The Mediterranean decorating style was inspired by the techniques commonly used in the northern Mediterranean area. Spanish, French, Italian and Greek influences are all seen in this style. It’s a very traditional style of decorating, evoking the overall feeling of old world charm. When decorating your home in a Mediterranean style, it’s important to stay true to the look. Although you can certainly mix and match as part of your decorating theme, modern art or modern furniture styles would certainly look out of place. If you want to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your home, here are some decorating tips to help get you inspired.
Furniture Styles
Although there are a variety of furniture styles that can work well in this style of decorating, you’ll usually find furniture pieces that have a distinctively Mediterranean feel to them. Furniture pieces almost always have legs and feet, whether it’s a night stand, hutch, cabinet or armoire. Although you’ll find both simple and elaborate furniture styles, the wood is usually dark in color. Depending on your tastes, you can choose from pieces featuring simple lines, or those which are ornately carved. When adding furniture to a room, it’s important to use restraint. Simplicity is usually the key, so you don’t want to use too many pieces of furniture in any one room. It’s better to use the minimum number of furniture pieces. Then, you can tie the look together using a beautiful area rug or some interesting accessories.
Decorating Accessories
Although the furniture pieces are usually added in a somewhat sparse fashion, the beautiful accessories and decorating accents common with this style can definitely fill in the empty spaces. In fact, the elaborate accessories are often the perfect accompaniment to the simple furniture selections. You’ll find wrought iron used extensively in Mediterranean decorated rooms. Whether you choose a Mediterranean iron wall grille, a wrought iron lamp, candles sconces or a chandelier, metal can definitely add a nice touch to the room. Landscape paintings, especially if they feature traditional scenes from France, Greece, Spain or Italy, are great room additions. Floral paintings can also work nicely. Wood is the best choice when framing artwork, as it can add a nice authentic touch. Statues are also quite prevalent in this decorating style, especially if they are reproductions of the classics. Simple vases filled with beautifully lush flowers are also a great decorating accent.
In addition to the standard decorating accessories, you should also add a few of your own unique touches. Try using decorating accessories in the traditional materials, but find interesting ways to incorporate them. For example, metal door toppers can add an interesting touch of style to an area that many people do not think to decorate.
Color Palette
The Mediterranean color palette is reminiscent of nature, complete with beautiful shades inspired by land, sea, sky and fire. You’ll find warm terra cotta shades, beautiful yellows, and sunny lavender and blue shades. These colors are commonly added to the room through the use of fabric, such as is the case with upholstered furniture, window treatments, area rugs or accessories. The use of this color palette is the perfect way to complement the traditionally dark furniture used in the Mediterranean style.
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