Features of the interior design of a room in a Mediterranean style. Mediterranean style in the interior - tips, rules and design options
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The simplicity and simplicity of the Mediterranean style may seem a little careless. However, take a closer look and you will see the elegant beauty of the European south, in which every detail is clearly thought out. In this review you will learn everything about how to create a Mediterranean style in the interior, photo design projects will help you better experience all the intricacies of this unusual design direction.
Freshness and simplicity are the main characteristics of the style
What do you associate with the words “coast” Mediterranean Sea"? Do you imagine cozy houses overlooking the endless sea? Or perhaps you feel a light sea breeze that enters the house through the windows wide open, blows the light curtains and gently touches your hair? Do you feel the warmth of the sun's rays and the salty taste on your lips? That's what it is Mediterranean interior: full of light and freshness, warm and romantic, inspiring and bringing peace.
The atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast is amazing and unique! Bringing it to life amid the cold Russian winters and heavy autumn rains is a difficult task. But you must admit, the result is worth the effort.
It doesn’t matter whether you are planning to furnish a small apartment in the bustle of the city or create a Mediterranean-style interior in a country house. You should consider some points, which we will discuss below.
The Mediterranean coast spans several countries, each with its own traditions and history. It is the large length of the coast that determines its ethnic orientation. The most prominent representatives are the Greek Cycladic, Spanish and Italian styles.
In the spirit of Greece
The Greek design direction is defined by simplicity and some carelessness in decoration. The walls are finished with relief plaster, the ceilings are whitewashed, and the floors are covered with tiles or boards. The highlight of the Greek interior is the furniture. They are made by hand from natural wood, decorated with carvings and forged elements. The furniture is aged, creating the effect of fading under the warm southern sun. Against the backdrop of discreet finishing, the furniture pieces look like genuine works of art.
Palazzo Italiano
Italy is the homeland of hardworking and cheerful people. That's why there are so many objects in the Italian interior. self made. This concerns decorative elements(vases, paintings, dishes) and finishing options. The walls are often decorated with frescoes and hand painted, the floor is covered with mosaic tiles.
Many forged elements have been added to Italian furniture. A characteristic piece of furniture is a coffee table with a glass top framed in metal carcass ornate shape. Wicker chairs are placed around the table, and elegant lamps in the shape of street lamps descend from the ceiling.
Spanish siesta
The main feature of Spanish design is arched vaults. They are found everywhere, starting from front door And window openings and ending arched vault over the kitchen fireplace.
Another feature of the Spanish house is the domed ceilings. By the way, in Spain ceilings are often made partly or entirely of glass. Wood is rarely used to decorate houses. Therefore, the design of the floor and walls is dominated by stone and brickwork.
Greek style prefers the use of refreshing shades: white and blue. Italy is characterized by deep warm tones of green and yellow. The Spanish style is dominated by yellow-brown shades.
Selection of finishing materials
When decorating a room, it is customary to use only natural materials. In a Mediterranean interior, everything should be natural and in maximum harmony with nature. An important aspect of the style is its simplicity. You will not find any elaborate stucco or alabaster. Mediterranean-style finishing can be considered rough, but that's part of its charm.
Features of floor and ceiling design
Paint or plaster is suitable for finishing ceilings. Very often, ceilings are decorated with wooden beams, which are painted to match the color of the ceiling or leave the natural color of the rock. Since one of the most important characteristics of the style is the desire to fill the space with air and light, the ceilings are made as high as the architecture of the room allows.
Floors are usually not finished with wood, as this is not very practical in the subtropical climate of the Mediterranean. Much more often in the Mediterranean style, tiles are used. It can be a plain unglazed tile in brown shades or a variegated mosaic. The floor is also covered with natural stone, marble, granite and other rocks are used.
Using paint, plaster and wallpaper to decorate walls in a Mediterranean style
The classic material for wall decoration is stucco. This is a gypsum-lime mortar water based. In addition, fine marble chips are added to it. The result is a kind of decorative plaster that fits perfectly into the interior.
Expert's point of view
Yaroslava Galayko
Lead designer and studio manager at Ecologica Interiors
Ask a Question“The walls are usually not leveled to perfection, and the corners are also not aligned. The decoration looks rough and discreet, creating an atmosphere of simplicity and comfort.”
The wall color is most often white. Sometimes the solution is slightly diluted with sky blue or sand paint. This technique is typical for the Greek direction. The choice of shade depends on the side of the world to which the room’s windows face. Warm shades are suitable for the north side, cold shades are suitable for the south side.
In the spirit of Italy, cover the walls with paint. Select several shades of the same color and layer them on top of each other. This method of painting looks very advantageous on the walls, creating the effect of a play of chiaroscuro.
Wallpaper is sometimes used to decorate walls. Choose a plain fabric calm tones With textured surface or wallpaper that imitates natural materials: masonry, pebbles and more. Interesting solution may be the use of photo wallpaper. They should depict the landscape of the Mediterranean.
Solid and elegant: description and photo of furniture for the interior in the Mediterranean style
The furniture, like other elements of the interior decoration of a Mediterranean-style room, is simple and uncomplicated. The furniture used is functional and practical. It is important to select unique pieces of furniture that are not “mass-produced”. Massive cabinets made of natural wood, cupboards, and chests are suitable as storage places. Upholstered furniture is simple and comfortable, devoid of elaborate shapes and bends. Often involved in the setting wicker furniture from rattan: chairs and armchairs, benches, hanging swings.
The simplest and most laconic decoration is found in the Greek direction. It can be described as Spartan. There is nothing superfluous in the interior: each item performs a specific function. Italian interior more elegant due to the use of forged elements. Spanish furniture- solid and massive, harmoniously inscribed among the stone-clad walls.
Lighting organization
The Mediterranean coast is flooded sunlight for most of the year. Therefore, the design concept includes creating a sunny and bright interior, airy. Numerous ways to fill a room with light lighting.
Look harmonious Wall lights, framed wrought iron ornate shape. Mediterranean-style chandeliers are also made with forged elements. The lampshades are chosen to be plain and simple in shape.
The main light sources can be supplemented with an LED strip stretched along the perimeter of the ceiling, spotlights, table lamps and floor lamps.
Helpful information! You should not choose lighting fixtures of elaborate shapes. For Mediterranean-style rooms, light sources that imitate elegant Street lights or regular candles.
Apartment interior decor in Mediterranean style
The concept of the style is to convey the atmosphere of the southern European provinces. The most authentic atmosphere of the sunny coast will be conveyed by various decorative elements used to furnish the home.
Accessories
The decorative elements fully reveal the marine theme. The task of style is also important to emphasize the unity of man with nature. Therefore, many are used for arrangement potted plants and vases with bouquets.
Paintings in the Mediterranean style depict the azure shores and the depths of the sea. Figurines made of wrought iron, wood and ceramics are widely used for decoration. In the Mediterranean interior it is customary to install open shelves: completely wooden or with forged elements.
We should not forget about national objects of southern European life. Greek vases with traditional ornaments and reproductions of paintings by Italian landscape painters would look appropriate in the interior. To zone a space in a Mediterranean style, for example, in a living room combined with a kitchen, columns are often used.
Important! The style should remain simple and functional, so you should not clutter the space with an abundance of accessories.
Curtains and other textiles in Mediterranean style
As is the case with other furnishing elements, for textile design we select natural materials. The Mediterranean region is not characterized by abundant use of textiles. The least amount of it is in the Greek style. This is the most laconic direction in all respects. The windows are decorated with light curtains; other textile decor also has a purely practical function - bedspreads, tablecloths, bedding.
There is not much more textile in the Italian direction, but it is always more varied and looks richer. In addition to light curtains, thick curtains in deep tones are hung on the windows. They are held up with ties, and a lambrequin would look appropriate at the top of the window. Arches and doorways are decorated with similar curtains.
The color scheme of the fabrics is consistent with the color design of the room: plain natural shades sometimes they are complemented with national ornaments. For upholstery upholstered furniture Fabrics with contrasting stripes or checkered patterns are often used. White and blue, for example, is ideal for a Greek design. Italian style is softer. Olive with light yellow is more suitable for it. In the Spanish direction, shades of brown and terracotta dominate.
Photos of the interiors of different rooms
In this section, we invite you to familiarize yourself with photos of rooms designed in the Mediterranean style. These photos will help you make sure that the Mediterranean atmosphere is ideal for both a cramped hallway in a small apartment and a spacious living room in a country house.
Mediterranean style hallway
Use light colors to decorate the walls in the hallway. They will visually expand and fill even very tight spaces with air. However, take into account the high traffic volume of the room. To keep the interior in its original form for as long as possible, use wear-resistant, washable materials for finishing. Use chests and wicker baskets to store items. And instead of a bulky closet, attach open hangers with hooks to the walls.
Photo of kitchen interior in Mediterranean style
Mediterranean-style kitchen design (photo below) is literally imbued with warmth and comfort. In such a kitchen you want to cook and receive guests. For kitchen design Italian style is chosen more often than other directions. Looks good in it kitchen set made of natural wood (simplified option will do imitation). The floor is laid out with mosaics or tiles. It is recommended that the equipment be built in and hidden behind wooden facades, since the simplicity of the style does not harmonize well with technical progress.
Lovers of spacious and bright rooms, in which it is pleasant to relax and easy to work, have long appreciated the possibilities of Mediterranean interiors.
has a very special charm, the main components of which are peace, space and individual elegance. Just what a modern person needs. How to decorate an interior in this style, what should you pay special attention to, and how to reveal all the possibilities of this design in an ordinary apartment? Today's article is exactly about this.
Mediterranean style in the interior: main features and characteristic images
- As a separate direction in interior art, the Mediterranean style emerged only in the middle of the last century. However, unlike many artificially created trends, this design has deep historical and ethnic roots.
- It is based on the traditions of home decoration inherent in the inhabitants of the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. From here, in fact, the name of the style was born. Common features of everyday life formed a stylistic community, and differences added individuality and a special zest. Thus, the Greek interpretation is characterized by cold white and blue colors, light fabrics and squat wooden furniture.
- The Greek style is also marked by a love of open spaces; it is ideal for decorating open-plan apartments and studios. Enfilades of rooms, separated only by the semblance of light arches, allowed life-giving coolness to fill the entire house. The Italian variety is more saturated and design, greater detail, a tendency to combine various natural textures in one area of space. Often found in Italian style wooden blinds or shutters.
- Furniture made of dark or natural wood, forged elements, decorative plaster on the walls, as well as Roman-style decor will give the interior an Italian flavor. A very characteristic feature is the presence of rustic surfaces. Raw stone and rough-hewn beams often decorate interiors with Italian roots.
- Spanish style prefers as finishing materials stone, clay and fabric, perhaps because with wooden materials There is a big shortage in this country. The Mediterranean style, born in the vast expanses of sultry Spain, is characterized by quite low ceilings, various arches, durable and strict furniture of simple, archaic design.
- Another distinctive feature for the Spanish version was the distinct influence of Arab culture, which is manifested in oriental ornaments, intricate mosaic floor patterns, and the traditional range of Spanish style, which was based on white, blue, and terracotta shades. A common element is ceramic tiles with fine, almost Arabic painting. The classic colors are still the same, including a basic combination of white, blue, terracotta and complemented by green and red accents.
- The variety of Mediterranean style options is not limited to the above. After all, there is also Türkiye, with its oriental luxury in design, North Africa, where the Oriental style combines with the African, giving birth to that Moorish style, Tunisia and Algeria, in which the Moorish Moorish style miraculously coexists with everyday practicality. Many countries, in each of which the Mediterranean style received its own sound.
- Despite the abundance of variations and local colorful features, the Mediterranean style has common characteristics that remain unchanged.
- The basic stylistic idea can be defined as simplicity and adherence to tradition. The main finishing materials for the Mediterranean style are stone, less often wood, ceramics, and clay. Rustic surfaces are often used in decoration; various types of plastering are popular.
- As flooring Most often, tiles are used, which last a long time and look beautiful. In addition, it is made in almost all countries of the Mediterranean area, and it is much more affordable than wood.
- Architectural forms are distinguished by the same laconicism that is characteristic of the entire movement. Arches and arched openings are popular, they decorate the room and help to divide the space without bulky partitions.
- Columns and entire colonnades are often found. In European Mediterranean countries they look more like antique designs, while on the other side of the Mediterranean the twisted design is common.
- The furniture design is very restrained. Low, squat tables, sofas, armchairs. Many of them have a distinct oriental flavor, reminiscent of ottomans and seat cushions. The traditional striped furniture pattern, as well as tassels and fringes in the design, further emphasize the proximity of the East.
- The lines of furnishings, as a rule, are clear, geometrically correct, and harmonious. This also applies to upholstered furniture, which also has clearly defined contours, emphasized by decorative elements, wooden or forged.
- Light wicker furniture is popular; it looks especially good in combination with light coffee tables on graceful forged legs.
- Another hallmark of the Mediterranean interior is the love for open storage areas. Shelves and entire racks, not burdened by doors, are filled with cute trinkets and useful household items. Ceramics in all its forms are especially popular. Jewelry, dishes, and household items made from this material are put on public display.
- One thing worth emphasizing important fact. The Mediterranean interior is perhaps one of the few where clay in all its manifestations plays a very important role. Starting with the obligatory and indispensable ceramic tiles for this design in the decoration of the room and ending with fireplaces with clay fireboxes, dishes and kitchen utensils. Clay is the cornerstone of Mediterranean interior design, so expand its use in your decor.
- Patterns and ornaments may vary depending on the area, artistic traditions and even religious beliefs. Thus, in the Mediterranean style with a strong influence of Muslim culture, you will not find images of people and animals. But thin ligature exquisite ornaments, which can be placed on any piece of furniture, attracts the eye. For the Italian trend, the presence of examples of art in the ancient Roman style is a completely natural addition. Paintings of frolicking gods from the Roman pantheon are common. A Greek interior can be decorated with paintings similar to the icons of the early masters.
- However, the most commonly used ones include plant, geometric and fruit designs and patterns. They decorate textiles, tiles, walls, and horizontal table surfaces. However, the Mediterranean style is not characterized by excesses, so only two or three planes in the room are selected for decoration. Even more often, rich ornamentation is found in one zone. For example, in a fireplace niche.
Mediterranean style in the interior ideas and photos
Although quite archaic, the Mediterranean style has changed greatly over the past couple of decades. The influence of Art Nouveau and minimalism has given us examples of very bold and original interiors, which can be easily implemented even in a standard apartment.
Mediterranean style living room
- In order to receive original room, it makes sense to turn to basic style combinations of luxurious antique details and laconic elements Mediterranean country: ceramics, forging, light textiles.
- Low, squat furniture made of wood can be complemented with forged elements, and the coffee table is inlaid with small-format ceramics, more like a mosaic.
- For our culture, the presence of ceramic tiles in residential premises does not yet seem very common. However, the advantages of this design are obvious: environmental friendliness, practicality and complete stylistic compatibility. For a Mediterranean-style living room, you can choose tiles with a slight worn effect, or, on the contrary, an elegant, mosaic design option.
- A mandatory element will be open shelves or a built-in rack, which, of course, does not have doors. However, this does not mean that such a living room lacks storage space. Low tables, original chest of drawers in the form of an old one sea chest will cope well with the assigned role.
- The color scheme characteristic of the Mediterranean style is usually chosen depending on the tastes of the owners. It can be cold, transparent, and the tone in it will be set by white and blue combinations, which are intended to be balanced by earthy and terracotta tones. The choice of a warm shade of design includes all the tints of red-brown, delicate pastel variations of orange and yellow. For balance and contrast, aqua or a combination of white and brown can be added. Popular bottled green color, which gives the room mystery.
Bedroom in a Mediterranean interior
- To decorate it, use wall and ceiling decoration with a “handmade” effect. Matte surfaces should not be perfectly leveled; some roughness and imperfection will add authenticity and a special charm to the image of the interior. Of course, this does not exclude careful and careful processing and application of paint or plaster.
- Ceiling beams in dark wood color will help create an Italian flavor. The ceiling, completely finished in wood, looks great. An arch or column of the same color and texture as the wall will provide an ionic accent, and the design of such an arch decorative stone will make the Spanish note more sensitive.
- You can lay wood on the floor, parquet board or even modern laminate. It would be better if this design has retro features. This will help achieve the desired atmosphere, because Mediterranean interiors are rooted in the distant past and have served their owners for many years.
- The bed in such a bedroom can be very colorful. Tall twisted posts for the canopy will give it some oriental flavor, and an extensive headboard, upholstered in patterned fabric or decorated with ornaments, carvings and even inlays, will create a bright and memorable accent.
- Depending on the general direction, textiles are also selected. In a room where you can clearly feel the Spanish and Italian flavor, you can afford absolutely luxurious bed linen, heavy, golden or scarlet bedspreads and an abundance of decorative pillows in an oriental style. This design will be complemented by a heavy woolen carpet and small chairs with high backs.
- A Mediterranean-style bedroom does not have to look archaic. Light and bright interiors also available in this design.
- White walls and ceiling, blue-blue colors, additions in the form of marine-themed accessories, stripes as the basic theme of the ornaments will help create a spacious and light interior, visually expanding even the most modest room. This option is a very good solution for small bedrooms in a typical building.
- A children's room in this style also looks good. A calm color scheme and the ability to change the set of accessories will give the necessary flexibility to the interior, which is a big advantage in children's rooms.
- Wood trim such as flooring, vanity window blinds and footstools will add depth and definition to a room's design. If you make these parts in a retro style, you will get an excellent and romantic bedroom with a nautical accent.
Kitchen in a Mediterranean interior
- Very often, Italian style is chosen for the kitchen. Abundance wooden elements, the reliability of forged additions and durable, solid furniture simply cannot help but evoke the feeling of a reliable rear and a cozy home.
- Such kitchens are characterized by a rich color scheme of natural tones. Amber, brown, yellow, green, cream and tint natural wood can safely be called the most popular.
- A real decoration will be a work wall lined with traditional ceramic tiles in blue-terracotta or blue-white tones. Chairs upholstered in fabric with fruit patterns will help add color. Half-chairs with wicker seats and high wooden backs of a laconic design look good.
- There are not too many items in Mediterranean cuisine, and those that are there are truly necessary. Laconicism accompanies any interior in a Mediterranean style. Therefore, when choosing accessories for the room, limit yourself to: the necessary minimum. Ceramic dishes made of black or red clay, several wooden boxes For storing spices and bread, a wooden fruit bowl will be quite sufficient decoration.
- The design options for a Mediterranean-style kitchen don’t end there. It can be bright, original and look very modern if the furniture is chosen in dark turquoise and mallow tones, and a patterned frieze of oriental ornament is placed around the entire perimeter.
- A Mediterranean accent will be created tall vases in the Greek style, posters in the style of ancient paintings by Mediterranean masters and a couple of accentuated aged design elements. This design is even very suitable small kitchen, and will also fit perfectly into the open space of a studio apartment.
Mediterranean style in the interior truly reveals limitless possibilities to create an original and comfortable living space, individual, with its own character and temperament. Modern stylistic options allow you to decorate even very small spaces in this design, which has absorbed all the originality and beauty of the Mediterranean.
Everyone who was looking for a style for their home came across the Mediterranean style in the interior, looked at the photographs, and admired it. But few people understand the whole “zest” of this style. In this article we will try to unravel the mystery and reveal the whole essence.
How did the style come about?
Mediterranean-style houses on the thousand-kilometer shores of the wonderful Mediterranean Sea, which is located between two continents: Africa and Eurasia. It consists of the Adriatic, Balearic, Ionian, Aegean, Cyprus, Cretan, Libyan, Levantine, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, seas, Alboran Sea. The main feature of this area is its wonderful subtropical climate with mild, rainy in winter, quite hot, dry summer.
The entire territory considered to be the Mediterranean is very similar, but just as different. Greece, Spain, Italy, Algeria, Morocco, France, Turkey, northern Egypt - all these states are territorial, historical ancestors of an eclectic mixture of simplicity, hospitality and friendliness called “Mediterranean style”
Many people think that this style was invented by the Greeks or Romans, but this is not entirely true. Italy at one time conquered all these territories, and Greece gave rise to the cultural development of the region. But the style was most influenced by nature. Its influence is felt in all elements of the interior.
Features and varieties
Mediterranean style is an interior and architecture blown by the sea wind and resistant to the sea sun. A feature of the interior is the widespread use natural materials: ceramics, wood, cotton, forged products - everything is as natural as possible, and sometimes even rough. In all types of interior, light, gentle colors associated with the sea and sun predominate. If you remember, when we go to the sea, we take light-colored clothes with us, which are made exclusively from pleasant natural materials, and while there we enjoy looking at the trees and vegetation, which give us a feeling of freshness and coolness.
Combination with simple, rough architecture and unique Mediterranean style houses. Remember the photo where there are white or beige houses on the seashore, with a natural roof, wooden door. Really, it makes your soul feel good? Everyone agrees that it is simple and tasteful. No pretentiousness or flashy elements. The country house merges with the landscape, interior walls with the house, walls with furniture, furniture with decor, and decor with a view from the window. The circle closes into a kind of symbiosis, and life takes on meaning.
And if you add national ornaments, then houses in the Mediterranean style become special and unique, acquire a charming charm, and introduce national life and traditions.
Let's consider characteristic differences national interior features:
- Greek style is different maximum use white, combining with blue or blue. The Greeks give the Mediterranean style a touch of antiquity, which is especially noticeable in the tendency towards large spaces. Very well suited for decorating a studio apartment with an open plan, using enfilades of rooms that are separated only by arches. In addition, this allows cool air to be evenly distributed throughout the room.
- Italian tastes are distinguished by the use of richer, warmer colors. Also distinctive national peculiarity interior design is the desire to combine various natural elements on one piece of furniture or area. In Italian houses or apartments you can often find a symbiosis of wood and leather or wooden blinds, for example. They also use a lot of furniture made of wood (mostly dark) and forging. The Roman Empire added raw stone and decorative elements of the Roman style to the interior.
- Spain was once very strongly influenced by the Arab world. This also affected the design of Spanish homes in the Mediterranean style. It manifests itself in ornaments, mosaics on the floor, very often there are finely painted ceramic tiles, which are actually Arabic. The Spanish style is distinguished by terracotta shades, white, blue, less often green, red, which are used to complement the range for emphasis. The Spaniards have a huge shortage of wood, so it is practically not used. But other natural materials (clay, stone, fabric) are used everywhere. The furniture is simple, austere, and the houses themselves have rather low ceilings.
- The French trend is distinguished by capes, lace napkins and other handicrafts. Wicker tables and chairs, as well as a wider color palette, also stand out. The interior has a feeling of French dreaminess and romanticism.
- We will highlight the Arab direction as a separate group. This includes Algerian, Moroccan, Turkish, Egyptian national direction. Practically not used in pure form. Distinctive feature There are many pillows on the floor, low sofas, tables. Many national patterns in mosaics, woven fabrics, and carved furniture sharply highlight these styles and make them easily recognizable. It can also be easily recognized by the presence of paintings and frescoes that are of a religious nature.
Colors
All paints that are used to decorate Mediterranean-style houses are fresh, light, and natural. Wide range of colors: from white to deep green or blue. Yellow, gold, beige, pink colors - they are all used in all tones. It is important to decide on the main color of the interior, then move on to complementary colors that will be present on the decorative elements.
The main color should be as light as possible, but not bright; the walls are painted with it. It is best to choose white for this; it does not cause aggression or irritation when decorating residential premises; it creates great mood. Beige, light orange, creamy white, terracotta, brick pistachio, warm gray are also suitable, the main thing is that they look natural, look at ease, as if the material was painted this color under the influence of wind or direct sunlight. These colors will allow you to create so much cozy atmosphere home that you won’t want to leave. Don’t forget that the Mediterranean style is, above all, simplicity and comfort. No need to pick too much rich colors, because this brings an element of luxury to a house or apartment, and such dwellings “put pressure” on the people’s psyche. And the colors of the interiors are aimed at relaxation and rest.
The further possible palette of colors depends on the choice of the main color. Gray, beige or beige, yellow or pink, beige will go well with white. White, beige, pink, blue, and brown go well with gray. Having chosen green as the main color, you can choose several suitable ones for it: white, beige, brown, gray. Playing with shades of green will bring many benefits to your interior. For example, the office can be painted olive green, and the bedroom light green. They will still fit and harmonize. Orange, white, green, and gray are perfect for yellow.
Wall decoration and design
The Mediterranean interior style should be created with your own hands, because the basis is simplicity and economy. The classic finishing material for walls is stucco - a mixture of water, gypsum, lime, and very small particles of marble. The wall turns out to be rough, but very pleasant to the touch and looks very natural. Again, simple, tasteful. Sometimes you can just roughly round the inside or outside corners. This will save time, effort, and will look very stylish.
They are usually painted in White color, but the Greeks can add a little paint to the solution, then the wall has a light tint. Light turquoise or light blue is very pleasing to the eye, this technique is especially suitable for the bathroom. By making the wall sunny yellow you can fill the room with body and light. Suitable for rooms on the north side or residents of northern countries who want to renovate in this interior style. Pink shades, especially strawberry ice cream pink, will look harmonious in a bedroom or living room. The Italian Mediterranean makes the texture of the walls more complex. This is achieved by applying layers different shades colors or mosaics and frescoes.
It is very important that you immediately need to select the colors of the floor, furniture, and decorative elements.
All efforts may be in vain if you install a cabinet that has plastic doors or too bright sofa. The color scheme must be thought out in advance and strictly adhered to, otherwise instead of pleasant simplicity you may end up with bad taste.
Ceiling and floor decoration
The Mediterranean style ceiling is a constant. In all houses, the floors are made of wood, the beams are placed on the ceiling. But then you can give free rein to your imagination by painting it with warm shades or giving it the appearance of very old wood, which has a bluish color. This wood has a gray appearance, as if it has spent centuries under the salty sea winds and the burning summer sun. It looks very impressive, noble. If you need to give a built house or apartment a Mediterranean look, then you can get by with more cheap materials such as drywall. Beams will visually add space to a house or room. Do at least stretch ceiling that imitate wooden beams or planks. Sometimes, of course, in the Greek or Italian style, the ceiling is made of stucco in the same way as the walls. But then you also need to finish the floor, it turns out very interesting.
It is advisable to make a Mediterranean-style floor from natural stone, although it is a bit expensive. Marble is very practical, beautiful material, existing in various colors. It can be combined to create beautiful patterns, mosaic, or simply choose a suitable warm shade and make it monochromatic. It will last for many decades, and over the years it will acquire very beautiful noble abrasions. The Greek style uses tiles, but they should be light and textured. If the ceiling and walls are made of stucco, then a very interesting option would be to make the floor of the same color from this mixture. Then the room will look as if it was carved out of stone. Wood is rarely used; very light wood is chosen or simply painted white or beige. But for a terrace such material is quite suitable. From budget options, you can choose laminate or high-quality linoleum, which have a wood or stone pattern. But remember that the color in this case should be perfectly chosen and should not be conspicuous.
What should the furniture be made of?
It is not surprising that the simplicity and practicality inherent in the interior in general extends to pieces of furniture. It can be made with your own hands from a single piece of wood. Such a table or chest of drawers will fit very well into the atmosphere. The shade of the tree does not matter, but most often they use a grayish tree that has been “tormented” by the sea wave. Here it’s up to the owner to decide what the piece of furniture should be: rough or elegant; the wood will definitely merge with the interior.
Very often, objects such as a bed, table or chairs are made by virtuoso blacksmiths. Forged furniture will last a very long time, withstand heavy loads, and will not succumb to sunlight. Goes well with wood and natural light fabric.
Rattan furniture is quite popular among residents of the Mediterranean coast. This is material that consists of dried and then peeled calamus stems. Wicker chairs add charm and comfort to your home or veranda. Such furniture is light, practical, and environmentally friendly.
Use of textiles
The Mediterranean interior, despite its simplicity and laconism, is very rich in ornaments and textures. This is where the influence of Turkey, Morocco and other Arab and Asian countries comes into play. This is especially true for textiles. You need to use only natural fabrics: linen, cotton. In the bedroom, you can use handmade cotton lace on the bed or embroidery. In Morocco they make beautiful woven carpets that will add color and give a special coziness to the home, and a lot of pillows scattered on the floor and low sofas will immediately make it clear that tea will be brought soon.
Natural fabrics can be used to cover the soft seats of forged chairs, make bedspreads or sofa bedspreads, tablecloths, and towels from them. All this can be decorated with national motifs, thereby making the house unforgettable for everyone who has visited it. Natural fabrics are very practical and easy to wash. The colors are very laconic, simple: white, beige or yellow. By the way, the usual curtains and drapes made of fabric are quite rare in interiors. Italian or Roman curtains are much more common, but they are also made from natural fabrics. True, in the modern world, preference is increasingly given to blinds made of wood or bamboo.
The role of lighting in creating an interior
Sunlight is one of the main concepts, so you should not skimp on lighting. Classic version– ceiling spots, beautiful lamps, chandeliers and spotlights that hang from wooden beams. They will make the house warm and welcoming. When choosing lamps, you need to be guided by the size of the room, the color scheme of their design, so that they do not introduce dissonance into the general interior. You need to use so many lighting fixtures that there are enough of them to simulate sunlight even at night. Different wall hangings will look no less advantageous, floor lamps, which can focus light on decorative items. Placing LED strips around the entire perimeter of the ceiling is another good decision. LEDs have good lighting power with minimal energy consumption.
Accessories and decor: be inspired by nature
It is decorations and decorative elements that can create a unique atmosphere from simple house. In the Mediterranean style, accessories should reflect what this style is famous for - nature. Abundant vegetation can be imitated by many pots with different indoor plants and flowers. The sea is recreated from bright panels made of stones, shells, other fossils, and inhabitants of the deep sea. Very characteristic of this style are wide open shelves made of wrought iron and wood, on which the bulk of the decorative elements stand. Often their role is played by ceramic plates painted with national, marine, and plant patterns.
Of course, the rooms can be decorated with objects of art: paintings, figurines, jugs. Here you can give free rein, experiment a little, mixing Greek-Italian traditions with North African or Turkish motifs. Often a good symbiosis comes out, which looks great, refreshes the southern style, complementing the design in an original way. In the same way, you can paint the stairs to the second floor by laying out the vertical part with patterned tiles.
Moreover, each step can be laid out differently, which will emphasize the variety of style. Windows, for example, can be decorated with shutters, which can be painted, painted or simply carved. It would be a good idea to use ropes in decoration, because the style is directly related to the sea. You can use them to tie a staircase railing or frame something.
It is very important that you need to be careful with decoration, know when to stop, because this way you can lose the simplicity for which the style is famous.
Simplicity and ease - this is how you can characterize Mediterranean-style houses. The most important advantage is the low cost of processing rooms for styling. The second advantage is the attraction to nature, which gives such simplicity, freshness, and comfort. The decision to decorate a house or apartment in this style will be excellent, because it exudes warmth, comfort and ease.
Unlike almost any other, the Mediterranean style in the interior is not defined by a clear set of details. Its much more characteristic feature is the presence of an atmosphere of peace, relaxation and tranquility, so characteristic of the flow of life on the southern sea coasts. This style absorbed the features of many coastal cultures of the Mediterranean: Greek, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, North African. The warm sea, the abundance of sun and light, and the territorial proximity of these cultures determined the presence of common features that created a unity of style.
Traditional Mediterranean style home interior
In contrast to, say, the Mediterranean style is mostly committed to a cold palette that combines a large number of white and saturated, bright shades blue and blue: azure, turquoise, emerald. Use pops of pink or purple as contrasting accents.
This style is typical for traditional houses Greek villagers, entirely carved out of limestone blocks. The Mediterranean style also inherited from these simple dwellings rough white walls and rough furniture made of wood or woven from reeds, earthy floors and reed mats on them. Niches were often cut out in the walls, using them as shallow shelves. The shelves were decorated with simple utensils: dishes with handmade homemade painting. The life of the sea peoples was distinguished by a fair amount of asceticism. Therefore, the Mediterranean style in the interior is functional, utilitarian, devoid of pomp and decoration. These features make him similar. But at the same time, it is the rejection of excessive decor that creates an atmosphere of relaxation, characteristic of Mediterranean-style interiors. 
The asceticism of the style is emphasized by the almost complete absence of textiles: wooden benches without soft seats, lack of curtains (they were replaced by shutters), carpets, bedspreads - one of characteristic features. There can only be a lot of textiles in the bedroom: there are bedding with multiple ruffles and handmade lace. Lace napkins are often used as decorative elements, say, on chests of drawers or small tables. 
Furniture is either roughly hewn and heavy wood, or wicker from reed, or forged. Wooden furniture most often painted. It can be dark brown, blue, blue, olive, less often white or one of the light sand shades. 
Mediterranean style in the interior of the apartment
Modern Mediterranean style is eclectic. Being initially the receiver of a whole galaxy of related cultures, today it has absorbed the features of the modern world. Not only materials, but also changes in lifestyle left their mark. But the main thing in interior design in the Mediterranean style remains the transfer of the same mood of relaxation and tranquility. 
Today, of course, no one will make walls from limestone. A wide variety of materials can perfectly imitate the complex texture of poorly processed stone. modern materials: from plasters to textured ones. But the color of the coating is better to choose white. In the absence of a marine view, the decoration of the walls will be a painting or a fresco with a suitable subject. They will cope perfectly with imitation wall niches. 
It is better to make the floors unglazed earthen - terracotta shades. True, we should take into account the peculiarities of our northern climate. Therefore, to make the room comfortable, it is better to provide.
Mediterranean style white ceiling. Often, ceilings are decorated with imitation of massive wooden beams in traditional colors: brown, blue, white. The surface of the beams imitates old, not too smooth, dried out wood. Another decoration is the chandelier. It can be forged or made from natural materials, such as reed. 
No room is complete without furniture, but a Mediterranean-style interior should not be overloaded with it. Forged or wicker furniture is suitable. A massive wooden table or chair will also fit perfectly into the interior.
Mediterranean style in the living room interior
Despite all these assumptions, the spirit of a Mediterranean-style bedroom is still the same bright, peaceful atmosphere that promotes relaxation and rest. 
Mediterranean style is right for you if:
- You are the happy owner of an apartment or house in southern latitudes, on the seashore or other body of water
- If you prefer natural materials
- If you value comfort, lack of ostentation and pomp
- If the main purpose of your home is comfortable rest
- If you want to save on repairs. Such an interior, as a rule, is quite cheap.
The furnishings of the house in Mediterranean design are imbued with the lightness and charm of the sea. The genre does not provide for luxury, elaborate accessories, decor and intricate furniture. Every detail in the decor is thought out, simple and functional. Due to these features, the genre is a bit similar to country and classical.
The furnished interiors display a marine theme, associated with warm summers, vacations, healthy eating and relaxation on a comfortable yacht. Tones, decor, shapes - reminiscent of the beauty of nature with notes of the sea.
History of the style
Many interiors often show the influence of nature and climatic conditions, and Mediterranean interiors are no exception. Moreover, along with Art Nouveau, this trend takes a leading position in borrowing features from the beauty of nature.
Since ancient times, the Mediterranean region was ruled by strong states - Rome and Greece. The Greeks were famous for their handicrafts and various crafts, and the Romans were famous for their conquests and colonizations. Spain, having trade and military influence, also made a significant contribution to the formation of the Mediterranean direction in the interior. The culture of North Africa and Turkey introduced some trends into the genre.
As a result, the culture was constantly supplemented with new trends and original characteristics of other peoples. The sea only contributed to this trend, since it covers several continents at once - Africa, Europe, and also Asia.
Another round of active development of the direction occurred after the Second World War. Residents of villages living near the sea began to actively look for work in cities; at the same time, they introduced elements country houses to city apartments.
Despite the emergence of new building materials and interior design trends, the Mediterranean interior in apartments and houses retains its main features, which can be considered original.
Main components
Let us list the main elements that make up the flow:
- Spacious and bright rooms with large windows.
- Plaster, paint, wood, and natural stone are used as finishing materials.
- Warm colors of moderate saturation predominate, as well as all shades of blue and dark blue.
- There is no overload of details.
- Marine theme - color schemes, images, decor in the form of shells, corals, elements of sea vessels.
- Natural textiles are used - airy white tulle, a canopy over the bed reminiscent of a mast ship, decorative pillows in colors characteristic of the genre, low-pile carpets and home roll runners.
- Patterns can be floral, reminiscent of the Arabic style, associated with sea waves; The lines of the patterns are most often smoothed. Stripes are also used as an integral part of the marine theme.
- Furniture is only functional and essential. The center of the room is left free of it.
- Lots of light in the rooms. Lighting fixtures with forged, striped or cream lampshades, lampshades with frosted glass white or cream tone.
Key varieties
Let's look at the main varieties into which the Mediterranean direction is divided.
Italian motives
The genre combines soft and warm tones - sunny yellow, orange, beige, shades of green, olive (can be rich), light golden, all shades of brown. The colors combine effectively with the stonework, which is made from smoothed stones that typically lie on the seabed.
This type of design involves surfaces complemented by handwork - painting, mosaic, plaster with patterns with specially made roughness.
Such decor is often combined in one room - mosaics are adjacent to paintings, and patterns on tiles are combined with plastered surfaces, complemented by patterns. With such a combination, it is important to avoid a clutter of accents, since the direction provides for naturalness and even airiness.
The furniture in the rooms is distinguished by functionality and comfort. Most often it is wooden or forged; Massive elements are allowed, but without elaborate decor.
An important nuance in rooms with Italian motifs is a lot of light and large windows. Even in the bathroom you should do big window, providing enough natural light.
Greek motifs
Unlike the Italian variety, the Greek variety includes not only warm, but also cold tones - all shades of blue and light blue. Other main colors are lemon, yellow, emerald, green, beige, white. Despite the presence of cold tones, the rooms are sunny and covered in the summer sea. When decorating rooms, designers also use a black tone, but it never dominates. Decorative elements or framing images on a light wall can be black.
This species is characterized by alternating several colors. White and blue shades are especially often alternated, since such a duet symbolizes the flag of Greece.
Acceptable inclusions of red and Pink colour most often in the form of textiles, ceramics and decoration. Since Greece is characterized by developed handicrafts and various crafts, be sure to complement the decor with ceramics and handmade items in the Greek tradition.
The style is characterized by orderliness and functionality, while being boldly combined different colors, and the decor is displayed - the result is " golden mean". Design is not associated with pedantry, but it cannot be called daring either.
An important nuance of the Greek type of Mediterranean interior design is the space and abundance of light, both natural and artificial.
Arabic elements in the setting
As already mentioned in the first section, some features of the interior in question originate from North Africa and Turkey.
Arabic motifs are expressed in the form of window and doorways-arches, white smooth walls, ceramic products in oriental style. Ceramic tiles with Arabic patterns are also used; and not just in the kitchen or bathroom. Its inclusions can also be seen in the bedrooms.
European sofas covered in light-colored leather are complemented by decorative pillows with an Arabic print, and carpets (or carpets) are designed in the same style.
Home improvement options
We invite you to consider interesting options for home improvement, shrouded in the charm of the warm sea and summer.
Living room
To decorate your living room, choose a spacious and bright room with large windows. It should become the hallmark of the house and embody the intended environment as effectively as possible.
Blue and blue colors against the background of the main white color will help to reveal the Greek look of the direction.
- Paint the ceiling and walls white, adding vertical stripes of ultramarine color to one or two of them. This solution will visually “raise” the ceiling.
- Finish the floor with a wooden board in the style of a ship's deck, and lay a striped carpet with minimal pile on top.
- Arrange the sofa area - beige sofas and soft chairs with a fabric surface, complemented by decorative pillows in yellow, blue and blue.
- Place a coffee table made of cream-colored wood near the upholstered furniture.
- Place decor on the table, for example, corals in decorative vase with a wide neck, more like a plate.
The decoration of the living room design in the Mediterranean genre will be plants - for the living room one large (or several) palm tree in a pot with wicker wood will be enough.
You can hang oil paintings on the walls depicting the southern coasts of Italy, Greece or Spain. Most often it is a calm sea, a sandy beach, sailing yachts, bushes and low trees against the backdrop of small houses.
Bedroom
Since the Mediterranean bedroom decor includes many summer elements, do not be afraid to use shades of blue and blue - the room will not become “cold”.
If you arrange your bedroom correctly, its furnishings will be saturated with the sea breeze, sunlight and the soothing breath of warm summer.
- Plaster the walls with beige plaster, make the surface intentionally rough or apply patterns with smoothed lines.
- Make the ceiling several shades lighter.
- It is advisable to make the floor from balsa wood, which perfectly dampens noise while walking and is pleasant to the touch.
- Lay a small blue or white-blue carpet on the floor.
- Make the doors to the bedroom wooden and paint them in a light blue tone.
- Complete the double bed with a canopy made of light translucent white fabric.
- Attach the canopy to the blue metal frame.
- Lay down a blue and white throw and accessorize the bed with lemon, olive and yellow throw pillows.
For bedrooms will do a low wooden chest of drawers and bedside tables in blue or cream shades. Bedroom walls can be decorated with photographs in maritime framework or paintings with seascapes and sailing yachts.
Kitchen
The Mediterranean setting in the kitchen interior should be associated not only with the warm sea breeze, but also with Mediterranean cuisine - olives, fresh vegetables and fruits, fish and seafood, olive oil. The environment should awaken the appetite and evoke positive emotions.
- Decorate the walls with ceramic tiles printed with flowers or floral patterns in an Arabic style.
- The main colors of the tiles are blue, white, blue and gold.
- Paint the ceiling white and complement it with blue wood cross beams.
- Finish the floor with brown or wood-look tiles.
- The kitchen set can be placed in white, and dinner table- with blue legs and a natural wood-colored surface.
- Choose wooden chairs, preferably olive.
- Complement large, bright windows with light olive tulle.
As decoration, use ceramic dishes and vases with patterns characteristic of the direction.
