Just with the right tips and tricks, you can incorporate our Mediterranean minimalist decor ideas into your space — so you can wake up to vacation vibes every single day!
Imagine getting a sun tan on the sandy beach as the warm sun shines on the tranquil Mediterranean Sea nearby — calming to even think of, right?
But… not planning a trip to the Mediterranean? No problem. Let’s give you the same exact experience in the comfort of your home.
Now the question is, how exactly can you achieve this interior design style? Continue scrolling to find out!
What is Mediterranean Minimalist Style?
Originating in the neighboring countries of the Mediterranean Sea, the Mediterranean minimalist design draws inspiration from the laid-back region to create a warm yet utterly timeless interior. Mediterranean design elements are crucial in achieving this look, focusing on understated furniture, the incorporation of flowers and plants, and evocative accessories that reflect the region’s charm. The style is a melting pot of decor elements from different areas: intricate wood carvings and rich textures from Morocco, terra-cotta floors and stunning tilework from Spain, and touches of cobalt blue and turquoise from Greece.
Featuring a seamless indoor-outdoor blend, natural materials, rustic pieces, spacious rooms, and a minimalist-chic approach, the design style is all set to transport you to the land of sun and sea. All you need is a bit of effort and a few smart ideas to channel the look — and to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of sure-fire ideas to make the process simple and fun!
Choose a Mediterranean Color Palette
Mediterranean interiors focus on the Mediterranean hues: classic neutrals and soothing blues. The focus is to keep the backdrop light and incorporate pops of colors through soft furnishings.
The most loved shade for the background is definitely white. From vanilla white to pearl white, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can then choose other colours for your Mediterranean decor — green from the olive trees, blues from the sea, and bright shades from the flowers. The key is to allow the Mediterranean to pave your way when choosing colours.
Allow in Natural Light
Mediterranean minimalism is all about outdoorsy decor, a concept that focuses on lots of natural light, which is a key feature of Mediterranean interior design.
You can implement the idea by installing large windows with light coverings (both in terms of color and fabric) to allow in maximum sunlight. Ditch walls for sliding glass doors wherever possible, and incorporate an open-floor layout. The effect can be enhanced by leveraging the light-reflecting properties of strategically placed mirrors and light wall colors.
Talking about Mediterranean minimal light fixtures, rattan chandeliers, small lanterns, and perforated metallic globe scones are all wonderful options to introduce the ultimate vintage touch.
Use Natural Materials
What better way to reflect nature in the interior than to use products made of ‘natural’ materials? Natural stone, such as walls, floors, and accessories, is a prime example of materials that reflect the region’s charm and history. Be it a wicker dining set, stone tiling, marble countertops, or bamboo lampshades, every effort brings the space a step closer to the relaxing vibes of the sea. To keep the Mediterranean style minimal, look for sleek furniture with clean lines and a toned-down aesthetic.
Create an Indoor-Outdoor Flow
The most effective way to design Mediterranean style homes? Blur the lines between the outdoors and indoors.
For the indoors, try ideas like adding flowers inspired by the Mediterranean hues, positioning green plants throughout the space, and installing floor-to-ceiling windows for lovely garden views. Extravagant designs like using moss to create a textured wall, adding water elements through indoor aquariums, or installing light wells are all luxe options if you’ve got the budget and are ready to go all out. For the outdoors, use flooring similar to the indoors for a cohesive look and introduce similar decor elements, such as light-pine furniture, raw linens, and organic textures.
Use Hot Floral Patterns
Since the Mediterranean region is known for its flowers, showcasing their vibrant beauty in your home is a great idea.
While displaying a vase filled with Mediterranean flowers is a simple solution, a bougainvillaea-themed wallpaper can dramatically level up the game. Being one of the most common sights on the walls and doorways in the Mediterranean, Bougainvillaea can spark joy in any room. To keep the Mediterranean design ‘minimal,’ we’d recommend looking for light-colored wallpaper like the one offered at Urban Road.
Embrace Minimalism
Traditional Mediterranean decor is textured, vibrant, and vintage-inspired, while the modern Mediterranean interior style focuses on balancing the dominating bright effect with a pared-down aesthetic to create a harmonious look.
Minimalist decor is simple: declutter the space, maximize lighting, embrace a light color palette, and opt for multipurpose furniture. Voila, you’re all done! Just be sure to keep the decor in line with the Mediterranean decor principles, like the type of light fixtures to be used, the accent shades allowed, the material of the furniture, and so on.
Create a Focal Wall in the Bathroom
What better place to create holiday vibes than the bathroom, where we unwind and relax every evening? Opt for artisanal touches, open the bathroom to the outdoors, and decorate with tons of natural elements. Complete the look with a stunning focal wall. Consider using terracotta tiles to add rustic elegance and an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. Think tiles designed in a relaxed pattern in turquoise blue, white, and earthy tones. Example:Arrezzo Blue Marble Porcelain Tiles.
Layer up Textures
Pair the cool look of a Mediterranean interior with the cozy vibe of a minimal home to create a tranquil ambiance. Introduce plenty of textures and organic materials like rattan lampshades, natural jute rugs, woven baskets, and a cane coffee table for an inviting, calm interior. For an extra hint of Mediterranean style, paint a wall in rich indigo blue and add artwork in the same hue for a coherent look.
Look for Heirloom Quality Classics
The Mediterranean design style is all about classic pieces rather than passing trends. This style draws heavily from the rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean, where design elements reflect a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and natural materials. Furnishings and accessories are typically sizeable, sturdy, and built to last. Natural materials take a starring role, and the upholstery tends to be solid and richly textured. Patterns come into play through accent pieces.
Introduce Movement Through Sculptural Accent Pieces
Keep the major furniture pieces minimal and introduce interest and shape through funky sculptural pieces to expand the Mediterranean story. Consider using natural stone elements for these sculptural accent pieces. Abstract sculptures made of resin or clay complement the other natural materials used in the room and look like “souvenirs” that showcase coastal influence from areas, such as Greece, Spain, or Italy.
Add Mediterranean-Inspired Materials
Introduce materials from the Mediterranean Sea — best-case scenario, if you can, bottle up some water from the Mediterranean Sea itself. Jokes aside, you can surf online stores to find materials typical of Mediterranean style design. These include stucco walls (made from wallpaper) or stone for flooring. Terracotta and whitened wood are also good choices.
Don’t forget to add rustic elements, which can be best done by incorporating a blend of wrought iron and raw wood.
Understand It’s Not One Size
Think of it like this: a house from Northern Greece would not be similar to the one in the Dodecanese islands. While it isn’t possible to bring together the decor elements of the entire country into one home, discovering more about the region’s history and design influences can help you curate a look that resembles the beautiful vibes of Mediterranean interiors.
Understand the Mediterranean Style
What the mediterranean style is; Mediterranean design elements include:
Earthy—with whitewashed walls and tiled floors
Ornamented—with elaborate tiling and richly patterned textiles.
Refreshing—with rough-hewn wood, terracotta, and leather.
What the mediterranean style is not;
Trendy—the look is about classics that stand the test of time
Fussy—the style can be formal but never compromises comfort.
Mass-produced—the design is all about handmade items.
Final words
The key to the perfect Mediterranean minimal interior is creating a seamless combination of cultural influences, textures, and colours that reflect the timeless elegance and charm of the coastal region. It doesn’t have to be complicated — just allow the relaxing, calm feel of the Mediterranean to guide your choices.
