What Is Modern Mediterranean Style? (+ Ideas you can use)

modern Mediterranean style

Looking to create a Modern Mediterranean style in your home where you can feel like you are on holiday all the time?

Just with the right amount of effort, you can incorporate a contemporary modern Mediterranean interior design into your space, so you wake up to vacation vibes every day!

It wouldn’t be bad to envision, all year round nice summer vibes in your home; imagine that relaxing feeling while walking barefoot on the sand, the salt on your skin, and those late nights BBQs with friends in the backyard (or balcony).

If this is not enough convincing…

A modern Mediterranean style draws inspiration from this laid-back region and blends together the outdoors and indoors.

I love this! And of course, probably no surprise since I am also a Swedish ex-pat who lives in the southeast part of the Mediterranean. 😊

It features relaxed neutrals, spacious spaces, rustic pieces, organic shapes, concrete, geometrical forms (like arches), and other natural materials.

The style differs from traditional Mediterranean design with its minimalist, chic approach as a focus while adding warmth through different tactile materials. 

modern mediterranean style

Credit: Design by @yoli_and_otis Via Sample Board

If I were to describe the modern Mediterranean style in one sentence it would be:

“An interior space focused on natural and local materials where the focus is on a soft minimalistic feel infused with the Mediterranean scaled back vibes, where social activities and relaxation is in the forefront.”

We are for sure loving this as we are currently building a home with this style, of course with some Scandinavian interior vibes into it as well.

In that regard, how exactly can you get this style? Let’s dive into its key elements!

Mediterranean Hues

Modern Mediterranean style focuses on the colors of the Mediterranean: classic whites, beautiful blues, earthy terracotta, and limestone among some.

Depending on if you are going for the more Greek (cooler hues) or more Italian or as in our case, Maltese (warmer hues), the feel can vary.

When it comes to wall colors, and the dominant color shade in this style, we can again see a difference depending on if the home is built and focused on showcasing plaster, or a local stone, or a variation of them both (the latter is what we are working towards, for that more Modern Mediterranean style that we are craving.) This usually depends on availability, budget, and style.

Usually, a common thread in these homes is then to pick other colors inspired by its surroundings — such as the blues from the sea, bursts of colors inspired by Mediterranean flowers, the greens from olive trees, or the stunning subtle pastel sky.

In short — while choosing colors, allow the Mediterranean scenery to pave your way.

You can see some Mediterranean decor photos that I have curated over on Pinterest here as well as my Mediterranean design board here.

modern Mediterranean style

Credit: Photo by Richard John Seymour, designed by Atelier Data

modern Mediterranean style

Credit: Aleksadser Belkov

modern Mediterranean  decor

Credit: Far and Close Via Sample Board



OUR STORY

We for example are inspired by one of our local beaches and the colors it portrays as well as keeping the stunning limestone in mind that we are building with.


Outdoorsy Decorating Style

You know what an outdoorsy decorating style would translate to: natural light, and lots of it

You can do this by using large windows and glass doors that allow light to enter. The effect can be further enhanced by using mirrors; they bounce off light and increase indoor brightness. Using white colors for the walls also helps in this regard, as white has excellent light-reflecting properties.

Other Mediterranean decor items include rattan chandeliers, soft linen fabrics, and small lanterns to add the ultimate natural touch.

modern Mediterranean design

Credit: Photo by Richard John Seymour, designed by Atelier Data



Want to follow along us building a home in the Mediterranean on a 14sqm long island, I am posting updates on my Instagram.

Flowers And Water Elements

Since the Mediterranean is known for its bright flowers, it’s a great idea to place a vase of flowers in your home. If you’re not really a plant parent, you can use dried flowers or low-maintenance varieties.

Additionally, contemporary modern Mediterranean interior design style incorporates water — best-case scenario if you can bottle up some from the Mediterranean Sea itself! Jokes aside, add the water element by using a fountain outdoors or an aquarium indoors or bringing in the blue hues into your design.

modern Mediterranean design

Credit: Abi Interiors


OUR STORY

We will bring in water elements through large blown-up images of the beach that we so love and connect to our home story.

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See Also
Maximalism Scandinavian Interior Design

Mediterranean-Inspired Materials

To get the perfect contemporary Mediterranean style, use materials typical of this region. These include stucco walls (can also be created by using wallpaper) and stone – or tiles for the flooring, or even on the walls if possible, as mentioned earlier this is often common in Italian homes. Whitened wood and terra-cotta are also ideal to use in the modern Mediterranean style.

Also, be sure to incorporate rustic elements, which can best be done by using a combination of raw wood and wrought iron (I am loving white painted wrought iron at the moment).

modern Mediterranean design

Credit: Moii Interior Design found via Sample Board

modern Mediterranean design

Credit: Cesarstone

modern Mediterranean design

Credit: Far and Close Via Sample Board

modern Mediterranean design
modern Mediterranean design

Credit: Design by Studio Ezra


OUR STORY

Limestone walls juxtaposed with white painted plaster and light warm-colored tiles will be the dominant materials in our home. We will then play with terracotta details, and some local pattern tiles to infuse some interest and fun into the otherwise more simple design.

Indoorsy Outdoors

Modern Mediterranean style encompasses blending together indoor and outdoor spaces. So, draw inspiration from the indoors while decorating your outdoors.

You can do so by using similar decorative elements in both areas. Place light wood or rattan furniture, use rattan textures and incorporate raw linens. Add rugs on the floors, fairy lights, and lanterns. While at the same time bringing some cleaner elements to give it that more contemporary feel.

Try to create a connection between your indoor and outdoor space while decorating, and voila, you have the ultimate modern Mediterranean-styled home!

Credit: Three Birds Renovation via Coco Kelley


OUR STORY

We are focusing on creating an indoor-outdoor feeling by creating a living room feeling outside, with a heater for cooler months and a fan for warmer months. Maybe a rug on the floor, floor pillows, and a comfy build-in sofa with tons of pillows.

Ideally, we would even be able to screen movies out there and watch games together with friends and family, while the fish is being barbequed.

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