August 3, 2022, 3:45 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Living in the South means, in a way, living with nature. Sun, wind, and sea are part of a Mediterranean-style living room. But how do you harmoniously integrate furniture and accessories made from various natural materials and tones?
No doubt, the rustic, cozy charm of a Mallorcan finca, a villa in southern France, or an estate on the picturesque hills of Tuscany invites dreaming, pausing, and plenty of guests. If you want to hold onto that special feeling, the so-called savoir-vivre, and ambiance even after your vacation, it’s best to decorate your living room in a Mediterranean style. myHOMEBOOK reveals what you need to pay attention to for an authentic look like in Spain, Italy, or Greece.
The Mediterranean as Muse
The living style of all Mediterranean countries and cultures can generally be described as distinctly natural, almost picturesque. Perfection is not the goal here, but rather a maximum of comfort. In a Mediterranean-style living room, not everything is precise; there are material imperfections, and modern elements are rather sparse.
But it’s precisely this rough, untamed aspect that makes a Mediterranean-style ambiance so cozy and inviting for relaxation. So why not bring what feels so good into your own home? Then the beloved Mediterranean vacation is present at home too—at least in thought!
Related: 5 Things a Living Room Needs
Colors for the Right Flair
Choosing the right colors is crucial for decorating a Mediterranean-style living room. Warm, lighter earth tones like cream, beige, or ocher perfectly characterize the carefree southern lifestyle, the so-called savoir-vivre.
Soft brown shades, on the other hand, symbolize nature, especially the tone of baked earth: terracotta. The iconic red-brown color defines the look of bulbous floor vases, kitchen tile floors, and even entire facades and wall surfaces. Depending on the region, the design results in atmospheric combinations with French lavender, Greek azure blue, or Italian olive green.
The colors of nature, especially those from the plant world, clearly take the lead in setting highlights in Mediterranean decor. Inspired by oleander, hibiscus, or bougainvillea, bold accents in pink, red, yellow, or orange enliven the Mediterranean living room.
Materials to Touch
In the Mediterranean region, a lot of natural materials are used, so perfection isn’t always necessary. But that’s okay: nicks, scratches, and signs of use are a sign of vitality, a feeling that is celebrated in the south. Accordingly, surfaces can be rough, fluffy, uneven, or smooth.
The choice of materials is also characterized by diversity. Always part of Mediterranean decor is warm and cozy solid wood, especially olive, walnut, and pine wood. In contrast, the use of cool natural stone like marble as flooring appears. This material’s look is balanced by soft textiles like cotton, jute, or linen.
Furniture and accessories made from rattan or wickerwork also bring a distinctly natural touch. A counterpoint is found in robust wrought iron, which often serves a framing function in Mediterranean decor. Accessories in southern countries are often made from glass, raffia, or stoneware.
Also interesting: Interior Tips for a Mediterranean Look in the Bedroom
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How to Furnish a Mediterranean Living Room
In the Mediterranean region, the theme of sociability plays a major role, so an appropriate ambiance is needed. An XXL sofa with cozy cushions that offers plenty of space for guests is definitely the centerpiece of the room. If that’s not enough, additional seating can be found in wicker chairs or a rattan chaise longue.
Elegance and the flair of southern France are brought by wrought iron mirrors, consoles, and coffee or side tables. If the dining area is also integrated into the Mediterranean living room, it’s advisable to choose tables, chairs, as well as cabinets and cupboards for dishes, table linens, and more from solid wood.
These don’t necessarily have to be new furniture, as old, rustic finds with plenty of patina, such as those from flea markets, underscore the look of Mediterranean decor quite authentically. Not everything has to match; seating or cabinet furniture with different designs are often combined in the south.
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And the Right Accessories
In a classically Mediterranean-decorated living room, you’ll find numerous jugs, vases, and various other terracotta vessels. These popular clay works are often combined with floor vases made of lightly tinted glass and planters made of hyacinth or raffia fibers.
On the dining table, jute or linen table linens provide a harmonious base for handmade stoneware dishes. Fresh fruit is stored in a marble bowl. At the window, curtains made of cotton or linen again flutter casually. All the lights in the room resemble small art objects thanks to their playful design with floral patterns or flowing ornaments.
Details are also rich on wall or table surfaces, which are often decorated with mosaic tiles in the south. And with accessories, old can meet new, and heirlooms and flea market finds can mix with modern pieces. This mix of color, material, and history, which always seeks a connection to nature, makes the Mediterranean-decorated living room a thoroughly inviting place of comfort.