Mediterranean Decor Evokes Sun-Kissed Rustic Living

For generations, people from northern climes have made their way to the Mediterranean region for their holidays. Recent movies such as "Mamma Mia" have showcased the romantic look of Greek Mediterranean decor, spurring new interest in this rustic home style.

Anyone caught by the romance of the Greek Mediterranean decor must think carefully about how this distinctive rustic style might fit into a home. While the style itself is clean and fresh, its architecture lacks the structured forms of many homes built today, especially in the United States. Rustic Greek architecture conforms to the oddities of its mountainous islands, with arches and niches used to get around inconvenient spaces. Indoors and outdoors blend smoothly, often without clear delineation.

What's more, a Greek Mediterranean home is known by its indigenous materials. Sculpted stucco walls, earthenware tile floors topped by textured Flokati rugs, large windows and high ceilings mark this attractive style. Furnishings are bold, with hand-painted tiles contrasting with embroidered wall hangings. Natural stone or clay pottery serves as fruit bowls, planters, vases and the elements of chandeliers.

In keeping with their millennia of civilized culture, Greeks tend to prefer emphasis on architecture and the garden over fussy, cluttered indoor decoration. Each piece must serve a function, rarely than be merely decorative. For instance, since the fifth century, Greeks have woven soft, beautiful Flokati rugs from sheep's wool because their pile helped to protect against northern cold that sometimes sweeps down to the sea. Natural Flokati rugs will be a neutral color ranging from bright white to shades of cream and beige, but the rug is so versatile that it also can be dyed in colors to match the decor.

When it comes to color, the hues of the sun-splashed Mediterranean naturally take precedence. Deep marine blues and greens are common, contrasting vividly with bright white. Accent colors include a deep golden yellow like the Grecian sun, along with red like mountainside poppies and the greens of olive trees.

Foyers are large, warm and welcoming in Greek Mediterranean decor, with enormous plants and small trees framing the entryway. Meanwhile kitchens also are large and homey as befits a popular gathering place. Open shelves along the walls house ceramic dishes and metal pots for cooking, while iron wall sconces illuminate rustic, heavy wooden tables and chairs. The seats of the chairs may be covered with thick, embroidered pillows or they may be sleek wood.

Outside a Greek Mediterranean-style home, the landscape plays as large a role as the interior. There should be a wide patio of polished stones or terracotta tiles with tables and chairs for entertaining. A sparkling fountain or an outdoor fireplace is necessary for the convivial atmosphere. Window baskets overflow with flowers and herbs, while iron planters and earthenware pots hold herbs and vines. Nature in all her glorious colors, complete with the aromas of orange, lemon, and hundreds of sweet blossoms, should be the backdrop for a Mediterranean "outdoor room."

The total effect of Greek Mediterranean decorating evokes a strong sense of sun-kissed love of life and conviviality. From the soft, comfortable Flokati rugs beneath guests' tired feet to its tall, airy ceilings, a Mediterranean style home exudes warm hospitality and contentment.