Art of Living in a Mediterranean House

You’ve probably seen Mediterranean-style homes while walking through your neighborhood or in real estate listings—these grand, majestic houses are prominent throughout the United States. But what is a Mediterranean-style home? What features do they boast? And how can you incorporate that style into your own luxury house and lot in Metro Manila?

This guide will answer everything about a Mediterranean house, especially if you’re considering having Mediterranean house plans!

An Overview of Mediterranean-Style Homes

The original architecture of Spain and Italy is part of what inspires Mediterranean-style homes. These designs often feature stucco exteriors, tile roofing, and a bright, airy interior with rooms that naturally flow together. Not only do these striking homes offer an eye-catching look, but they also provide plenty of functional features.

Design Elements of a Mediterranean-Style Home

When designing a Mediterranean home for your property in Portofino Alabang, there are several elements you’ll want to consider. A beautiful stucco exterior is key for this style—it can be painted in various colors or left as a natural hue. You may also choose to add shutters and wrought iron accents to enhance the look of the exterior further.

The roofing of a Mediterranean-style home is typically made from terracotta tiles that come in various shapes and sizes. This type of roofing helps keep your house cool while adding an interesting and unique touch.

Interior Features of Mediterranean-Style Homes

Inside, these homes boast large, airy spaces with bright colors and plenty of natural light. Large windows are a must to allow the sun’s warmth to flow into the home. You can also choose to install skylights or French doors that open onto balconies or patios on your property in Portofino Heights.

Many Mediterranean-style homes have high ceilings, which give the rooms an even greater sense of space. And they usually feature arches throughout, giving them a classic look while also providing extra room for movement. The floors in these homes often consist of tile, wood, or stone—all materials that help keep your home cool in warmer climates.

How to Decorate Your Mediterranean-Style Home

When it comes to decorating your Mediterranean-style home, you’ll want to choose pieces that reflect the style’s beauty and vibrancy.

Here are some tips for decorating your Mediterranean-style home.

1. Choose Colors That Reflect the Region

The Mediterranean is known for its vibrant and cheerful colors, so you’ll want to add pops of color throughout your luxury house and lot in Metro Manila. Choose hues such as sunny yellows, deep blues, and bold reds to create a vibrant atmosphere. You can mix and match these colors to create something unique if you feel creative.

2. Incorporate Natural Elements

Natural materials like terracotta, stone, and wood are common elements in Mediterranean-style homes. Incorporate these materials in small pieces such as floor tiles or larger pieces like furniture to give your home an authentic feel. Natural materials bring a sense of warmth and texture to a space while also providing durable and long-lasting functionality.

Additionally, plants and greenery add life and energy to Mediterranean-style homes. You can use potted plants on the patio or hanging baskets inside. If you have a garden in your home in Portofino Alabang, incorporate Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and thyme to bring a fragrant aroma to your home.

3. Opt for Arched Doorways

Arched doorways are a defining element of Mediterranean-style homes, giving them an old-world charm that is hard to resist. Consider adding arched doorways throughout your home to bring the style together.

Arched doorways help create an inviting entryway, making you feel welcomed and relaxed in your home. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, arched doorways are more energy-efficient than traditional rectangular ones, allowing air to flow freely throughout the house.

4. Hang Textiles on the Walls

Tapestries, rugs, and other textiles are common features in Mediterranean-style homes, especially in areas like the living room or dining room. Hanging these pieces on the walls can give a space its own unique look.

When selecting the perfect textile for your Mediterranean-style room, it is important to remember these pieces’ colors and patterns. Traditional Mediterranean styles often feature vibrant oranges, blues, greens, and yellows. However, a more muted palette can also work just as well when creating a classic look.

5. Add Statement Pieces

Adding larger statement pieces to a Mediterranean-style home is key for creating a beautiful aesthetic. Consider investing in larger furniture pieces, such as ornate chairs and tables, to create an impressive focal point in each room of your property in Portofino Heights. Large floor lamps, carved wooden benches, and intricately designed armoires are also great choices for filling the space with character.

Benefits of a Mediterranean-Style Home

In addition to offering a stunning aesthetic, Mediterranean-style homes also have numerous practical benefits.

Here are some benefits that a Mediterranean-style home can provide:

1. Unmatched Aesthetics

Mediterranean-style homes provide an unparalleled level of architectural elegance that can truly elevate your home’s look. With characteristics like curved archways and terracotta roof tiles, these homes evoke a timeless beauty that will never go out of style.

2. Energy Efficiency

Because of their thick stucco walls and tile roofing, Mediterranean-style homes are highly energy efficient—saving you money on electric bills in the long run.

3. Open Floor Plans

These homes feature open floor plans ideal for entertaining guests or creating a more spacious feel throughout your home. Plus, the openness lets natural light stream in from the outdoors, creating a bright atmosphere inside.

4. Outdoor Living

Mediterranean-style homes are designed with the outdoors in mind, so you can easily create outdoor living areas like patios or decks and enjoy more time in nature.

5. Durability

These homes are incredibly durable, lasting for generations due to their sturdy construction and high-quality materials. So you know that your investment will last for many years to come.

FAQs

What makes a house Mediterranean?

A Mediterranean-style house typically features a stucco or plaster exterior, an arched entryway, and red-tiled roofs. The home’s interior often contains an open floor house plan designed to unite family members in one space with high ceilings, decorative archways, bold colors, and intricate tilework.

What defines a Mediterranean style?

Mediterranean design is characterized by its relaxed atmosphere where beauty comes from nature-inspired elements like terracotta tile floors, whitewashed walls and beamed ceilings that draw on rustic traditions. It also incorporates classic details such as wrought iron hardware, ornate columns and shuttered windows for a timeless look.

What is the difference between Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes?

The main differences lie in the exterior and interior design elements and overall size. While both styles feature stucco exteriors, tiled roofs, and often an archway for entryways, Spanish-style homes tend to have more ornate details like scrolling ironwork or carved stone accents.

Mediterranean interiors more often include natural elements like wood flooring with bold colors, while the Spanish style may incorporate bright colors throughout the space with tile floors and detailed moldings. Lastly, Mediterranean homes are usually larger and more open than their traditional Spanish counterparts.

What is modern Mediterranean decor?

The modern Mediterranean decor combines traditional and contemporary design elements that embrace the relaxed atmosphere of classic Mediterranean style but with a more modern twist. Instead of ornate detailing, this look focuses on minimalism and clean lines while still incorporating natural elements like wood or stone accents, airy fabrics, and plenty of sunlight for an overall bright and airy space.

Are Mediterranean houses cheaper to build?

While the cost depends on variables such as size, materials used, and location, a Mediterranean-style home can often be less expensive than other types of homes due to its open floor plan and lack of elaborate details outside the home. Additionally, many areas have access to specialized craftsmen specializing in Mediterranean design, which can help keep costs down.

Final Thoughts

Mediterranean-style homes provide an eye-catching look, functional features, and numerous benefits. Whether you’re looking for a grand home to entertain in or just want to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with a Mediterranean-style design, these homes offer something unique. With this guide as your starting point, you can create the Mediterranean-style home of your dreams!