Inspired by the luxury of seaside resorts, Mediterranean homes and architecture have taken over coastal neighborhoods.
These homes blend Spanish, Italian and Californian influences to bring old world charm into a modern home.
Mediterranean styles often feature terracotta elements, like wall tiles and roof shingles. They are made of porous clay that lets water drain easily, but captures cold air to keep the space cool.
Exterior
Typically found in sun-drenched areas with Spanish histories, Mediterranean homes are a special kind of architecture that has transcended time and trends. They combine practical and aesthetically pleasing aspects of home design to create comfortable, relaxing environments for homeowners who want to spend their days outdoors.
Regardless of climate, the exterior of a Mediterranean home features large windows and doors to let in cool breezes and connect the home to nature. The walls and roofs are usually painted a pale or sun-washed white, but the color can be varied depending on your preferences.
The interiors of Mediterranean houses are also awash in warm colors and are designed to reflect the natural elements surrounding them. Expect to see a combination of earthy tones, such as ochre, chestnut, and clay, mixed with beachy tones of turquoise, seafoam green, and cerulean.
Another key characteristic of Mediterranean-style homes is their ornate archways that are often constructed around windows and doors. These serve both structural and decorative purposes and can be decorated with colorful tiles or mosaic glass.
Wrought iron is often used to add an additional layer of detail and decoration to Mediterranean-inspired buildings, especially balconies, patios, and terraces. It can be found in door grilles, railings, and windows, as well as light fixtures and staircases.
Other exterior characteristics of Mediterranean-style homes include the use of stucco, red clay tile roofs, and arched doors and windows. These features help deflect the sun’s heat, protect against moisture, and reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain a warm home in the hot summer months.
Stucco is an excellent material for Mediterranean-style homes because it is durable, low-maintenance, and fire-resistant. It also helps keep the air inside your house breathable, which is important for comfort in the warmer weather.
In addition to exterior materials, Mediterranean-style homes are often finished with a stucco finish on the interior as well. This gives a soft, smooth appearance and helps keep the interior from becoming too cold during the chilly winter months.
Another unique feature of Mediterranean-style homes is their roofs, which are usually shaped like half-tubes. This allows water to drain off easily, which decreases the amount of heat that reaches the building. Lastly, Mediterranean-style homes are often painted a sun-washed white or a lighter terracotta color. These colors are meant to mimic the natural landscape of the area and blend beautifully with the red clay tile roofs that are common in the style.
Interior
Mediterranean homes are a popular architectural style that was first introduced to the United States in the 1920s and is still popular today. Often found in seaside neighborhoods and coastal areas of California and Florida, they are designed to evoke the feeling of the warm Mediterranean Sea.
They are a classic design that can be customized to fit your personal taste. In addition to the exterior, which features stucco walls and red clay roofs, Mediterranean homes often feature archways and other shapes, wrought iron accents, and trim work made of stone.
The interior of a Mediterranean home typically includes a textured, neutral backdrop that is easy to paint in any color. This allows for smaller pops of colors and also lets the warmth of natural materials like wood or stone continue throughout.
In the warmer weather regions of the country, Mediterranean home styles are particularly well suited to indoor-outdoor living. They are designed to seamlessly connect to outdoor spaces with patios, terraces, gardens, and courtyards.
One of the most recognizable Mediterranean home exteriors is stucco, which is usually painted white or off-white and can be used to complement any color scheme. A red-tiled terracotta roof is another traditional Mediterranean feature.
Arched windows and doorways are common in Mediterranean home designs, as is a rounded arched entryway over the main entrance. These shapes add a sense of grace to the home and can be simple or ornate.
High ceilings are a key element in the Mediterranean style. This allows for ample light in the rooms and a natural flow from the living room to the kitchen or back porch.
Other elements of this style include wooden ceiling beams that ground the space with a rustic charm. Dark walnut or espresso-stained furniture is another traditional Mediterranean design element, as are woven carpets and soft fabrics.
Mediterranean homes are a popular architectural style that has many influences, from Spain and Italy to France and Morocco. Depending on the region, the style can be referred to as Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial, Neo-Mediterranean, and Moroccan.
Outdoor Spaces
Mediterranean homes boast a variety of outdoor spaces, from courtyards to loggias and terraces to balconies. These are designed to connect indoor living areas to the outdoors to make living in a Mediterranean style home more enjoyable.
A stucco or plaster wall exterior with a red tile roof is a common feature of Mediterranean homes, and large windows are another. Decorative masonry work, such as pavers and a fountain, is also a popular design element of this type of home.
When it comes to landscaping, the key is to choose the material and colors that work best for your climate and location. For example, if you live in a desert area, don’t try to plant a water-thirsty garden; instead, opt for a dry stone garden path or a few low-maintenance plants like decomposed granite.
If you’re looking for a more functional solution, consider adding a pool to your Mediterranean-style home plan. This will provide you with a fun place to cool off in the summer and a relaxing oasis during the colder months of the year.
To maximize the space and function of your patio or deck, splurge on outdoor furniture that is stylish enough to complement the rest of your home decor while being comfortable to use. You’ll want to keep in mind the size of your deck or patio and how many people will be using it, so you can pick a style that is both versatile and affordable.
The best way to find the right combination of materials and styles is to get the help of a designer who can walk you through all your options and recommend what will work for you. This will make your new patio or deck a place you love to spend time and enhance your home’s value.
Customization
Mediterranean homes can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. The home’s exterior and interior design can be customized with a wide range of materials, colors, and textures.
Often, the outside of a Mediterranean home will include stucco and stone siding with terracotta roof tiles and arched doorways or windows. Outdoor spaces may also feature courtyards and balconies that can include wrought iron accents.
The color palette used in a Mediterranean home is heavily influenced by the natural colors of the surrounding environment. Earthy tones of terra-cottas, dusty yellows, grass greens, subtle lavenders and vivid cobalt blues are common in paints, fabrics, rugs and accessories.
These colors symbolize the long, sun-drenched days and cool salt air breezes of the Mediterranean Sea. Using these natural colors in your home’s design can help create a feeling of relaxation and warmth.
Another popular option for those looking to add a touch of Mediterranean style is to use shutters on the exterior of their home. Shutters not only give your home a personalized look, but they also help to keep it safe from the elements.
Similarly, the color of your exterior windows can help to give your home a Mediterranean-inspired look. Large, glass windows can also help to bring in lots of natural light and create a breezy feel inside your home.
Finally, you can add landscaping to your home’s exterior. Adding potted plants, hanging herb gardens or other decorative items can make your property feel more like a home.
Many people choose to build their new home with a mediterranean theme in mind. These homes are perfect for those who are looking for a unique and beautiful look that will be sure to impress guests.
Mediterranean-style homes can be found throughout many different regions of the world, but they are most commonly seen in areas with a strong Spanish history and climates. Warmer climates, such as California and Florida, are the best locations to build a Mediterranean-style home because of their dry weather and a history of Spanish culture.
