Guest post by Michelle Lee
Spain, Italy and Greece are some of the most sought-after vacation destinations for their gorgeous islands, stunning blue waters and amazing architecture. As the weather continues to get colder, you may find yourself daydreaming about summer bliss on the Mediterranean Isles. Luckily, you can bring a piece of paradise home with these five style tips and tricks that anyone can do.
Use White and Blue
These colors complement each other perfectly for a breezy coastal palette. White is frequently used to help combat the scorching summer sun and cool down homes while blue exudes sophistication and resembles the dazzling Mediterranean waters.
If you’re going for a dramatic look, paint your home’s exterior white and use blue for door and window trims. For a more subdued effect, bring these colors indoors and paint an accent wall, use floor-to-ceiling drapes or arrange colorful furniture.
Bring in Natural Materials and Colors
If blue is too bold for your taste or you’re looking for a third color to pair with, consider revisiting the often overlooked neutral color palette. Many off-white hues such as tan, beige and taupe are commonly seen in Mediterranean homes and pair perfectly with any room’s design.
These colors were originally introduced by natural materials like wood, linen and stone that are still used today for rustic charm, insulation and garden pathways respectively.
Incorporate Colorful Mosaics
Mediterranean tiles are often hand painted and are a true depiction of the exquisite craftsmanship found in these countries. They come in many different patterns and colors, but are traditionally seen in blue, turquoise, yellow, red and terra-cotta. Because these pieces tend to be expensive, use them sparingly in a shower niche, as a kitchen backsplash, on stair risers or along a fireplace surround.
Archways
Most famously seen in the Roman Colosseum, this idea originated from people carving cave dwellings out of the harsh island terrain. These cave structures ended up being a great way to insulate and cool down homes, and have persisted in modern-day architecture.
Arches are beautiful when used for hallways and windows, but it can be quite a huge undertaking to carve one out if there isn’t one in your home already. You can replicate the look with arched mirrors inside or arched fences and trellises outside.
Olive Trees
You can thank the Greeks for the olives we eat today. They originated in the Mediterranean and have been a staple of their culture for centuries. The tree is relatively low-maintenance and makes for stunning curb appeal, as seen here.
Olive trees also make great indoor plants and look lovely when placed in a corner of a room or hallway. Plant them in terracotta pots, another rich natural material used commonly along the Mediterranean. You can even cure the fruits they bear and use them in your day-to-day cooking. If you haven’t had much luck keeping plants alive, however, you can use olive green as a color on your walls or through decorative accents to hone in on its calming abilities.
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