Whether you’re doing a kitchen remodel with the help of a kitchen designer, architect, or contractor, being able to identify your favorite style will help your project get off to a smooth start. If you like a casual elegant, unpretentious look inspired by the sun and sea, the Mediterranean style may be for you. Read on for details you need to know about this popular kitchen style, including key elements, color palettes, fixtures, and final touch-ups.
A Glance at the Mediterranean-Style Kitchen
The Mediterranean-style kitchen is warm and welcoming, with an emphasis on natural materials such as wood, brick and stone. While traditional Mediterranean kitchens feature warm tones and heavy wrought iron detailing, today’s iterations often take a more relaxed approach, offsetting the abundance of tiles and natural wood with plenty of white space. Here are some common elements to look for:
- Painting the walls
- Tile floors and tailgate
- Natural stone countertops and details
- Coarsely chiseled wooden beams
- Richly decorated with details such as patterned tiles and wood carvings
Something You Can’t Find in a Mediterranean Kitchen
While Mediterranean-style kitchens can be incorporated with a modern twist, the focus is on classics that have stood the test of time. Here’s what you won’t see:
- A large number of modern, mass-produced materials
- The latest trends
- Highly polished finishes, such as chrome plating
- Exquisite furnishings and décor
- Bright or pastel color palettes
An Earthy Palette
Rich tones inspired by the warm earth and sparkling sea stand out in Mediterranean kitchens, especially against the calm backdrop of white and natural wood.
Colors of the Mediterranean kitchen:
- Neutral background. Alabaster, parchment, straw, stones
- Warm and earthy. Clay, cinnamon, chile pepper, flax, amber, bougainvillea, terracotta
- Oceanic. Sky blue, sky blue, cobalt blue, turquoise, moss, sea green
Dark Wood
Natural woods with deep, rich tones, such as walnut, look great in a Mediterranean-style kitchen, especially when contrasted with warm whites. Incorporate natural wood cabinetry, windows, shelves, range hood details, counter stools – or all of the above.
Antique Materials
Bricks, stone and reclaimed wood bring texture and a sense of history to Mediterranean-style kitchens. Reclaimed wood beams and furniture, natural stone countertops, and rustic brick or stone flooring are used to create an old-world look and feel.
Colored Tiles
Whether for flooring or backsplashing, coloured tiles are a must-have in a Mediterranean kitchen. Look for hand-painted tiles, or work with a professional to design with geometrically shaped, solid-colored tiles.
Design Details: Feature Lighting
Oversized lanterns, classic candelabra lamps and chandeliers all go perfectly together in a Mediterranean kitchen. Look for lighting made from materials with a bit of natural patina, such as wrought iron, hammered metal, and reclaimed wood, and be sure to have a dimmer switch for maximum vibe.
Design Details: Arches
Mediterranean-style dwellings made of stucco or adobe often have elegant curved arch details. In the kitchen, consider adding arched breakfast nooks, windows and window seats, doorways, or alcoves to add architectural interest.
Final Touches
Help your Mediterranean kitchen exude warmth and welcome with the right finishing touches. Look for carpets with rich colors or natural fibers; leather stools; open shelves; and decorative items made of ceramic, wood, and warm metals such as brass and copper.
