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MODERN MEDITERRANEAN
“A warm minimalist, chic and effortless approach to coastal living.”
Blending contemporary styles with traditional motifs, the modern Mediterranean style is an exciting new way to add warmth & colour.
Mediterranean interiors are quickly becoming one of the most popular styles for homes. Modern Mediterranean interior design is a combination of traditional elements from various cultures—including Greek, Spanish, Italian, French, Moroccan, and Arabian—combined with modern aesthetics. The result is a fusion of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication that will make any space look beautiful. Let’s take a look at this unique style and how you can incorporate it in your own home.
New, Modern Mediterranean
Resort-style calming and elegant characteristics form the style of Modern Mediterranean - a style defined by partly traditional with a contemporary tone characterised by refined and clean lines, minimalist silhouettes, natural and rustic shapes.
When it comes to modern Mediterranean interiors, there are certain colours, materials, and pieces that should be used to create the perfect atmosphere. For colours, think warm hues like terracotta or burnt orange as well as vivid blues and greens. Natural materials like wood, stone or marble should also be incorporated into the space for an elevated feel along with natural accent pieces. Clean and minimalist backdrops are complemented by a lush layering of textures such as wool rugs and woven tapestries. Furniture pieces should be ornate yet understated in their detailing; think elegant chairs with intricate carvings or iron accents on tables and dressers.
“If you love warm minimalism that evokes beauty and elegance, simplicity, delicate sophistication — AND the relaxed and elevated vibe of the Mediterranean, then this style is for you.”
Mediterranean style variations
New mediterranean style interiors tend to be more rustic and quite eclectic in a contemporary way (often with a splash of bright colours) compared to other coastal styles.
There are a few variations of the Mediterranean style with its design traditions and their original aesthetics that were born in Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, and beyond. Even though this is an aesthetic that is derived from different styles and characteristics, modern Mediterranean designs look and feel harmonious and coherent.
Ibiza Mediterranean style
The serene Ibiza ‘white-on-white style’ is very popular within minimalist contemporary design. Ibiza interiors are known for their bright and vibrant colours, natural materials, and coastal feel—all of which can be used to create a stunningly chic style that will give your home a unique touch.
When it comes to an Ibizan interior style, whites and neutrals are always great options. These colours provide the perfect blank canvas for layering on vibrant shades like turquoise, pink, yellow, and blue. Incorporating brightly-coloured accents is also essential—think bold pillows, area rugs, or wall hangings. Be sure to use colours sparingly though; too much can quickly become overwhelming!
With its bright colours, natural materials, and relaxing beachy feel, the Ibiza style is the perfect way to add some Mediterranean vibes into your home. By incorporating subtle pops of vibrant hues alongside plenty of whites and neutrals, you can create an inviting yet chic atmosphere that will make your space unique and unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for something more traditional or something more modern, there are limitless possibilities when it comes to creating an Ibizan-inspired interior.
Moroccan Mediterranean Style
If you’re looking for ways to add an air of exotic elegance to your home, look no further than Moroccan interior design. This style combines vibrant colours and unique patterns with traditional motifs and materials.
Moroccan interiors are characterised by their use of natural, often handcrafted materials. These include colourful tiles, intricately carved wooden furniture, and soft, luxurious fabrics such as velvet and silk. Rich textures like these help create a sense of warmth and opulence. The colour palette used in Moroccan interiors is typically bold and vibrant, often featuring jewel tones like turquoise, ruby red, sapphire blue, and emerald green. These colours are then combined with intricate patterns such as geometric shapes, floral designs, tassels, fringe details, and more for a truly eye-catching effect. The combination of bright colours with intricate patterns is what makes this style so unique and inviting.
No Moroccan themed space would be complete without some statement lighting! Lanterns in various shapes and sizes are popular choices for creating ambiance without sacrificing practicality.
From its use of vibrant colours and intricate patterns to its carefully chosen materials and textures - this style has something for everyone! Whether you want to add a touch of exotic elegance or make a bold statement - incorporating elements from this style into your home could be just the ticket!
French Riviera Mediterranean Style
The French Riviera style incorporates brighter colours like sea blues and soft greens and whites to create an elegant coastal feel. Décor items such as hand-painted tiles, pottery, vases with French motifs, woven baskets, and white washed furniture can also be part of this design scheme. This style is all about luxurious yet comfortable living spaces that evoke the spirit of French coastal towns that is timelessly elegant.
Mykonos Mediterranean Style
This style infuses traditional Greek elements with contemporary design, resulting in a look that is both modern and timeless.
The colour palette of Mykonos interiors style typically includes vibrant blues, whites, yellows, and oranges. These colours reflect the sun-soaked beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Greek Islands. To recreate this aesthetic in your own home, try using these colours as accents throughout your space.
When shopping for furniture and accessories with a Mykonos interiors vibe in mind, look for pieces that have clean lines but still feel cozy and inviting. Think minimalist shapes but with plenty of comfort—think oversized armchairs covered in soft fabrics or side tables made from rustic wood materials. And don’t forget about decorating with traditional items like olive branches or Grecian vases—these items will help bring an air of authenticity to your space. By incorporating natural materials; vibrant colours; and comfortable furniture with clean lines into your decorating scheme you can easily create a space that feels cozy yet chic—just like the iconic island of Mykonos itself.
Portuguese MEDITERRANEAN STYLE
One of the most striking features of Portugal interiors style is its use of colour. The colours used are usually quite muted, with whites and off-whites as the base. This helps create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. From there, warm earthy tones like browns, oranges, yellows, and reds are used to add pops of colour throughout the space. These colours often reference nature in some way—think terracotta for fireplaces or bright blues for walls—which creates an atmosphere that is both comforting and inspiring.
Another distinguishing feature of this style is its use of materials. Natural materials like wood, stone, ceramic tile, and even cork are frequently used to bring texture into a space while also creating a sense of warmth and cosiness.
The Portuguese style includes furniture pieces that are unique yet timeless, pieces with traditional shapes but modern finishes or vice versa; think armchairs with classic silhouettes but upholstered in bold patterns or geometric prints for added visual interest or side tables made from natural materials like wood or marble for a rustic feel. Attention is also paid to details like hardware; pieces may feature intricate carvings or ornate metallic accents for an extra touch of elegance and sophistication.
Tuscan Mediterranean style
Tuscan Mediterranean interior design style is all about embracing the rustic charm of old-world Italian architecture. For Tuscan Mediterranean interiors, you should look for neutral earthy tones like beiges, browns and light yellows, as well as warm terracotta or Mediterranean blue accents. Furniture pieces should feature distressed wood finishes, intricate carvings, and natural textures. Iron accents in furniture and décor also add to the old-world Tuscan charm.
The Modern Tuscan Mediterranean style that has just enough rustic charm mixed with luxurious materials to create an inviting space for friends and family to gather. This style will give your home a look that is sophisticated yet still comfortable and welcoming.
“Laid-back luxury with a sense of comfort is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Mod-Mediterranean... Modern Mediterranean interior design is a blend of contemporary sophistication with old-world charm that can transform any space into something truly special.”
Bringing Modern Mediterranean into Your Home
Colours
The Modern Mediterranean style gives the traditional blue and white-washed look a new and more contemporary twist: a minimalistic approach that introduces warmer neutral colours. The main colour tone is white, ranging from pure white to off-whites predominantly with warm undertones.
The colour palette reflects the natural environment. Accent colours are inspired by the natural hues of the mediterranean sea and the scenic landscape: azure blue and seafoam greens of the the Mediterranean Sea, warm browns, burnt umber and ochres of the dry earth, golden sandy beaches, muted greens of olive and fig trees. Or, for a cooler colour palette, lean on the the Greek colours – white, aegean blue, turquoise.
“Modern Mediterranean often expresses itself in contemporary architecture with a minimalist sense of simplicity.”
Textures and Materials
The Modern Mediterranean style focuses on simple and natural materials. Opt for the minimalistic approach and modern shapes. Think white-washed wood, natural stone like granite and limestone to add an earthy feel to the space, as well as unfinished wood, cement, wrought iron, and lots of organic fabrics such as linens and cotton fabrics, rattan, straw, wicker decor in the shape of bowls, baskets, and vases. You will often find rustic and beautiful sculptural objects in a minimalist setting. Beautifully simple dried flowers in a rustic vase, or potted olive or lemon trees are ideal to create a Mediterranean vibe.
Ceramics play an important role in decorating in the new Mediterranean style as well as terracotta or glazed tiles such as Moroccan zellige tiles or the azulejo tile of Spain which boast beautiful variations in tone. Mosaic tiles add interest and pattern. Exposed beams, ornate details and natural stone walls and arched walkways are very much architectural trademarks of this style. A lot of the decor items and furnishings are marked by the passage of time. In true wabi-sabi style, natural imperfections on walls, stucco or plastered walls add dimension and depth, texture and patina. Wide plank hardwood flooring, terracotta tiles or sandstone flooring throughout the space creates cohesion.
A BLEND OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR LIVING
The New Mediterranean style very much resembles the coastal theme. Colours and materials merge seamlessly between the indoor and the outdoor. The indoor-outdoor living concept maximises natural light throughout airy, breezy interior spaces.
Less is more
This is a style that keeps things simple. Stick to minimal furnishings and the muted colour scheme. Open shelving shows off contemporary sculptural elements, glassware or accessories in a minimalist fashion. Artwork makes a subtle yet eye-catching statement.
Modern Mediterranean interior design is a blend of contemporary sophistication with old-world charm that can transform any space into something truly special. By using warm colours like terracotta as well as natural materials like wood and stone combined with ornate yet understated furniture pieces, you can easily add this stunning style into your own home.