A trip to Spain, Italy, Malta and all those nations basking in summer shine is also an architectural experience. 

There is something special about home design in this part of the world but it's not impossible to replicate.

The warmth and charm of Mediterranean homes make an impression as soon as you enter them, but you don’t have to up sticks and move to Spain or Italy to get a taste of that Mediterranean life. 

Christian Wolf, CEO of CW Ibiza, shares his top tips for bringing some of that sun-soaked Mediterranean magic into your own home. 

Using Interior Design

“There are several simple interior design changes you can make to give your home more of a Mediterranean feel,” Christian says. “Your choice of decor - especially textiles, pottery, and indoor plants - can make all the difference.”

Pottery

Reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions, pottery is a quintessential element of Mediterranean interior design. Incorporating pottery into your home can infuse it with the vibrant, rustic charm that characterizes Mediterranean aesthetics.

Ceramic Vases and Bowls: Place beautifully crafted ceramic vases and bowls on shelves, mantels, or as centerpieces on dining and coffee tables. Opt for pieces with traditional Mediterranean patterns and colors, such as deep blues, vibrant oranges, and earthy browns.

Hand-Painted Tiles: “Use hand-painted ceramic tiles as decorative accents in your kitchen or bathroom,” Christian suggests. “These tiles can be used as a backsplash, on a feature wall, or as coasters and trivets. The intricate designs and bold colors will add a touch of Mediterranean flair to your space.”

Planters: Use terracotta and ceramic pots for your indoor plants. The natural, rustic look of terracotta is perfect for Mediterranean design, and it pairs beautifully with plants like olive trees, lavender, and succulents.

Tableware: Choose hand-painted ceramic plates, bowls, and mugs for your everyday tableware. The unique designs and vibrant colors will make every meal feel like a Mediterranean feast.

Textiles

“Textiles are a crucial element in Mediterranean interior design, offering a way to introduce warmth, texture, and color into your living spaces,” Christian says. “The right fabrics can evoke the relaxed, sun-drenched feel of the Mediterranean, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.”

Handwoven Rugs: Invest in handwoven rugs featuring traditional Mediterranean patterns and colors. These rugs not only add warmth and comfort to your floors but also serve as beautiful, handcrafted art pieces.

Embroidered Cushions: Christian advises, “Look for cushions with intricate embroidery or hand-stitched details. These pieces often showcase the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Mediterranean artisans.”

Bold Hues: Incorporate bold hues like cobalt blue, terracotta, mustard yellow, and olive green in your textiles. These colors can be used in accent pieces like cushions, throws, and rugs to bring a lively, dynamic feel to your space.

Indoor Plants

Incorporating indoor plants is a beautiful way to bring the lush, natural beauty of the Mediterranean into your home. Choosing and carefully placing the right plants can evoke the vibrant landscapes of the region.

Choosing The Right Plants

Olive Trees: “Small olive trees or dwarf varieties can be grown indoors, providing a quintessential Mediterranean feel,” Christian reveals. “Their silvery-green leaves and gnarled trunks add character and elegance to any room.”

Lavender: Known for its soothing fragrance and beautiful purple flowers, lavender can be grown in pots and placed in sunny spots around your home. Its scent and appearance instantly evoke the Mediterranean countryside.

Herbs: Mediterranean herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano are not only useful in cooking but also add greenery and a pleasant aroma to your kitchen or living areas.

Displaying Your Plants

Terracotta Pots: Use terracotta pots to plant your greenery. These pots are a staple in Mediterranean decor, known for their rustic, earthy appearance and excellent breathability, which helps keep plants healthy.

Hanging Baskets: Christian says, “Hanging baskets filled with trailing plants like ivy or ferns can create a lush, cascading effect. Hang them near windows to take advantage of natural light.”

Window Sills and Shelves: Place smaller plants on window sills or open shelves to create charming, green vignettes. This utilizes vertical space and ensures your plants receive plenty of sunlight.

Architectural Enhancements

“If you’re looking to make some bigger changes to your home, you can incorporate a few quintessential Mediterranean styles, such as terracotta tiles and whitewashing,” Christian explains.

Arches

Arches are a defining feature of Mediterranean architecture, evoking a sense of timeless elegance and classical beauty. Incorporating arches into your home’s design can transform ordinary spaces into charming, sophisticated areas reminiscent of sun-drenched Mediterranean villas.

Main Entrance: “An arched front door or entryway can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal,” Christian advises. “Consider a sturdy wooden door with wrought iron accents for a classic Mediterranean look. Adding sidelights or transom windows with arched designs can further amplify the effect.”

Windows: The graceful curves of arched windows add a touch of sophistication and can serve as beautiful focal points. They pair well with heavy wooden shutters or wrought iron grilles to add to the Mediterranean charm.

Reading Nooks: Design an arched alcove with comfortable seating to create a charming reading nook. This cozy corner can be adorned with cushions and soft lighting, making it a perfect spot to relax.

Whitewashing

Whitewashing is a classic technique used for centuries in Mediterranean architecture to create a sense of brightness, airiness, and timelessness. By applying a thin layer of white paint or lime wash over surfaces, homeowners can transform their interiors and exteriors, evoking the serene ambiance of sun-soaked Mediterranean villas.

Exterior Walls: “When we think ‘Mediterranean,’ most of us think of villages full of whitewashed homes with terracotta tiles,” Christian says. “Whitewashing exterior walls can instantly refresh and elevate the appearance of your home.”

Interior Walls: Whitewashing interior walls can brighten up your living spaces and create a sense of openness and tranquility. Consider whitewashing a single accent wall to add visual interest and depth to your interiors. This focal point can serve as a backdrop for artwork or architectural features, adding character to your space.

Terracotta Tiles

“Terracotta tiles are a hallmark of Mediterranean design, known for their rich, earthy tones and rustic charm,” Christian says.

Flooring: Terracotta tiles are a perfect choice for flooring, providing both durability and aesthetic appeal. Terracotta tiles are ideal for kitchen floors due to their durability and easy maintenance. They pair beautifully with wooden cabinetry and stone countertops, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe.

Walls and Backsplashes: Incorporate terracotta tiles into walls and backsplashes to add texture and color. You can create an accent wall with terracotta tiles in living or dining areas. This feature can serve as a striking backdrop for artwork or furniture, adding depth and character to the room.

Roofing: “Terracotta roofing tiles are a quintessential element of Mediterranean architecture. Traditional terracotta roof tiles, with their distinctive curved shape, are both functional and aesthetically pleasing,” Christian says. “They provide excellent insulation and weather resistance while giving your home an authentic Mediterranean appearance.” Enhance the Mediterranean style by adding decorative ridge tiles and finials. These small details can make a big difference in achieving an authentic look.

Christian concludes: “By infusing your home with the timeless allure of Mediterranean design, you're not just creating a living space; you're cultivating an atmosphere that resonates with the soul, where every corner whispers tales of sunlit shores, ancient traditions, and the gentle breeze of the Mediterranean way of life.”