Design Styles

Mediterranean-style interior design is a riff on the décor found in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you’re channeling a warm, carefree summer in Santorini, Capri, or Ibiza, the best Mediterranean-style interior design focuses on indoor-outdoor living; natural materials and finishes; and an effortless, minimalist-chic approach to decorating that is rooted in centuries of life along the beautiful Mediterranean coast. Mediterranean is a variation of coastal design, which is a broader term based on the generic codes of seaside living.

History of Mediterranean-Style Interior Design

When interior designers talk about Mediterranean style, they are generally referring to the aesthetics of Southern European countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, notably Greece, Italy, and Spain. But it’s important to keep in mind that there are actually 21 countries that border the Mediterranean, meaning that true Mediterranean style is just as likely to come from Israel, Morocco, and beyond. While many Mediterranean cultures borrow elements of one another’s style and share a collective sensibility related to their shared proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, they each still possess centuries of distinct culture and design traditions.

Variations on Mediterranean style even exist within individual countries. For example, in the part of Southern France that borders the Mediterranean, French Riviera Style is a glamorous take on Mediterranean style that originated in the 1930s. This particular style has seen a resurgence in recent years everywhere from fashion to hotels, restaurants, and design. One example of French Riviera style are the vintage and widely reproduced rattan sun-shaped mirrors that have become mainstream in all manner of interiors around the world in recent years.

Though Mediterranean style has a timeless appeal, it can be interpreted in both classic and more contemporary ways. The original features of older homes like natural stone walls, exposed wood beams, or tile floors might preserve the character of the property, while adding contemporary furniture and decor make the home feel current. Contemporary Mediterranean architecture and interior design might focus on modern lifestyles with bigger rooms, larger energy-efficient windows, and modern luxuries like swimming pools, but old school materials and architectural details may be preserved or added as a nod to history.

Because Mediterranean-style architecture is particularly suited for warm, sunny climates, in the U.S. it is most often found in places like California and Florida. But Mediterranean-style interior design has become a catch-all for building and interior design and architecture throughout the U.S. and beyond. Just like spaghetti and meatballs is an American riff on Italian cuisine, the generic, clichéd way that Mediterranean-style interior design is often interpreted in the U.S. and elsewhere can be unrecognizable to a native of a country bordering the Mediterranean Sea. But there are some commonalities that can help you to identify the essence of Mediterranean style and adapt it for your interior regardless of location or climate.

Key Elements of Mediterranean-Style Design

• Emphasis on indoor-outdoor living

• Maximizing natural light and views of the outdoors 

• Arched windows and doors and interior arched casings

• Exposed beams, natural stone walls, and tile or hardwood floors

• Airy, breezy interior spaces 

• Less-is-more styling

• Use of natural materials in finishes and decor such as wood, rattan, tile, ceramics, terracotta, wrought iron, linen, and cotton

• Neutral palette with white plaster walls and natural finishes

• Use of color as an accent, with palettes that reflect the natural environment, from the blue-greens of the ocean to the yellows and golden tones of the sun 

• Space planned for hospitality and family, with plenty of focus on common areas to include multiple seating options, and a large dining table

Exploring Mediterranean Interior Design

In the sun-kissed regions along the Mediterranean coast of Europe, a unique style has emerged. This design language is surprisingly consistent along the coast despite the different cultures. It reflects the relaxed and welcoming lifestyle enjoyed by the people there. The style is also heavily influenced by the temperate climate.

If you want to create a pleasing and colorful but casual design in your home, consider this style. With a few of the right furniture pieces, decorations and of course rugs, you can create your own Mediterranean interior design oasis.

The Mediterranean Style and Its Influences

The Mediterranean style principally refers to the architectural and interior design trends of the coastal regions of Greece, Italy and Spain. They are all a little different but share clear influences from each other and from the beautiful, turquoise water, sunny weather and vibrant flora of the region.

Some of the common decorative cues include indoor/outdoor combined spaces, textured walls, rustic and furniture and wood or stone tiles floors. They also use a lot of natural light and combine soft, neutral tones with vibrant accents.

Designing Using the Mediterranean Style

One of the most important qualities for a Mediterranean style home is achieving the laid-back coastal feel. Take advantage of outdoor areas and let natural light into any interior spaces to create an airy feel. Getting the big pieces (walls, furniture and rugs) right is important because they help to set the tone of the space.

Greece: In Greece, the style is whitewash walls with cobalt blue. This is complemented by iron furniture and the incorporation of Greek cultural motifs. A lot of the furniture has a patio vibe to it.

Italy: The Italian style is especially carefree and casual. There are many earth tones with architecture reflecting the surrounding landscape. Archways are very common. Despite the overall casual feel, many of the furniture pieces are relatively ornate.

Spain: The Spanish style borrows from Moroccan design. Some of the most striking characteristics are the cobalt-blue mosaics and the low, rustic furniture. Terracotta tile floors are common.

Mediterranean interior design involves open air, as well as materials like wood and tile.

Furniture

Furniture choice tends to be one of the most region-dependent facets. Look for larger pieces such as armoires and big tables suitable for hosting parties. In the Mediterranean, family and friends are top priorities. Furniture should be selected with the intent of entertaining, especially in the kitchen. Light pine is a common choice for furniture construction. Wrought iron also works well.

Decorations

Accessories in a Mediterranean home decor style should be colorful and vibrant but not to the point where you create a maximalist interior design. Select simple pieces with a rustic vibe. Decorative pillows can be powerful tools for this style, especially when the same accent color is expressed throughout the room. Blues, turquoises and similar colors are top choices. If you want to create a more Spanish style, consider some mosaic tile accessories. This reflects the Islamic influences on Spanish culture.

Walls

Stucco walls are almost a must-have for this style. Regardless of the finish, they need to be light colors. Mediterranean rooms are airy and reflect a continuous lifestyle between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Greek homes have the starkest white walls. Italian homes tend to have more earthy tones similar to the Tuscan style. Spanish homes are often somewhere in between.

Mediterranean interior design involves light colored walls and blue or turquoise accents.

Incorporating Rugs Into Your Mediterranean-Inspired Rooms

With all the hardwood and stone tiles of the Mediterranean aesthetic, area rugs are a must for every room. Look for large rugs with neutral colors that mesh well with the walls.

For a more bold area rug option, consider a piece with a neutral field but a colorful design. This works especially well if the secondary rug color is reflected throughout the room.

To create the truest implementation of this style, look to find area rugs with more traditional designs. For the Greek style, opt for a blue and ivory rug with a simple pattern. For the Italian look, consider a more floral or Oriental option. To make a Spanish home come together, consider a Moroccan rug — many of these are absolutely beautiful. Alternatively, consider a more modern style. This can add a pleasant, contemporary refresh of the style.

For this, look for a subtle, cool color palette with an attractive but subdued modern design. Flat-weave rugs work very well, especially for more Greece-inspired homes. Natural fibers are another great choice. These have the added benefit of tending to stand up well to the rigors of coastal homes.

Moroccan Interior Style is rich and exotic in details, shapes, colors, and mixtures. It's a combination of different cultures, religious beliefs, and hand made traditions passed on through the centuries.

History of Moroccan Interior Design

Vibrant jewel colours, textured fabrics, medieval character, and intricate carvings make Moroccan interior design a popular choice, but when exactly did Moroccan architecture and décor start to become prevalent worldwide

Much of Moroccan interior design is firmly rooted in Moorish architecture. Moorish architecture is an architectural style which developed in Western Islamic culture. The Andalusians (also known as the Moors) became dominant in North Africa (Maghreb) and parts of the Western Mediterranean such as Spain and Portugal (Al Andalus) between the 7th to the 15th century. During their rule, they carried their Muslim faith to new countries, implementing their style of architecture in their houses of worship. Moorish style blends influence from Berber culture and contemporary artistic elements from the Islamic Middle East. Over the centuries, the style developed clearly recognisable features such as the “Moorish” horseshoe arch, the tiered interior garden and geometric Zellij mosaic tilework.

Key Elements of Moroccan Style Design

• ARCHES | Perhaps the most iconic Moroccan architectural feature is the Moorish arch. These may have a simple curved top, or they make take the form of a horseshoe arch which follows the outline of a temple. The arch is prevalent throughout Moroccan architecture in alcoves, doorways, and windows. Arches are used in almost every aspect of a Moroccan house, Whether it is doors, entrances, windows or niches. Select between the two types of arches that define the shape of Moroccan architecture. The horseshoe arch is a protector against the evil eye, while the Moorish arch is an evocation of Roman architecture.

• MASHRABIYAS AND WINDOWS | A traditional window seen in Islamic architecture is the Mashrabiya, an oriel window enclosed within carved wood latticework. Similar to the Windcatchers that were used in ancient Egyptian architecture, these windows are an ingenious way to catch and passively cool the wind using a method of evaporative cooling. Sometimes these were enhanced with stained glass. The stained glass associated with Moroccan buildings uses jewel colours in geometric and diamond patterns, much like Islamic tilework.

• LAMPS AND LANTERNS | There are two types of traditional Moroccan lamps.  Arabesque Shades | The lanterns' uniqueness lays in the projected geometric shapes that create patterns giving your room a sensual feel.Perhaps one of the most recognisable Moroccan lamps is one made out of stained glass with rustic brass or wrought iron metalwork. The metal latticework on Moroccan lamps can be extremely elaborate and delicate. The lamps are finished in all number of colour combinations, although blue and amber are considered two of the most popular colour choices. The second type of Moroccan lamp is made from dyed goatskin stretched over an iron or brass frame. These lamps are hand-painted with henna dyes, decorated with symbols, geometric shapes, and nature patterns. The lamps have spiritual and symbolic meanings depending on the pattern of the lamp, for example, fish patterns represent water, fertility, and prosperity.

• ZELLIJ MOSAICS | Zellij is a centuries-old style of Islamic Mosaic artwork and one of the main characteristics of Moroccan architecture, adorning many public buildings, historic sites, and homes across Morocco. Although inspired by Roman Mosaics, Zellij originated from Muslim artists. Because of their faith, the artwork avoids depictions of living creatures. The restriction forced architects and artists to become creative, producing spatial, abstract designs that were delicate, intricate, and complex. The Zellij style of mosaic tilework is made from hand-chiselled tile pieces set into a plaster base. The tiles are placed to form repetitive and elaborate geometric motifs and radiating star patterns. Over the centuries, the tile making process has become more refined and the thinner tiles allow artists to create more intricate and complicated patterns. The tilework has become so complex it has become a subject for study by scholars in mathematics and engineering.

  There are many examples of Zellij mosaics throughout North Africa and parts of the Western Mediterranean and one of our favourites is Le Jardin tucked away in the medina of Marrakech. The restaurant is internationally known for its iconic green Zellij creating an exotic and calming oasis. A beautifully renovated 16th Century building, the restaurant is a perfect example of contemporary Moroccan design and 1960’s European glamour.

• COLORS | Colour is an incredibly important element of Moroccan design. More contemporary designs focus on neutral colours inspired by North African landscapes such as sand, taupe, beige, and shades of white. Bold, vibrant colours are used in more traditional interpretations with colours such as fuchsia, purple, vibrant red, and royal blue. The bolder colours create an exotic sense of drama.

• TEXTILES | A mixture of fabrics are used throughout Moroccan decor to create textures and layers within the design. Soft and tactile silks and light fabrics are perfect for achieving the sumptuous relaxed comfort synonymous with Moroccan style. Silks and chenille fabrics are draped on furniture or used to divide rooms and frame windows. Textiles also dress the floors of Moroccan homes. Traditionally used for prayer, Kilim rugs have become popular in Western interpretations of Moroccan interiors. The fabrics chosen are typically luxurious, bold and rich in colour. Tassels, contrasting buttons, piping and patterns are commonly used to add a sense of glamorous luxury drama to the design.

  • Magic Carpets, or Berber Carpets

    Moroccan carpets carry messages rooted in Berber rural life. Motifs and symbols encrypt stories of fertility, sexuality, survival, protection, and the natural world.

• MATERIALS

  • Metals | Common metals that are used in Moroccan design are wrought iron, copper, and gold. Traditionally wrought iron is used in the making of Moroccan lamps, whilst gold and copper inlays are used to dress intricate wood panelling and furniture.

  • Stone | The material is often used for the walls and the floors of Moroccan properties.  The walls and floors are left coarse and bare, which creates the textured look associated with Moroccan riads, mosques, Kasbahs and Madrasa.

• FURNITURE | Moroccan style is all about diversity and unique pieces with quirks.  The Moroccan bohemian style embraces more unconventional furniture in favour of unique and quirky pieces. Moroccan interior design often combines delicate hand-carved furniture pieces with luxurious plump upholstery. Tables are intricately hand-carved with inlaid tile or metalwork designs whilst plush cushions, sofas, pouffes and ottomans create a relaxed sense of causal lounge comfort.

• GARDENS | In Morocco the term riad means “garden” but it is also used to describe the townhouses built around a central courtyard garden. Traditionally these gardens are symmetrical in layout focusing around a fountain or large focal tree. The key design rule when creating a Moroccan riad garden is to consider how the garden looks from an inward, 360-degree approach whilst also considering the space on multiple levels. The gardens are often planted with orange, lemon or fig trees whilst roses fill the space with colour and exotic scents.

• ACCESSORIES  | Layers are essential when creating a Moroccan inspired interior. Typical accessories include wooden bowls, terracotta pots, ornate mirrors, wrought iron ornaments, hand-painted ceramics, and stained-glass vases.

Geometric patterns or floral motifs

Avoiding the use of human or animal images as per Islamic beliefs, the arabesque and geometric patterns accentuate the romanticism of any Moorish interior.

Italian interior design is synonymous with luxury and quality. Its design ideology has laid the foundation for various other design styles to evolve. A few notable features of Italian design are the ancient mosaics of the Roman empire and the intricate designs of the Renaissance.

History Of Italian Design

The brief history of Italian Interior designs dates back to the 15th century. The interest in decorating spaces came from the Romans. They created architectural marvels and designed the interior of these structures with maximum functionality and aesthetics. Italian designs continue to be influenced by Roman architecture in ventilated, open spaces and the integration of natural elements.

Why is Italian Interior Design so Popular?

Italian design is one of the oldest design styles tracing its routes back to the renaissance period with its eccentric columns and bold colours infused with gold accents. However, this style remains a first choice for designers even today after its constant evolution over time. 

This is due to its characteristics such as elegance and luxury brought by the use of materials like marble, gold and other natural stones. High-quality furniture and furnishing curated by expert artisans also set aside the Italian design style from the rest.

Key Elements of Italian Design

• Mix of Modern and Rustic | Incorporating elements of old architectural style with modern furniture is a great way of mixing styles. Old architecture can be incorporated in form of pillars, ceiling designs or furniture from antique stores.

• Space Utilization | Light airy spaces are the key to efficiently achieving modern Italian design. Italian design incorporates clever use of furniture, and light all while retaining the architectural features. Maximum utilization of space is achieved by concealed and smart storage options that create a clean, clutterless look.

• Cosy Minimalism | One of the Italian design characteristics that are often adopted is the “less is more” ideology. Italian design, which is often characterized by the use of luxurious textures, massive furniture and works of might be contradicting the concept of minimalism. However, these characters are balanced by spatial orientation and ample natural light.

• Stone | Italian stones are famous for their quality and durability around the world. Their stonework ranges from luscious marbles to attractive quartz and warm terracotta stones. The intricate stone detail of Italian designs is flexible to be used either on floors or walls.

• Importance for Kitchen | Italians often perceive the kitchen as an extended and integral part of a living room. While storage and functionality take precedence, modern designs bring a balance between these and aesthetic value. Kitchen spaces have evolved drastically through time in Italian design.

• Statement Elements | From bold chandeliers to velvet upholstered sofas, luxurious statement pieces that grab focus are essential elements in an Italian design. Pieces like travel souvenirs, paintings of abstract art help create the grand focal point. Statement furniture also helps break the modern sober-toned curation by giving it a pop of colour, texture and character.

Characteristics of Italian Interior Design

Italian Designs are characterised by a range of features like good taste, luxurious furniture and minimalism. But here is a deeper understanding of the characteristics that represent the Italian design style.

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