furniture, wooden arches, and exposed beams all lend a beautiful Mediterranean vibe to a home.
Even if you're miles away from the beach, these stunning Mediterranean-style interiors will transport you to the islands and give you endless inspiration for your next renovation project.
From Morocco to Miami and Santa Barbara to San Sebastián, Mediterranean home design encompasses a variety of styles steeped and history and influences. One thing is certain: It's a style that endures and continues to gain fans throughout the years. With careful planning and a skilled architect, modern Mediterranean-style homes can combine features that blend the best of old world style with modern lifestyles.
Mediterranean architecture became popular in the early 20th century in places like Southern California, Texas, and Florida: areas that enjoy warm climates similar to the countries and cities along the Mediterranean Sea. While styles vary they share an emphasis on the home as a retreat and sanctuary and offer easy access to the outdoors via wide doors and windows, terraces, atriums, and patios. Notable architects who used Mediterranean influences in their designs include Bertram Goodhue, George Kaufmann, Julia Morgan, and Wallace Neff.
Forms of Mediterranean architecture include:
Spanish Colonial and Spanish Colonial Revival
Mediterranean Revival
Italian Villa
Moroccan
Pueblo
Hacienda
Mission Revival
Neo-Mediterranean, which is also known as Spanish style
Monterey
Spanish Eclectic
Key features of Mediterranean home design include:
A connection and easy transition between indoors and outdoors
Spaciousness created by high-beamed ceilings and archways
Eclectic: mixing old styles with modern tastes
Stucco
Red-tile roofs
Arches above doors, windows, and porches or balconies
Rough-hewn wood or carved doors
Brick
Stone
Ceramic tile
Wrought-iron (not rod iron) grillwork and railings
An emphasis on natural materials
Outdoor spaces, like patios, courtyards, balconies, terraces, etc.
Outdoor water features: fountains, ponds, pools, etc.
Join us for an international tour of magnificent Mediterranean homes, from petite properties to expansive estates.
Inspired by the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, Mediterranean interior design highlights the natural history, landscapes, and communal culture of this diverse region.
Though many Mediterranean styles stem from the European edge of the sea (like Greece, Italy, and Spain), much warmth of the Mediterranean-style homes comes from influence of Morocco, Turkey, Israel, and the other countries bordering the Mediterranean coast. While they all share similarities, each country has its own design sensibilities based on its land, culture, and traditions.
Due to their historic nature, Mediterranean-style houses and interiors carry timeless appeal and can easily be modernized by pairing contemporary or modern furniture with historic architecture and natural features.