Bringing the essence of the Mediterranean into your home creates a warm, inviting, and timeless atmosphere. We asked our interior designers based at our own Studio King Selections Centre their opinions on how to create a Mediterranean feel to your new home build.
1. Start with the Floorplan
The foundation of any Mediterranean-style home is a thoughtfully designed floorplan that incorporates architectural details, such as statement curves. Curved elements, like arched doorways and windows, soften corners and create a sense of flow throughout the home. These architectural touches, paired with outdoor spaces like courtyards and balconies, blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, creating a harmonious connection between the two.
2. Architectural Features, Colour Palettes, and Materials
Mediterranean design is defined by a light, yet warm, colour palette. Ditch the monochrome or stark whites. Think soft neutral tones, with warm, muted hues that bring a sense of calm. This style often incorporates textural finishes, like rendered walls, paired with exposed timber beams or details. The imperfect nature of these materials adds character and charm, giving the home a natural, organic feel.
3. Flooring Options for a Mediterranean Look
When it comes to flooring, the Mediterranean style calls for a natural, earthy feel. Our top recommendation for the main flooring is either light timber floorboards like a laminate floor by Preference Flooring or large-format stone-look tiles. These materials lay the foundation for the rest of the design scheme.
Laying floorboards or tiles in a staggered pattern enhances the visual texture, creating depth and interest in the space. Specific product recommendations from our Studio King team include options like large-format tiles from Beaumont Tiles or Preference Flooring Light Oak laminate for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
For carpet, keep it light and stick to a nylon loop. Our recommendation is the Hamptons – Broadbeach by Carpet Call.
4. Walls and Paint Colours
To enhance the natural textures of timber and stone, choose light paint colours with earthy undertones. A favourite choice from our team is Dulux Haast Half, which complements the Mediterranean palette with just the right amount of warmth to bring balance to the space.
5. Mediterranean-Inspired Kitchen Finishes
In the kitchen, it’s all about texture and natural materials. Thick stone benchtops with honed or textured finishes, such as Talostone Elba White Leather Honed, are ideal for this style. Pair these with mid-tone timber cabinetry, like Polytec Manor Oak Woodmatt, and incorporate matching cabinetry frames, end panels, and handles. The goal is to create a cohesive look that feels both grounded and refined.
6. Mediterranean-Inspired Bathroom Finishes
Bathrooms in a Mediterranean-style home should feel like a spa retreat. One of the most popular material choices is microcement, thanks to its seamless, textured finish. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Beaumont Tiles offers a range of tiles that balance texture and colour perfectly. Consider their Senzi Lithos & Dust tiles in White, or opt for micro-mosaic tiles for beautifully curved wall applications. Don’t forget to choose warmer fixtures and fittings, such as brushed nickel or bronze. The Mizu range from Reece Plumbing offers a variety of options to add that final Mediterranean touch.
7. Personalising Your Mediterranean-Style Home
While the Mediterranean style has a distinct look, there’s plenty of room to personalise your space to reflect your own taste. Handcrafted furniture made from solid wood or modern rustic finishes can add character to your home. Luxurious linen blend sheer curtain hung from the ceiling. Accents like colourful pottery, potted plants, and woven baskets bring warmth and a personal touch to the décor.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
When designing a Mediterranean-style home, it’s important to avoid monochrome, stark whites, and overly smooth or glossy finishes. Texture is a crucial part of this style, so be sure to incorporate a mix of materials like stone, stucco, and wood. Another common mistake is using too much of one material or introducing too much contrast. The key is to maintain balance, sticking to a light, warm palette that keeps the space feeling open and airy.
