Best Mediterranean Interior Design Tips & Ideas

Cotto Med Natural cross terracotta tile feature wall in a warm Mediterranean bedroom interior by Country Floors

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

Natural terracotta mediterranean floor tile in classic octagon shape with matte handmade finish, 8x8 traditional mediterranean tile for entryways, dining rooms and living room floors, by Country Floors
Cotto Med Natural Octagon Terracotta Tile
Size:8"x8"x3/4"
Cotto Med Natural cross terracotta tile in handcrafted geometric clay design by Country Floors
Cotto Med Natural Cross Terracotta Tile
Size:6"x6"x3/4"
$43.10/ per sqft
Star Natural Terracotta Tile 6×6 Image
Cotto Med Natural Star Terracotta Tile
Size:6"x6"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

Camille Matte Terracotta Tile 6×6 Image
Camille Matte Glazed Terracotta Tile
Size:6"x6"x3/8"
Daphne Matte Terracotta Tile 6×6 Image
Daphne Matte Glazed Terracotta Tile
Size:6"x6"x3/8"
Eloise Matte Terracotta Tile 6×6 Image
Eloise Matte Glazed Terracotta Tile
Size: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

White Glossy Midan Zellige Ceramic Mosaic 11 3/4×11 3/4 Image
White Glossy Midan Zellige Mosaic
Size:12"x12"x1/2"
Beige Honed Midan Zellige Ceramic Mosaic 11 3/4×11 3/4 Image
Beige Polished Midan Zellige Mosaic
Size:12"x12"x1/2"
$57.02/ per pcs
Dark Gray, Ochre, White Glossy Nacer Zellige Mosaic 11 13/16×11 13/16 Image
White,Dark Gray,Ochre Glossy Nacer Zellige Mosaic
Size: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

Irene Iceberg, Verde Capri Honed Marble Waterjet Decos 11 3/8×11 3/8 Image
Iceberg, Verde Capri Honed Irene Marble Mosaic
Size:12"x12"x3/8"
Snow White Honed Diagonal Basket Weave Marble Mosaic 12×12 Image
Snow White Honed Diagonal Basket Weave Marble Mosaic
Size:12"x12"x3/8"
Frost White Polished Medium Picket Marble Mosaic 13 3/16×11 1/16 Image
Frost White Polished Medium Picket Waterjet Marble Mosaic
Size:13 3/16"x11 1/16"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 Palazzo Marble Mosaic 12×12 Image
Calacatta Viola Honed Palazzo Li Antica Marble Mosaic
Size:12"x12"x3/8"
Calacatta Viola Honed 1×1 Marble Mosaic 11 3/4 X 11 3/4 Image
Calacatta Viola Honed Hand Clipped 1x1 Marble Mosaic
Size:11 3/4"x11 3/4"x3/8"
$97.57/ per pcs
Calacatta Viola Honed Pill Marble Mosaic 12×12 Image
Calacatta Viola Honed Pill Marble Mosaic
Size: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

Dayat glossy zellige tile in aqua green tone by Country Floors
Dayat Glossy Zellige Tile
Size:4"x4"x3/8"
$15.17/ per sqft
Zafiro Glossy  Zellige Tile 4×4 Image
Zafiro Glossy Zellige Tile
Size:4"x4"x3/8"
Terra Firma Glossy  Zellige Tile 4×4 Image
Terra Firma Glossy Zellige Tile
Size:4"x4"x3/8"
$17.05/ per sqft

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

Damask Glossy Ceramic Tile 8×8 Image
Damask Glossy Ceramic Tile
Size:8"x8"x3/8"
$16.04/ per sqft
Taffeta Glossy Ceramic Tile 8×8 Image
Taffeta Glossy Ceramic Tile
Size:8"x8"x3/8"
Bargello Glossy Ceramic Tile 8×8 Image
Bargello Glossy Ceramic Tile
Size:8"x8"x3/8"
$16.04/ per sqft

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

8. Beige & White Marble Mosaic Flooring

Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Classic Lattice Marble Mosaic 14 3/4×14 3/4 Image
Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Classic Lattice Marble Mosaic
Size:14 3/4"x14 3/4"x3/8"
Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Large Lattice Marble Mosaic 13 7/8×13 7/8 Image
Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Large Lattice Marble Mosaic
Size:13 7/8"x13 7/8"x3/8"
Constantine Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Marble Waterjet Decos 13 5/8×13 5/8 Image
Diana Royal, Snow White Honed Constantine Marble Mosaic
Size:13 5/8"x13 5/8"x3/8"
$31.15/ per pcs

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 Bianco Polished Porcelain Tile 2 1/2×10 Image
Fusion Bianco Polished Porcelain Tile
Size:2 1/2"x10"x3/8"
$18.37/ per sqft
Fusion Acquamarina Polished Porcelain Tile 2 1/2×10 Image
Fusion Acquamarina Polished Porcelain Tile
Size:2 1/2"x10"x3/8"
Fusion smeraldo polished porcelain tile in deep emerald green by Country Floors
Fusion Smeraldo Polished Porcelain Tile
Size:2 1/2"x10"x3/8"
$18.37/ per sqft

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

Multi color honed marble mosaic tile for decorative floors by Country Floors
Blend Honed Louna Marble Mosaic
Size:12 1/2"x12 1/2"x3/8"
Blend Honed Hazem Marble Mosaics 9 3/8×11 3/4
Blend Honed Hazem Marble Mosaic
Size:8 3/4"x10 1/2"x3/8"
Blend Honed San Tropez Marble Mosaic 12×12 Image
Blend Honed San Tropez Marble Mosaic
Size:12"x12"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

Sand glossy ceramic tile in warm beige neutral shade by Country Floors
Sand Glossy Ceramic Tile
Size:4"x4"x3/8"
$9.59/ per sqft
Cotto Med Natural rectangle terracotta tile in traditional matte clay finish by Country Floors
Cotto Med Natural Rectangle Terracotta Tile
Size:6"x12"x3/4"
Butter Glossy Ceramic Tile 4×4 Image
Butter Glossy Ceramic Tile
Size:4"x4"x3/8"
$9.75/ per sqft

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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