Kitchen of eternal summer

The Mediterranean style is gorgeous and has a rich history. It contains elements that are common to many cultures. They came from the peoples who once lived on this sea coast and now live there. This style gives the interior warmth and comfort. The rooms, designed in the Mediterranean direction, always delight with a hospitable atmosphere, and this is very important for placing such functionality as a kitchen and a living room. The latter is not in every home, so gatherings are often arranged in the kitchen, periodically turning it into a room for receiving guests. And this design is chosen because the Mediterranean-style kitchen is simple and functional. It seems that it makes sense to get to know this design direction better.

Mediterranean interiors are often called Tuscan or Spanish, which in principle cannot be called wrong, but they are not able to fully reveal the concept of Mediterranean decor. But this direction, offering fresh and natural interior solutions, is a serious competitor to modernity itself. A characteristic feature of the Mediterranean decor are floors with marble or ceramic tiles.

Stylistic characteristics

Tunisia and Spain, Morocco and Turkey, northern Egypt and the French coast, Greece and Italy... Each of these paradises has contributed to the Mediterranean style. The composition of the participants, of course, is diverse, but this did not prevent the direction from developing unified solutions for the design of apartments and houses. So:

1. A Mediterranean-inspired kitchen never looks fancy. Nothing in it reminds of luxury and chic. Here is the realm of unpretentious simplicity and laconic functionality.
   

   spacious kitchen with a wide arch

2. The color palette of such a kitchen is always luxurious. Almost all the spectrums of the Mediterranean presented to us by nature are present here. The decor harmoniously combines natural shades of sea waves, fertile land and lush vegetation. The Greek branch of the style carries a cold color scheme, with contrasting combinations of white with turquoise, emerald hue, and blue. Lemon yellow paints may also appear in the interior. Temperamental Italians prefer the same energetic shades:

a) red-pink;

b) terracotta;

c) olive;

d) ocher-yellow;

e) pistachio;

e) deep orange.

3. Ideally, Mediterranean-style kitchen decor involves the use of only natural finishing materials. It could be:

- a rock,

- tree,

- glass,

- iron,

- fabrics (cotton, linen).

4. Mediterranean interiors are not spoiled by an abundance of accessories. If some kind of decorative item appears in everyday life, then in addition to the aesthetic function, it always has a practical load.

After analyzing the above, we can conclude that such a kitchen interior will appeal to everyone who loves life, is at ease in communication, wants to live in harmony with nature and enjoy the spaciousness of the room filled with sunshine. The Mediterranean style teaches to value comfort and, judging by the number of its adherents, it does it very successfully.

back to index ↑

Mediterranean-style cuisine: variations on a theme

Among the existing mass of stylistic trends, there are few that would have such a pronounced individuality and a long history of formation, the course of which would be inextricably linked with the cultural past of a particular region. Its very name speaks about the essence of the Mediterranean style. And the fact that its progenitors are the countries adjacent to the sea is also understandable.

A long evolutionary process has not allowed a single age-old tradition to fade away, so so many seemingly incompatible things have gathered in the direction. This * does not at all prevent interiors decorated in the Mediterranean style from being cheerful, bright and not devoid of taste. Today, this style is divided into three main branches:

1. Greek.
2. Italian.
3. Spanish.

The first - pleases with the airiness of color schemes. In it, global surfaces are mainly finished with whitewash. The irregularities remaining after this are considered a decoration of the Mediterranean-style kitchen, which means that the direction will suit everyone who wants to save money on leveling the ceiling and walls. The predominant shades in the decor will be the whole cold palette. Contrasting solutions are also welcome. An invigorating mood always reigns in such a kitchen. Fill the interior with household items with thematic patterns characteristic of Greek culture.

The second branch has features associated with the cultural traditions of the inhabitants of this beautiful country. In the decoration you will certainly see ceramics and stone. There is an abundance of textures here. The ceiling is decorated with wooden beams, and the floors are covered with marble tiles. Literally in everything: in furnishings, in the designs of lighting fixtures, in accessories, there are elements of artistic forging, worked out with particular sophistication. Unlike the Greek interior of the Mediterranean-style kitchen, in the Italian version, warm shades rule the soul.

In the third case, the main difference is the richest color gamut. There are so many colors in the decor of the kitchen that it is simply impossible not to feel the life-affirming temperament of the Spanish people. The brightness of the interior palette is balanced by the presence of matte surfaces.

back to index ↑

layout

“The working area of ​​the Mediterranean-style kitchen is a small but incredibly functional and comfortable island”

The Mediterranean kitchen is very bright and spacious. The last indicator is really important, since such a kitchen is also a dining room. The literacy of its planning is striking. The central element of the decor is naturally a table. Since the whole family should gather behind it without any problems, and the families of the Mediterranean peoples have always been large, then you need to choose a large table, preferably round, so it will be easier to place household members behind it. This item is traditionally located, in the center of the kitchen and around it, wooden, comfortable chairs are placed.

The working area of ​​the Mediterranean-style kitchen is a small but incredibly functional and comfortable island. If the kitchen is large enough and you don’t need to save space in it, then the working area can be moved to a separately equipped and well-lit niche.

For the setting of such a kitchen, standard headsets are not suitable. Here it is better to arrange the interior of individual items. This will make the room uniquely original. Try to ensure that all pieces of furniture assembled in the kitchen are stylistically combined.

Characteristic planning features of Mediterranean cuisine:

1. Light colored furniture.
2. The working area is an island.
3. Natural finishing materials.
4. Open shelves for dishes.
5. The mass of thematic elements (pebbles, shells, etc.).
6. Decorative ceramics.
   

   furniture made of natural materials in beige tones

back to index ↑

Features of finishing Mediterranean cuisine

The decoration of the kitchen in the spirit of the Mediterranean is made with simple, non-luxury, but incredibly high-quality materials. This will ensure not only quick cleaning, but also help the room stay cool on the hottest days.

Walls

Their unevenness is striking. Don't take this as carelessness. Such walls are the hallmark of a kitchen in a true Mediterranean style.. Sometimes bumps are purposefully added to surfaces in order to get a visible curvature. Particularly striking "defects" should be in the Greek version, which loses its charm without seemingly sloppyly finished walls. Uneven surfaces are hidden under textured plaster, over which matte white paint is applied.

In the Italian direction, there is a greater variety in wall decoration. They are most often leveled, and in the finishing they use several materials that combine with each other at once. For example, decorative plaster or its smooth version is wonderfully combined with mosaics, hand-painted tiles, fresco imitations. In the decor, completely untreated sections of the walls may remain, gaping with the originality of the brickwork. It is especially important to leave such islands in the working area, where food is being prepared. This will make the Mediterranean-style kitchen a true home.

The walls of the Mediterranean kitchen are rarely decorated with wallpaper, although such a decision on uneven walls would seem quite logical. If you cannot imagine the space of your kitchen without wallpaper, then let it be plain, dim and very textured materials. It is good if they are representatives of the non-woven series.

floors

The floors in the Mediterranean kitchen are mainly laid out with porcelain stoneware, marble or warm-colored tiles. The favorite here is the terracotta, clay-like color. Polished or porous sandstone, imitation or real facing stone, stone mosaic with rustic and pastoral scenes will be perfectly perceived.

Our climate, unfortunately, is not as mild as the sea, so stone floors in a Mediterranean-style kitchen design can be uncomfortable. To avoid this, first take care of their warming. A good solution would be a "warm floor" system. If you missed this moment, you will have to look for an alternative way out. The solution may be textured reed mats or replacing tiles with solid wood. If you decide on the latter option, then do not forget that the wood structure should not become an accent in the interior, so use an ordinary whitewashed board. In this case, it will become the optimal floor design material.

Need budget solutions? Look at laminate, high-quality linoleum with an imitation of wood or, best of all, stone.

Ceiling

Ceiling finish unpretentious. Usually it is simply plastered and painted white. Sometimes it is allowed to use warm pastel colors for its design.A distinctive stylistic feature will be the wooden ceiling beams, which remain a rich brown tone. This contrast brings originality and rustic charm to a Mediterranean style kitchen.

Apron

The space in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe stove and sink is most often decorated with ceramic tiles, although it is not forbidden to make it with porcelain stoneware or real stone mosaics. The only condition is to "age" the tile. It should have scuffs, “split” effects, uneven edges. Marble mosaics and hand-painted tiles will be a real decoration. Real mosaic masonry does not always fit into the repair budget, so you should take a closer look at the tiles made “to look like a mosaic”. It is produced both by domestic manufacturers and imported from Poland, Spain, Italy. There is no shortage in the assortment, so you can always find inexpensive and spectacular options.

Furniture

All the furniture that fills the Mediterranean-style kitchen is durable, simple and comfortable.. It is mainly made of pine or oak wood, therefore it looks somewhat bulky and primitive. Oak furniture is more expensive, so looking for a budget option is better to look at pine products. In truly stylistic furniture, there is always an effect of antiquity. It seems that this furniture has been in operation for a long time.

Today, there are technological opportunities to make budget furniture for the Mediterranean style without compromising its aesthetics. So in kitchen sets one can see facades made of MDF. They are decorated with valuable wood veneer, which guarantees a perfect visual effect. You will never distinguish by eye what a particular instance is actually made of, the similarity with analogues from a real solid wood is so great.

Distinctive features of stylish furniture will be patinated forged elements. Especially a lot of these decorations in the interiors of Mediterranean cuisines in the Italian direction. Such furniture may have forged frames, legs, handles, etc. The Greek Mediterranean-style kitchen is replete with wickerwork, marble, and textile elements.

The main types of furniture in the Mediterranean kitchen interior include:

- open buffets that allow you to admire the beauty of ceramics and dishes displayed on their shelves;

- a solid round dining table,

- wooden furniture in the work area (these can be sets or individual items),

- wooden chairs

- a sofa, with striped or plain upholstery and an open frame in wood.

Appliances

“Dissonance in a Mediterranean-style kitchen must be avoided, and for this you will have to hide household appliances in niches behind the doors”

The foundations of the Mediterranean style were laid when technological progress was not yet striding across our planet by leaps and bounds, so the benefits of civilization in the form of dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators and other things in its interiors that carry the atmosphere of a relaxed siesta look like foreign bodies.

Dissonance in a Mediterranean-style kitchen must be avoided, and for this you will have to hide household appliances in niches behind the doors. The doors themselves can be decorated with rough carvings.

Another way to deal with the problem is to purchase devices that will not attract attention with flashy colors or original design of the case. Replace the stove with a simple hob, stainless steel sink with a similar bronze object with a dull sheen.If you decide and instead of the usual sink for us today, install a large rectangular bowl in the kitchen, the so-called Butler sink, then with this move you will also fill the atmosphere with real Mediterranean flavor.

Accessories in Mediterranean decor

All the decorative elements available in the Mediterranean-style kitchen are surprisingly functional. There are not many textiles. Even on the windows, you are more likely to see lattice shutters than curtains. By the way, shutters can be not only internal, but also external. If you feel uncomfortable with an uncurtained window, you can remedy the situation by choosing cotton or linen for the role of finishing the window area. Curtains can be striped or checkered, however, not in too bright colors. It is quite possible that you will be able to fit lace curtains and some varieties of tulle into the decor.

Lamps available in the interior of the kitchen should be antique, have wooden and forged elements. You may well use country-style options. The Mediterranean style of pendant lamps and even chandeliers does not shy away. The latter should imitate a chandelier, and it is enough for ceiling lamps to have a small ceiling or lampshade.

In a Mediterranean-style kitchen, all dishes and ceramics flaunt on open shelves of sideboards or wall cabinets and are not just standing, but actively used. Copper ladles, frying pans, saucepans - everything should hang on a hanger. They will also serve as a very effective decoration of the decor.

On a cold kitchen floor, reed rugs can be very useful. Cushions are designed to soften the hardness of sitting on chairs. Plain plain tablecloths, coarse hand-woven lace, snow-white linen napkins are also not so much decoration as an attempt to make family meals more pleasant.

If you can’t stand without charming little things in decor, then let your Mediterranean-style kitchen be replenished with corals, outlandish shells of marine life, green plants, in real clay pots. All this will fill its atmosphere with the feeling of an eternal vacation.

back to index ↑

Photo gallery - Mediterranean style kitchen:

---