Mediterranean Style House Plans

Mediterranean style architecture can be found throughout the world, but in the United States, it is commonly found in warmer climates such as in California and Florida. The style is reminiscent of villas on the Mediterranean coast and are inspired by Spanish, Moorish, Tuscan and French architecture. Hotels, apartments and homes are built in the Mediterranean style, which has many distinct features. Does this Spark an idea?

Exteriors

Mediterranean style homes have a distinct style. They can be small homes or bungalows or large homes with several floors.

The surface of exterior walls usually is stuccoed but can also be covered in large stones. Sometimes exterior walls have a smooth, flat finish. Exterior walls usually are painted in shades of pastel pink, orange, peach or yellow, though sometimes either cream, beige or white is used as well.

Roofs of Mediterranean style homes are flat or low-pitched, characterized by orange or red terra cotta and tile, which helps keep the home cool during warmer months.

Other exterior details might include dramatic, arched entrance doors, large arched windows with wooden shutters and wrought-iron grilles and balconies with wrought-iron or wooden grilles.

Some Mediterranean homes have grand driveways with a large water fountain at the center usually made of stone and surrounded by lush gardens with palm trees and potted plants.

Interiors

The interior architecture of Mediterranean homes reflects the exterior's design. The interior walls might be stuccoed and painted with the same pastel colors used on the exterior walls.

Mediterranean style homes usually have large open porches that allow breezes to flow through the house during the hot months. Porches usually are enclosed by wooden shutter doors with terra cotta tile flooring.

Entryways are characterized by arches; sometimes there is a spiral staircase with wrought-iron banisters. Ceilings might have large wooden beams, while the flooring is either wooden planks or terra cotta tiles, often covered with large Persian carpets.

The interior is often decorated with potted plants and is usually kept relaxed and casual. Rustic furniture is commonly used throughout the house but is predominant in the kitchen and dining room. In addition, mosaic tile-covered tabletops and countertops also are part of Mediterranean interiors.