How to Bring a Taste of the Mediterranean into Your Kitchen: Decor Inspiration from My Last Vacation
It is almost inevitable that travelers to the Mediterranean will come back enchanted by the style and design of the region. From Moorish southern Spain to the blues and whites of the Greek islands, through gorgeous Turkish tiles and the pastel colors of Provence, the palette of the Mediterranean is a delightful one.
For many, after cruising from Santorini and Mykonos or exploring the boot of Italy, it is only natural to want to bring a little of the magic home with them, and to find interior design inspiration from Mediterranean decor.
The kitchen is one of the best places to start when it comes to bringing a taste of Mediterranean style into your home. There are a plethora of simple ways to capture the magic and beauty of the Mediterranean, and here’s how you can bring a touch of the special vacation vibe into your home by transforming your kitchen!
Colors of the Sea and Sun
One of the best ways to start capturing the essence of the Mediterranean is by incorporating some of its signature colors into your kitchen design.
From the dazzling turquoise blue of the sea to the warm, earthy tones of the coastline, the natural colors of the Mediterranean are rich and captivating and make a great palette for your kitchen.
You can paint an accent wall, add color to your kitchen cabinets, or choose kitchen appliances that fit your color scheme, whatever works best for you!
Rustic Charm with Natural Materials
Mediterranean interior design often makes use of natural materials that give their homes a rustic, laid-back, authentic charm. Wooden furniture and shelving, often with live or reclaimed wood, is a great way to make it feel like you are back in a clifftop village overlooking the sea!
Ceramic Tiles and Patterns
The gorgeous intricate patterns of brightly-colored tiles are traditional adornments in several different Mediterranean countries.
These vibrant, artistic, hand-painted ceramics are perfect for creating an eye-catching backsplash or design detail in your kitchen, or for use as coasters or heat protectors. The less ornate versions can also be used to tile floors, for a breathtaking vision of Mediterranean style.
Fresh Herbs and Greenery
Sometimes a taste of Mediterranean style is quite literal - one of the best ways to make your kitchen feel more Mediterranean is to bring the fresh herbs that make up the delicious flavors of France, Spain, Italy, and Greece into your decor!
The vibrant greenery of ceramic pots containing basil, rosemary, and thyme adds a splash of glorious color and a dash of fragrance, as well as enhancing your recipes at the same time!
Mediterranean Art and Prints
If you are looking for a quicker, simpler fix, then artwork, photography, and prints that celebrate the beauty of the Mediterranean can be a great way to go.
From seascapes and charming village scenes to your travel photographs, adorning your kitchen walls with art that captures the sun-soaked landscapes of the region is a great way to instantly give your interior decor a lift.
Adding Mediterranean style to your kitchen isn’t just about the design and the decor. It’s about infusing your spaces with the ambiance of the region.
By starting with a color palette and embracing the culture and lifestyle of your favorite Mediterranean country you will find that it is easier than you might imagine to bring the magic and unique feel of your last vacation home with you!
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.