by Sara Costi
As the name suggests, this style originates in Mediterranean countries, combining trends and influences from Greece, Italy, Spain, and even North Africa.
Architecture by the sea: the Mediterranean style
July 1, 2021
Mediterranean-style houses are simple yet functional. They are not too tall, have square shapes, and bright, typically white, exteriors. Their interiors are large and feature high ceilings, thereby offering protection from the summer heat.
The Mediterranean style draws its inspiration from the sea and all related trends (from maritime chic to coastal style). Shades of blue and white are the predominant colours for the furniture, floors, and walls. The Mediterranean colour palette includes the colours of the sea and the sky (deep blue and sky blue), the green of lush coastal vegetation, pearl grey, and sand. White is the natural choice for the exteriors, as it reflects sunlight and helps keep exposed rooms a little cooler.
White curtains blowing in the fresh sea breeze, citrus fruit trees and olive groves overlooking the sea, whitewashed or stone walls or walls with exposed bricks and beams, rattan or wooden furniture, and natural fabrics all help create a relaxing atmosphere. Other features of a Mediterranean-style home include raffia and cord finishes, low and simple furniture made of olive, pine, or cedar wood, linen or cotton cushions, wicker tables and chairs, terracotta pots, and elegant glass containers. Scented essences, sea shells, beige, gold, or sand yellow décors, colourful flowers and plants, dried twigs and branches create a cosy Mediterranean atmosphere.
Bleached wood-effect or stone-effect porcelain stoneware tiles or pastel tiles in shades of blue make the perfect Mediterranean-style flooring. Cementine porcelain stoneware tiles are a great alternative, thanks to their Arabian, Spanish, and Italian-inspired decorative patterns.
The living room – the most used room in the house – features large windows with light and airy curtains that let the sun filter into the rooms, comfortable chairs, raw wood objects, glass jars, lamps, and lanterns. A bookcase created in a niche in the wall and covered with blue porcelain stoneware decorative tiles can become the highlight of the room. In a Mediterranean-style living room, white is the predominant colour, while wood-effect porcelain stoneware floor tiles add a bright and cosy touch. Ceilings or suspended ceilings with exposed wooden beams or painted in the same colour as the wall give a more rustic and clean look.
The heart of the home is a light-flooded open space consisting of a kitchen with a breakfast nook and a living room with large windows over a breathtaking view.
Archways are another distinctive element that helps separate the areas of the house. A feature wall with brick-effect decorative tiles and stone-effect porcelain stoneware tiles from the Petra collection add a cosy, rustic touch.
The bathroom can be a bit more modern with simple and linear shelves, wicker or jute baskets, raw wood objects, lavender potpourri, and lemon-scented soap bars.
Blue and white porcelain stoneware wall tiles, which hint at the waves of the sea, and white or neutral floor tiles are perfect for a Mediterranean-style bathroom. The same floor tiles used outside the bathroom up to the terrace ensure visual and aesthetic continuity.
Every Mediterranean-style home must have a patio or a terrace, possibly overlooking the sea or the lush surrounding vegetation. Natural wood furniture, exposed beams painted in white, wicker sofas and chairs with soft cushions are the stars of the outdoor areas. Lanterns and candles, olive trees, oleanders, junipers, and brightly coloured climbing plants help create the perfect convivial space. For the outdoor flooring, we recommend light, anti-slip stone-effect porcelain stoneware tiles that run from the patio to the terrace to create an uninterrupted surface.
The Mediterranean style is elegant, simple, and innovative. It’s ideal if you love nature and the sea. And, with a few adjustments, you can recreate it in a city apartment and not just in a beach house.
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