Document

on

MEDITERRAREAN STYLE

Made by: Pridhi Ahuja

PGIDS–A Cohort 2015-17

Sem-3

CONTENTS

1. Meaning of the word Page No. 3

3. Application in Interiors Page No. 5,6

2. History Page No. 4

4. Characteristics Page No. 7,8

5. Exemplars Page No. 9,10

7. Accessories Page No. 13

6. Furniture Page No. 11,12

9. Fabric Page No. 14

8. Textures Page No. 14

CONTENTS

11. Flooring Page No. 16

13. Ceiling and Lighting Page No. 18

12. Exterior Page No. 17

14. Landscape Page No. 19

15. Staircase Page No. 20

17. Architects Page No. 22

16. Motifs Page No. 21

18. References Page No. 23,24

10. Color Palette Page No. 15

The term Mediterranean derives from the Latin word mediterraneus, meaning "amid the

earth (soil) ‘or’ between land" as it is between the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe. The word Mediterranean refers to the Mediterranean Sea or the countries (Southern

Europe , North Africa and Western Asia) bordering it. It also refers to the characteristic of the Mediterranean Sea or their inhabitants.

MEANING OF THE WORD - MEDITERRANEAN

Page No. 3

Location in the map

HISTORY

Page No. 4

Mediterranean Revival is a design style introduced in the United States in the waning nineteenth

century variously incorporating references from Spanish Renaissance, Spanish Colonial, Beaux-Arts, Italian Renaissance, and Venetian Gothic architecture. The Mediterranean Revival style in architecture is based on capturing the feeling of a

Mediterranean villa. The style was an eclectic design

and it became popular during the 1920s and 1930s. To attract more tourists, they sought to embrace a unique aesthetic - something that felt exotic and relaxing. Florida and California had something else in common as well: a Spanish colonial history. The remnants of Spanish architecture were spotted

The Broadmoor Hotel of Colorado

across these two states

and to many tourists, were a prime attraction. So, architects began combining

Spanish features with those of Mediterranean villas and seaside palaces to create

relaxing oases of style and adventure within the United States.

MEDITERRANEAN STYLE

Mediterranean design is the epitome of indoor-outdoor living that blends interior and exterior

spaces. Structures are typically based on a rectangular floor plan, and feature massive and symmetrical primary façades. The style is most commonly applied to hotels, apartment buildings, commercial structures, and residences.

Mediterranean style interior design evokes the romance and cornucopia of smells, tastes and colours on the southern coast of Europe. The region's casual and friendly lifestyle is reflected in the relaxed design, rustic furniture and wall

textures. It's a colourful and pleasing design style

Page No. 5

that brings a touch of the

Mediterranean to even the most northern home.

Mediterranean Interior design is a method of decorating

that incorporates the influences of the

Mediterranean

regions of Spain, Italy, Greece, and

France. Warm, soothing neutral colours are combined with pops of bright, rich accents to

create a welcoming atmosphere. This style of decor provides plenty of room for

customization as it can be opulent and luxurious with heavy tapestries and ornately carved

furniture, or rustic and understated with rough pine furniture and simple clay accessories.

Page No. 6

Textiles used in Mediterranean interior design can feature many of the brighter colours associated with

the Mediterranean. Bright coral, deep scarlet, and shades of burnished gold reflect the brilliance of a Tuscan sunset. Azure, turquoise, and sapphire invoke images of the sparkling Mediterrarian Sea. These hues are best featured on accents such as throw pillows,

paintings, tapestries, or curtains.

USED IN INTERIORS

CHARACTERSTICS

Page No.7

• Mediterranean-style décor is characterised by the dominance of light. Emphasis in on the natural

light.

• It is about the incorporation of sea and sky.

• Functionality and convenience are characteristic for Mediterranean furniture.

• The style has a particular feature – a limited use of textile and upholstery for substantial feel.

• Mediterranean style features handcrafted furniture, most often made of wood.

• Warm tones or colours associated with the sea and nature (light or dark blue) are used for

furnishings.

• The walls of the house, as an alternative to white, can be painted ochre yellow or turquoise.

• Surfaces including plaster walls and floors are often left rough with their imperfections on

display.

• The ceiling is often characterised by wooden beams, while terracotta or handmade tiles are typically used for the floors. However, it is also common to see wooden or ceramic floors.

• Large windows with an arc are used in this style for welcoming the natural light.

Page No. 8

CHARACTERSTICS

• The living room is the gathering point for families

and friends and usually such meetings include a meal. As a result living room and dining room areas are often combined.

• The furniture is usually made of wood / olive is traditional for the region. The furniture is light and natural. It is rustic, typically heavy medium-dark

wood with ornate hand-carving.

• The linen and the white colour of the upholstery sofas are more than usual.

• High ceilings and wooden beams, stone walls and large fireplaces are the key elements indoors.

• Mediterranean style is all about the soft edges rather than straight lines; embrace the curves in architectural features (like doorways or windows) as

well as fixtures and fittings.

• Mediterranean style features bold, vibrant jewel tones and saturated earthy shades of the landscape (terra cotta, turquoise, rust, yellow) contrasted by bright, clean whites.

• Some Middle Eastern motifs feature limestone, but the classic look is terra cotta and hand-painted

tile; arabesque and Moroccan tile are popular.

• Mediterranean exterior spaces are bohemian and relaxing.. Water elements like fountains and swimming pool are often an important part of Mediterranean design.

EXEMPLARS

Page No.9

Page No. 10

EXEMPLARS

FURNITURE

Page No. 11

Most furniture is large, heavy and rustic or

hand carved. Table and chair legs are large, pieces are very sturdy. Furniture may have a rustic look with

imperfections, wormholes and crenelated edges as if made from timber.

Most chairs in this style have straight backs, generous arms and are only partially upholstered,

usually in leather or tapestry. So it is no coincidence that the furniture is usually made of

wood. Of course, the linen and the white colour Of the upholstery sofas are more

than usual. The Mediterranean furniture should appear light and natural. Casual

furniture in a grand scale made of warm woods in rich, dark colours is commonly used

throughout the house.

Page No. 12

FURNITURE

Wrought iron bed headboard

In addition, mosaic tile-covered tabletops

and countertops are also distinct features of Mediterranean interiors. Potted plants are also

welcome additions to the home. Mediterranean decorating style is characterized by a

backdrop of color that is a sandy neutral, yet also has a rich depth. Walls in the Mediterranean style build on shades of warm white

through ivory, sand and beige and on to deep

egg-yolk yellow or a sun-kissed shade of

burnt orange. Using two or more shades of closely related colour, such as a lighter shade on decorate mouldings

and a darker shade on areas of a wall that recede, adds to creating a sense of expansiveness.

ACCESSORIES

Page No. 13

Textiles for Mediterranean window

coverings are generally sheer and airy, allowing light and breezes to blow through, while

upholstery fabrics, carpets and pillows tend to be dense, natural-material tapestries that balance

the heavy stone and wood interior construction materials

• The Mediterranean style is characterized by subtle

decoration – whether ceramic vessels or rattan baskets,

• Fruit and flowers on the table are traditional

decorative elements. • Plates can be glued to the walls, or a rustic wood carving can be the accent in the living room.

Floral motifs and images are welcome in the bedroom.

• .Smaller accessories are mostly useful items, such

as copper and iron cookware, colourful crockery and braids of garlic, peppers and onions.

• Mosaic tiles, taken from

Spain's Islamic influences, are frequently found on table tops, countertops and even stuck in plaster

as wall adornments. • Flowers, either fresh, dried or simulated, add another source of color to a Mediterranean room.

Page No. 14

TEXTURES AND FABRICS

• The textures of the Mediterranean are rough and earthy, just like the

colours. • Walls are customarily made of textured white plaster or stucco or stone cladding.

• Touchable walls are a huge

hallmark of Mediterranean decor. • Plastered walls can be very refined, such as very smooth, finished, Venetian plaster, or rustic as in cruder Etruscan plaster.

• Fabrics feature heavily, mainly silk, wool, and

cotton in a variety of applications: tapestries and wall hangings, drapes, rugs, pillows, and the ubiquitous Moroccan pouf.

• While Mediterranean floors may lack the warmth a rich carpet make up for it.

• Adding light-coloured

furniture and accent with colourful pillows or throws.

COLOR PALETTE

Page No. 15

• Bright palette of colours is extremely important in decorating the Mediterranean style interiors.

• There is no place for grim intense colours and accents.

• It is recommended to use white and all shades of blue: from the lightest, turquoise, to the dark navy.

• The sunny glow perfectly correspond also with many

different colours : lavender, pastel green, red or fuchsia. • Such colours, dominated by a combination of

white and blue, are refreshing in the summer heat and improve mood in winter evenings.

• Moreover, clear walls

perfectly correspond mostly with a floor made of natural stone or patterned tiles.

• Yellows, oranges and deep

reds mirror the spectacular seaside sunsets.

• Greens, from lush forest green to light mint

green, reflect the lush countryside.

• Deep purple and cornflower yellow evoke the fields of flowers that

cover the foothills.

Page No. 16

FLOOR

Floor Plan : Homes usually have a similar floor plan including a distinct foyer or entryway alcove, a large

open living room, a large kitchen in the back of the house, a large dining room and then a gathering of cosy bedrooms off the main living areas or on a second floor.

Floor Coverings : Most floors are made of large squares of terra

cotta tiles though some marble and polished limestone are found in more sophisticated homes. Areas rugs, especially those made of wool or silk

provide warmth against cold tile floors. Moroccan-style rugs are so versatile; they can be modern, traditional or rustic.

Interesting design patchwork floor tiles

from luxury tiles as contemporary floor tiles for luxury interior in Mediterranean style.

Areas rugs, especially those made of wool or silk provide warmth against cold tile floors.

Moroccan-style rugs are so versatile; they can be modern, traditional or rustic.

EXTERIOR

Page No. 17

Exterior : The exterior has a very

unique look. It can be easily identified by its brick which are commonly painted in cream colour that

will look contrast with the roof.

Red tiled roof. These roofs copied those of Spanish and Mexican missions, which were made out of clay pots

and bricks, shaped like half a tube to shed water easily. The air pocket in the tunnel of the half-tube helped to keep air cool; the tiles were fireproof.

Stucco walls. A stucco finish protects exterior wall surfaces from rain, sunlight and hot temperatures, common in Mediterranean climates.

Arches. This feature goes back to Roman times, and is

a self-supporting element that allows building of lighter weight and sturdier walls. Each of the stones next to the keystone in the arch atop the side columns distributes weight to the sides and downward.

Ornamental detail. Houses usually feature flourishes ranging from large, heavy wooden doors with ornate

carvings to the use of multi-coloured tiles

Façade : The buildings are almost always covered in stucco and are usually painted white. This crisp white contrasts sharply with the bright red tiles and is a distinctive element of the style.

Page No. 18

CEILING AND LIGHTING

• Roofs tend to be low-pitched, with broad overhanging eaves.

The red-tiled roof is one of the most distinctive elements.

• Mediterranean means plenty of sun, that is why it should be bright during day time. Romantic night atmosphere is

created by a dispersed ambient lighting.

• It is practically achieved with several lighting fixtures spread around the room - suspended, spotlights, wall mounted, floor

standing or table lamps, LED strips around the ceiling perimeter.

• The most suitable fixture is a low hanging suspended lights.

• Stretch ceiling can share same tone with the walls or be simply white. An image of wood beams can be printed on the stretch ceiling and can create the feeling of a high ceiling even the actual height will

not allow to do it by using real logs.

• Arched ceilings are also common in this style.

LANDSCAPE

Page No. 19

The inhabitants of Mediterranean areas tend to

spend a lot of time outside; their architecture reflects continuity between the indoors and outdoors. Everything from formal

Italian gardens with hedges and fountains to Moorish-influenced Spanish gardens can be used to accent this type of design.

Citrus, olive trees, rosemary and lavender are almost a requirement

for a true Mediterranean feel, but branch out with other herbs, grasses and grasslike plants, roses, vines and even tropicals.

The final touches include water features, pots and other accessories. Water features are key, but not

the ponds of a natural or traditional landscape. Instead, putting in a small courtyard pool or a fountain, either in the center of the space or on the wall. Nothing says Mediterranean like terra-cotta pots, both large and small. Rustic and

contemporary furniture styles work well in these spaces, but be sure the pieces are strong enough to hold their own. Adding a table and a couple of wineglasses adds up to the style.

STAIRCASE

Page No. 20

The Mediterranean design style is known for its grandiose structures and large interior spaces no

matter what type of room it is applied on. This means that even an area such as the staircase and hallway, which are most commonly small spaces between the rooms, will appear as a space which is

bigger than needed.

Expansive and dramatic staircase designs can also

be a defining element of Mediterranean design. But they should be closer to the traditional style than the modern one.

Also, complement the staircase with a large and ornate chandelier. Staircases, often taken for granted as a link between

two floors, are major architectural features that have the power to make an ordinary home spectacular. A

Mediterranean staircase remodel can help define and showcase ones personal style.

MOTIFS

Page No. 21

Page No. 22

ARCHITECTS/ DESIGNERS

August Geiger (1887- 1968) was one of the

most prominent American architects in South Florida from

1905 to late 1940’s. He experimented in

Mission, Neo Renaissance and Art deco architecture but his work was most noted in the

Addison Cairns Mizner (1872 – 1933) was an American resort architect whose mediterranean

style interpretations left an indelible stamp on South Florida where it continues to inspire the architects. Mizner was the visionary behind the development of Roca Ratan, Florida.

Paul Revere Williams, (1894 – 1980) was an American architect based in Los Angeles, California. He practiced largely in Southern California and designed homes of numerous celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

He also designed many public and private buildings.

Villa Serena. Miami, Florida

Mediterranean Revival style. A number of his works are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic

Places. Villa Serena in Miami, Florida is one of his works listed there.

REFERENCES

• 2016 (2016) What is a Mediterranean style house? (with pictures). Available at: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-mediterranean-style-house.htm (Accessed: 2 Nov 2016)

• Mediterranean revival architecture (2016) in Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Revival_architecture (Accessed: 2 Nov 2016)

• Chuck (2006) Mediterranean revival style. Available at: http://www.buffaloah.com/a/DCTNRY/m/medit.html (Accessed: 2 Nov 2016)

• BG, F. (2005) Creatiing Mediterranean style home. Available at: http://furnish.bg/en/news/Mediterranean_style_.html (Accessed: 2 Nov 2016)

• 16 stylish Mediterranean staircase designs for your daily dose of elegance (2015) Available at: http://www.architectureartdesigns.com/16-stylish-mediterranean-staircase-designs-for-your-daily-dose-of-elegance/ (Accessed: 3 Nov 2016)

• (No Date) Available at: http://www.houzz.com/mediterranean-staircase (Accessed: 3 Nov 2016).

REFERENCES

• Asaff, B. (no date) Mediterranean style interior design. Available at: http://interiordesign.lovetoknow.com/Mediterranean_Style_Interior_Design (Accessed: 1 Nov 2016).

• yael (2016) Characteristics of Mediterranean decor - abode. Available at: http://blog.qualitybath.com/bathroom/bathroom-fixtures/characteristics-of-mediterranean-decor/ (Accessed: 1 Nov 2016)

• Networks, S. (2016) Mediterranean style 101. Available at: http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/mediterranean-style-101 (Accessed:1 Nov 2016)

• Frederick, L. (1997) Tuscan style decor - Tuscan interior design - home portfolio - design styles. Available at: http://www.homeportfolio.com/design-styles/tuscan-style-defined (Accessed: 1 Nov 2016)

• (No Date) Available at: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2281/thumbs/moder

nizing-mediterranea-interpreting-european-rustic-design-for-today (Accessed: 2 Nov 2016)

• Inc, Ny. (2012) NYCeiling Inc. - news & articles - Mediterranean style. Available at: http://nyceiling.com/post-107/ (Accessed: 3 Nov 2016