Mediterranean Inspiration for Your Home

Nothing exudes family togetherness and outdoorsy, healthy living than a warm, open and welcoming Mediterranean-style home. What's more, you don't need to live on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to apply these features to your home!

Q&A With Beatriz Aybar Romero of Aybar Architecture

Beatriz Aybar Romero of Aybar Architecture provided us with some insight into what makes a modern-day Mediterranean-style home.

Aybar Architecture was founded by its leading architect, Beatriz Aybar Romero in 2008. They are genuinely passionate about assisting their clients in achieving their real estate dreams when building new villas, or refurbishing existing buildings in the countryside.

Their dedicated team are driven to create Contemporary Architecture & Interior Designs that focus on excellence, comfort, luxury and wellbeing.

Aybar Architecture will capture the essence of your lifestyle and will manage an individual expertise service or a one-stop service from start to finish.

1. What has been your favourite project to work on so far?

The refurbishment of an Andalusian farmhouse situated in the countryside. The unique charm and historical significance of the Cortijo made it an especially rewarding endeavour for me.

2. What would be your dream project to work on?

AYBAR Architecture builds each project around people’s desires.

We take great pride in being part of the emotional tapestry that defines the journey toward creating a home. In doing so, every project, regardless of its scale or complexity, becomes more than a task on our agenda.

In essence, we don't merely undertake projects; we embark on collaborative ventures to bring dreams to life. Every project is not just our professional commitment; it's a shared journey towards creating each client's dream project.

3. What 3 (or more if you like) "essential" features would you say make for a modern Mediterranean-style home?

Here are key characteristics of the Mediterranean Upgraded style:

Clean Lines and Simplicity: Modern Mediterranean design often embraces straight, clean lines and a more minimalist approach compared to its traditional counterpart.

Neutral Color Palette: While the traditional Mediterranean style includes vibrant colours, the modern version tends to lean towards neutral tones such as whites, greys, and earthy hues. This creates a more subdued and sophisticated atmosphere.

Open Floor Plans: The style often incorporates open and spacious interiors, allowing for a seamless flow between rooms and a sense of airiness. This is a departure from the more compartmentalized layouts of traditional Mediterranean homes.

Incorporation of Natural Light: Large windows and glass doors are frequently used to maximize natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere within the living spaces.

Merging Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: Modern Mediterranean homes often feature a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living areas. This might include expansive patio spaces, courtyards, or even the use of glass walls to blur the boundaries.

Sleek and raw Materials: Combining raw and sleek materials in design creates a harmonious balance between natural, textured elements and polished, contemporary finishes. This blending of materials adds depth, interest, and a touch of modernity to a space.

Contemporary Furnishings: Furnishings and decor in a modern Mediterranean home tend to be a mix of classic, timeless pieces and modern, minimalist designs. This blend creates a sophisticated and comfortable living environment.

Incorporation of Technology: Modern Mediterranean homes often integrate modern technologies for energy efficiency, security, and convenience while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the style

6. In your personal opinion, what defines a contemporary Mediterranean-style home?

Respect for nature, a devotion to fine materials, an ability to discover subtle nuances and an instinct for balancing technology with craftsmanship are key parts of our design philosophy, and in my opinion what also defines a Mediterranean-style home.

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What has influenced the Mediterranean Style of Home?

To really understand how to design a home that matches the Mediterranean style, it's useful to understand the origins of how and why the traditional Mediterranean style came about...

Historical Influences

The Mediterranean region has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with various civilisations leaving their mark on the architectural landscape. Influential civilisations such as the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Moors all contributed to the architectural styles and construction techniques that are characteristic of Mediterranean homes today. For example, the use of arched doorways and windows, mosaic tiles, and courtyard layouts can be traced back to these ancient civilisations.

Geographical Influences

The geography of the Mediterranean region (Spain, Southern France, Italy, Albania, Morocco, Malta and Greece) also plays a significant role in shaping the style of homes found there. The warm climate and abundant sunlight have led to the development of design features that prioritise natural light, ventilation, and outdoor living spaces. Additionally, the availability of locally sourced materials such as stone, clay, and wood has influenced the construction methods and aesthetics of Mediterranean homes. The rugged terrain and proximity to the sea also inspire elements like terracotta roof tiles, whitewashed walls, lush landscaping and water features like fountains to help cool the surrounding air.

Typical Mediterranean Features in a Home

Here are a few key features you can expect to find in a typical Mediterranean-style home.

Exterior Features

• Stucco or plaster walls, often painted in warm earth tones such as beige, terracotta, or creamy whites.
• Terra cotta roof tiles provide insulation and add a rustic charm to the exterior.
• Arched windows and doorways create an elegant and traditional aesthetic.
• Wrought iron details, including gates, railings, and light fixtures, adding decorative accents.
• Courtyards, patios, or terraces, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
• Lush landscaping with native plants such as olive trees, citrus trees, and flowering shrubs.

Interior Features

• Open floor plans, promoting flow and connectivity between rooms and outdoor spaces.
• Whitewashed or natural stone walls create a sense of brightness and texture.
• Exposed ceiling beams add architectural interest and a rustic touch.
• Mosaic tile accents are often seen in kitchens and bathrooms and as decorative elements.
• Rustic wood accents, including doors, shutters, and furniture pieces.
• Lush textiles such as linen curtains, woven rugs, and embroidered cushions.
• Handcrafted ceramics, pottery, and artwork, showcasing local craftsmanship.

Construction Features

• Use of natural materials such as stone, clay, and wood, reflecting the region's resources.
• Thick walls and small windows provide insulation and protection from the sun's heat.
• Ventilation features such as louvred shutters and breezeways allow for airflow.
• Built-in seating areas or alcoves, maximizing space and offering cosy nooks for relaxation.

Layout

• Emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, with rooms opening onto patios or gardens.
• Central courtyard or atrium, serving as a focal point and gathering space.
• Multiple levels or terraces, taking advantage of views and natural contours of the land.
• Separate living quarters for guests or extended family members, maintaining privacy within the home.

A Mediterranean Colour Pallete

Here are some colours which you will typically associate with Mediterranean-themed homes. In general, they tend to richly reflect the colours of the region. The vivid blues of the sea and sky, terracotta browns, deep greens, sunshine yellows and metallic copper and gold colours. A great accent colour could be a vibrant bouganvilia pink! Paired with natural light and open spaces, these colours will exude a vibrant, warming Mediterranean feel. 

Here's an example of a traditional, bold Mediterranean colour chart.

The 60-30-10 Rule

The 60-30-10 colour rule is a basic guideline for interior design. It’s a simple formula, but it can be broken to create some stunning results.

Add an Extra 10%

For some interior spaces, having just three colours may not be enough. To experiment with the 60-30-10 rule, try adding one extra accent colour at a time. Using this method will create plenty of contrast and bring energy to your space.

For example, we could use two 10% colours in a living room instead of one. White walls make up 60%, a blue sofa 30% and yellow throw pillows 10%, adding an extra 10% of pink will liven up the space and create an energetic feel.

Mediterranean Mood Boards

Here are some mood tiles showing typical colours and materials used when designing a modern Mediterranean design.

Mediterranean Style: Room by Room

There are many regions around the Mediterranean Sea, each with its own unique identity. If you're thinking about decorating the whole of your house iwitha Mediterranean theme, a great idea would be to theme different rooms based on different regions.

The Kitchen

Obviously, we need to start with the kitchen! In the Med, it's probably the most important room in the house! People from the Mediterranean region, as you probably know, are notoriously proud of their food. And why shouldn't they be! Spanish cuisine is most probably THE most healthy and delicious cuisine in the world so why not base the design of your kitchen around a Spanish theme...

A Spanish kitchen features warm and earthy tones such as terracotta, ochre, sage green, and Mediterranean blue. These colours evoke the sun-drenched landscapes and coastal vistas of Spain, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.

Mediterranean kitchens showcase the use of natural materials like limestone, marble, and terracotta tiles for countertops, backsplashes, and flooring. These materials add texture and visual interest while providing a durable and practical surface for cooking and food preparation.

Mosaic tiles are a signature element of Mediterranean design and are often used to add a pop of colour and pattern to the kitchen. Whether adorning the backsplash, flooring, or even the countertops, these intricate tiles infuse the space with artisanal craftsmanship and "Oldy Worldy" vibes.

Cabinets in a Mediterranean kitchen are typically made of rustic woods such as oak, walnut, or pine, featuring distressed finishes and ornate detailing. Open shelving may also be incorporated to display handcrafted pottery, cookware, and decorative accessories.

Wrought iron hardware, light fixtures, and decorative accents are common in Mediterranean kitchens, adding a touch of elegance, sophistication and security.

Mediterranean kitchens are designed to take advantage of natural light and ventilation. Large windows, French doors, or even skylights allow sunlight to flood the space, creating a bright and airy ambience. Additionally, strategically placed windows and ventilation openings promote airflow, keeping the kitchen cool and comfortable, especially during warm Mediterranean summers. It's often noticed that houses lived in by North Europeans prefer their homes with BIIIG open windows, and bi-folding patio doors opening onto their verandas letting all that glorious vitamin-D-rich sunshine through that Northern Europeans suffer a severe deficiency! However, if you look at a Spaniard's house, they usually opt for much smaller windows so the heat is kept out!

Many Mediterranean kitchens feature cosy dining nooks or breakfast bars where family members and guests can gather for casual meals and conversation. These intimate dining spaces often overlook the garden or courtyard, offering a tranquil setting for enjoying Mediterranean cuisine and hospitality.

To truly embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle, don't forget the herb garden (or potted herbs), providing fresh herbs and produce for cooking. Fragrant herbs like basil, rosemary, and oregano are commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and can be conveniently located near the kitchen for easy access.

Bathroom

It's easy to find inspiration from Mediterranean regions to help you come up with amazing design ideas for your bathroom. From earthly, spacious Turkish baths to a Moroccan ultra rustic style with subdued colours combined with Zellige patterned tiles for a calm and tranquil atmosphere.

Bedroom

Yes, you spend most of your time in your bedroom with your eyes shut but that's no excuse for it to not deserve some interior-design-loving! From soft furnishings to rugs, lamps and decorative pieces, there's a whole plethora of Moroccan bedroom décor items you can use to create an authentic Moroccan feel. Plush silk cushions, natural materials, Moroccan print or woven blankets and breathtaking Ottoman Mosaic lamps and end tables will help to bring the look together.

Living Areas

Family homes in the Mediterranean are built with the family in mind. Communal areas like dining rooms and living rooms are spacious, full of natural materials and warm. 

Outside Areas

We saved our favourite area of the house till last... It makes sense to make the most of the fabulous climate we have here on the Costa del Sol! So obviously, the outdoor areas need to be welcoming, full of nature and have areas for entertaining and dining al fresco.