Style features
To design a Mediterranean-style kitchen, consider its main differences:
- Lack of fancy furniture.
- Natural materials, texture and even scuffs.
- Functionality, simplicity and comfort.
- National decorative elements.
Color spectrum
The main varieties of the Mediterranean direction are Greek style and Italian (or Spanish). This is where the color scheme of the kitchen originates.
In the "Greek" style, the main shades are cold - white, blue, saturated or deep blue. The palette is diluted with bright details of red or lemon, as well as warm woody tones. With accents, the interior comes out sunny, light and fresh, bringing the atmosphere of a seaside holiday.
The combination of white and blue reproduces not only the colors of the Greek flag, but also the famous landscapes of Santorini with whitewashed buildings and blue roofs.
The "Italian" style is rich in warm color palette: orange, sand, yellow and olive shades. Wood is used more often than in Greek interiors, adding warmth and coziness to the atmosphere. Also, in the design of Mediterranean cuisine, black details, a little gold and copper are appropriate.
Kitchen furniture and appliances
The dining table acts as the center of the room, uniting the whole family, guests, or even several generations. A large round wooden table will look great in a spacious dining room. Comfortable chairs of simple shapes can be placed around it - several types of structures are often mixed, including antique and wicker ones, to bring elements from different eras into the setting. Kitchen cushions are usually not used.
If a small kitchen is decorated in a Mediterranean style, you can replace the large table with a transformer made of solid pine, which will be expanded from time to time.
The working area is usually functional and comfortable. Open shelves are welcome, on which the necessary utensils are located. A kitchen set can be composed of several separate items that are combined in style: this will make the atmosphere unique. The facades are decorated with moldings, and the surface is chosen exclusively matte, without glossy sheen.
Modern household appliances in the interior of the kitchen, alas, do not go well with the Mediterranean style: it is desirable that the microwave, blender and multicooker are mostly hidden from view. The refrigerator and stove are chosen in a retro style, which gives the kitchen a special flavor.
Finishes and materials
You don't have to invest a lot to design a Mediterranean-themed kitchen. It is easy to save on finishing without aligning the walls and ceiling: the embossing is the hallmark of the style. Sometimes defects and negligence are specially added with the help of textured plaster.To expand your small kitchen, you can glue a seascape mural on the wall.
An apron often becomes a decoration of the working area, which is decorated with aged ceramic tiles. It can be both medium-sized products and mosaics. Tiles with distinctive patterns or hand-painted thematic ornaments are especially appreciated. It is not forbidden to lay tiles with chips and scuffs.
In addition, stone and brickwork are often used in wall decoration. Texture is welcome in everything, including in the design of the ceiling, which is simply plastered and painted white. The ceiling can be decorated with contrasting wooden beams or boards painted in the same color.
Mediterranean kitchen floors are usually tiled in warm colors. Terracotta color is a priority, it visually gives the interior warmth, which cannot be said about tactile sensations. In our climate, it is better to lay the "warm floor" system under the porcelain stoneware.
Wood flooring is rare, but if the owner prefers this material, a high-quality imitation of an aged board will do. In the kitchen, the floor must be protected from moisture and dirt, and a high-end laminate flooring will be the solution.
What curtains are suitable?
The southern-themed kitchen uses few textiles. You will not see tiered curtains here - only light curtains made of natural fabrics: cotton and linen. Concise roller blinds look good. Ornaments on fabric are usually uncomplicated - a strip, a cage. It is not easy to fit lace or tulle into Mediterranean cuisine, but with a special desire it is possible.
Internal shutters look especially luxurious on the windows - they will definitely become a highlight of the interior.
Decor and lighting
The Mediterranean style in the interior of the kitchen presupposes the presence of multilevel lighting, especially in our country, where there is little sunlight. Ornate chandeliers, country-style pendant lamps, lanterns are suitable for general lighting. Walls can be decorated with wrought iron sconces. Lighting fixtures are usually made of metal, wooden elements are appropriate. Lamps made of colored glass bottles look interesting under the ceiling.
Decor plays an important role in the design of Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes are usually placed on open shelves and sideboards, while cutlery hangs on rails, creating an effect of habitability. Such a cuisine seems to say that they love to cook deliciously here and are always waiting for guests.
Coarse linen tablecloths and lace napkins make the Mediterranean kitchen look cozy and homey, while soft pillows are a welcome addition to family gatherings.
The table is decorated with fresh flowers and fruits, the windowsills are decorated with green plants in clay pots. Pictures of rural landscapes can be hung on the walls. But in the decor it is important to maintain a balance: often the room becomes too full of details - for example, painted tiles in combination with an abundance of dishes can overload the kitchen.
Kitchen-living room interior
Spacious rooms are more suitable for recreating the Mediterranean style: it is easier to bring air and light here. In addition, there will definitely be enough space for original gizmos. But if the apartment cannot boast of free space, it makes sense to combine the kitchen and the room, creating a cozy living room for a pleasant pastime.
To give the interior of the apartment a rural flavor, the living room is decorated with a decorative fireplace. The main element is a soft sofa designed to accommodate all household members.
Soft or wicker chairs are used as seating in the living room. The kitchen can be combined with the dining room or zoned with a sofa, podium or partitions.
Photo gallery
The Mediterranean style will be appreciated by those who love home comfort and use the space of the house to their advantage. The interior will help to preserve the memories of vacation, give pleasant emotions, mentally transfer to warm countries - away from the bustle of the city.