Interior designers all over the world draw inspiration from the Italian and Mediterranean coasts when creating environments with Mediterranean-style furnishings, coverings, and flooring. Millions of travelers each year dream of watching the sunset from a window overlooking the sea in Sicily, toasting on a yacht in Portofino, discovering the most exclusive coves of Argentario, sleeping inside a trullo in Alberobello… In short, the love for Italy is so strong that it drives many people to decorate their homes in Mediterranean style, evoking the colors and atmosphere of the sea: shades of blue, white, and sand are the undisputed protagonists of Mediterranean furnishings, flooring, and coverings. An elegant combination of nature and freshness, both inside and outside the home.
The materials used for Mediterranean-style furnishings, coverings, and flooring are natural and can also be painted blue or white. The most commonly used materials are wood, wicker, terracotta, and stone.
Textile materials such as curtains, cushions, and bed linens are typically white; the curtains are mainly decorative, not meant to obstruct the entry of natural light into the rooms.
Terracotta floors
The choice of Mediterranean-style flooring revolves around three options: the color of sand, glossy white, or textures inspired by Sicily.
Those looking for Mediterranean-style flooring that recalls the color of sand will surely opt for light, rough terracotta floors with yellowish tones.
Raw tiles can be alternated with glazed terracotta tiles featuring Mediterranean patterns: blue, yellow, and white break the rhythm of the monochromatic raw terracotta floors, giving the space personality. Small details where natural light can reflect and further illuminate the home.
Terracotta floors are highly sought after in Mediterranean-style apartments and villas for several reasons:
- They easily match any type of furniture;
- Natural terracotta floors provide a neutral base on which you can experiment with the colors of the furniture;
- They can be made waterproof and mold-resistant with a treatment;
- They are an Italian handmade product; nothing better for the Mediterranean style!
Terracotta floors are always a great choice, especially for second homes; their durability allows them to last over time without the need for continuous maintenance.
Mediterranean-style tiles
In the interior and exterior environments of Mediterranean-style apartments and villas, terracotta tiles are often chosen for their endless customization possibilities. With glazed terracotta tiles, colors, textures, and designs can be combined to evoke the waves of the sea, seashells, or citrus fruits. The drop-shaped tiles from the Italie collection blend perfectly with Mediterranean style, especially in the colors Venezia, Capri, Amalfi, and Positano.
Tips for Mediterranean-style apartments and villas
Not just seaside apartments; this style also decorates maritime villas, city homes, and countryside estates.
To bring the atmosphere of these dream beaches into a Mediterranean-style apartment or villa, it’s essential to combine the right elements.
A ceiling with exposed beams and terracotta tiles painted in blue, light blue, or white is characteristic of Mediterranean style and one of the boldest choices. To ensure a good result, it’s important to first evaluate whether the chosen space has enough natural light to host a colorful ceiling. If a more classic solution is preferred, one can leave the ceiling with exposed beams and terracotta tiles in their natural state, opting for both materials in light tones.
Mediterranean-style coverings and floors are perfect for every room in your home.
The Mediterranean-style kitchen lets in a lot of light. The countertops and dining table are made of light wood, accompanied by white chairs and stools, while the backsplash is made of glazed terracotta in shades of azure, light blue, and blue. Terracotta bricks support the island, which holds a wicker fruit basket full of citrus fruits. The light terracotta floors add even more light and importance to the space.
The Mediterranean-style bathroom features bolder combinations: raw terracotta floors and blue tiles, mosaics, bright blue sanitary fixtures with glazed floors and tiles. All of this is complemented by white fabrics, seashells, and wooden accessories.
The Mediterranean-style bedroom features light terracotta floors, laid in a classic or herringbone pattern, and a canopy bed with white curtains. The only furnishings in this space are light natural wood nightstands, dressers, and paintings of beaches.
In the living room, wicker lamps and chandeliers create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Yellow flowers and white fabrics illuminate the space, along with the natural light that pours in. The windows and French doors are painted in an ocean blue, as well as the figurines and accessories.
Finally, the outdoor space of an apartment or villa in Mediterranean style features raw terracotta flooring and a wicker seating area with vibrant blue cushions, all covered by a white pergola, made of wood or wicker.
