Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Croatia, Syria, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco… The coast of 22 states located on three continents is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. Sumerian, Etruscan, Phoenician, Minoan, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and many other civilizations have left their traces on its shores.

Dozens of nations have contributed to the culture and architecture of this area, which is often called the cradle of mankind. But most of all, perhaps, the ancestors of modern Greeks, Italians and Spaniards. No wonder it is in their countries that the Mediterranean type of architecture is the most recognizable and popular. Yes, these are the same houses under tiled roofs, as well as snow-white villas that seem to be created from sunlight, sea water and white sand.

Basic features and style specifics

Despite the external diversity, all the buildings of the region have common, characteristics. They are formed by the same climate: in Greece, and in Italy, and in the South of France, houses are built in such a way as to keep cool inside.
As a rule, the structure of the local buildings is quite simple, even archaic, which makes them an easy, laid-back continuation of the landscape. The consonance between nature and the building itself, the rational West and the sensual East, raises the architecture of the Mediterranean to the rank of classical architecture.

Coastal buildings are the embodiment of simplicity and lyrics, a manifesto about the lightness of being. They are completely alien to pathos and excesses. They loosely and even somewhat carelessly combine cheap limestone and noble marble, ceramics and brightly painted wood, forged metal and plaster together.

In addition, a Mediterranean-style house is recognizable by the following features:

1. Tiled roof. The roof is most often covered with brown, red or orange tiles.
2. Open floor plans and minimal barriers between rooms. This technique creates the illusion of smoothness and infinity, contributes to better ventilation of the premises.
3. The walls are usually finished with white, beige or terracotta plaster.
4. The presence of arched openings, niches and galleries.
5. The presence of open, spacious terraces and balconies.
6. The presence of a patio is an internal, paved courtyard, sometimes covered with a canopy and lined with pots of vegetation.
7. If we are talking about a villa, then there is also a swimming pool surrounded by tubs of greenery. However, even an ordinary house should have a reservoir - for example, a small fountain in the courtyard. The sea for the peoples of the coast is a factor of prosperity and development, and therefore they treat water with special reverence.

Color palette and materials

Paints local town planners "borrowed" from nature. The walls are covered with white, pinkish, beige plaster, and the roofs are covered with orange, red, brown natural tiles. Many details, doors, for example, or window frames are painted in an ultramarine color, symbolizing waves and skies.

The floors are laid out with stone or large ceramic slabs, which contributes to coolness. At the same time, the stone was never brought from afar: the architecture of the region is characterized only by local raw materials. Refusal to import was dictated not only by practicality. Both the Greeks and the Romans believed in the sacred power of a particular, native place. They also believed that if the house consists of local materials, then protective field natural environment applies to him.

Apart from common features, each country in the region has its own architectural nuances. In Greece, the so-called Cycladic style, named after the archipelago, sets the tone.
It took shape in the 19th century, when the “whitewashing boom” swept the islands. Houses, until recently different, began to be covered with dazzling white plaster. It got to the point that local authorities, in an effort to achieve architectural uniformity, generally banned the use of any paint other than white and blue.
True, many residential buildings in, say, Santorini still remain beige, ocher, terracotta and even burgundy.

Greek buildings rarely exceed 2 floors. The role of another, additional tier is played by flat roofs, on which terraces are arranged, water tanks, gardens in tubs or solar panels. Since residential buildings are often “fitted” into mountainous relief and are located in steps, then the roof of the lower structure is a veranda for the building a tier above.

In mainland Greece, private buildings are mostly two-story, rectangular shape and from two or hipped roofs. They are built of stone, which is whitewashed with lime, and the roofs are covered with tiles.

On the ground floor of the Greek house there are barns and a kitchen. The second, residential floor is complemented by a gallery, which is connected to the bottom of the house with the help of an external staircase. Wooden balconies are no exception.

If the mansion is located in a mountainous area, then it tightly adjoins a hill or a rock, or hangs over them, leaning on a protruding platform.
In the north of Greece, houses are made of limestone using pebbles. And in the wooded part of the country, you can also see wooden residential buildings.

Features of private buildings in Cyprus

On the architecture of the third largest island mediterranean sea greatest influence provided by the Greek building culture. At first glance, these are the same white houses under pitched roofs, "hung" with balconies and loggias.
But there is also a special flavor. Houses in Cyprus can be built up to 4 floors (local authorities strictly monitor that the buildings do not block the sea), and in their construction they use, in addition to stone and tiles, local Cypriot oak wood.

Villas on the island are equipped with terraces and generously decorated with pergolas, the floors are covered not only ceramic tiles or marble cuts, mosaics, but parquet is also used.
Cypriot houses are decorated in light colors characteristic of the general style, and the presence of a patio is no less necessary than a long terrace.

Mediterranean style in Italy

As befits a country, the direct heir ancient rome, Italy remained faithful to ancient values.
However, the style common to the sea coast was transformed here into the so-called Tuscan. It reached its peak during the Renaissance: architects even coined the term "Tuscan order", a simplified version of the Doric order.

The houses of the Italian coast are distinguished by clear proportions, they are based on a clear square or rectangle.
Most often, their walls are erected from local rough tuff interspersed with medium-sized bricks.
The roofs are sloping, tiled, however, as everywhere on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Supports for arches, rafters and ceilings, pergolas and terraces are made from wood.

The floors are laid out with stone or ceramic, textured slabs. And the walls outside are decorated with forged lanterns and the same bars on the windows.
Frequent attribute Italian houses, primarily urban mansions - round dormer windows and galleries in the form of arches.
Color scheme - shades of moderate brown tone(sand, brick, cream, olive), accented with cobalt paint.

Mediterranean style in Southern France

From Tuscany to Languedoc-Roussillon, one of the southern outskirts of France, only 800 kilometers. Nevertheless, the French "branch" of the Mediterranean style is better known as "".
The houses of the Cote d'Azur are mostly rectangular, vertically elongated. The running material is local, wild stone, covered with plaster of light colors: yellow, creamy, pink. The walls, however, can also be “naked”, which adds a special, rustic chic to the building.
The optimal number of floors is 2-3, and the boundaries between them are often emphasized by cornices.
The roofs are double and hipped, with dormer openings, covered with the same tiles typical of the Mediterranean basin.

As in the south of Italy, where the sun is in abundance, the windows of French houses are narrow, small and rather sparingly located. But the doors are wide, "granary", with forged hinges. Mandatory additions - extensions to the house, terraces and outbuildings.

Mediterranean style in Spain

The culture of this country has been influenced by the Berber and Moorish mentality for many centuries, which could not but affect the building customs. Most of all, oriental motifs are noticeable in Andalusia, which was once completely conquered by the Arabs, and in Catalonia. But Valencia, once a region of Ancient Rome, is famous for its antique staircases, classic terraces and flat roofs adapted for sunbathing and passive relaxation.

The Muslims introduced turrets, battlements, arcades, balustrades and asymmetrical decorative details into the residential architecture of Spain and, above all, Andalusia. And the walls of many houses have acquired rich, bright “clothes”, although the combination of white and blue has also remained popular.

Modern Spanish houses are built more often in 2-3 floors. At the same time, downstairs there is a living room with a fireplace, a kitchen and a dining room with access to the terrace.
Balconies are obligatory, the windows of the Spanish house are equipped with shutters, and the horseshoe-shaped door is equipped with a heavy iron ring for knocking (door knocker).
In general, the light colors of the traditional Spanish dwelling are set off by the brighter color of the ceramics on the floor and on the roof.

Mediterranean architectural style today

Despite all its charm, historical glory and global recognition, mediterranean architecture remains a "captive" of the southern latitudes. And there are explanations for this.

Open verandas, terraces, balconies are good for winters without precipitation, and flat or with a slight slope of the roof - for places that do not know heavy snowfalls. Yes, and small windows that protect the rooms from the scorching sun are hardly appropriate in the homes of northerners.
What to do, what to do if the dream draws a Mediterranean, no other mansion?

• First, you can repeat the shape typical of Mediterranean buildings: a rectangle or a cylinder.
• Secondly, use stone, plaster, wood for decoration.
• Thirdly, apply individual elements of style: tricks in the form of arches and pergolas, decor from forged metal, as well as coloring - a duet of virgin white and cornflower blue.

Giving the estate the appearance of an Italian palazzo or a Spanish villa, one should, however, take into account the local landscape and relief, because a harmonious merging with nature is one of the conditions for style.

Today, in private construction, even in the countries of the Mediterranean basin, new technologies and materials that imitate natural raw materials are increasingly being used.
Ceramics on the roofs were replaced by metal tiles, and doors, shutters, cornices, sometimes, are made of durable polymers, stylized as natural stone or wood. Well, the architectural style is not a dogma, but a code of certain generalized principles that leaves room for creativity and imagination.

The Mediterranean style originated in the countries north of the Mediterranean Sea - Greece, Spain, Italy, Turkey - and gathered an abundance of colors and tastes of the southern coast of Europe. And even the difference in the mentality of the regions is not a hindrance to him at all.

Features of the Mediterranean style

A big feature of the style is the harmonious borrowing of nature in the house: a lot of wood, organic fabrics, fresh and bright natural colors. Terracotta tiles, stucco figurines, wooden beams are just a few of the things that make the atmosphere so cozy. Let's take a closer look, shall we?

Let's start with the device of the house: ceilings, floors and walls

White textured walls with huge windows required condition mediterranean home. They are rarely even - most often plastered, covered with several layers of paint. They are decorated with mosaics or natural materials - stone or wood.

A separate type of art - ceilings. carved, irregular shape, domed, with wooden beams. The more unusual, the better:

Large patterned windows are sometimes left on the ceilings.

If the budget allows - the floors are natural. The rooms are often parquet, and in common areas - stone, classic terracotta color. In some places there is a bright hand-painted tile. Arabesque and Moroccan ornaments are popular.

Color spectrum

Be inspired by nature, imitate its natural shades. If you want - bright: blue sky in spring, dark green ocean, tender May greens, red poppies, warm yellow forget-me-nots. If you want - gentle, muted: terracotta clay, lavender fields, rusty earthy shades. Take a white background as a basis, dilute it with painted wood - it’s more harmonious.

Furniture

Furniture in the Mediterranean style is different, but most often heavy, durable, made of dark wood, rustic huge. In places shabby, in places roughly knocked together, in places extremely elegant: many items are decorated with carvings and inlaid mosaics. On sofas and armchairs there are covers and many colored pillows. Sometimes there is wicker furniture.

Textile

The most frequent guests are bright colored pillows on dark furniture and carpets on the cold floor. Patterns are highly dependent on the region - in Greece they prefer simple fabrics without a pattern, in Spain you can find Moroccan motifs.

Curtains are optional, but if you want, light and modest fabrics give the interior airiness, rejoicing in every ray of sunshine.

materials

Mediterranean style is a story about textures. Plaster and several layers of paint on the walls, warm and soft textiles, bronze and iron lamps, solid wood furniture and beams on the ceiling. But the whole soul is in the tile. It can be found in furniture, decorative inserts on the floor, and even in frames on the walls.

Varieties of Mediterranean style

No matter how much there is in common between the regions, anyway - the style varies greatly depending on the country. How? We tell.

Greek style

The calmest look of all. White walls and wooden white floors with wrought iron accents and of blue color any shade. Greek motifs in textures and fabrics, majestic columns and arches, modern furniture.

Italian style

Italian Mediterranean design is close to Tuscan - carefree, slightly chaotic, especially vividly highlighting the colors and textures found in the surrounding landscape. Cast iron objects, natural colors - orange, red, yellow, lots of earth and beige, along with wooden floors and furniture, textured walls.

Spanish variant

Moroccan furniture, bright textures and mosaic murals with blues, yellows and deep reds. Mosaic is found in mirror frames, countertops, accessories - lamps, ceramics, vases. Terracotta floors, accent drawings.

Style features in different rooms

Kitchen

The kitchen is needed to welcome guests - a comfortable spacious room with a huge table for 10-12 people for all friends and neighbors. The decoration is simple, as elsewhere, nothing pretentious, bright, conspicuous. The exception is a kitchen apron, it can be anything bright. Of the accessories - useful utensils, copper utensils, braids of garlic, pepper and onion, a lot of dry and fresh flowers.

Living room

In this style, living rooms are often connected to the kitchen, dining room and ... with the garden. In the original houses in southern Europe, large windows and doors occupy all the walls. The rooms are comfortable cushioned furniture, a fireplace is often found. The objects are stocky, stable, there is a lot of space between them. Practical accessories - frames, lamps, vases, books and of course flowers.

Bedroom

The bedroom should have a lot of light - large windows, light curtains. A massive comfortable bed (sometimes with a canopy), white walls, always natural materials. Even in small bedroom there are bedside tables and wardrobes for clothes.

Bathroom

AT toilet rooms there are windows in the whole wall and everything around is made of natural materials. Fresh flowers are very popular, as well as roomy bathrooms. On the walls - stone or plaster, on the floor - stone tiles. The walls and ceiling can be decorated with tiles with ancient Roman or Greek patterns.

Well, that's all, remember what the Mediterranean style is?

Let's repeat:

natural colors;

natural materials;

Creative ceilings;

No rectangular doors and windows;

Light curtains and soft rugs;

Tiles, tiles, tiles;

Plaster on the wall.

And if you want more details, write to us at or pass the light meter – our interior preference test.

Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, the Cote d'Azur of France - all this is the Mediterranean and the most favorite countries for recreation.

A country house is built for relaxation, so why not make it in a Mediterranean style.

House in Spain

house in Turkey

House with gallery and swimming pool

Adamson House. California

Adamson House. California

The main features of the Mediterranean style:

• roofs with a small angle, almost flat or flat;
• on the roof there are natural tiles of brown, brick or orange color;
• facade decoration with plaster. The colors of the plaster are predominantly white, milky or ocher;
• active use of arches: arched windows, doors, niches, galleries;
• interspersed with blue details, such as blue window frames;
• clay pots as an exterior decor with or without flowers, can also be used for fences;
• be sure to have a pool on the site, next to the house, or even in the house itself;
• galleries, terraces, balconies are integral parts of the Mediterranean home.

Such a house protects from the scorching rays of the sun, creates coolness and shade. In our climate, on the contrary, there is little sun, so it is rare to see a house in this style. But if you approach creatively, then you can build a Mediterranean house in our country and at the same time it will protect from the cold and give warmth. White color we replace plasters with a darker color, but in natural shades: dark ocher, beige, brick. It is also better to refuse a roof with a too small angle and make a steeper angle, for example 25 degrees. This will not spoil the view, but the load from the snow will be less. Instead of natural tiles, use coated metal tiles, they are lighter. You can also abandon the pool near the house, and cheat and make a blue tile in the place of the proposed pool or replace the pool with a small waterfall. But you can not skimp on the arches. The terrace-gallery in front of the house also does not hurt. And if you find earthenware jugs and vases, and put them in front of the house, you will create a complete feeling of a Mediterranean home.

House with steeper roof

Modern design It is represented by various directions, but the interior of houses in the Mediterranean style deserves special attention. Unusual combination such natural materials as brick, wood, textiles and metal gives the room a unique look, fills the room with comfort and warmth. Main characteristic in this decor, the use of original textures and natural shades is considered.

In addition, the Mediterranean style implies comfort and practicality in everything, so it is great for connoisseurs of free space and beauty. Such projects, as a rule, are preferred by the owners of large houses located outside the city, but similar finishing can also be done in modest one-story buildings.

Features and Specifications

Mediterranean style looks great against the backdrop of nature. In order for the appearance of the house to fully correspond to the image, it is necessary to use building materials in neutral shades in its architecture. Thus, the facade will turn out to be stylish and neat, and the beige or white plaster of the walls will favorably emphasize the beauty of all structural elements. If the roof is tiled, then burgundy, gray or brown is chosen for its arrangement with the walls. An integral part of this design is the interior of residential premises.

It is characterized by the following features:

• Furniture. The furnishings of the rooms are represented by chic items from natural wood. The figured legs of the structures and the frame made of red metal all point to the Mediterranean style.
• Stairs. This piece of decor is a real highlight of the home. Its openwork finish and unusual curves will not leave indifferent not only the owners of the house, but also their guests. For greater effect, such stairs are recommended to be supplemented with massive chandeliers and wooden vases.

• Drawings and paintings. The main theme in painting should be the sea and the sun. At the same time, it is very important to choose the right size of the canvases for the parameters of the room.
• Decor elements. The rooms should contain various figurines and souvenirs made from natural materials.

To design a home in a Mediterranean style, it is not enough to use only one beautiful compositions, the atmosphere should be felt in the interior home warmth and comfort. So Special attention worth paying interior decoration rooms. Floor covering in this case is recommended to choose from decorative stone or tiles. Such a floor will not only transform the room, but also last a long time, and a huge selection colors will open up interesting ideas for experimentation. For example, tiles in shades of sand and the sea will look amazing in the living room.

As for the walls and ceiling, they should harmoniously match the overall interior. Walls can be decorated brickwork or plaster, and make the ceilings in the form suspended structures. Wooden furniture and light textiles on large windows will look unusual against this background. To brighten up the severity of the lines in the design, it is also recommended to use wicker carpets, decorative pillows, and various crafts made of beads. We must not forget about indoor plants, they can be placed indoors on special metal stands.

Interior decoration

The living room of a country house or apartment is the main room, so its interior should be original and stylish. If homeowners prefer to see their “family nest” cozy and functional, then it is advisable to use Spanish decor to decorate this room. Beige walls, terracotta floor and dark furniture will be the right decision in this direction.

To make the living room bright and spacious, you can decorate it in a Greek Mediterranean style decor, in this case a house with large windows will work well. Maximum light and minimum furniture will give the living room a feeling of infinity and lightness, while the main attribute of the room will be curtains and blinds made of natural fabrics.

The bedroom in this design is different big walls and high beamed ceilings. All surfaces in the room should not have glare and gloss. Best to pick Decoration Materials with a rough texture. Good for these purposes matte painting or decorative plaster with patterns. In the Mediterranean bedroom, the main piece of furniture is the bed, its forged details and various elements from wood will complement the satin bedspreads and canopy in an original way.

As for the bathroom, it is usually decorated wooden furniture and mosaic tiles. To make the room functional, you need to place a minimum of objects in it. All the necessary things can be easily hidden behind the trim panels. The color scheme for the bathroom is chosen in cold shades, ranging from dark blue to terracotta.

It is recommended to lay out the walls and ceiling in the bathroom with facing tiles in contrasting colors. It should also be noted that waffle towels must be present in the room, as they are considered the main attribute of this style.