Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Mediterranean Style Interior Decorating Ideas

Mediterranean style interior decoration is about openness, brightness and flow. Therefore, before embarking on decorating in this style, it is essential that you find ways to eliminate, store and disguise clutter. This decor works best as an overall look, rather than just having Mediterranean accents. Does this Spark an idea?

Styles


Two prominent styles are found in Mediterranean decor. There is Greek Mediterranean style, which features prominent textures, tile work, sculpted stucco and bold lines. Italian Mediterranean style is earthier, with red roof tiles, terracotta or wood floors, pottery, leather furniture and iron wall art.


Palette


Greek Mediterranean decor tends toward cool and light natural shades. White textiles with embroidered details accent golden yellow walls and ocean blue tiles or accessories. An entire wall may be devoted to a brightly-colored painting, or a section of a garden wall to a tile mural spotlighting natural beauty. Italian Mediterranean decor favors natural or warm-stained wood furniture and exposed beams against distressed antiqued walls or white with touches of ocean green or sky blue. Accent walls or accessories may feature splashes of yellow, poppy red, olive green or cobalt.


Furnishings and Accessories


Big and bold defines Mediterranean furniture, and all those drawers and cabinets are ideal for hiding stacks of paper and other clutter. Instead. place blue glass vases or terracotta pottery on surfaces. Lighting fixtures should be prominent, such as wrought iron chandeliers. Popular shapes include arches and columns. Mediterranean style should also integrate the natural world with your interior. Windows should be big and curtains translucent, to let light shine in. Plants, bowls of fruit and big displays of flowers add to the theme. You should have views of the garden from the house. Gardens often contain seating for gatherings, which can be as simple as a mosaic tile-topped table and wrought iron chairs or as major as a long wooden table and benches for seating.







Tags: Mediterranean decor, Mediterranean style, Greek Mediterranean, Italian Mediterranean, wrought iron