What is Mediterranean interior design? Mediterranean interior design is a warm, sun-drenched style inspired by the coastal homes of Spain, Italy, Greece, southern France and North Africa. It's defined by textured plaster or limewashed walls, arches and alcoves, terracotta and stone floors, patterned tile, natural wood beams, wrought iron, and a palette of whites, warm earth tones and sea blues. Rooms feel relaxed, rustic and connected to the outdoors. Modern Mediterranean keeps the arches, plaster and natural materials but uses a lighter, more minimal approach.
This guide covers the regional influences, key elements, color palette and materials of Mediterranean style, Mediterranean furniture, living room, kitchen and bedroom ideas, modern Mediterranean, and how it compares with coastal and Spanish style.
Regional Influences on Mediterranean Style
| Influence | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Greek | Whitewashed walls, blue accents, simple built-ins and a crisp, sunny feel |
| Italian (Tuscan) | Warm ochre and terracotta, rustic wood beams, stone, wrought iron and olive trees |
| Spanish | Arches, terracotta floors, colorful patterned tile, dark wood and iron details |
| Moroccan | Zellige tile, carved wood, lanterns, rich textiles and arched doorways |
| Southern French | Soft plaster, linen, Provençal fabrics and a relaxed country feel |
Key Elements of Mediterranean Interior Design
- Textured walls: plaster, limewash, stucco or tadelakt in warm whites and earth tones.
- Arches and curves: arched doorways, windows, niches and arched furniture.
- Terracotta and stone: terracotta tile floors, stone or travertine surfaces.
- Patterned tile: encaustic, Spanish, Portuguese azulejo or Moroccan zellige tile on floors, backsplashes and stairs.
- Natural wood: exposed ceiling beams, rustic doors and solid wood furniture.
- Wrought iron: light fixtures, railings, curtain rods and hardware.
- Indoor-outdoor living: big windows, courtyards, terraces, olive trees, lemon trees and herbs.
The Mediterranean Color Palette
| Role | Colors |
|---|---|
| Base | Warm white, cream, chalk, soft sand |
| Earth tones | Terracotta, ochre, clay, sienna, olive |
| Sea and sky | Cobalt, cerulean, turquoise, Aegean blue |
| Greens | Olive, sage, cypress green |
Mediterranean Materials and Textures
- Plaster, limewash and stucco walls
- Terracotta, stone, travertine and marble
- Glazed ceramic and hand-painted tile
- Reclaimed and rustic wood
- Wrought iron and aged brass
- Linen, cotton, jute and rattan
- Clay pots, olive jars and ceramics
Mediterranean Furniture
- Solid wood pieces with simple, sturdy shapes, sometimes carved or with iron details.
- Arched cabinets and mirrors that echo arched doorways.
- Built-in plaster benches and niches with cushions in modern Mediterranean homes.
- Linen-upholstered sofas in white or sand.
- Rustic dining tables with woven or wood chairs.
- Rattan and wicker for relaxed seating and lighting.
Arched shapes are a Mediterranean signature. A tall cabinet with arched glass doors, like the Relievo Arched Glass Cabinet above, brings the arch into a dining room or living room and shows off ceramics and pottery.
Mediterranean Living Room Ideas
- Limewash or plaster the walls in warm white.
- Add an arched niche, an arched mirror or an arched cabinet.
- Choose a low linen sofa and a rustic wood or stone coffee table.
- Lay a jute or vintage rug over terracotta or stone-look floors.
- Bring in blue through cushions, ceramics or a painted door.
- Add an olive tree in a large terracotta pot.
- Use wrought-iron or rattan light fixtures.
Mediterranean Kitchen Ideas
- A patterned tile backsplash or floor.
- Plaster range hood and open wood shelves with ceramics.
- Stone or butcher block counters and a farmhouse sink.
- Wood cabinets, or cabinets painted in olive, cream or blue.
- A rustic dining table for long, shared meals.
Mediterranean Bedroom Ideas
- A wood or wrought-iron bed with white linen bedding.
- Limewashed walls and a jute or wool rug.
- Ceramic lamps, a woven pendant and linen curtains.
- Terracotta or stone accents and a few olive branches.
Modern Mediterranean
Modern Mediterranean design simplifies the look: white plaster walls, sculptural arches, built-in seating, minimal decor, natural stone, warm wood and a calm palette with only small touches of terracotta and blue. It overlaps with organic modern and wabi-sabi; see our organic modern guide.
Mediterranean vs Coastal vs Spanish Style
| Style | Look |
|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plaster, arches, terracotta, tile, iron; warm and earthy with blue accents |
| Coastal | Lighter and breezier: white, sand, soft blue, rattan and light wood; see our coastal interior design guide |
| Spanish (Spanish Revival) | A Mediterranean sub-style with stucco, red tile roofs, dark wood, bold patterned tile and ironwork |
Mediterranean Interior Design FAQ
What are the key features of Mediterranean interior design?
Plaster or limewashed walls, arches, terracotta and stone floors, patterned tile, wood beams, wrought iron and a warm palette with sea blues.
What colors are Mediterranean style?
Warm whites and sand, earth tones like terracotta and ochre, sea blues such as cobalt and turquoise, and olive greens.
What is modern Mediterranean style?
A simplified version with white plaster, arches, natural stone and wood, minimal decor and only small touches of terracotta and blue.
What is the difference between Mediterranean and Tuscan style?
Tuscan is an Italian branch of Mediterranean style, with warmer ochre and terracotta, rustic wood and iron; Mediterranean also includes Greek, Spanish and Moroccan influences.
How do I make my home Mediterranean?
Limewash the walls, add arched mirrors or cabinets, patterned tile, terracotta pots with olive trees, linen textiles and wrought-iron lighting.
Mediterranean interior design brings sunshine indoors: plaster walls, arches, terracotta and tile, natural wood and iron, and colors from the earth and sea. See how it fits with other looks in our guide to interior design styles.
Related: see our French country decor guide and boho decor guide.