Whether you’re enjoying a warm Summer in Capri, Santorini, Ibiza or Marbella, the Mediterranean style interior design focuses on natural materials and finishes, indoor-outdoor living, and an effortless, minimalistic approach to decorating that is rooted in centuries of life along the beautiful Mediterranean coast. Though Mediterranean style has a timeless appeal, it can be interpreted in both classic and more contemporary ways. This month, I’m sharing 7 essential tips I’ve used in the projects we’ve designed to master a sophisticated contemporary coastal vibe in your home, whether you’re looking to furnish the home of your dreams in the near future or you want to create some quick and easy style updates to your current living spaces.
1. LET THERE BE LIGHT
If you have one thing inside a modern Mediterranean home, it needs to be abundant light. Interiors should never feel dim or cramped, but rather, light, open and breezy. Make the most of natural light with large energy-efficient windows, sliding glass doors and using light window treatments like a net curtain in a light tone, and you can always incorporate a hint of colour with a beautiful decorative curtain!
2. A NEUTRAL PALETTE
You’ll never go wrong using a neutral base in whites, beiges or warm greys, and using colour as an accent with palettes that reflect the natural environment – from the blue-greens of the ocean, to the yellow, golden, light pink and blush tones of the sunset. Drawing from the environment to create a colour palette is a great way to bring the outdoors in, and especially if you have a stunning view, you want your interiors to enhance and complement it in a harmonious way.
“You won’t find too many metallics or flashy textures in Mediterranean style, but rather, materials like natural stone, light woods and fabrics devoid of shine.”
3. KEEP IT NATURAL
In order to create a relaxed, easy vibe, coastal style usually incorporates many natural elements which comes in through the furniture, carpentry, and fabrics. You won’t find too many metallics or flashy textures, but rather, materials like natural stone, light woods and fabrics devoid of shine. Incorporating beautiful wood panelling is a fantastic way to elevate a room and really tie everything together, and I also love including wallcovering made of materials like raffia or linen in order to create an instant warmer and sophisticated feel in a coastal vibe room.
4. INSPIRATION
A well executed interior design project normally has a harmonious thread throughout the entire home. The inspiration for a project can truly come from any source like nature, travel, music or even unique objects with an interesting story! Work from there to create a concept that truly embodies what you love and the overall feel that you would like to create. How about this stunning surfboard for some coastal inspiration? I’m in love!
5. DECORATE WITH BALANCE
If you’re decorating in a coastal style, its fine to add in a few seaside touches, like shells, glass bottles, or woven baskets, but the key is not to go overboard and stay away from anything too cliched. Avoid anchor prints or too many stripes, and instead take your lead from elements of the coast: a collection of ceramic vases, natural tree stump tables, a single oversized coral placed in a bookshelf, or elements made of wicker like suspension lamps above an outdoor dining table, or woven baskets to hold extra throw pillows and blankets in a lounging area. I love incorporating texture and nature with pampas grass or a natural bouquet of flowers in handmade vases, and placing coffee books around a home that have a theme related to the coast, whether it’s about traveling to top beach destinations around the world or about surfing spectacular waves!
“I believe that every room should have something unexpected in it, whether it’s a statement lamp, an interesting sculpture or an amazing piece of art hanging on the wall. ”
6. ADD ELEMENTS THAT SURPRISE
I believe that every room should have something unexpected in it, whether it’s a statement lamp, an interesting sculpture or an amazing piece of art hanging on the wall. Normally these unique elements break up the repetition of style or colour in a room and, if done tastefully, they can be truly the focal point and conversation starter of the ambience! I’m currently in love with this oversized wireline suspension lamp from Flos – an object that can be positioned half way between art and industrial design – perfect for incorporating a contemporary feel to a lounge space or bedroom area!
7. EMPHASIZE INDOOR OUTDOOR LIVING
It’s no wonder why indoor outdoor living is an essential part of coastal living, as warm temperatures invite you to spend more time in the outdoors! If you want to create a sense of flow to the outdoors, continue with similar furniture styles, rugs, and other accessories to tie the spaces together cohesively. You can also extend the flooring to the exterior to draw the eye out and make the area appear larger – just make sure that the tiles used outdoors are suited for use in any weather! Sliding pocket glass doors also provide the perfect opportunity to blend your interior and exterior environments seamlessly and unite ambiences for perfect entertaining for all of your friends and family!
Thank you for stopping by to read some tips on how to master a contemporary Mediterranean style in your home! You can read the full article in the published issue of Society Magazine, which also includes my new Architecture & Travel section featuring unique cities and hotels that have amazing interior design and architecture!
I’D LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT THE MEDITERRANEAN INTERIOR DESIGN STYLE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
Interior Design by Femont Galvan Designers
Published in Society Marbella Magazine
PHOTO 1
Photography by Carlos Carretero
PHOTO 4 & 5
Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana
PHOTO 6 & 7
Courtesy of Flos
PHOTO 2, 3 & 8
Photography by Charly Simon
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