Ah, the Mediterranean! Even die-hard Northern Lights fans and mountain lovers often succumb to the charm of this historic and diverse region. And some people want to take it into their own homes. The distinctive colors and shapes reflect lifestyle and maybe even invoke a little holiday happiness.
In addition, Mediterranean cuisine is trendy. This is not surprising because it often offers many delicious flavors and is healthy.
What could be more natural than realizing your passion for the Mediterranean in the kitchen – not only when cooking but also when preparing?
What material is the focus?
Suppose you want to furnish your kitchen in a Mediterranean style. In that case, you should first consider the suitable materials and where and how they can be combined. For small kitchens, it is generally recommended to use a lighter version so that the room does not look even smaller.
Anyone who has seen the Mediterranean appeal with their own eyes has probably noticed that natural materials are mainly used in the kitchen: stone, terracotta, and wood play a central role. When it comes to wood, the most important thing is the olive tree, which is everywhere. Pine and walnut wood are also typical. In contrast, terracotta is unglazed clay: vessels, art objects, and even tiles made from this material are everywhere.
If you prefer something more elegant, consider marble, quarried in many Mediterranean places. For furniture, rattan or metal are the right choices.
Color and shape
Anyone who has seen the special features of Mediterranean kitchens knows that they are usually furnished. The furnishings, in turn, often have an antique touch reminiscent of the classical era of Greece and Rome. If antiques are too ornate for you, you can also mix them in your kitchen here and there with modern country house-style furniture and accessories.
It is also essential to choose a color mix that suits your style. Classic Mediterranean kitchens usually have light or even white walls, and various splashes of color (for example, mosaics) provide visual highlights. However, accessories such as plates, towels, and flower vases are also available here to add color.
In general, earthy and calm colors dominate Italian-influenced styles. Different variations of ocher are often found, from yellow to orange and red to brown. This color is often the basic color of the house, both outside and inside.
You can arrange accents with green and blue shades. Traditionally, for example, window and door frames are painted. Blue means sea, and green means undulating landscapes, mainly in Italy and elsewhere. If both are too cool for you, red accents work too.
Tuscany and other local variants
You can divide the Mediterranean furnishing style into many different subcategories. This region is very diverse.
Tuscan style, in particular, is a more rustic variant that can make a room very interesting. Compared to Mallorcan furnishings, the Tuscan style largely avoids colorful elements. The focus is on natural materials mixed with iron elements.
In contrast, Greek style is quite cool and relies heavily on white and blue. Light-colored textiles are the first choice here.
Functional accessory
Mediterranean kitchens are excellent proof that a room can look good while functional. Often, the worktop is seen as the centerpiece of the kitchen: this is where you want to chop, stir, and do to your heart’s content.
Countertops in Mediterranean kitchens are usually made from natural materials, particularly wood and natural stone. In a separate article, we explain how to choose the right material for kitchen countertops.
When talking about accessories, don’t forget the lights, as they can literally control the highlights.
Last but not least, the floor is also important: wooden panels or tiles in matching colors give your Mediterranean kitchen a bold touch.
Last word
Mediterranean interior design can make any room unique. However, you risk a disharmonious appearance if you compromise and do not combine smaller accessories (e.g., textiles or tableware).
But don’t worry! Everything you need for authentic Mediterranean furniture is usually accessible in this country. However, you can check the local markets on your next holiday in Spain or Tuscany. An extraordinary “treasure” is often waiting here, which can ultimately increase the anticipation of your next vacation (or delicious meal…).