The Mediterranean style is an architectural movement inspired by the architecture of the Mediterranean region, particularly its average climate, terracotta roofs, plaster walls, and outdoor living spaces.
It focuses on outdoor living, with emphasis on open-air spaces and natural lighting. Its color palette typically includes soft blues, tans, pastel yellows, and warm neutrals, along with architectural features like arches, curved pathways, and whitewashed stucco walls.
It has an overall relaxed, beachside feel, often utilizing natural elements such as stone and water, along with terraces and balconies. Inside a Mediterranean-style home, you’ll find curved lines, wrought iron accents, rustic furniture, and natural fabrics and rugs.
Ultimately, the Mediterranean style is about bringing the beauty and warmth of the outdoors in.
What are the elements of Mediterranean decor?
The elements of Mediterranean decor typically include natural colors and materials, such as terra-cotta tiles, wood finishes, and stucco walls. Furnishings often feature wrought iron, woods like pine and cedar, and textiles in colors inspired by the region’s landscape, like terracotta, mustard yellow, ochre and sage.
Fabrics used in upholstery and accessories, such as curtains, blinds and lampshades, often feature Mediterranean patterns like paisley or geometric designs. Mediterranean decor also incorporates ornate details, such as arched doorways, carved columns and beamed ceilings.
Additionally, vibrant, exotic touches like animal prints, tassels and rugs can add a touch of global flair. Finally, accents of rustic pottery, colorful ceramics and hanging lanterns, as well as locally sourced decor like antiques and olive trees, complete the look.
How do I make my house look like the Mediterranean?
Making your house look like the Mediterranean isn’t too difficult with a few simple changes! Begin by incorporating warm-toned colors like terracotta, light blues, and bright yellows. These colors are characteristic of Mediterranean-style homes and will instantly give your space a more sun-drenched, relaxed feel.
Add in faux-painted walls for that extra bit of detail.
For furniture, choose pieces with curved lines and a Mediterranean-inspired pattern, like a fan-style tile backsplash in the kitchen or iron for tables and chairs in the backyard. To give more texture and a layered effect, add a few woven rugs and throws, as seen in Mediterranean homes.
If you’re looking for a more elaborate design, cover the walls with an intricate tile pattern, like cobalt blue or terracotta.
Finally, accessorize your space with greenery that can easily be found and placed in pots around the house. Hang string lights and take advantage of the sunshine with hanging plant holders, if your house has the right amount of natural light.
If you want to take your look up a notch, invest in a fountain or some kind of water feature to bring a touch of the Mediterranean sea to your home.
What is the difference between Tuscan and Mediterranean?
The main difference between Tuscan and Mediterranean style is their regional origins. Tuscan style is deeply rooted in the Tuscan region of Italy, whereas the Mediterranean style draws inspiration from many coastal regions, such as Greece and Spain.
While both styles feature the same elegant and rustic styling, Tuscan decor is typically associated with bold colors and striking furniture pieces, while Mediterranean decor features more muted colors and intricately carved furniture.
Additionally, Tuscan style focuses on many earthy elements, such as terra cotta and stone, while Mediterranean style is often decorated with many architectural and natural details.
Overall, the two styles share many of the same elements and patterns when it comes to furniture, decor, and accessories, and combine Mediterranean influences to form a style of its own.
What type of architectural style is found in the Mediterranean?
The Mediterranean region is known for its diverse range of architectural styles, typically found in the buildings along its coasts and islands. Some of the most common architectural styles of the Mediterranean include Moorish, Spanish Revival, Mediterranean Revival, Italian Renaissance, Beaux-Arts and Venetian.
Moorish architecture is characterized by its intricate intricate designs, Islamic geometric shapes and colorful ceramic tiles, which are seen in a range of residential and religious buildings, particularly mosques and palaces.
This style is often seen most prominently in cities such as Granada, Toledo and Seville in Spain.
Spanish Revival architecture is similar to Moorish architecture but is often more subdued and features large towers, arcades and terraces. This style is often seen in coastal cities such as Malaga, Barcelona and Bilbao in Spain.
Mediterranean Revival architecture is an eclectic style that draws from a range of different Mediterranean styles and incorporates elements from Byzantine, Moorish and Spanish Revival architecture. Popular in the early 20th century, this style whose is often characterized by stucco walls and red barrel tiles roofs, along with terraces, arches and symmetrical designs.
Italian Renaissance architecture is one of the most prominent styles of the Mediterranean and can be seen in cities such as Florence and Rome in Italy. Marked by its balance, symmetry and grand scale, this style features large stately buildings, typified by grand facades, ornate columns and domes.
Beaux Arts architecture is seen in many of the cities along the Mediterranean Sea, such as Venice and Rome. Derived from French Baroque architecture, this style emphasizes symmetry, grand scale and classical details like niches and classical elements.
Finally, Venetian architecture is unique to the Mediterranean region and is well-known for its use of elaborate, colorful stonework, often seen in canal side cities such as Venice. This style usually features brick facade buildings, with ogival windows, arched entrances and staircases, along with grand decorative details.
When was Mediterranean furniture popular?
Mediterranean furniture has had a long and storied history, with roots going as far back as Ancient Rome. It became particularly popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, when European states were beginning to explore and expand their empires into the Mediterranean region.
This influx of cultures and influences into Europe brought with it both desire and knowledge of the various furniture styles of the area. During this period, furniture was often heavily decorated with motifs from the regions or countries in which it originated, such as for example Moorish and Spanish influences.
After the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century, Mediterranean furniture styles experienced a resurgence as people, particularly within the growing middle class, sought to capture the romance of far off lands within their homes.
This trend persisted right through to the 1920s, when modernist and minimalist designs began rising in popularity. Even today, Mediterranean furniture continues to be popular, with furniture styles that evoke an alluring and timeless feel.
What color are Spanish houses?
The color of Spanish houses generally depends on the region in which they are located, as color preferences vary across Spain. In the northern regions of the country such as Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria, rustic, earthy tones are popular; these include warm beige and yellow hues, as well as terracotta and ochre.
In refined regions like Madrid, Barcelona, and the Costas, bright, bold colors like primary blue and yellow tend to be favored. In rural and coastal areas, white is usually the most popular color due to its practicalities – it reflects and absorbs the often intense summer heat.
Additionally, the color of some houses is determined by regional traditions. For instance, in Granada, many houses are painted or washed in vivid blues, greens, and oranges, referred to as “séptimos”.
Lastly, for those seeking to construct a new home, some regions provide grants for constructing houses with local, traditional architecture, and therefore regional style colors are often adhered to.
Do Mediterranean houses have shutters?
Yes, Mediterranean houses typically have shutters. Shutters are a common feature in Mediterranean-style architecture due to its popularity in warm, sunny climates. The shutters help protect windows from the sun, provide extra insulation and reduce energy costs.
They come in various styles, but the most common type are louvered shutters, which are slatted and open outward. Other popular shutter styles include Bahama shutters, board-and-batten shutters, and paneled shutters.
Each of these styles offer a unique look while still providing the same sun protection. Although some people decide against shutters, they are often an integral part of Mediterranean homes and add an extra layer of charm and sophistication.
What color is Panda white?
The color of the Giant Panda is mostly white. The black patches on their fur serve as camouflage against predators in the wild. They have black fur across the eyes, ears, nose, and down the middle of their back.
They also have white fur around the edges of their eyes, across the muzzle, under their chin, and on the abdomen. The color combination of white and black is unique to the Giant Panda, making it one of the most recognizable species in the world.
How do you decorate a Mediterranean style house?
Decorating a Mediterranean style house can be a lot of fun! To achieve the traditional Mediterranean look, it’s important to incorporate a variety of natural materials, colors, and textures. Start by selecting a color palette of muted and earthy tones – think shades of blue, terracotta, and sandy beige.
These warm and inviting colors will help create a homey and welcoming atmosphere.
Textiles are important when decorating a Mediterranean home. Invest in traditional fabrics like linen and cotton, with heavily-patterned or embroidered throw rugs and carpets. It’s important to layer different patterns inside the house in order to keep the atmosphere looking traditional and cozy.
Use intricate floor tiles as a way to bring out the look. Traditional Spanish or Moroccan tiles are common in this style, and they can be used as accents throughout the entire home.
Large furniture pieces should also be woven into your decoratin scheme. Invest in pieces that feature strong lines and dark woods, like those seen in classic Italian designs. Intricate detailing, ornamental carvings, and iron fixtures are all great ways to add a Mediterranean vibe to your home.
Finally, accessorize your Mediterranean style house with some natural touches. Be sure to lighten up the environment with some neutral plants and flowers. In order to finish off the look, pick out some handcrafted ceramic plates, teapots, and vases, as well as ornate copper and brass fixtures.
With these decorative elements and touches, you can create a truly unique nostalgic look that’s guaranteed to capture the nostalgia and charm of Mediterranean style home.
How do I lighten my Mediterranean home?
If you want to lighten up a Mediterranean home, the best way to do so is to use lighter-colored accents, textiles, and decor. Incorporate light-colored furniture, wall art, and wallpaper to brighten the space.
You can also include pops of color with brightly-hued throw pillows and artwork. To add some visual lightness and airiness, try hanging sheer curtains in the windows, which will also diffuse natural light throughout the room.
Mirrors placed around the space can also help to make it seem more open and airy. Additionally, opting for glossy paint finishes on the walls will reflect light and create the illusion of more space in the room.
Neutral tones like whites, beiges, and tans are a great way to soften the aesthetic of your Mediterranean home.
