When you picture beautiful places like Spain, Greece, Italy and Morocco, you probably envision the cobalt-blue roofs of Santorini or bright, intricate patterned tiles in Marrakech. Each region combines to create a stunning Mediterranean aesthetic that’s unlike any other interior design choice.

Want to make your home feel like a summer resort all year round or simply bring more color into your space? You don’t have to travel internationally to evoke feelings of vacation bliss — all you have to do is incorporate pieces that remind you of your favorite Mediterranean trips.

If you’d like to create this look in your home but more subdued for a simplistic finish, modern Mediterranean interior design is the way to go. Here’s how to get the look.

What Is Modern Mediterranean Interior Design?

Modern Mediterranean interior design is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Mediterranean aesthetics, blending elements from the coastal regions with sleek, modern lines and minimalism. It reflects a warm, inviting atmosphere through natural materials, neutral colors and a focus on indoor-outdoor living.

A new Mediterranean style began emerging in the 20th century, influenced by the minimalist and functional trends of modern design. Today, it offers a balance between the old and new, maintaining the warm, natural essence of the Mediterranean while embracing cleaner lines, open spaces and functionality.

What Makes This Look Special?

There’s something about countries in the Mediterranean region that feel extraordinary. If you can’t quite put your finger on it, it’s probably because many cultural and architectural elements come together to make up the style of homes and businesses in that area:

Natural Materials

This coastal style takes inspiration from the rocks, landscapes and textiles surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. This means using lots of hardwood furniture and flooring, stone countertops and backsplashes, linen draperies and other pieces that are taken from the great outdoors.

Natural Color Palette With Earthy Tones

Nothing says Modern Mediterranean quite like a light, breezy color scheme. Laying a strong foundation of warm neutrals and earthy tones enables you to bring all the cozy feelings of a sun-soaked vacation even before decorating. Opt for a deep tan, terra cotta red, sage green and other nature-inspired hues.

Textured Walls

Think of your walls as empty canvases to fill with beautiful textures. This adds depth, character and a welcoming atmosphere to your space. A common technique is to use stucco or plaster to give the walls a rustic, aged appearance. Another great choice is stone walls or lime-washed exposed brick. In your kitchen and bathroom, play around with colorful tiles to protect your walls from water damage while also looking stunning.

Open Spaces and Indoor-Outdoor Living

Open-concept floor plans are common in modern Mediterranean homes. Large windows and sliding glass doors bring in more natural sunlight.

Blending indoor and outdoor spaces is vital for rustic elegance in your house. Try adding a covered porch off of your kitchen for easy outdoor dining access. Or, create a second living room outside by adding outdoor furniture, a waterproof rug and cozy throws. This not only adds to your home’s square footage but also encourages you and your family to utilize your backyard to its full potential.

Exposed Wooden Beams

Your ceiling often gets left out of the remodeling process. However, it’s prime real estate for timeless additions like exposed wooden beams. Whether light or dark, this design choice can help your home feel more like a Mediterranean villa nestled along the sea. Exposed beams look amazing in kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms, tying modern and traditional looks together with perfect harmony.

Arched Doorways

In modern Mediterranean interiors, arched doorways are showstoppers, especially in between rooms that get lots of traffic — like the living room, kitchen, and family room — bringing a sense of openness, flow and elegance to a space. Because traditional Mediterranean design heavily relies on soft curves and rounded corners, this is a way to incorporate a timeless feature while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

Handcrafted and Artisan Pieces

When you’re on vacation, you probably pick up souvenirs. Whether you reach for handmade vases, picturesque postcards or handcrafted jewelry, there’s a place for each of your treasures throughout your house. Find pieces you can use as decor to make your space look unique and shine a spotlight on your personal style.

Minimalist Furniture With Classic Accents

Coastal-style furniture emphasizes clean lines, simplicity and functionality, while still incorporating classic accents that nod to the style’s heritage. Look for low-profile seating, sleek dining tables and streamlined cabinetry that maintain an understated elegance. Pair these with touches of carved wood details, ornate metal hardware or tufted upholstery to add warmth and personality. This approach leaves the space uncluttered yet layered and charming, allowing the natural materials and architectural elements to take center stage.

Incorporating This Look in Your Home: Tips To Follow

The trick to achieving a modern Mediterranean home is to lean into what makes your space unique, not focusing on making it overly curated and perfect. Do you have a favorite dining room table that’s seen its fair share of family meals and game nights? Keep it and pair it with wicker chairs for a nicely weathered look. Or, do you have a sleek, comfortable couch you love to sink into each evening to watch your favorite show? If it matches the theme, go with it and add linen throw blankets and textured pillows to complete the look.

Ultimately, it’s not about making an absolutely spotless space; but to invite laid-back charm to every room. If you’re looking to bring the warm, inviting aesthetic of modern Mediterranean design into your home, here are practical tips to help you achieve the look:

• Layer earthy accents like terracotta, olive green and ocean-inspired blues.
• Opt for materials like wood, stone, terracotta and ceramics.
• Introduce textures through plaster or stucco walls, woven rugs and handcrafted pottery.
• Open up your space with large windows or glass doors leading to an outdoor area.
• Embrace curved architectural details through doorways, windows or nooks.
• Choose low, comfortable furniture that gives a relaxed yet sophisticated look.
• Use sheer draperies to maximize sunlight, creating an airy ambiance.
• Combine antique furniture with modern Mediterranean decor.
• Use indoor plants like olive trees, succulents or herbs to bring life to your home.
• Choose rustic lighting fixtures like iron chandeliers, lanterns or pendant lights with old-world charm.
• Bring in elements like woven baskets, driftwood and shells to enhance the coastal vibes.
• Add cushioned seating, a pergola or a small table and chairs to your outdoor space to enjoy alfresco moments.

Share the Decorating Efforts

Make your home look like a beautiful retreat off the Mediterranean Sea with help from our team at Decorating Den Interiors. Our personal decorators have done every project under the sun, masterfully blending clients’ personal styles with core design principles for a truly unique and stunning space.

Want the same work done in your home? Connect with our team to create the perfect modern Mediterranean look, no matter where you’re located. Just input your zip code to find a decorator near you.