Category: Mediterranean Style

The color palette varies slightly depending on the region around the Mediterranean. Italy loves the earthy color palette of warm tones of brown and terracotta and greens where Greece’s color palette is more connected to the sea and its various hues of blue. There is a strong Moroccan influence in this design style as well.

The bulbous round shapes of pottery

• curved and organic
• decorative ornamentation
• simple
• arches

A variety of furniture styles can be paired with this design style. Think natural woods and comfort when choosing furniture.   Seating is comfortable and easy going aesthetic.  Vintage pieces are also often used.

There is a strong architectural statement in this style.  This style blends old world European charm with modern elegance and finishes. It emphasizes clean lines, minimalism and functionality.

• terra cotta tile
• arched doorways
• natural exposed wood beams
• decorative ironwork
• french doors
• natural stone
• courtyard
• outdoor spaces for family living
• structured gardens
• brick and stone walkways
• pool or porte cochere
• wood flooring
• tall ceilings and windows
• gable roofs made of slate or cedar shake
• built-in pantry
• room for kitchen table in the kitchen
• furniture looking cabinets
• built-in library
• crown moldings

This style loves its pattern and subtle texture.  They are deliberate and restrained. The prints are in delicate balance with the solid neutrals.

• nature inspired patterns
• marble veining
• monochromatic and tonal patterns
• tone on tone
• arabesque
• moroccan
• upholstery is often a solid neutral but the pillows can bring in pattern and color
• clean repeating geometric

The textures of nature abound in this style offering a cozy atmosphere.

• natural textures and materials
• patina
• wrought iron
• terra cotta
• distressed and weathered woods
• patterned cement, porcelain or ceramic tile
• wood , brass, copper
• clay pots
• dark metal finishes

Unfussy and natural fibers

• natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool

The architecture offers ample amount of light. Light and airy window treatments keep the rooms bright and airy. Choose fabrics from this style to create window treatments.

• sheer curtains
• wood louvered shutters
• lightweight shades

Lots of natural light through large windows and doors. Fixtures are minimallist in design

• recessed lighting
• pendant fixtures
• lanterns
• sconces

The color palette  loves the earthy color palette of warm tones of brown, greens with black and whites accents .

• mix of shapes
• soft and plush curves
• tufted

• built with functionality in mind
• medium and dark woods
• distressed, salvaged, weathered
• square or sled
• carved feet
• rolled arm
• solid and grounded
• skirted
• metal or wood bed frames
• slip covered
• wood coffee tables
• Tolix chairs

• farmhouse apron sink
• exposed plumbing
• wooden beams
• shiplap
• cobblestone
• brick or stone fireplace
• wide planked wooden floors

This style loves its pattern.

• florals
• strips
• damask
• small prints
• plaids
• Toile
• Paisley
• solids
• farm animal prints

The textures of nature abound in this style offering a cozy atmosphere.

• natural textures and materials
• patina
• durable materials
• distressed wood
• weathered wood
• metal
• vintage finishes
• clay pots
• dark metal finishes

Unfussy and natural fibers

• natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool
• leather, suede, burlap
• animal prints and skins

The architecture offers ample amount of light. Light and airy window treatments keep the rooms simple or bare. Choose fabrics from this style to create window treatments.

• sheer curtains
• wood shutters
• lightweight shades

• exposed bare bulbs
• mason jars
• wrought iron
• barn lights

The color palette is monochrome neutrals and colors from nature.

• Simple functional forms
• Clean and simple lines
• straight or organic with minimal ornamentation

Often there is a horizontal emphasis adding to a stable feeling.

The furniture is functional, pared down and clutter free. Storage solutions are important in this style.

• medium and dark hard woods like cherry, oak and maple
• visible joinery
• emphasis on handcrafted construction elements
• simple and functional without excessive detailing
• woven tapestries
• light woods – bamboo, beech, rattan, maple or pine

Wood Paneling

• Wood Beams
• Built-ins
• Chair Rails
• Wainscoting
• Wallpaper
• Plaster walls

This style uses geometric or patterns from nature

• Pattern is minimal and often stylized botanical motifs
• simple and geometric
• William Morris inspired
• Block prints

The textures of the Arts & Crafts style play a significant role through the use of:

• wood
• stone
• metal
• handcrafted
• plaster walls
• smooth woods
• natural textures and materials like wool, linen, cotton and leather

Unfussy and natural fibers

• natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool and leather
• woven tapestry
• Embroidery emphasizes the handcrafted

Window treatments in this style are selected for simplicity, natural materials and handcrafted details

• Simple drapery panels with or without tie backs
• Curtains with tab tops make with natural materials
• Shades are simple with minimal embellishments
• Stained glass windows inspired by nature or geometric motifs

Lighting emphasizes craftsmanship, natural materials and a warm atmosphere

• Often handcrafted fixtures
• Copper, brass, iron
• subdued lighting creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere
• tinted glass, amber and natural colors
• stylized floral or geometric shapes
• Natural light from windows is emphasized

The color palette is monochrome neutrals.  They can be either warm neutrals or cool neutrals.  Often there is a statement color used along with the whites, creams, grays and blacks.  There is typically only 2 or 3 colors used in the color palette.

Clean and simple lines are used. They are straight or organic with minimal ornamention.

The furniture is functional, pared down and clutter free. Storage solutions are important in this style.

• contemporary and low
• track arm or square arms
• medium and dark woods
• light woods – bamboo, beech, rattan, maple or pine

Minimalist style does not have any definitive architecture elements that distinguish this style.

This style uses shiny and smooth surfaces with mostly solid colors.

• Pattern is minimal if non existent
• simple and geometric

The textures of the minimalist style nature abound in this style offering a cozy atmosphere.

• shiny or matte metals
• smooth woods
• natural textures and materials like wool, linen, cotton and leather

Unfussy and natural fibers

• natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool and leather

The architecture offers ample amount of light. Bare and simple drapes are used. Simple shades and narrow blinds offer minimal lines. Choose fabrics from this style to create window treatments.

Lots of natural light or sleek and clean lines are seen in the LED lighting.

• Few details

The color palette varies slightly depending on the region around the Mediterranean. Italy loves the earthy color palette of warm tones of brown and terracotta and greens where Greece’s color palette is more connected to the sea and its various hues of blue. There is a strong Moroccan influence in this design style as well. All these areas use vibrant hues along with either pure crisp white or warm neutral walls.

The bulbous round shapes of pottery

• curved and organic
• decorative ornamentation
• simple
• arches

A variety of furniture styles can be paired with this design style. Think natural woods and comfort when choosing furniture.  Low profile seating is often seen with this style for a comfortable and easy going aesthetic. Natural materials like this bamboo sofa frame and rattan pendant light pairs well as in this picture from artfasad.com.  Wrought iron accents and vintage pieces are also often used.

There is a strong architectural statement in this style.  Whether the walls are white or a creamy neutral, the textured stucco or plaster walls create a rustic and inviting atmosphere.  The stone or hardwood floors are often distressed and earthy as if they have stood the test of time where generations have walked. Arched windows and doors abound with their gracious curves.  Colorful tile is often seen in the kitchen and decorative ironwork may be seen.

• terra cotta tile
• arched doorways
• natural exposed wood beams
• decorative ironwork
• french doors
• natural stone
• colorful tile
• outdoor spaces for family living

This style loves its pattern.  Even though Morocco is on the other side of the sea, it does have its influence.  You may see this influence in the cut metal pattern in the light fixtures which create unique patterns of light on the stark walls. The prints are in delicate balance with the solid neutrals.

• arabesque
• moroccan
• upholstery is often a solid neutral but the pillows can bring in pattern and color
• repeating geometric

The textures of nature abound in this style offering a cozy atmosphere.

• natural textures and materials
• patina
• rattan
• wicker
• bamboo
• wrought iron
• terra cotta
• distressed and weathered woods
• mosaic and patterned cement, porcelain or ceramic tile
• clay pots
• dark metal finishes

Unfussy and natural fibers

• natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool
• seagrass
• rattan

The architecture offers ample amount of light. Light and airy window treatments keep the rooms bright and airy. Choose fabrics from this style to create window treatments.

• sheer curtains
• wood shutters
• wrought iron grillwork
• lightweight shades

Lots of natural light through large windows and doors.

• wrought iron chandeliers and glass
• lanterns
• sconces
• woven shades