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Trends & Collections
Mediterranean Interior Home Design
Mediterranean style combines the breezy openness of coastal living with the richness of centuries-old craftsmanship. It draws inspiration from many of the diverse cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, where homes are designed to capture sunlight, invite fresh air, and hold and celebrate beauty in all its forms. The result is a design that feels both gracious and grounded—just enough to inspire appreciation yet always ready to welcome family and friends.
LA BELLA VITA
What Is the Mediterranean Interior Design Style?
Trace the shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea, and you’ll find the countries that give this style its distinctive character—primarily Spain, Italy, Greece and Cyprus, but also France’s southern coast, with occasional influences from other Mediterranean neighbors. Mediterranean design rose from centuries of cultural exchange across the region. Sun-washed walls, earthy tones and splashes of sea-inspired color are the perfect backdrop for textured surfaces, ornate iron or stone work, colorful tile and richly detailed furnishings—all of it celebrating the unmistakable spirit of the Mediterranean climate where inhabitants enjoy la bella vita—the beautiful life.
Engaging the Senses
Mediterranean interiors are designed to delight the senses at every turn. Architectural features let light and shadow play across sun-drenched balconies, cool alcoves and open courtyards. Fountains splash amid lush flowers and greenery, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and grandeur.
Terracotta and other natural, earthy tones create a grounding foundation while jewel-toned accents bring energy and visual drama. Textures abound—rough-hewn beams, plaster walls, hand-painted tiles, carved wood, worked stone and wrought iron all add depth, character and a tactile quality to the space.
Mediterranean home decor can range from substantial carved tables and weathered leather seating to cut-velvet sofas, ornate lamps and richly detailed textiles, engaging sight, touch and often the imagination. While Mediterranean design can flirt with extravagance, it always feels inviting and alive—a sensory celebration of beauty, comfort and culture.
Gracious Spaces
Family and social gatherings are at the heart of daily life, so Mediterranean-style interiors seek to make those moments even more beautiful. Seating is often arranged to encourage conversation, whether around a carved wood dining table, a central courtyard or a cozy living room grouping. Sofas, chairs and benches often feature carved details, wrought-iron accents or plush upholstery, adding both visual and tactile interest.
Importance of Finishing Touches
In Mediterranean interiors, it’s the carefully chosen accents that bring personality and vibrancy to a space. Hand-painted ceramics, colorful glassware, woven textiles and ornate lanterns are classic touches that add color, texture and a sense of history. Lighting—wrought-iron chandeliers, crystal-accented lamps or sunlit windows—creates mood and highlights architectural details. Luxurious rugs, cushions and throws layer softness against strong furniture profiles, inviting comfort and conversation. These finishing touches celebrate craftsmanship and tradition, making each home feel unique while enhancing the warmth, richness and sensory impact that define Mediterranean living.
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The History of Mediterranean Design
At its heart, the basic geography of the Mediterranean Basin is what makes Mediterranean style both distinctive and varied. Stretching from southern Europe to North Africa and even into parts of the Middle East, the region has long been a crossroads of cultures, ideas and trade. Its rich design history blends the classical harmony of ancient Greek and Roman architecture with the intricate artistry of Moorish and Islamic traditions—all later enriched with the Renaissance and Baroque periods’ ornamentation and refinement. This layering of influences created an aesthetic rooted in natural materials, balanced proportions, and an easy flow between indoor and outdoor living.
Spanish Mediterranean design reflects Moorish influences with colorful tilework, wrought iron and earthy textures. Italian Mediterranean interiors emphasize stucco walls, arched openings, terracotta floors and classical symmetry. Greek Mediterranean style is instantly recognizable with its whitewashed walls, striking blue accents, and simple furnishings inspired by the sea and sky. North African and Middle Eastern traditions add vibrant colors, geometric patterns and ornate carvings—all expanding the diversity of the Mediterranean palette.
In the early 20th century, Mediterranean Revival architecture carried these traditions beyond their home regions, becoming especially popular in California and Florida. With their red-tiled roofs, stucco facades and shaded balconies, these homes echoed the elegance and relaxed lifestyle of the Mediterranean coast. Today, Mediterranean design continues to evolve, maintaining its historic character while embracing lighter, modern updates. Its history reflects a design heritage born of geography and cultural exchange, resulting in interiors that remain timeless, welcoming and deeply connected to their roots.
Bring Your Home to Life
If you’d like to make life—and your home—more beautiful with Mediterranean style, reach out to Coburn’s team of home design and product consultants. Let us show you how easy it can be to bring la bella vita to your home.