Want To Add Mediterranean Magic To Your Modern Bedroom
Few design styles capture romantic beauty, images of idyllic seaside retreats, sparkling white sand and plenty of sunshine like the Mediterranean. Inspired by the region, its unique blend of cultures and rich heritage, modern Mediterranean style is in reality a fusion of the best elements borrowed from Spain, Italy, Greece and other North African nations that were closely linked to France. And while most often the idea of Mediterranean interiors instantly takes us to secretive, secluded courtyards and airy terrace spaces overlooking the distant coastline, it is indeed a perfect theme for the serene and stylish bedroom.
Mediterranean-Spanish Style Bedroom
Mediterranean bedrooms decorated in the Spanish style will often use daring, bright colors with Moorish or Moroccan influences. These influences can be seen in wrought iron furniture, lively textiles, stucco walls, and patterned tile floors.
Mediterranean-Italian Style Bedroom
The Mediterranean-Italian style will have more of a rustic feel, such as this lavish bedroom designed by Vanguard Studio, Inc. This old-world charm is normally achieved by dark wood floors, luxurious over-sized furniture, and rustic wooden ceiling beams. Rich, bold colors—reds and oranges–are often used on bedding and accents among a sea of earthy neutral colors. Faux finishes and stucco walls are common in the Italian style, but often will have more of a Venetian plaster or distressed stone texture.
Mediterranean-Greek Style the Palm Beach Way
Greek influences in the Mediterranean style will have deep blues, bright turquoises, or crisp aquas, which reflect colors from the sea. These blue color schemes are often mixed with white plaster and whitewashed floors with stately columns and pillars as seen in the Greek revival style. A good example of a fresh and modern take on a Mediterranean-Greek style is this luxurious bedroom designed by Tracy Murdock.
White walls and deep blues are present along with Greek motifs and patterns on the ceiling and bedding. A gorgeous bedroom that not only incorporates a customary Mediterranean decorating style, but also many contemporary pieces creating a space that is both traditional and modern.
Textured Walls and Decor
Nothing says Mediterranean like plastered walls, and their warm visual appeal makes them the ideal choice for the bedroom. Textured walls and decor play a very important role in shaping your Mediterranean bedroom. This is one style that is equally comfortable with a sleek, refined look or a space that embraces all the frills and heavy overtones. Rustic wooden accessories, wrought iron light fixtures, wall sconces, and rich wool and silk textiles drive the opulent look home.
Look towards the floor
Hand-painted tiles have always been a very important part of the various styles emanating from the Mediterranean. Giving your entire bedroom floor a huge revamp might be too much of a commitment though, so try a few mosaic additions or some artwork that uses colorful tiles. Make sure that the floor is not too sterile and cover it with some lovely Moroccan rugs to usher in pattern and vitality.
Rustic Iron Charm
No matter which Mediterranean style you adopt, a touch of iron works magic in the bedroom! Of course, with many modern reinterpretations of the style, this has been put aside to shape sleeker and more urban spaces. But the classic Mediterranean-style bedroom benefits from wrought iron additions that might range from a gorgeous bed to decorative banisters and chandeliers. Once again, the accents that you choose depend on the region from which you have adopted the style, and the right lighting fixtures accentuate their appeal elegantly.
Breezy, Natural Look
When we talk about Mediterranean homes, a common theme that comes to mind instantly is the flood of natural light that illuminates the interior. Mediterranean-style bedrooms need plenty of natural light to look their natural best. If your bedroom has poor natural ventilation, then use glossy finishes, mirrored surfaces and an uncluttered design scheme to make it seem as visually airy as possible. Large white sheer curtains can replace heavier drapes to usher in more light as well.
Contemporary Reinvention!
Obviously, modern designers have reinvented and given some of the classic Mediterranean themes a contemporary twist to shape bedrooms that seem more urbane. Most of these spaces draw inspiration from the coast of Greece and the Balearic with their use of various shades of white and blue. For those who are looking to remodel a bedroom with coastal theme, this is a fine choice as well. With simple lines, a refreshing ambiance and an uncluttered color palette, these bedrooms are the most popular among the young!
Diversity and Nature
It is important to remember that the ‘Mediterranean style’ is an amalgamation of several different and distinct design styles from the region, and while they have plenty of common qualities, each of them can be distinctly different. Also, nature and the outdoors play a very important part in almost every branch of the style, and hence adding a lovely potted plant in the bedroom sure helps give the space an authentic look. Wall art with images from the region or old paintings from the local flea market that relate to the Mediterranean are affordable and easy decorating choices.
