The whole family gathers at the dining table in the kitchen, so this place should be cozy, conducive to relaxation and intimate conversations. Design in a Mediterranean style is the perfect solution to create such an atmosphere.
Style features
The Mediterranean style has been shaped by a number of cultures. Among the features that are distinctive features, the following can be distinguished.
- Natural color scheme. Shades are selected depending on the direction. There are 3 of them: Italian, Greek, Spanish. The first of them is characterized by the presence of warm shades: beige, orange, green, olive. Greek design is a cold palette with a predominance of blue, terracotta, gray colors. To the interior was not too gloomy, used bright lemon or pink-red accents. The Spanish style is characterized by brightness, expression, a surge of emotions, which is perfectly transmitted by warm shades: ocher, chocolate, yellow, orange, red. Green, blue, white and black inserts form a peculiar, but necessary contrast.
The Mediterranean in design is a combination of white with blue, sand with green, yellow with cream. The maximum number of colors allowed is 3.
- Natural material. Wood, stone, ceramics, glass - all this is widely used in creating kitchens in the Mediterranean style. Wooden furniture (ideally handmade) should in all its glory demonstrate the texture of raw materials. Natural materials are quite expensive, so their imitation will be a more budget option. However, it is important to consider that it must be of high quality.Only in this case is it possible to achieve the desired effect.
- Concise and simple forms. This creates a cozy atmosphere that promotes relaxation and rest.
- Functionality. Decor elements are not only responsible for decorating the room. In this regard, accessories and furniture are selected very carefully so that their use is maximized.
The kitchen is not only a place for cooking, but also a living room, which is designed for a large number of guests. What is characteristic zoning is not used here: one part flows smoothly into another. Such a room needs a sufficient area, so it is often necessary to redevelop: the kitchen is combined with a balcony, a loggia, a living room.
Finish options
Making a kitchen in a Mediterranean style with your own hands is not difficult. It is important to adhere to the basic principles and use natural finishing materials. They will not only look organic, but will also serve the owner for a long time.
Walls
When decorating walls in the style of the Mediterranean, wallpapers are not used at all. Walls must be textured. This effect can be achieved using plaster. The rough walls look careless, which is what the Greek style requires. The final stage will be painting in pastel colors or white.
If the mixture for plaster contains particles of gypsum and marble, then this material is ideal for wall decoration in accordance with the Italian design. Often when creating a Mediterranean interior, Venetian plaster is used. Such a composition is applied to the walls in several stages. Each layer is painted.
The combination method is used when different materials are combined. For example, the third part of the wall can be distinguished by wooden panels. Stucco and ceramic tiles also look spectacular. In order to highlight a specific part of the wall, brickwork is used, often done roughly, as if it were a rough job.
A mosaic panel looks spectacular as a wall decor. The same technique is suitable for decorating an apron. If preference is given to ceramic tiles, it is important that it is done by aging.
Ceiling
Before you start working with the ceiling, you need to determine the option in which the Mediterranean design will be created. Greek style requires a flat surface. The desired effect can be achieved using conventional drywall, which is painted white. No frills and designs consisting of several levels should not be. As a decor, you can use wood beams. The texture of wood is emphasized by the whiteness of the ceiling and harmoniously harmonizes with the furniture of the kitchen in light shades.
Spanish and Italian styles allow the presence of stucco ornaments. They can be made of gypsum.
Plastic decorative moldings are also suitable. If the ceilings are high, then they are decorated with hand-painted art or its high-quality imitation.
Floor
Regardless of the chosen direction (Greek, Italian, Spanish), the floor is wood or stone. The stone surface is created with porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles, travertine. When choosing a tile, focus on a material that has an uneven, rough, matte surface. Walking on this floor is not very comfortable, since it is quite cold. Concerning It is recommended to equip the kitchen with a "warm floor" system.
As for the color scheme, all kinds of shades of brown and sand will become ideal. Terracotta color is very popular.
Not everyone can afford to buy natural materials, since they are expensive. The budget analogue is laminate and linoleum.
Furniture selection
It is important to note that in the Mediterranean style in the kitchen, the place for cooking is usually not located against the wall.This is a kind of "island" in the center of the working area with a large table and built-in sink. The dining area is a table - oval or rectangular, designed for a large family.
When choosing furniture, focus on indicators such as functionality and lack of bulkiness.
Boxes for kitchen utensils should be voluminous so that they can hide inventory, accessories. Thanks to this, the appearance of the kitchen will not be overloaded.
The furniture should be made of natural wood. Mandatory antique processing, scuffing. The Greek style is characterized by roughness. Cabinets and a table usually have stable legs. The Italian and Spanish styles are inherent in some lightness, grace. Kitchen sets are decorated with forged inserts, carvings. Greek style is the dishes placed on wide shelves, Italian and Spanish are sideboards with glass inserts in the doors.
For Mediterranean cuisine, wrought iron chairs made of wood, wicker chairs are appropriate. In the recreation area there is a cozy small textile sofa.
It is important that the interior is harmonious: a deep stone sink is ideally combined with bronze or brass mixers. For pans, ladles, you can use special suspensions.
Lighting organization
The Mediterranean is an abundance of light and heat, so the kitchen is usually located in the southern part of the housing. Be sure to have large windows. If in winter there is a lack of light, then the problem is eliminated with the help of artificial lighting. In addition, each zone is illuminated by its own lighting fixture. A chandelier, a lampshade made using the forging technique is suitable.
The furniture is equipped with lighting. Sconces with fabric lampshades decorated with forging or wood are mounted on the walls. If wooden beams are located on the ceiling, several forged lamps are suspended on them.
Decor Elements
Decorating your kitchen is quick and easy. A warm and cozy atmosphere will help create garlic-onion garlands. If you have small jars of brightly pickled vegetables, place them on the shelves. There is also a place for various cereals, which are also laid out in special containers. On the windowsills, place the pots in which the natural greens grow: onions, parsley, basil.
In accordance with the Mediterranean style, window openings are decorated with blinds or shutters. But if this option is not quite familiar, then the curtains must be made from simple types of fabric. Cutting them does not have to be complicated. The most successful option is Roman curtains. Linen or cotton napkins, tablecloths are selected in tone. Textiles adorn the backs of chairs. The optimal color scheme is a red and white cell.
You can independently decorate dishes and interior items using decoupage technique: plates, napkins, watches, cabinet doors and cabinets, and even a refrigerator. Plant theme looks appropriate.
Good examples
- The kitchen in light beige colors embodies the comfort and warmth of a family hearth. The central place here is the “island”, equipped with everything necessary for cooking. The knives are placed in a special stand, and a suspension structure is provided for skimmers and buckets. The furniture is decorated with bright tiles, wicker inserts. The dining area consists of a rectangular table and chairs. The table does not need a tablecloth, as it is decorated with an ornament in harmony with the tiles.
The kitchen has a lot of light, as the window opening is large enough. Translucent Roman curtains are not an obstacle to its penetration.
- The dining area and resting place can be divided with the help of wooden bars, which will simultaneously become a kind of decor. They stand out in bright contrast against the background of white walls.
- Plates are often used for decoration. They can be located not only traditionally on the walls, shelves, but even decorate the hood.
Overview of the design of an area of 11 square meters.m in a Mediterranean style, see below.