THIS IS… MEDITERRANEAN

Rusty And Sunkissed

Mediterranean interior design is colourful but restrained. It’s not a free-for-all like boho, but rather uses the colours of the Mediterranean landscape as a guide: so think sandy beige or warm cream like the sun-bleached walls and sandy beaches. Now you want to go and add brilliant blues and rich, deep greens to reflect the sea that gives the area its name. Finally, throw in lashings of rich yellow and terracotta like the warm, carefree sunshine that kisses the region all year round.

Just as colour should be used cleverly, texture is key to Mediterranean design as it brings depth and character to a space. Stucco or plaster on the walls are tactile and interesting, as are colourful mosaic tiles or hand-painted ceramics. Pepper these accents through your kitchens and bathrooms to bring your space to life.

Mediterranean is a style that is as hot-as-a-Santorini-sunrise right now, and for good reason. Inspired by the coastal regions of Greece, Italy and Spain, the style is warm and inviting, beachy without being nautical.

Natural Materials

At its very heart, Mediterranean design is a celebration of natural, earthy materials. Think stone, clay and wood in rustic, warm tones. We’re talking terracotta tiles, limestone or travertine flooring. Show off those exposed beams on the ceilings and sink into your shabby chic sofa. Everything should feel organic, warm and a little rough around the edges… but in a good way!

Image: iStock

Comfort And Strength

The furniture in Mediterranean homes should be low maintenance, hardy and comfortable. Homes feature pieces made from natural materials like wood or wrought iron, upholstered in soft fabrics like linen or cotton. Ornate detailing and carved accents give furniture a sense of feeling individual and unique, like you picked it up at a flea market outside of Palermo on a hot Sunday afternoon. Accents should again be in those key colours like terracotta or turquoise and are used to add warmth and texture to your space. Anything that looks like it could be thrifted from a beachside stroll works well - think driftwood, coral or shells - along with textiles featuring botanical or floral motifs and vivid patterns.

Lighting should be soft and diffused. Ditch the downlights and opt for pendants, chandeliers and wall sconces with warm white globes to offer a soft and romantic ambiance all year round.

INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING ALL YEAR ROUND

The Med is perfect outdoor weather year-round, and that feature filters into the best Mediterraneaninspired homes. Indoor-outdoor living is key, so think French doors that allow natural light to flood the space and bring the outside in. Mount indoor plants in a lush, sunny corner or let a climbing fern run wild from your bookshelf. If you can, fill you outdoor space with life: think lush greenery, fragrant flowers or climbing plants like bouganvillea to add colour and vibrancy, all the better to be admired through your floor-to-ceiling windows.

Mediterranean is all about turning your home into a sanctuary, a place where time slows down, life feels simpler, warmer and more comfortable and every day is Aperol Spritz o’clock.

Turquoise