Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of a Mediterranean Kitchen
Mediterranean style transforms a kitchen into an exotic escape with its warmth and sultriness. Here's how to get the look
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
Warm, inviting and cozy, the kitchen generates the heartbeat of a Mediterranean home. There's nothing shy about Mediterranean décor; it's full of saturated colors, strong lines and ornate details, calling to mind sunshine, vivid landscapes and coastal breezes. And in most cases, you either love it or you don't. But if you're on the fence about whether to go in this direction — or if you're already smitten with the look — incorporate these eight essentials to pull off this distinctive approach.
More kitchen styles:
Classic | Traditional | Transitional | Modern | Contemporary | Eclectic | Cottage | Craftsman
More kitchen styles:
Classic | Traditional | Transitional | Modern | Contemporary | Eclectic | Cottage | Craftsman
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| 1. Rich, warm colors. The Mediterranean palette draws from sun and sea, bright flora and foliage, and other elements of the region. Consider a blend of spicy red, bright yellow, terra cotta and ocean blue to bring your kitchen to life. Tie the colors together with a stenciled or tiled backsplash or other decorative element. |
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by Filmore Clark
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| 2. Swooping curves. Mediterranean style is known for its curves and curlicues. Note the range hood and the light fixture in this space — their sinuous shapes give the kitchen a sense of glamour and fluidity. Choose hardware, faucets and other elements that have strong curves and graceful forms. |
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by Filmore Clark
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| 3. Hand-painted tilework. Mosaic tile painted with ornate motifs is a Mediterranean signature. Use it for a backsplash or on a tile-topped island, or create a focal point above the range. |
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| 4. Wrought iron detailing. Metals tend to be heavy in Mediterranean style, and wrought iron has the visual weight to stand up to the dramatic flourishes elsewhere. This pot rack helps to define the space and lends a dramatic touch. |
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| 5. Textured walls. In a Mediterranean kitchen, walls gain interest and depth from a tactile finish. Consider stucco, Venetian plaster or even drywall mud for a textural surface that evokes the sense of an old-world villa. |
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by Hann Builders
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| 6. Saltillo floor tile. This flooring, a Mediterranean signature, lends an earthy note and fits in with the warm palette. Brick can work nicely also. If tile feels too cold or hard underfoot, consider bringing in a durable rug that complements the color scheme, perhaps with a swirly design that echoes the curving elements of the space. |
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| 7. Ceiling beams. Exposed ceiling beams provide a rustic note that blends well with the style's burnished metals and roughly textured walls. Stain them dark for contrast with the ceiling. |
8. Dark wood tones. Mediterranean furniture is often solid, sturdy and elaborately carved or turned. Cabinetry and furnishings in a kitchen done in this style reflect that look, with rich woods such as walnut, along with deep staining and decorative detailing.
Browse thousands of Mediterranean home photos
More:
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Color Inspiration From the Mediterranean
Browse thousands of Mediterranean home photos
More:
9 Elements of Spanish Revival Kitchens
Color Inspiration From the Mediterranean
Comments
designchallenged Very helpful series. Thx.
15 months ago · Like
mmsalg This style is amazing in a kitchen space. There is so much room for custom details. I especially love the tile backsplash. Changing one thing can make all the difference. Consider having your tiles custom made http://custm.co/hz/3 Thanks Houzz!
15 months ago · Like
lynnrww All are interesting, lovely kitchens. Some seem a bit...busy ; fussy. I love #5 & 6. Much more charming than an all-white kitchen.
15 months ago · Like
kiturah I love Mediterranean, which is very common in California. I would really appreciate more articles on this, and in particular one on using Talavera tile.
15 months ago · Like
Lindsay Dubbs I would like to do a light kitchen redesign. I would like to keep the layout and cabinets, and change the appliances, backsplash and countertops. I need some pictures of Spanish revival/Med. with white cabinets.
5 days ago · Like
Ideabook updated on April 5, 2012.
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