Arch in Mediterranean style. In the spirit of Greece

  • 12.06.2019

The Mediterranean style already in its name carries the main idea of ​​​​the design concept. The sun-drenched sea coast, gentle waves and light breeze, boundless space and the horizon line running into the distance are the associations that it evokes. This style is a mix of traditional interior solutions inherent in the cultures of the countries of the Mediterranean basin, mainly Greece, Italy and Spain.


Mediterranean style features:

  • ceiling wooden beams, brought out, decorate all rooms without exception;
  • an abundance of natural stone in decoration and decor;
  • decoration with mosaic tiles and stained-glass windows;
  • high ceilings, wide arched doorways, vaulted ceilings, niches;
  • large windows, divided into many rectangular or square blocks, and good natural light;
  • a maximum of forged inclusions, mostly black, but white ones are also found;
  • light flowing, roman curtains, bamboo or wooden blinds, shutters;
  • wooden, solid oak, beech, walnut, pine or wicker rattan, wicker, reed furniture;
  • the presence of accessories or furnishings made using handmade;
  • symmetry;
  • spotlights built into the ceiling and furniture for local illumination;
  • sinuous, lush forms, comfort, softness;
  • the presence of green spaces and bouquets;
  • ancient Greek forms such as the amphora are repeated on porcelain and ceramic elements.

In country houses, the kitchen, dining room and living room are not separated by walls, which allows them to be even more filled with air and light.

Walls and floor

Finishing in mediterranean style replete with textures, the combination of materials prevails. The walls are covered with lime or monochrome matte paint. Tiles and mosaics are used in the bathroom, kitchen, and locally in other rooms. Complex patterns are formed into colorful panels, passing from the wall to the floor. Fragmented areas with bare brickwork or its imitation add rigidity and brutality. Zones, sinks, headboards look luxurious framed by natural stone.

Floors do not attract too much attention. The material and method of decoration is the same for all rooms, which helps to maintain the integrity of the environment. In most cases, unglazed terracotta tiles, characteristic of the Mediterranean style, are laid out on the floors. Another popular finishing material for this floor is a natural stone such as granite, travertine, marble, sandstone. A laminate with imitation of a stone coating can also be used as a tribute to new technologies, but a finishing material that is classic for a Mediterranean interior is still a stone in all its manifestations. Wood with a natural texture is much less used, as it does not provide the coolness sought in the hot Mediterranean climate.

Ceiling

The ceilings are painted white or its shades and decorated with decorative beams. Occasionally they are made in the form of multi-tiered structures with a stylized ornament.

Large windows are often fitted with shutters to block out direct sunlight or are covered with blinds.


Furniture

Squat, durable wooden furniture with a touch of antiquity is ascetic and elegant. Smooth lines, voluminous shapes, curly fittings make it pleasant. The most highly valued in the Mediterranean interior are items made manual labor. The natural colors of the furniture are white and all its shades, terracotta, brown and black.

To create a lighter look and use, for example, on terraces, its rattan or wicker elements are well suited.

Mediterranean decor uses only natural fabrics such as linen and cotton. The textile range is represented by bedspreads, decorative pillows, embroidered tablecloths, decorated with handmade embroidery or lace, calm noble shades, without a hint of splendor and chic.

Textile

Floor coverings rarely have a long pile. The most commonly used are thin smooth homespun rugs, plain, without intrusive patterns. Mats made of reeds or algae are the best way to emphasize the closeness of the marine theme. Another undoubted plus of these floor coverings is their environmental friendliness.

Curtains on windows, if any, have no decorations and complex structures and hang down in a straight linen, cotton or silk.

The choice of colors is limited to a natural palette that attracts a sense of calm, relaxation, and comfort. Coral, beige, brown lie evenly and serenely on internal surfaces rooms. Shades of gray are reminiscent of shadows on a hot day and dipped in coolness.

The impression of a living oasis on a hot day is impossible to create without the use of exotic flowers and plants, and the Mediterranean style is no exception. Palm trees, ficuses, citrus trees, yuccas decorate the house both inside and out.

Varieties of Mediterranean style

The Mediterranean style in each particular country has its own ethnic characteristics, mainly related to colors and decorative elements.

Greek style

The Greek direction, or the Cycladic style, can be recognized by the presence of free space in the interior, columns, empty arched doorways, rounded shapes, smoothed corners, coolness of marine color, and use in decor. natural wood and low aged furniture. The color palette is represented by a combination of luxurious emerald green, intriguing turquoise, deep blue and delicate blue hues combined with basic white. White and blue or white and pink stripes, pink or red details serve as accents.



The Greek direction of the Mediterranean style tends to simplify. The upper part of the walls is finished with relief plaster, which gives a somewhat rough, rough look, and the lower part is finished with aged wooden panels. The floors are tiled or wooden board. But there are no strict restrictions in the choice of finishing materials.

The color of the walls is most often boiled white, allowing you to play with contrasts against its background. For example, to demonstrate a bright national ornament on kitchen utensils, which are placed on open shelves. Or accentuate the warm, lively hue of dark wood plank floors or traditional stone slabs.



Handmade fine wood furniture with carved elements used in interior design emphasizes some originality of this stylistic trend. One of the style attributes is rattan chairs with cane seats arranged around dining table or standing apart.

At the entrance to the house, against the background of stone facades, equipped open space for relax. It is formed by symmetrically spaced pair of chairs and tables woven from rattan, made in a contrasting version, with the participation of dark gray and snow-white-white tones. An impromptu canopy of ceilings, entwined with a climbing plant, zones the space and at the same time does not interfere with the opening view, the sun's rays and fresh air at all.

Inside the house, the interiors of different rooms have common elements that bind them into a single whole. The walls and ceilings are painted a solid shade of white, and the floors are tiled to match. Exposed wooden beams, sun-bleached and deeply cracked, testify to the home's rich history. Strict symmetry is veiled by slight negligence. Pitchers and vases of antique forms, bouquets of freshly cut plants, copper candlesticks, objects made of transparent glass - every detail is important and thought out, every little thing has its precisely defined place in the overall composition.

The melody of the dining room is polyphonic and dynamic. The deep contrast of black, delightful, surprising with the richness of texture, and calm white sets the main theme of the interior composition. The delicate cream color of the curtains, repeated on the lampshade of the floor lamp, and the light wood, like a soft wave running on a hot shore, muffle the intensity of passions. Lovely little things, such as a wicker basket on the floor, live twigs in a decanter, bring a touch of comfort. The mirror in front of the window reflects the sun's rays, making the room even more lit and spacious.

The natural stone texture of one of the walls, dotted with relief irregularities, immerses you in the atmosphere of a medieval castle. It is supported by slender metal candlesticks and wave-shaped chests of drawers.

view from panoramic window on landscapes of extraordinary beauty - the first thing that catches your eye when entering the living room. The arched shape of the opening is accentuated with graceful black strokes. A terracotta table with a wicker texture appears unusually bright in a delicate pastel palette typical of the Mediterranean. It is adorned with a handmade earthenware bowl with thick walls, which gives it a touch of originality.

The use of transparent glass in the decor makes the room even brighter and the decor lighter. Vintage table lamps with a massive stone base on both sides of the fireplace are chosen as the original pillars of the room, which absorbed the entire burden of the interior, embodying solidity and impeccability.

The kitchen and dining room are connected into one room, which is also typical of the Mediterranean style, while the dining area is given its central place, and the kitchen is located along the wall. Around a large rectangular table are chairs on a metal frame. Their unusual shape combined the lightness and simplicity of the seats, and the massiveness of the metal legs.

Wide windows, the absence of hanging cabinets and open shelving create a feeling of being filled with air, lightness, and freedom. The rhythm is set by an amazing play of nude textures brickwork, slightly rough walls, cracked wooden beams, perfectly flat countertops, smooth porcelain, rattan baskets, metal and glass. Despite the almost complete absence of textiles, the picture of the interior does not seem unfinished at all. On the contrary, one feels the fullness, and at the same time the freedom of space, as if the personification of life, giving the fullness of sensations, but leaving their own independence.

The kitchen-dining room opens onto a terrace where open sky a place for a meal for 10 people is organized. The mesmerizing landscape and oxygenated air promise a great appetite and great aesthetic pleasure. Bronze candlesticks, glass glasses, wicker coasters and rattan chairs, a white jug with live twigs - these are the elements that include the interior of the terrace in the overall concept of a Mediterranean home.

Above the slope is the second building, where there are rooms for rest, sleep and relaxation. Contrasting accents against a calm background, floral motifs, a bright stripe, and a variety of textures have shown themselves here. The chic swimming pool is the final touch that turns the villa into paradise on Italian soil.















The very name of the Mediterranean style in interior design suggests that it is characterized by an abundance of sun and air, marine decorative elements and floral motifs. Initially, the style originated in Greece and Italy, and later became popular in Turkey and Egypt.

Following them, the Mediterranean style became widely known in many European countries. Many features of the style are similar to those in the interior. It also combines the simplicity and sophistication of all the details, as well as the practicality and soothing comfort of the environment.

characteristic features of the style.

To create a harmonious interior design in the Mediterranean style, natural materials are used: natural stone, natural marble and wood. This makes it possible to create light and environmentally friendly.

Most often, durable and high-quality wood from oak and pine is used. These types of wood are distinguished by high density and long service life. Furniture is made from bog oak and pine - most often it is handmade, made in a single copy, and therefore very high quality and unique.

Style color palette.

The color palette of the Mediterranean style in each country also has its own characteristics. Temperamental Italians prefer bright and sunny shades, among which are the following:

  • coral;
  • Red;
  • pink;
  • cream;
  • mustard color;
  • ocher shades;
  • brick red.

But in the design of a Greek house in the Mediterranean style, a cold color scheme is characteristic, in which such colors and shades are most often used:

  • turquoise;
  • blue;
  • emerald green;

Finishing features.

Mediterranean style in the interior in each country has its own characteristics associated with local traditions. So, in Greece, walls and ceilings are preferred to be painted white. water-based paint. In this case, the walls are not necessarily aligned to a perfectly smooth state, and often remain uneven. Therefore, the finish gives a rough feeling, but at the same time looks very natural.

Wooden beams can often be seen on the ceiling. They are not painted, but only opened with a transparent varnish, which protects the wood from damage and fungal infections. A similar ceiling finish can be found in many styles - in particular, in and in the design of a chalet house.

For the interior of an Italian house or apartment interior decoration has several other features. The walls are finished with materials of different textures, creating separate zones. Luxurious panels of mosaic tiles can flaunt on the walls in the room. Another option for decorating walls is or painting on the walls, imitating frescoes.

As floor covering most commonly used tiles. The image of scenes from ancient Greek mythology, laid out with the help of marble mosaics, can give a special sophistication to the room. But in this case, it should immediately be noted that such mosaic paintings look best on the floor in large rooms. In small rooms, using mosaics on the floor, you can lay out stylized Greek ornaments.

Very popular in the Mediterranean style are mats woven from reeds or algae. They are covered with tiles to avoid slipping on its smooth and glossy surface. In addition, they bring into the room an atmosphere of environmental friendliness and emphasize the proximity to nature.

In addition to tiles, natural wood can also be considered as a floor covering. However, its color should be neutral, not too bright, so as not to distract attention.

Bedroom design.

The traditional interior design of the bedroom in the Mediterranean style implies a minimum number of furnishings and decorative elements. The main design idea is to leave as much free space, space and air in the room as possible.

Of the pieces of furniture, only the most necessary are used - a large comfortable bed, a bedside table near the bed and a wardrobe for storing linen. In Greece, a small sideboard is sometimes placed in the bedroom for various souvenirs, figurines, trinkets and gizmos dear to the heart.

Alternatively, the bedroom can also accommodate a chest of drawers instead of a wardrobe, as well as a small coffee table and comfortable chairs. Also suitable for decorating a bedroom in the Greek version of the Mediterranean style, or made of natural pine wood.

Bedroom furniture items are in light, delicate, pastel colors. The main shades for furniture can be called the following:

  • White color;
  • milky shade;
  • caramel color;
  • beige color;
  • pearl gray;
  • cream.

Curtains on the windows are most often made of natural materials - cotton or linen. They have the ability to sufficiently shade the room from the scorching sun, and at the same time let a sufficient amount of daylight into the room.

But for the Italian bedroom, the style of the Mediterranean interior will be somewhat different. An elegant bed made of black metal, which has beautifully curved legs, and the backs are decorated with beautiful decorations.

Living room interior.

The design of the living room in the Mediterranean style has its own characteristics. In Greece and Italy, it is in the living room that the whole family gathers in the evenings, they spend festive evenings and meetings with friends in it. Therefore, often the living room is connected to the dining room or separated by a light decorative partition.

A mandatory element of the living room in the Mediterranean countries is the table. As a rule, it is located in the central part of the room, and soft comfortable sofas are located around it. In a Greek house, wicker furniture is a characteristic element of the interior design of the living room. The Italian version of the style is characterized by wrought iron furniture with wooden seats.

except a large number furniture designed for seating guests, in the living room there can be a bookcase for various small things and souvenirs, bookshelves made of oak wood, as well as a low coffee table. In this case, most of the space of the room should be free.

Bathroom decoration.

The interior of the bathroom and bathroom in the Mediterranean style also has its own characteristics. Most often used for wall cladding and flooring. ceramic tile. In this case, it is possible to combine two or more colors and shades. Sometimes the decoration is done with tiles in two contrasting colors (for example, terracotta and turquoise).

All plumbing has a wall mounting type, and communications are hidden. This creates the impression of freedom and spaciousness in the room. There is not much furniture in the bathroom. As a rule, these are closed cabinets for toiletries and towels.

Particular attention should be paid to bathroom lighting. For this purpose, built-in ceiling lights. With their light diffused light, they illuminate only certain areas - a mirror, a sink and a bathroom. In all separate zones, a pleasant soft twilight reigns, which does not tire the eyesight.

Kitchen interier.

Designing a Mediterranean-style kitchen is perhaps the most important task of the whole style. Greece and Italy have always been famous for their gourmet cuisine, so housewives spend most of their time in the kitchen. This means that the room should be spacious and comfortable, and every detail should be thought out in its layout.

The Mediterranean style in the interior of the kitchen involves the use of furniture made of natural oak or pine, stylized antique. The kitchen should be decorated as comfortably as possible, so light wicker furniture is welcome in the setting. Vine baskets are used to store vegetables and fruits, which also add a certain zest to interior design.

Most often, the kitchen is combined with the dining room. The main element of the dining room is a large dining table, which can accommodate not only family members, but also numerous guests.

All other pieces of furniture should be simple in design, but at the same time solid, made of natural wood. In some details Mediterranean Kitchen it looks like a cozy and original, but in the style of the Mediterranean, the whole situation is more elegant and sophisticated.

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The simplicity and uncomplicatedness of the Mediterranean style may seem a little careless. However, it is worth taking 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, photos of design projects will help you better feel all the subtleties of this unusual design direction.

Freshness and simplicity are the main characteristics of the style

What do you associate the words "Mediterranean coast" with? Do you imagine cozy houses overlooking the endless sea? Or maybe you feel a light sea breeze that enters the house through the wide open windows, blows light curtains and caresses your hair? Do you feel the warmth of the sun's rays and the salty taste on your lips? Such is the Mediterranean interior: full of light and freshness, warm and romantic, inspiring and bringing peace.

The atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast is amazing and unique! To embody it among the cold Russian winters and autumn heavy rains is a difficult task. But agree, the result is worth the effort.

It does not matter if you are planning to furnish a small apartment in the midst of the bustle of the city or create a Mediterranean-style interior in a country house. There are a few things you need to keep in mind, which we will discuss below.

The Mediterranean coast covers several countries, and each has its own traditions and history. It is the great length of the coast that determines its ethnic orientation. The brightest representatives are the Greek Cycladic, Spanish and Italian style.

In the spirit of Greece

The Greek direction of design is determined by simplicity and some negligence in decoration. The walls are finished with relief plaster, the ceilings are whitewashed, the floor is tiled or boards. The highlight of the Greek interior are pieces of furniture. They are made by hand from natural wood, decorated with carvings and forged elements. Furniture is subjected to aging, creating the effect of burnout under the warm southern sun. Against the backdrop of a discreet finish, the pieces of furniture look like genuine works of art.


Palazzo Italiano

Italy is the birthplace of hardworking and cheerful people. Therefore, in the Italian interior there are so many handmade items. This applies to decorative elements (vases, paintings, dishes) and finishes. 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 form. Wicker chairs are placed around the table, and graceful lamps in the form of street lamps descend from the ceiling.

Spanish siesta

The main feature of Spanish design is arched vaults. They are found everywhere from front door and window openings and ending with an arched vault over the kitchen hearth.

Another feature of the Spanish house is the domed ceilings. By the way, in Spain, ceilings are often made partially or completely of glass. Wood is rarely used to decorate houses. Therefore, the design of the floor and walls is dominated by stone and brickwork.


Coloristic design

For color design, natural shades of yellow, blue and green should be used. That is, those colors that will bring the interior of the room as close as possible to the view outside the window. When starting a project, designers choose one primary color that will be paired with white or a shade of yellow that is close to white. The photo below shows the Mediterranean style in the interior of the living room, made in white and blue.

Useful information! Using natural shades will not only bring aesthetics to your home, but also give its inhabitants emotional balance. Psychologists say that green color calms, blue refreshes thoughts, directing them in the right direction, yellow adjusts to positive.

The 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.




Choice of finishing materials

In the decoration of the premises it is customary to use only natural materials. In the interior of the Mediterranean, everything should be natural and in maximum harmony with nature. An important aspect of style is its simplicity. You will not find any elaborate stucco or alabaster. Mediterranean-style decoration can be considered rough, but this is its charm.

Features of the design of the floor and ceiling

For finishing ceilings, paint or plaster is suitable. Very often, ceilings are decorated with wooden beams, which are painted in 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 Mediterranean climate. Much more often in the Mediterranean style tiles are used. It can be a plain unglazed brown tile or a colorful mosaic. Also, the floor is 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 option for wall decoration is stucco. This is a water-based gypsum-lime mortar. In addition, fine marble chips are added to it. It turns out a kind decorative plaster, which fits perfectly into the interior.

Expert point of view

Yaroslav Galaiko

Lead Designer and Head of Ecologica Interiors Studio

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“The walls are usually not aligned to the ideal state, the corners are also not displayed. Finishing looks rough and discreet, creating an atmosphere of simplicity and comfort.

The color of the walls is mostly 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 direction of the world, which the windows of the room face. Warm shades are suitable for the north side, cold ones are suitable for the south.

In the spirit of Italy, paint the walls. Choose several shades of the same color and lay layers on top of each other. This method of painting looks very advantageous on the walls, creating the effect of the play of chiaroscuro.

Wallpaper is sometimes used to decorate the walls. Choose a plain canvas in soothing colors with a textured surface or wallpaper that imitates natural materials: masonry, pebbles, and so on. An interesting solution could be the use of photo wallpapers. They should depict the landscape of the Mediterranean.

Solid and elegant: description and photo of furniture for the interior in the Mediterranean style

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, devoid of "mass character". Massive cabinets made of natural wood, cupboards, chests are suitable as storage places. Upholstered furniture - simple and comfortable, devoid of fanciful shapes and curves. The decor often involves wicker rattan furniture: chairs and armchairs, benches, hanging swings.

The simplest and most concise 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. The Italian interior is more elegant due to the use of forged elements. Spanish furniture is solid and massive, harmoniously inscribed among the stone-finished walls.


Organization of lighting

The coast of the Mediterranean Sea is flooded with sunlight for most of the year. Therefore, the design concept is to create a sunny and bright interior, full of air. Numerous lighting fixtures will help to fill the room with light.

Wall lamps framed with ornate wrought iron look harmonious. Chandeliers in the Mediterranean style are also made with forging elements. Plafonds choose plain and simple shapes.

The main light sources can be supplemented with an LED strip stretched along the perimeter of the ceiling, spotlights, table lamps and floor lamps.

Useful information! You should not choose elaborate lighting fixtures. For Mediterranean-style rooms, light sources that mimic elegant street lights or ordinary candles are suitable.

Mediterranean style apartment interior decor

The concept of the style is to convey the atmosphere of the southern European provinces. The most authentic atmosphere of the sunny coast will help to convey the various decorative elements used for home improvement.

Accessories

The nautical theme is fully revealed in the decorative elements. The task of style is also important to emphasize the unity of man with nature. Therefore, many potted plants and vases with bouquets are used for arrangement.

Mediterranean-style paintings depict the azure shores and sea ​​depths. Wrought iron, wood and ceramic figurines are widely used for decoration. In the Mediterranean interior, it is customary to install open shelves: completely wooden or with forging elements.

We should not forget about the national items of southern European life. In the interior, Greek vases with traditional ornaments, reproductions of paintings by Italian landscape painters will look appropriate. For zoning 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 do not clutter up the space with an abundance of accessories.



Curtains and other textiles in the Mediterranean style

As in the case of other elements of arrangement, for textile design selected natural materials. The Mediterranean is not characterized by the abundant use of textiles. Least of all it is in the Greek style. This is the most concise direction in all respects. 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 diverse and looks richer. In addition to light curtains, thick curtains of deep tones are hung on the windows. They are picked up with strings, and in the upper part of the window it would be appropriate to look like a lambrequin. Arches and doorways are decorated with similar curtains.

The color solution of the fabrics is in tune with the coloristic design of the room: monochromatic natural shades are sometimes complemented with national ornaments. For upholstery of upholstered furniture, fabrics in contrasting stripes or checks are often used. White with blue, for example, is perfect for Greek design. Italian style is softer. For him, olive with light yellow is more suitable. Shades of brown and terracotta dominate in the Spanish direction.



Photos of the interiors of different rooms

In this section, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with photos of rooms made 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.

Entrance hall in mediterranean style

Use light colors to decorate the walls in the hallway. They will visually expand and fill even a very tight space with air. However, consider the high traffic of the room. To keep the interior in its original form for as long as possible, use wear-resistant, washable materials for decoration. Use chests and wicker baskets for storage. And instead of a bulky closet, attach open hangers with hooks to the walls.



Photo of a Mediterranean-style kitchen interior

The design of the Mediterranean-style kitchen (photo below) is literally saturated 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 areas. It looks appropriate in it kitchen set from natural wood (in a simplified version, imitation is suitable). The floor is laid out with mosaics or tiles. Appliances are recommended to be built in and hidden behind wooden facades, as the simplicity of the style does not harmonize too much with technical progress.



Interior design is made up of many factors. The Mediterranean-style living room clearly demonstrates how bright and elegant interiors are made up of historical heritage, regional geographical features and bold improvisations of designers.

The Mediterranean style has several sources. This and the influence ancient culture, and features of the culture and arts and crafts of Greece, Spain, northern Africa, Italy and France. An amazing fusion of the traditions of great countries and eras, spiced with maritime romance, has formed a captivating style that can create charming and very pleasant interiors.

Characteristic features of the Mediterranean style:

  • conciseness;
  • simplicity of shapes and lines;
  • harmony;
  • use of natural materials;
  • freshness and naturalness of flowers;
  • abundance of plants;
  • comfort;
  • practicality;
  • functionality.

Interiors decorated in this style are distinguished by lightness and simplicity, lack of luxury and pretentiousness. At the same time, the atmosphere he created wonderfully conveys the romance and mystery of the southern night, the fresh breath of the sea.

Attention! Also important advantages of the Mediterranean style are the relatively small cash costs for its creation and ease of finishing.

There are several regional variations of the style, but Greek and Italian are considered classic.

Greek mediterranean style

This variant of the Mediterranean style is characterized by:

  • cold colors. Blue, blue, bright white, yellow, turquoise, emerald and other colors and shades prevail, conveying the splendor of the Mediterranean Sea and the white walls of Greek cities. The combination of white and blue resembles the national flag of Greece;
  • accessories in rich terracotta color;
  • plain (usually white) walls and ceiling with a deliberately rough texture;
  • wicker and wooden furniture;
  • abundance of light.

Italian mediterranean style

Unlike Greek, Italian style is warmer. Its colors are dominated by all shades of brown and golden colors. Other colors include:

  • green;
  • olive;
  • pink;
  • cream;
  • yellow;
  • brick;
  • terracotta.

The furniture is more massive, with forged elements. The decoration of the premises uses mosaics, frescoes on the walls, bright ceramic tiles, imitation of brickwork. An abundance of light and free space is also desirable.

Features of the design of the living room

The living room is not only a place where guests are received. First of all, this is a living room where the whole family gathers, where they can have a good time, watch TV. The living room should be comfortable, aesthetically attractive.

Plays an important role in this comfortable furniture, mostly mild. Most suitable option- cabinet, shape-changing and having built-in elements, furniture. This makes it not only comfortable, but also functional, which is especially important in small spaces.

The interior design of the living room is also interesting because the room can have several zones and appearances: living room-bedroom, living room-study, living room-dining room, living room-playroom. Again, furniture plays an important role in zoning the room, as well as properly organized lighting. Zones are created by properly spaced furniture, open or diagonal layouts.

Every living room should have:

  • triple and double soft sofas;
  • soft chairs;
  • coffee tables;
  • shelving or bookcases;
  • TV table.

But, of course, each interior style implies its own nuances.

Mediterranean style in the interior of the living room

Many people like the joyful Mediterranean style. Indeed, how pleasant it is to find yourself in interiors in a cold, dank time, reminiscent of the southern sunny region, warming with all their appearance.

A Mediterranean-style living room (photos clearly demonstrate this) combines all the advantages of this “hot” style and the warmth of family and friendly communication. Consider the basic rules for creating the interior of such a living room.

The Mediterranean interior is not necessarily a spacious room, so even a small apartment can be decorated in this style.

Finishing

The main materials for decorating a Mediterranean-style living room are stone (tile) and wood. Forged and textile products are used to create interesting accents.

A big advantage of this style is that when finishing surfaces, they do not need to be specially leveled. On the contrary, the roughness and unevenness of the walls and ceiling are only welcome.

The ceiling should be plain, preferably white, with wooden beams. If it is not possible to use natural beams, then you can glue their polyurethane imitation to the ceiling.

Wooden beams are a classic ceiling decoration technique in a Mediterranean interior.

The floor can be covered with ceramic tiles, wooden boards, or, in order to save money, use high-quality laminate, linoleum with a wood or tile texture. Interesting solution- a coating that imitates a wooden deck. The floor can be covered with mats made from natural materials.

The decoration of the walls is quite varied. It can be:

  • rough textured plaster;
  • tile with a pattern;
  • imitation of frescoes with a Mediterranean theme;
  • wallpaper in light colors;
  • wooden panels.

The main thing is that all the details of the situation are consistent with each other, make up a stylistic unity.

Color spectrum

The interior of the Mediterranean-style living room is decorated with:

  • white;
  • blue
  • green;
  • white;
  • olive;
  • terracotta;
  • pink;
  • blue
  • yellow;
  • beige and other colors.

The Mediterranean style uses natural rich colors for interior decoration - blue and azure, turquoise, olive, yellow and sand.

Thanks to these shades and their combinations, a Mediterranean-style living room becomes the embodiment of freshness and naturalness, the soft warmth of the southern seaside region. The following nuances should be taken into account: if the room faces the sunny side, you can give preference to cold tones. If there is not enough natural light, then it is better to choose a palette of warm shades.

Furniture and other interior and decor items

Italians, Greeks and other peoples of the Mediterranean are very hospitable. And how to do without a joint long and tasty meal? It is not surprising that an important role in the interior of a Mediterranean-style living room is played by a table that functions as a dining table. In fact, the living room becomes a dining room.

Important! There should be a lot in the living room seats: several sofas, armchairs and chairs.

Furniture in the Greek version of the style is lighter, wooden or wicker. It can be made of bog oak or cheaper woods in warm shades. Wicker furniture can be made from rattan or willow. A comfortable rocking chair looks good in the living room.

Heavy furniture with wrought iron elements traditionally correlates with the Italian style and looks harmonious in a spacious room.

In addition to sofas and armchairs, coffee tables, shelves, bookcases with interesting wrought iron patterns are obligatory in the living room.

A distinctive feature of the Mediterranean style is open shelves on which painted ceramic dishes, flowers, books and other accessories are displayed.

Another feature of the style is the absence of curtains on the windows. Instead, light, light-transmitting shutters are used. You can also hang wooden and bamboo blinds or Roman blinds made from light natural fabrics on the windows.

The originality of style is well conveyed by the following interior and decor items:

  • various accessories on a marine theme - ship models, anchors, a lifebuoy, shells, hemp;
  • paintings depicting the sea, sailboats, etc.;
  • aquarium;
  • natural textiles (servants, linen) with marine motifs.

Thematic accessories will help to complement the interior, for the Greek style it can be, for example, decorative items depicting scenes from the myths of Ancient Greece

The interior of the living room in this style is impossible without abundant vegetation. It can be:

  • palm trees in large tubs;
  • lemons;
  • oranges;
  • grape;
  • exotic flowers, etc.

Ideally, the room should turn into a small garden, in which fountains and other pleasant accessories are quite appropriate.

Advice! Mediterranean style does not tolerate artificial lighting and darkness, so it is desirable that the room designed in this style faces the sunny side.

The Mediterranean style in the interior of living rooms and other premises has become one of the leading trends relatively recently. Combining some currents from past centuries with modern principles design, the updated style gained massive popularity. It was loved for its unique southern charm, sunny warmth, soft colors and varied decor.

The style has absorbed the cultures of several countries. Intersected in it details of several civilizations, fragments of various interior genres were printed. The result was a kind of mix with elements of country, provence and shabby chic.

At the same time, there is room for innovative ideas, whether it is an image of an elegant butterfly on a wall picture, a pair of Byzantine arches in the hallway, a tiled table top in the living room, or forged furniture details in the bedroom interior.

As the name suggests, the style originated on the shores of the southern sea. Some of the ideas came from Turkey, France, Spain. The other is from the African coast of Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia. But still the main influence was made by Italy and Greece. It was they who played the first violin in determining the style, giving birth to two directions: the Italian Mediterranean and Greek.

Features of the Mediterranean interior

Main hallmarks style are open space and an abundance of light. Even in small room light and other accents are arranged in such a way as to create the illusion of volume. Here are just a few of the Mediterranean style living room design tips that help achieve this effect:

  • arches, wide doorways and large windows to the floor;
  • lighting with several switching modes;
  • tulle, curtains, awnings made of light airy materials and fabrics;
  • lack of bulky furniture in the interior;
  • ease of finishing natural materials without pretentiousness and pomposity.

At the same time, elements of unpretentious mannerism are almost mandatory, which highlight the uniqueness of the home. Among them:

  • ceramics, whether it be a couple of earthenware jugs in the room, a fireplace with tiles or tiles of soothing shades on the walls or floor;
  • ethnic accents, for example, in the pattern of pillows or curtains;
  • decorative components: from sewing and lace to forged armrests, lattices, chandeliers;
  • wooden or wicker furniture, including chests of drawers, open shelving, cabinets, chests, rocking chairs;
  • natural vegetation, incl. in the kitchen and bathroom;
  • lack of pathos and pomposity, and with them - carpets, tapestries, bright color prints on the walls and upholstery.

The color scheme of the Mediterranean-style apartment differs slightly in the Italian and Greek versions, but there are no clear criteria for distinguishing between them. So, Italian prefers the whole spectrum of warm tones with its modulations from sand to yellow, from creme brulee to coffee, from cream to chocolate, from terracotta to chestnut. Their combinations with different shades of white will create not only warmth and comfort in the interior, but also an atmosphere of hospitality and southern charm.

The Greek version presents and accentuates the entire palette of the white and blue sea.. This is turquoise, and blue, and emerald, and aquamarine, and beige, and ivory, and sea waves, and gray clouds. You can choose the scale and decor so that the splash of the waves of the coast of Attica will be felt in the living room, and the peaceful sand of the beaches of Thessaly will be felt in the bedroom.

Mediterranean style house

The Mediterranean style façade keeps pace with its overall concept. But since this housing option is more common on the south coast, all the details of the architecture are aimed at keeping the house cool.

House facade

The façade is characterized light colors in the exterior, flat tiled roof, the presence of large open balconies or terraces, shutters or awnings, natural stone or stone-like siding in the finish. The interiors of Mediterranean villas range from simple one-story and small-sized spaces to luxury mansions with their own pools, cypress courtyards and hanging gardens.

Mediterranean style in landscape design

The arrangement of the patio, at the same time, is considered key element landscape design. The courtyard area can be small, but at the same time cozy and stylish, overlooking the sea, a mountain range or just an emerald slope of a rural pasture.

In design patio there should be a place for a small lawn, and a stone frame around the flower beds or an unpretentious fountain, and a bench with forged legs. The flowerbed decor of clay flowerpots, amphoras, vases with stylized cracks and chips will well emphasize the southern flavor. In conjunction with ampelous plants they will become a real piquancy of landscape design. And the paths paved natural stone or wooden roundels, will create a rustic mood.

Mediterranean style in the living room and bedroom

The romance of the Mediterranean style extends to its interior. Anyone entering the house should feel its warmth and light, comfort and practicality, lightness and freedom. Therefore, the main rule of interior design is considered a ban on overloading it with pretentious details and monumentality. So, if a design is created with zoning common space– then the plasticity of the transition between the zones is obligatory. If a pair of columns is chosen in the hallway, then only in the simplest Doric design.

Illumination of a living room in a Mediterranean style

Since the living room is the place where the whole family usually gathers to discuss the news, the design should fully contribute to the soft flow of relaxation and conversation. And here the factor of light is very important. A window to the floor or even its imitation due to a long light tulle will create the illusion of the height of the day in the evening. Wide arches in the design will not allow the space to become closed and turn into a small patch of light. The same principles apply to the bedroom.

A special place is given to the chandelier in the Mediterranean style. Let it be multi-track forged, or strict classical, or in the form of a polyhedron, the main thing is that it is in complete harmony with the space. Like a sheaf of bright sparks turned on at the same time, the chandelier should resemble the sun's rays. That's why predominantly fluorescent lamps are used. The modes of changing the brightness of the light to create a particular atmosphere are very welcome. If the room is divided into zones, then a light source should be in every corner, leaving no dark spots in the interior.

Walls, floor, ceiling

When planning to equip a living room or bedroom in a Mediterranean style, even at the project development stage, you need to choose your own stylistic genre: Italian warm or Greek cool. After all, this is exactly what you have to do.

  1. If preference is given to Italian, then, in addition to choosing the appropriate range of colors, you need to take care of decent finishing materials. Coarse plaster is suitable for walls, and it is better if with simulated creases, roughness, and irregularities. The contrasting decoration of one of the four walls with an ornamental pattern of the Mediterranean is not forbidden. The ceiling, complemented by wooden beams, will only decorate the interior. The beams can be parallel to each other, in a “herringbone”, rhombus or three-dimensional triangle, have a contrasting or matching color with the ceiling, but at the same time not create the impression of something hanging over your head.
  2. When choosing a Greek profile for finishing part of the walls, preference should be given to ceramic tiles and polyurethane blanks. With their help, you can finish the surface of the fireplace, and the edges of small niches, and lay out the floor or the space between open shelves with a pattern. Polyurethane beams are perfect for finishing arched lines, creating a border on the ceiling or an elegant relief strip in part of the room. It's not scary if the Greek motif is partially intertwined with the Italian one.

The floor should be in harmony with the overall appearance of the room, whether it's just a living room or a kitchen-living room. In the Mediterranean style, a high-quality laminate with a discreet texture, or linoleum with imitation of wood veins, and even stone or stone-like material, especially near the fireplace or bar counter, will look good. A rug of coarse fiber or straw, thrown casually on the floor, will perfectly complement the interior.

Furniture and decor

Mediterranean style gives preference to upholstered furniture. These are sofas, armchairs, and poufs. Colors range from delicate plain and slightly pockmarked to striped and geometric. The abundance of pillows of various sizes will give the interior even more comfort and practicality.

From hull wooden furniture any chest of drawers, cabinets, open cabinets, shelves, tables are welcome, both with a flat and with a rough top finish under an aged tree or with a deliberate chip in the most prominent place.

This is a kind of chic Mediterranean style. It will be appropriate rattan or wicker furniture. It can be either a separate item, for example, a rocking chair, or a series of decorative elements: slats coffee table, armrests of a soft sofa, baskets with small change on the shelf.

A special role in decorating the interior is played by the presence of color spots on the walls and floor. Do you like still life or landscape painting? So hang it up. Are you a fan of various wall displays? So organize an exhibition of ethnic plates, stylish southern hats or beautifully shaped shells. Love edging? Then make a mosaic frame around a window or mirror, a rattan edge around a clock face, or a tile pattern on the steps. Anything will do if it is pleasant and desirable.

Mediterranean style in the interior of the kitchen is subordinate general principles directions. Therefore, everything related to lighting, curtains, furniture remains in force. But with the decoration of the walls you can dream up. It is very appropriate in the kitchen to use Mediterranean-style tiles. Ceramics lined with a pattern on a tabletop or on a wall, called an “apron”, will not only become a beautiful part of the interior, but will also serve as good for many years.

Furniture for the kitchen is selected as functional as possible, but not bulky. If the kitchen is combined with the dining room, then a small sofa and a pair of matching chairs will be in place. If you want a lot of lockers, then let them be with a matte surface and with smooth lines. Minimalism in the interior is also possible, when one vintage sideboard will replace all the furniture, and the dining area will consist of a pair of chairs and a miniature table.

Mediterranean style bathroom

She, of course, should be not only beautiful in a Mediterranean way, but also functional. Ceramic tiles, this time glazed, will again help to complete this task. It will protect the surface of the walls in the bathroom from high level humidity. Embossed or smooth, the color of a sea wave or coastal sand - any tile model will do. She can finish not only part of the wall, but also lay out the floor ornamentally, like a bath or shower rug, make a mirror frame out of it, decorate built-in niches or shelves with it. The main thing is that all these details create harmony and unity of style.

In the bathroom a window made of opaque glass blocks is allowed. Stylized as a sea wave or white-green foam, they will give the room additional illumination and airiness.

The Mediterranean style is varied and unpretentious. He accepts everything that is beautiful, practical and down to earth. But this apparent simplicity can become that gloss that you don’t want to leave.