Mediterranean kitchens have long been popular for their old world appeal and elegance. Rich browns, tans and beiges have dominated the look in the past, but you can take the style in a bright and modern direction with pops of blue or red. While you search for Mediterranean kitchen ideas, consider the following design tips and inspiration to incorporate in your home.

1. Add Character with a Mosaic Backsplash

One of the most striking ways to interpret this style is with a colorful mosaic backsplash to your kitchen. Go with bright whites and blues for a Greek look, or channel Spanish style with a vibrant red and black pattern.

2. Leather Barstools

What better way to capture a Mediterranean vibe than with bar seating for serving tapas, charcuterie and wine? Add cushy leather barstools into the mix and your friends will never leave!

3. Crisp White Cabinets

If you’re wondering how to create a distinctly modern Mediterranean kitchen, think light and airy and go with all-white kitchen cabinets as a base from which to add color.

4. Tile Floors

Whether you’re going more traditional or modern, tile floors work well with this style. Use plain terra-cotta or stone tiles or make a statement with a mosaic pattern.

5. Black and White

Go for a particularly chic take on Mediterranean kitchen design with an all black and white color scheme. Opt for black cabinets, white marble countertops and a black and white tile floor.

6. Distressed Finishes

If a classic Mediterranean look is your goal, create a sense of rustic charm with cabinets in a distressed finish and a wooden table for an island.

7. Lantern Lighting

Add ambiance to your kitchen with elegant lantern pendant lights in a rich bronze or gold finish.

8. Rounded Stove

Building a rounded inlet around your stove will give it the appearance of a rustic, wood-fired oven, and create a dramatic centerpiece in your kitchen.

9. Wood Beam Ceiling

Exposed wood beams, contrasted against a white ceiling, will give your kitchen an undeniable, homey appeal.

10. Rustic Pottery

Old-fashioned Italian pottery, with its scrolling designs and abundant lemons, is classic Mediterranean kitchen decor that never goes out of style. Hang plates on your walls, put out a fruit bowl or keep your oil in decorative ceramic dispensers.

Whether you want inspiration for planning a mediterranean kitchen renovation or are building a designer kitchen from scratch, Houzz has 25,231 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including M. Elle Design and Passione. Look through kitchen pictures in different colors and styles and when you find a mediterranean kitchen design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful mediterranean kitchen photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.