Best Mediterranean Interior Design Tips & Ideas

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Mediterranean interior design styles have been on the rise over the past year, known for their timelessness and minimalism. Key characteristics include warm, neutral tones and statement, artisanal tiles. Terracotta tiles for flooring and patterned ceramic tile backsplashes are also popular. Mediterranean style makes a space feel open and welcoming with plenty of life and an organic atmosphere. Here are the best design tips and ideas to recreate your own Mediterranean-inspired space in your home.

Mediterranean Design Tips

1. Embrace Earth Tones

Blend Honed San Tropez Marble Mosaic by Country Floors.

One of the keys to Mediterranean interior design is embracing warm, earthy tones like subdued browns, reds, and greens. These colors should serve as your foundational design. Gravitate towards wooden cabinets and furniture as well as warm-toned hardwood or rustic floor tiles for kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Colors that resemble the sea, such as turquoise greens and blues, are also a great accent tone.

2. Choose a Statement Artisanal Tile

Modica Classic Glazed Ceramic Tile by Country Floors.

Traditional Mediterranean homes showcase a variety of stunning tiles in kitchens and bathrooms. Choose an artisanal, handmade tile for your kitchen backsplash and bathroom or shower tiling. Zellige tiles, which are handmade Moroccan tiles, are a stunning choice with a rustic feel. If you prefer something more versatile, consider choosing a marble mosaic tile.

3. Lay Down Terracotta Tile Flooring

Cotto Med Matte Fan Shape Terracotta Tile by Country Floors.

Terracotta tiles are a must when it comes to Mediterranean interior design styles. These highly versatile and durable tiles work well in all living spaces to create a uniform and harmonious look. They can even be installed outside on patios to link the interior and exterior. Some natural stone alternatives to terracotta are travertine tiles or limestone tiles, which both have brown, beige tones that create a rustic look.

4. Make It Feel Open & Airy with Shades of White

White Glossy Midan Zellige Zellige Mosaic by Country Floors.

Terracotta tiles and other warm tones nicely contrast with white walls and countertops to create a bright, airy space. White marble countertops are a nice touch. Crucially, the key to creating a natural Mediterranean feel is to balance out light and dark tones. Always be sure to prioritize minimalism and openness in your interior design.

5. Bring Nature Indoors

Cotto Med Matte Hexagon Terracotta Tile by Country Floors.

Traditional Mediterranean interiors often have a seamless transition from the outdoors to the indoors. Recreate this feeling in your own space is including plenty of plants in your home. If you have a garden or patio, then installing wide patio doors will also make a space feel more open.

10+ Mediterranean Design Style Ideas

1. Terracotta Tile Feature Wall

Cotto Med Matte Star Terracotta Tiles 6x6

Cotto Med Matte Star Terracotta Tile

6"x6"x3/4"
Cotto Med Matte Cross Terracotta Tiles 6x6

Cotto Med Matte Cross Terracotta Tile

6"x6"x3/4"
Cotto Med Matte Octagon Terracotta Tiles 8x8

Cotto Med Matte Octagon Terracotta Tile

8"x8"x3/4"

This charming cross and star terracotta tile pattern is a stunning choice for a Mediterranean feature wall design. Terracotta cross and star shape tiles are alternated to create an interlocking, timeless design. This design idea works well for backsplashes, accent walls, and even flooring. It adds an element of warmth to spaces that are nicely contrasted with white accents.

2. Neutral Artisanal Hand-Painted Tile Backsplash

Eloise Matte Glazed Terracotta Tiles 6x6

Eloise Matte Glazed Terracotta Tile

6"x6"x3/8"
Daphne Matte Glazed Terracotta Tiles 6x6

Daphne Matte Glazed Terracotta Tile

6"x6"x3/8"
Camille Matte Glazed Terracotta Tiles 6x6

Camille Matte Glazed Terracotta Tile

6"x6"x3/8"

When it comes to picking the right kitchen tiles, it is best to go for something timeless and elegant. A neutral-toned handpainted accent wall instantly makes a space feel more rustic with a Mediterranean feel. Many Mediterranean homes still have old artisanal tiles decorating their kitchens and bathrooms, so keep the tradition alive with artisanal ceramic tile.

3. Zellige Tile Mosaic Floor

Dark Gray, Ochre, White Glossy Nacer Zellige Mosaics 12x12

Dark Gray, Ochre, White Glossy Nacer Zellige Mosaic

12"x12"x1/2"
SALE
Beige Polished Midan Zellige Mosaics 12x12

Beige Polished Midan Zellige Mosaic

12"x12"x1/2"
White Glossy Midan Zellige Mosaics 12x12

White Glossy Midan Zellige Mosaic

12"x12"x1/2"

Zellige tiles are traditional Moroccan artisanal tiles, making them the perfect choice for Mediterranean design styles. These mosaic Zellige tiles come in a range of soft earth tones that recall the sun-baked streets of Morocco. For a touch of brightness, consider going for a more colorful Zellige mosaic tile option to offset the neutral brown and white tones in your space.

4. Contemporary Mediterranean-Inspired Marble Mosaic Tile

Snow White Honed Diagonal Basket Weave Marble Mosaics 12x12

Snow White Honed Diagonal Basket Weave Marble Mosaic

12"x12"x3/8"
Iceberg, Verde Capri Honed Irene Marble Mosaics 12x12

Iceberg, Verde Capri Honed Irene Marble Mosaic

12"x12"x3/8"

This bathroom pictured above is the perfect combination of contemporary and traditional Mediterranean design styles. This elegant marble mosaic tile has an Arabesque design commonly found in Spain and North Africa. If you are seeking a touch of Mediterranean inspiration for a more modern home, then these mosaic tiles are a great option.

5. Palazzo-Style Marble Mosaic Tile Flooring

Calacatta Viola Honed Pill Marble Mosaics 12x12

Calacatta Viola Honed Pill Marble Mosaic

12"x12"x3/8"
Calacatta Viola Honed Hand Clipped 1x1 Marble Mosaics 11 3/4 X 11 3/4

Calacatta Viola Honed Hand Clipped 1x1 Marble Mosaic

11 3/4 X 11 3/4x3/8"
Calacatta Viola Honed Palazzo Li Antica Marble Mosaics 12x12

Calacatta Viola Honed Palazzo Li Antica Marble Mosaic

12"x12"x3/8"

Another alluring marble mosaic tile option, this palazzo marble mosaic tile showcases the beauty of this Calacatta Viola Marble’s natural veining. This marble originates from the Mediterranean, making it the perfect choice for Mediterranean flooring ideas.

6. Glossy Zellige Tile Backsplash

SALE
Dayat Glossy Zellige Tiles 4x4

Dayat Glossy Zellige Tile

4"x4"x3/8"
SALE
Zafiro Glossy Zellige Tiles 4x4

Zafiro Glossy Zellige Tile

4"x4"x3/8"
Terra Firma Glossy Zellige Tiles 4x4

Terra Firma Glossy Zellige Tile

4"x4"x3/8"

While most Zellige tiles are traditionally matte, choosing a glossy Zellige tile for a kitchen or bathroom backsplash adds a more modern look. More importantly, it is easier to clean and more water-resistant.

7. Iznik Turkish Ceramic Wall Tiles

Bargello Glossy Ceramic Tiles 8x8

Bargello Glossy Ceramic Tile

8"x8"x3/8"
Taffeta Glossy Ceramic Tiles 8x8

Taffeta Glossy Ceramic Tile

8"x8"x3/8"
Damask Glossy Ceramic Tiles 8x8

Damask Glossy Ceramic Tile

8"x8"x3/8"

Turkish Iznik tiles are one of the most popular and oldest traditional tile styles found in the Mediterranean region. These intricate ceramic tiles have striking tones of blue, green, and white that emulate the sea.

8. Beige & White Marble Mosaic Flooring

Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Constantine Marble Mosaics 13 5/8x13 5/8

Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Constantine Marble Mosaic

135/8"x135/8"x3/8"
Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Large Lattice Marble Mosaics 13 7/8x13 7/8

Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Large Lattice Marble Mosaic

137/8"x137/8"x3/8"
Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Classic Lattice Marble Mosaics 14 3/4x14 3/4

Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Classic Lattice Marble Mosaic

143/4"x143/4"x3/8"

If you prefer the look of marble to classic terracotta tile flooring, then consider these luxurious marble mosaic tiles with neutral tones of beige and white. They are perfect for minimalist, soft-toned interiors.

9. Vibrant Porcelain Tile Accent Wall

Fusion Smeraldo Polished Porcelain Tiles 2 1/2x10

Fusion Smeraldo Polished Porcelain Tile

21/2"x10"x3/8"
Fusion Acquamarina Polished Porcelain Tiles 2 1/2x10

Fusion Acquamarina Polished Porcelain Tile

21/2"x10"x3/8"
Fusion Bianco Polished Porcelain Tiles 2 1/2x10

Fusion Bianco Polished Porcelain Tile

21/2"x10"x3/8"

Although ceramic tiles are often used for accent walls and backsplashes, porcelain tiles are also a stylish choice. They have a handmade, artisanal look and come in beautiful tones of green, turquoise, and other classic colors.

10. Earth-Toned Marble Mosaic Tiles

Image Credit: Lindsey Colhoun Interior Design Studio
Blend Honed San Tropez Marble Mosaics 12x12

Blend Honed San Tropez Marble Mosaic

12"x12"x3/8"
Blend Honed Hazem Marble Mosaics 9 3/8x11 3/4

Blend Honed Hazem Marble Mosaic

93/8"x113/4"x3/8"
Blend Honed Louna Marble Mosaics 12 31/64x12 31/64

Blend Honed Louna Marble Mosaic

1231/64"x1231/64"x3/8"

To add more warmth to your kitchen, bathroom, or living room, consider choosing these unique earth-tone marble mosaic tiles. These tiles are perfect for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom vanity walls, and flooring installations. Contrast them with wooden cabinets and white walls.

+1 Terracotta Tile & Zellige Tile Kitchen Design

Cotto Med Matte Rectangle Terracotta Tiles 6x12

Cotto Med Matte Rectangle Terracotta Tile

6"x12"x3/4"
SALE
Sand Glossy Ceramic Tiles 4x4

Sand Glossy Ceramic Tile

4"x4"x3/8"
SALE
Butter Glossy Ceramic Tiles 4x4

Butter Glossy Ceramic Tile

4"x4"x3/8"

Last but not least is a combination of multiple Mediterranean design styles. The kitchen pictured above has classic terracotta brick tile flooring, paired with a white zellige tile backsplash and soft, natural accents.

Conclusion

Mediterranean design styles are an incredible choice for your home interior design because it is classic, minimalist, and most importantly stylish. Browse more Mediterranean-inspired marble, ceramic, terracotta tiles and more on our online store today.

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