Many people love the Mediterranean look for their patios. Did you know that there are several different Mediterranean styles? This means, with an almost certainty, that you can find a look you love. Which Mediterranean Patio Style Is Right For You?
Which Mediterranean Patio Style Is Right For You
Greek Mediterranean
Having lived on the island of Crete I am drawn to the clean lines the Greek Mediterranean style. It brings back so many happy memories.
But there can also be a softer side to this style.
The use of stone is prevalent and shade from the intense sun is often incorporated into the design.
Whitewashed walls provide a clean background.
Drought resistant plants such as bougainvillea and geranium are often selected for their hardiness.
Outdoor taverna’s throughout the Greek islands often paint rush seated chairs in happy primary colors.
Although Aegean blue will always be synonymous with the Greek style.
The Italian Mediterranean
While this style can be formal, it is often quite relaxed in feel. It is as if you have just come in from the vineyard.
However, wrought iron is used in abundance and can be quite ornate when used in furniture design and lighting.
Flooring is generally terra cotta tiles or brick quite rustic in appearance.
Earth tones such as oranges, deep reds and yellow are favored.
Dark wood pairs nicely with stuccoed walls painted bright white.
Pergola’s are used in abundance to ward off the hot sun.
Spanish Mediterranean
This style has a strong Moroccan and Moorish influence.
The use of hand-painted tile is prevalent in this design.
Outdoor walls can be painted deep purple or cobalt blue.
Accent colors are also bright such as fuchsia, yellow, turquoise, and red.
Mosaic murals are incorporated in the flooring and on fountains as well as on tabletops and accessories such as lamps, pottery, and vases.
Moorish architecture is found via arches such as the horseshoe and ogee.
I saved my personal favorite for last.
French Mediterranean
The French Mediterranean style most often features a cool color palette of whites, greens, blues, and purples.
This is often paired with yellow or terra cotta colored walls.
Stone is used abundantly to create terraces, paving, and edgings or as decorative elements such as fountains, urns or orbs.
Furniture is generally made of wood, wicker or wrought iron.
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Charming linens are abundantly draped over tables and chaises.
Garden plantings can be both thoughtfully planned out in detailed symmetry or more relaxed in feel.
Drought tolerant plants such as lavender, olive trees, and Provençal cypress work well for this design.
Does one Mediterranean style speak to you?
Laura
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Laura, this is fabulous. And the problem with me is that I love them all. The brilliant colors of the Greek, the warmth of the Italian, the richness of Spanish and the relaxed and colorful French. What to choose?! You don't make it easy!
But I think I lean toward a combo of the French and Greek. It's the color. Always the color.
I know what you mean about the wrought iron and Italian! My neighbors are Italian — no first or second generation! If we lived during WWII, they would have to melt down their house and garden wrought iron for war munitions and they'd easily build a plane or two!
I am with Jeannie in the above comment… I love them all! And in fact, I am not really quite able to tell the difference in them. LOL However, I have planted olive trees and Italian Cypress trees in my own southern yard so I'm guessing that I lean towards the last one, French Mediterranean. I also use mostly blues and greens with some purple.
Lovely, lovely post!
🙂 gwingal
Gorgeous – I'd take any one of these! The French style will always have a soft spot in my heart as it's my favorite place to visit, but the white and brights of Greek (plus that water!) always make me think of summer.
I also love them all! But if I could only choose one, it would probably be Spanish, followed by French as a very close second. These images are so beautiful – take me away, please!!
Yes! Heu are always Lu so beautiful, I would enjoy all of those outdoor spaces. Naturally I like French the best. Thank you for rounding these up!
All the images are gorgeous. Hard to pick a favorite but it would have to be french. I can't help it I'm smitten with all things french.
Thanks for an informative and pretty post.
Oh wow, they are all wonderful and I would love any one of them. However the Spanish or French speak to me the most.
Love them all! You did a great job putting this post together Laura! So much good information! Italian Mediterranean is my favourite.
Wonderful examples of Mediterranean styles. I lean towards the French with the linens, the wrought iron, and the blue shutters and limestone patios. It's a layered look that speaks of years of summers spent in the same place. Great post.
Hi Laura, I just discovered your blog. How interesting that you had lived in Crete. I also live in Greece and have recently embraced that lovely blue that is all over the islands. I cannot get enough shade the hot is just too much for poor me. Beautiful examples of all the Mediterranean styles.
Hi Laura,
They are all so charming and beautiful I couldn't pick one if I had to….
but the ones I would like the least are the 2 with the primary colors…
I don't tend to like primary colors for some reason…….lol
Enjoyed viewing all of these….a fun post.
Thanks,
Blessings,
Nellie
So much gorgeous Mediterranean inspiration! I love everything about every one of these outdoor areas. They are beautiful.
Wow, these examples are all great. I am partial to the Greek example because it would work well in my part of the country.
Oh so pretty! I love the Spanish style the best but, I could go for several of these! Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!
Each style is beautiful, and you found some excellent references and did some serious research of each. I love the Italian and French style the best. . .and gosh, since I do live on the water, I could probably incorporate some of this style into my surroundings!