Your Guide to a Mediterranean-Style Kitchen
Embrace this elegant and earthy style with whitewashed walls, tiled surfaces, dark woods and rich hues
Whether you’re tackling a kitchen remodel with the help of a kitchen designer, architect or contractor, being able to pin down your favorite style will help get your project off to a smooth start. If you love a casually elegant, earthy look inspired by the sun and sea, Mediterranean style might be right for you. Read on for the need-to-know details about this popular kitchen style, including key elements, color palettes, fixtures and finishing touches.
What You Won’t Find in Mediterranean Kitchens
While Mediterranean-style kitchens can incorporate contemporary touches, the focus is on classics that have stood the test of time. Here’s what you won’t see:
While Mediterranean-style kitchens can incorporate contemporary touches, the focus is on classics that have stood the test of time. Here’s what you won’t see:
- An abundance of modern, mass-produced materials
- The latest trends
- Highly polished finishes such as chrome
- Delicate furnishings and decor
- Bright or pastel color palettes
Earthy Color Palette
Rich hues inspired by the warm earth and sparkling sea look striking in a Mediterranean kitchen, especially against a calming backdrop of white and natural wood.
Colors for Mediterranean kitchens:
See more of this 1928 Mediterranean-style kitchen remodel
Rich hues inspired by the warm earth and sparkling sea look striking in a Mediterranean kitchen, especially against a calming backdrop of white and natural wood.
Colors for Mediterranean kitchens:
- Neutral backdrop. Alabaster, parchment, straw, stone
- Warm and earthy. Clay, cinnamon, chile pepper, flax, umber, bougainvillea, terra cotta
- Oceanic. Azure, cerulean, cobalt, turquoise, moss, sea green
See more of this 1928 Mediterranean-style kitchen remodel
Dark Wood
Natural wood with a deep, rich hue, such as walnut, looks right at home in a Mediterranean-style kitchen, particularly when paired with warm white for contrast. Incorporate natural wood cabinetry, windows, shelving, range hood details, counter stools — or all of the above.
See more of this refreshed Spanish Colonial home
Natural wood with a deep, rich hue, such as walnut, looks right at home in a Mediterranean-style kitchen, particularly when paired with warm white for contrast. Incorporate natural wood cabinetry, windows, shelving, range hood details, counter stools — or all of the above.
See more of this refreshed Spanish Colonial home
Materials With Patina
Brick, stone and reclaimed wood bring welcome texture and a sense of history to a Mediterranean-style kitchen. Look for reclaimed-wood beams and furnishings, natural stone counters and rustic brick or stone flooring for an old-world look and feel.
Brick, stone and reclaimed wood bring welcome texture and a sense of history to a Mediterranean-style kitchen. Look for reclaimed-wood beams and furnishings, natural stone counters and rustic brick or stone flooring for an old-world look and feel.
Colorful Tile
Whether used on a floor or a backsplash, colorful tile is a must in Mediterranean kitchens. Look for hand-painted patterned tile, or work with a pro to create a design using solid-colored tiles in geometric shapes.
Find Mediterranean-style tile on Houzz
Whether used on a floor or a backsplash, colorful tile is a must in Mediterranean kitchens. Look for hand-painted patterned tile, or work with a pro to create a design using solid-colored tiles in geometric shapes.
Find Mediterranean-style tile on Houzz
Design Detail: Statement Lighting
Oversize lanterns, classic candelabra fixtures and pendants can all work well in a Mediterranean kitchen. Look for lighting made from materials with a bit of natural patina, such as wrought iron, hammered metals and reclaimed wood — and for maximum ambiance, be sure to include a dimmer switch.
Find Mediterranean-style lighting in the Houzz Shop
Oversize lanterns, classic candelabra fixtures and pendants can all work well in a Mediterranean kitchen. Look for lighting made from materials with a bit of natural patina, such as wrought iron, hammered metals and reclaimed wood — and for maximum ambiance, be sure to include a dimmer switch.
Find Mediterranean-style lighting in the Houzz Shop
Design Detail: Arches
Mediterranean-style homes made from stucco or adobe often feature elegantly curving arch details. In the kitchen, consider the addition of an arched breakfast nook, windows and window seats, doorways or wall niches to add architectural interest.
Mediterranean-style homes made from stucco or adobe often feature elegantly curving arch details. In the kitchen, consider the addition of an arched breakfast nook, windows and window seats, doorways or wall niches to add architectural interest.
Finishing Touches
Help your Mediterranean kitchen radiate warmth and welcome with the right finishing touches. Look for rugs in rich hues or natural fibers; leather stools; open shelves; and decorative objects in ceramic, wood and warm metals such as brass and copper.
Help your Mediterranean kitchen radiate warmth and welcome with the right finishing touches. Look for rugs in rich hues or natural fibers; leather stools; open shelves; and decorative objects in ceramic, wood and warm metals such as brass and copper.
Your turn: Are you a fan of Mediterranean style? Describe or show us your favorite Mediterranean-style kitchen in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Your Guide to Mediterranean Style
Browse photos of Mediterranean-style kitchens for inspiration
Find a kitchen designer to get your project started
Shop for Mediterranean kitchen products
More on Houzz
Your Guide to Mediterranean Style
Browse photos of Mediterranean-style kitchens for inspiration
Find a kitchen designer to get your project started
Shop for Mediterranean kitchen products
Mediterranean-style kitchens are warm and welcoming, with an emphasis on natural materials such as wood, brick and stone. While traditionally Mediterranean kitchens have featured warm hues and heavy wrought iron details, today’s iterations often take a lighter approach, with plenty of white space to offset the rich tilework and natural wood. Here are some common elements to look for: