This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Maya Stokley. Find her on Instagram at @maya.aesthetic. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Imagine yourself by the ocean. The waves crash onto your toes as your eyes glaze over the lavender and tangerine sunset. Your hair dances slightly with the wind, and your hand touches a half-blush pink seashell. The scene is set on the perfect evening at the beach until your alarm goes off. Yep, it was a dream. But you can make it into a reality by adding a few touches to your home:
Seashells by your nightstand ✅, Faux palm trees by your window ✅, White and blue tapestries behind your headboard ✅
Set up your home into that Mediterranean feel you crave with this colorful Mediterranean decor mood board created by mwah!
Brief Educational Lesson On the Mediterranean Style
The Mediterranean style of homes was introduced to the United States in the early 20th century, realistically in the 1920s. Because of the wealth increase during this period (before the Great Wall Street Crash in 1929), there was a rise in resorts along the East and West coasts. So, where did the architects look for that ideal beach vibe? Spain and Italy, of course! The Mediterranean home can be a combination of many art historic periods like the Spanish Colonial and the Italian Renaissance because it carries very specific characteristics like clay roofs, stucco exteriors, and very decorative tiles. (Sometimes, the tiles look like they are stained glass, depending on when the home was built). So, the architects and engineers observed the homes in Southern Europe and adopted them over to the United States; it has become a prominent style since then!
“But Maya, how can I convert my home to resemble this style? I don’t have clay roofs!”
You don’t need the exteriors to build your Mediterranean dream home! The interior is just as important! In my Mediterranean home decor mood board, I will share a few items and color palettes to bring your dream to life!
Color Palettes? Yes, Of Course!
Based on the fabulous Edward Green publication, the Mediterranean interior color palettes are based on natural, Earthy, warm tones that can brighten your home! For example, a warm red-orange tile paired with a teal hue can brighten your living room with a stark color contrast. Or a cool jade-tone vase near your beige Soho-inspired couch. The colors are endless, but one thing is certain: bright Earth tones are a must! Check out this color palette! Notice how most of the colors have a sense of calmness with strong hues! For example, the orange highlights the happiness of the Sun slowing down and decreasing towards the horizon with this hue surrounding it. Or the rusty brown at the bottom of the Pin to resemble the bark from the palm trees.
If the vibrant color palette is not your style of Mediterranean, there is another one that may suit your taste! If you want a more beach-villa style for the interior of your home, check out this color palette! Even though the colors are more neutral in this set, the hint of blue brings it all together to embody the ocean and to bring a pop of color for furniture options! These are the best color palettes to reference when finding a few items that can give you that Mediterranean vibe!
If you’re looking to bring these Mediterranean vibes into your artwork, crafts, or home decor designs, Red River Paper offers a wide variety of paper styles and textures perfect for printing or handcrafting. Whether you print your designs digitally or prefer a hands-on approach, their high-quality paper options make it easy to bring earthy, vibrant palettes to life in a stylish and professional way.
“Now, what about the actual decor? What items can help me bring my home to life?”
A beautiful question and I have the answer to it!
Mediterranean Decor Items? Let’s Shop!
Now, of course, I made a Pinterest mood board for this article to ensure you can all create ideas for your dream style! Mediterranean homes are now notorious for plant lovers because there are so many environmental benefits! Why pay for an air conditioner? Vining plants like jasmine and bougainvillea can do the job for you by providing shade and cooling your home. Also, having plants that are common in dry climates, like the shrub and fruit tree families, will transport them to the Mediterranean region! And, I love a good aesthetic! Plants are the perfect way to liven your home and soften hard features (like the first color palette) to give you a sense of relaxation!
For example, this Nearly Natural plant is a great way to start your plant search and upgrade your home! Also, I love a good Home Depot run, so why not include this Epipremnum Pinnatum Pothos Cebu Blue in your new plant collection? However, please be sure to research how to care for the plants! They have feelings too, you know!
Now, what else is a Mediterranean home known for? Of course, weave baskets! On my little thrift runs, I always try to look for a weave basket because nothing screams “Natural Diva” like a good basket! Ideally, handcrafted baskets are the way to go because why not use someone’s artwork to good use? Although this basket is a wastebasket, it suits the Mediterranean aesthetic beautifully by being handcrafted with seagrass from the Philippines!
The more weave baskets, the better! This set of three weave baskets was also handcrafted from the Philippines, and it is functional! You can use the baskets for storage or for decorative purposes! Personally, I would love to have a set like this because it just means that I get that natural vibe that I am craving!
Wait! I Really Do Love You, and There Are More Items to Buy!
Let’s watch this beautiful TikTok to return to our dream aesthetic! Okay, are we good? Wonderful!
Now, another element of the Mediterranean aesthetic are vases! Again, pottery is becoming more popular in interior design, so this would be the perfect opportunity to invest in vases! For example, this beautiful piece from Poshmark is to die for! I mean, the tan matches one of the color palettes and is no longer being produced! So, you get a limited edition of this vase for $35 in your home! That is a steal!
Furthermore, another aspect to add to the Mediterranean home decor shopping list is mirrors! Yep, you heard me right, mirrors! Most Mediterranean homes have large windows or arches that let you soak in the breeze passing through your living room. What if you have an apartment or a small window in your room? Mirrors are the perfect substitute to give you that natural vibe, and you will look even more amazing when you pass by them! Check out this beautiful full-body mirror and add it to your wishlist!
There are more items, along with photos of Mediterranean homes, to help you embody the aesthetic! If anything, there is a feature on Pinterest where you can zoom in on a photo, and it will give you similar items that can be purchased based on photos! Make sure to check out my Mediterranean home decor mood board and see what you may enjoy!
Do you have more items or colors to add to your dream Mediterranean decor mood board? Share in the comments!
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