Marvelous Mediterranean

The gorgeous spring weather has me thinking of the sunny style of Mediterranean design.  Originating in the northern Mediterranean countries of Greece, Spain and Italy, Mediterranean design features textured walls, furnishings with ornate legs and hardware, and bull-nose edging on counters and mantles. 


The style can be very formal, or clean and functional.  The bright blues of the sea and sky are often incorporated, as are those hues found in the native Mediterranean landscape, such as Terra cotta, yellow and lavender. Mosaic tiles, bronze and iron are heavily featured.

If you are interested in bringing any of these style elements into your home, one resource I recommend is Mediterranean Modern by Dominic Bradbury.  This marvelous book features 25 homes from Northern Africa to Southern France, each style featuring clean lines, open floor plans and melding indoor-outdoor living. 

Catherine Haig’s Mediterranean Style will help ease any fear of bold colors, as her book presents a relaxed, harmonious style.  The vivid hues presented in these wonderful photos will showcase the warmth and coziness of Mediterranean design.

Another fun resource to check out is Mosaic Crafts: 20 Designs for the Modern Home by Martin Cheek.  These stylish projects show how you can incorporate mosaics into a contemporary setting.