Mediterranean style interior design is popular all over, not just within the Mediterranean itself. People associate the Mediterranean countries, such as Spain, Italy and Greece, with a laidback style of like and want to replicate this is their own homes. These areas are popular amongst Northern European holiday makers, so this style of living reminds them of being on holiday, meaning they want to recreate this feeling at home.

To Northern Europeans Mediterranean interior design is a simple, relaxed, traditional style, something that many like the look of. The feel of the home is important and it can make a genuine difference as to how people feel when they are in a room. Some rooms can be dark and depressing while others can be bright and breezy, and most people feel happier when sitting in a room with the latter style. It can be compared to the weather; most people feel better when outside in the sunshine with clear blue skies than when there are dark clouds and thunder.

Light colours are usually used in Mediterranean style interior design; colours such as yellow, orange and terracotta. This reflects the sunshine areas they live in and it is uplifting to be in such as room. Wrought iron fixtures are common place, especially on the exterior of buildings. Mosaic tiles are commonly used instead of the wallpaper used in other areas, and walls are often textured.

Furniture tends to be more simple and minimalistic in Mediterranean countries. This fits in with the whole simple design and is also practical. Indoor plants are also much more commonplace, and play an important role in the makeup of a Mediterranean home.

One area where Mediterranean homes differ from Northern European homes are the window decorations. Blinds and window shutters are used much more often than curtains. This is mainly for practical reasons, although many would argue blinds and shutters look better as well. They allow for temperature control which can be an advantage in warm climates, and they have louvers, or slats, that can be opened and closed to let in air and to either let the sunlight in or keep it out. Curtains have been generally more preferable in Northern Europe due to the weather as they can help insulate, although with the thick wooden materials used, so can shutters.

Like many areas of interior design, the differences here began due to practical reasons. This is not so necessary now though due to central heating and air conditioning. Wallpaper has traditionally been used in Northern Europe to help insulate, while tiles have been used in Mediterranean areas as they help keep a home cool in the summer. It is the same with the colours that have been used, with darker colours giving more or a warm feeling than lighter ones. The differing weather between Northern and Southern Europe is also part of the reason for the traditional furniture’s used. In Northern Europe lots of furniture, with big comfortable seating areas are used as lots of time in the winter is spent indoors. The more minimalist traditions in the Mediterranean are more reflective of the time spent outdoors in the longer, warmer summers.

Andrew Marshall (c)