Our Design Edit
The Essential Elements of a Modern Mediterranean Home
Aug 26, 2022
When it comes to designing a new home, many people look to the Mediterranean for inspiration, especially around Sacramento or California in general. This style of architecture fits well within the California landscape and is both timeless and elegant. If you’re interested in bringing the charm of the Mediterranean into your own home, there are a few essential elements that you should keep in mind. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most important aspects of Modern Mediterranean interior design. So if you’re ready to start planning your dream home, keep reading! If you have any specific questions regarding the design of your Mediterranean remodel or new construction home, always feel free to reach out to us here :)
a Timeless look
The Modern Mediterranean style home can be very pared down and have subtle details. Lots of white contrasted with natural finish materials and iron or steel. We are using a lot of metal now, such as steel windows and doors or aluminum clad windows to better withstand the heavy wear of the California sun. A pared down backdrop can accommodate both modern and traditional furniture to create your desired aesthetic.
Design by Sean Anderson
the home’s Main Hub
A lot of Mediterranean homes in our area are of large scale and kitchens can be a challenge. Plan out every architectural and cabinet detail to accomplish a design where everything looks well coordinated and intentional. We LOVE to plan out a kitchen and every functional and aesthetic detail. It’s one of the most rewarding moments to see a kitchen serve a home and family well. Always remember that the kitchen is likely to be your biggest investment; give it the attention it deserves.
Architecture by Vincent Van Duysen
Design by Jenni Kayne
Photography by Stephen Kent Johnson
Pattern Play
This picture showcases a lot of design elements we are after when designing a Mediterranean home but the tile pattern stands out without a question. It’s classic and impactful!
Travertine is also having a moment these days, and a Mediterranean style home is the perfect match for this material. We love to use it not just as tile but also in furniture pieces, such as this foyer table.
Fresh flowers or cut branches are always a good idea in the entry. They make one feel immediately welcome and at home.
Design by Jake Arnold
Photography by Michael P.H. Clifford
Luxury Bathroom
During the design concept phase of any home remodel or new construction project, our goal is set on the primary bathroom stealing the show. The space planning has to be down to the T; every detail has to be well thought out. And yes, indoor-outdoor living becomes a focus as much as the property and surrounding landscape allows.
We love using Zellige tile in general but it really shines in a Modern Mediterranean home due to its heritage alone. It goes really well with marble as well, which is another favorite material to specify in our interior design studio.
Design by Hommeboys
Arches and Symmetry Galore
Arches can be found a lot in the Mediterranean style – in both modern and traditional adaptations. We love how they soften the often expansive spaces.
There’s also a big focus on symmetry in general and we like to emphasize that with the layout of furniture and lighting. A well thought out lighting and furniture plan is essential to our interior design services. Make sure that the designer you’re working with creates drawings of everything, so that nothing is left to chance.
Design by Disc Interiors
Simple yet Elegant
By no means does simple equal easy. I could give you a hundred quotes about simplicity in design but here are just a few of my favorites and I hope they inspire you:
Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication – Author: Leonardo da Vinci .
Simplicity, suitability and proportion. – Author: Elsie De Wolfe .
I like to preserve simplicity rather than over-polishing. Fashions are changeable. Taste is in realizing the essence of a place. – Author: Nancy Lancaster .
Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful. – Author: John Maeda .
Simplicity, carried to an an extreme, becomes elegance. – Author: Jon Franklin .
Architecture by Thomas Melhorn
Design by Betsy Brown Inc.
Photography by Nicole Franzen
Surprise with unique solutions
Designing an interesting vent hood in kitchens can give us much joy and anxiety at the same time. Especially when you remodel an older Mediterranean home, it’s important to find unique solutions that modernize the home, yet retain the character. This picture is a wonderful example of that. Don’t remove all the home’s personality; learn to enhance where you can.
Gaggenau appliances always do the trick for me – very contemporary but with that ability to integrate technology and style into any space.
Design by Atelier 10.8
Sophisticated & Eclectic
For a truly unconventional yet modern classic interpretation of a Mediterranean interior, choose some eclectic items. We can’t get enough of collectible design made by both emerging and well established artisans. When thoughtfully placed, they add tremendous impact and character to any interior. Selecting vintage pieces can also help you lower the stress of dealing with supply chain issues and long lead times.
Design by Transition State Design
indoor outdoor living
The focus on indoor-outdoor living is one of my most treasured circumstances about living in California. It’s also a key element of Mediterranean design. Many homes of this style feature spacious outdoor areas such as patios, courtyards, and gardens that are perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying the outdoors.
We love incorporating many glass doors to open up the house to the outside. It allows lots of light to flood in, the evening breeze to enter, as well as extend the home’s perceived square footage.
Architecture by Fergus Garber Architects
Design by Mansfield + O’Neil
Photography by Paul Dyer
Layering Accessories
Materiality is very important to us as interior designers but we find that it especially important with this style. One strategy to help us achieve a cozy home that feels collected and lived in is to layer: rugs and fabrics in particular. The living room and primary bedroom receive lots of attention during our design process for that reason; we want them to feel comfortable and uplifting, so that the most used spaces give you joy.
Note that window treatments can have a big impact as well. Please do invest in custom solutions, which sometimes need to be planned out during the framing phase of your home (as shown here).
Architecture by Ryan Street Architects
Design by Amy Deane & Elizabeth Stanley
Utilize Warm Colors and Textures
Utilize warm colors and textural fabrics as much as possible in your furniture and interior decor. There are great easy to care for options that are family and pet-friendly. Patterns can also help to add character but don’t worry: patterns are not making your home feel less or more Mediterranean – it’s a personal preference. Use modernist furniture and shapes to provide a foundation while vintage pieces, antiquities, and curated details imbue and balance.
Design by Sean Anderson
If you’re looking to remodel or plan a new construction home, a Modern Mediterranean home is timeless and quintessential California. A focus on indoor-outdoor living and open floor plans are evident in these homes. For a modern look, we prefer to pare down architectural details – no corbels please – and focus on symmetry. There are a few essential key design elements that we compiled for you. As an interior designer in the Sacramento area, I found these guidelines very helpful to lead our clients through the building process.
