How To Make Your Home Look And Feel More Mediterranean
Soothing hues, natural textiles and a bright, airy ambiance – Mediterranean interior design brings much more to a space than just evoking a vacation vibe (although it certainly does that, too). Below, designers share their advice for translating Mediterranean style into your own home. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Emphasize a connection to the outdoors
“Mediterranean style is all about warmth, simplicity and a connection to nature,” say Paulo Valcic and Stefan Relic of the Mallorca-based, property-development and design company Rôck&Villa. “It’s grounded in a neutral, earthy color palette, with tones like terracotta, soft whites, beiges, and sandy hues.
“Key elements include natural materials such as wood, stone, and ceramics, often with slightly irregular textures that add character and authenticity. The use of wrought iron, rattan and rustic finishes also helps to create a sense of natural beauty.
“This style thrives on creating spaces that feel inviting and lived-in, with an emphasis on bringing the outdoors in. Don’t forget the importance of light – Mediterranean spaces are known for being bright and airy, so maximize natural light and opt for soft, breathable fabrics to maintain that easy, holiday-like vibe.”
“The essence of Mediterranean interior style lies not in a fixed aesthetic, but in a way of thinking – a deep-rooted connection to place, an appreciation for craftsmanship, and a natural, unforced beauty that evolves over time
”Tatjana von Stein
Look beyond the aesthetic
“To me, the essence of Mediterranean interior style lies not in a fixed aesthetic, but in a way of thinking – a deep-rooted connection to place, an appreciation for craftsmanship, and a natural, unforced beauty that evolves over time,” says interior designer Tatjana von Stein.
“It’s not about replicating a ‘look’ or applying a theme, but about working with local materials, celebrating texture and designing spaces that respond to how we actually live – in heat, in rain, in the quiet moments of a city day.
“Across the Mediterranean – whether it’s the Balearics, the Greek islands, or southern Italy – there’s variation, of course, but a shared spirit: tactile surfaces, natural light, honest materials like stone, timber, and clay. These elements create calm, grounded spaces that are deeply sensory and emotionally resonant – shaped by climate, culture and craft.”
Don’t force it
“If a property is not situated in a Mediterranean setting, trying to fully adopt that style might not make sense, as it could feel out of place,” advise Valcic and Relic.
“However, incorporating some Mediterranean touches and elements can definitely bring a light, airy feel to a non-Mediterranean property. For example, we are currently working on a project for a residence in Las Vegas, which is a modern, newly built house. We added vintage Mediterranean pots in the exterior area, bringing in that touch of Mediterranean charm and vibe without overwhelming the overall design.”
“Tactile surfaces, natural light, honest materials like stone, timber, and clay – these elements create calm, grounded spaces that are deeply sensory and emotionally resonant
”von Stein
Translate it to suit your space
“I believe this style absolutely belongs in non-Mediterranean settings – not as a transplant, but as an influence,” agrees von Stein.
“It’s about taking the spirit of the Med – its softness, its natural rhythm, its handmade soul – and reinterpreting it to suit your context. I’d suggest beginning with materials such as limewashed walls, stone floors, natural woods, and handmade ceramics – and focusing on a palette rooted in nature: sunbaked neutrals, olive greens, soft terracottas.
“But beyond the visual language, it’s about creating a mood – calm, tactile, and quietly grounding. It’s less about replication, and more about translation – capturing an essence, then tailoring it with care to suit place, purpose, and the many facets of daily life.”