When people are looking to decorate their houses in a luxurious way, they often look to the Mediterranean for inspiration. What used to be rustic is now very chic. It stems from the holidays that many people take to the Greek islands, or to the coast of Italy that just felt so comfortable yet elegant. They then try to recreate the look and feeling at home.
There are certain elements in Greek design that you’ll also come across in Italian, Spanish, and even Moroccan architecture and villas. It’s the Mediterranean look and will elevate your home to something out of this world when you take on the tips to make it look like your favourite destination. In this post, we’ll touch on some of the ways you can incorporate luxury home decor in creating a Mediterranean style home.
1 – Use natural materials
What likely made that stay in a Mediterranean villa so comfortable and unforgettable was the use of natural materials in the furnishings and décor of the house. Just about everything in the design has some form of nature in it. And you should try to incorporate as much as possible in your home.
For instance, the tiles on the floor should be made of terracotta. Bonus points will be given if they appear handmade and have some natural defects on them. This is what makes the décor interesting, authentic and gives a warmth to the room.
Try sourcing rustic wooden furniture that provides a simple, yet charming impact that will make your living room homely and cosy while also feeling luxurious. Then, add some accents and accessories made of natural materials to further develop the relaxed ambiance. For instance, lay a woven water hyacinth rug or hang sheer linen curtains.
If your home is constructed of stone, then exposing it in areas on the walls will add to the charm and make it feel like it’s straight out of the Sicilian coast.
2 – Let the light in
In addition to there being lots of natural elements in a Mediterranean style home, there should also be an abundance of light. It’s the best remedy for stress and anxiety to be surrounded by natural light and it will transform any living space.
If you’re lucky enough to have large windows in your home, make the most of them. If you have heavy, lined curtains up to keep out the cold in the winter months, swap them for lighter, brighter ones in the summer time. This will let in more warmth and sunlight.
If you have small or few windows, place mirrors strategically – on walls or propped up on the floor – to bounce the sunlight around the space.
One of the simplest things you can do to allow in more light is to regularly clean your windows – both inside and out if practically possible.
3 – Get the colours right
Using natural colours is essential if you want to achieve an authentic Mediterranean look. For instance, burnt ochre and chalky pink or yellow are very common paint colours for interior and exterior walls. Alternatively, you may want to opt for a deep burgundy shade of red that’s also frequently used in some of the northern Mediterranean areas such as France and northern Italy.
Bright colours are also popular; think of the vivid azure blue paired with brilliant white that can be found on most buildings in the Greek islands.
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