I’ve always been drawn to Modern Mediterranean design, from its emphasis on natural materials like stone and hand painted tiles to the appreciation for historic details like arched doorways and stucco walls.
For me, no other design style is as timeless or quintessentially California—which is why I’d love to dive a little deeper today into modern Mediterranean home design and contemporary Mediterranean homes.
Welcome to my 2-minute crash course in all things Modern Mediterranean interior design:
Inspiration & Influence
Traditional Mediterranean architecture originates in the countries of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Morocco, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Conceived as an homage to coastal living and the Mediterranean lifestyle, it’s known for terracotta roof tiles, intricate patterns, warm earth tones, and bright palettes, among other details.
Designed for warm climates, Mediterranean house design ideas embrace the indoor-outdoor living, making use of colors and materials that flourish in natural sunlight. Open floor plans, large windows and glass doors create seamless transitions and open spaces.
History in the U.S.
Along with the rise of glamorous seaside resorts, Mediterranean home styles became popular stateside in the 1920s. During this period, visionaries like Tobia Scarpa—and much, much later, Amber Lewis—reimagined Mediterranean principles with a modern twist, shaping the modern Mediterranean style homes landscape for generations to come.
Here in California, we embraced California Mediterranean interior design with open arms, infusing it with our own unique flair.
Modern Mediterranean Design Today
Today modern Mediterranean interiors take a more streamlined approach, featuring clean lines, simplicity in décor, and neutral color palettes infused with pops of coastal color, like azure blue, terracotta, and sun-drenched gold. Mediterranean modern interior design is defined by the following elements:
Natural Materials: Materials such as warm wood, stone, and terracotta add warmth and rustic elegance.
White Walls: White walls reflect the brightness of Mediterranean sunlight. For a contemporary twist, consider incorporating textural contrast or subtle patterns.
Mosaic Accents: Mosaic tiles or intricate patterns adorning backsplashes, floors, or accent pieces add artistic personality to Mediterranean décor.
Mosaic tiles make this bath feel eclectic.
- Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living by incorporating expansive windows and sliding glass doors that invite natural light and create outdoor spaces that seamlessly integrate with your interior.
In this dining room, a wall of expansive windows connects the outdoors and lets in the light.
European Details: Outfit your space with a subtle sprinkling of Mediterranean-inspired detail, like exposed beams, ironwork, and arches. A modern Mediterranean staircase makes a stunning statement. Personalized touches and artisanal pieces showcase Mediterranean craftsmanship.
As we wrap up our whirlwind tour of coastal Mediterranean interior design, remember: the key to making your space feel modern is to take a less-is-more approach. Opt for a curated mix of traditional and contemporary furniture. Let the Mediterranean color palette and Mediterranean landscapes inspire your Mediterranean-inspired living.
Until next time,
Lauren
