Mediterranean Interior Design Styles

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Why is the Mediterranean interior design trend taking the industry by storm? It is most likely because of its timelessness and the atmosphere of a laid-back lifestyle it imparts.

Mediterranean interior design makes use of the colors of the earth and the sky, including yellow, lavender, peach, orange, salmon, and other hues that reflect the jaunty Mediterranean culture.

Intricate tile works, massive urns, and heavy wrought iron gates and grills all come together to define Mediterranean interior design and can blend well with other types of furniture and decor.

Mediterranean interior design also makes use of foliage not just for the landscaping but also as accent pieces for a home's interiors. Houses making use of Mediterranean interior design do not have too many structures that serve no purpose. Usually, architecture is simple and personal touches depend on the homeowner's own collections and decor.

An individual who wishes to implement Mediterranean interior design techniques makes liberal use of mosaic tiles for backsplashes or floorings, burnished hardware, and sparse ornamentation.

The furniture used for Mediterranean interior design can be a combination of French Country, Italian, Greek, and Spanish pieces which never go out of date. This is why Mediterranean interior design is a very popular style among first-time homeowners who are bent on keeping their homes for a long time.

Embarking On A Mediterranean Interior Design Project

Due to its immense popularity these days, there is never a dearth of supplies of Mediterranean decor and accessories. People who have decided on using this style for their homes know that it is not difficult to achieve this look, and neither is it too expensive.

All you need to work on a Mediterranean interior design project is creativity and a lot of research. A common element of homes with this style is the signature paint. Most homes using this theme use a rich terra-cotta tint for the walls. Those who find this color a bit too dark, though, may go for a more cheerful shade of yellow or a striking French blue.

Indeed, the color alone may be enough to evoke the Mediterranean atmosphere, but you should also try to achieve the wall texture that these types of homes are known for.

There are paint rollers which, when applied, leave a rough texture pattern reminiscent of classic Mediterranean abodes. Remember to use flat paint and not the enamel type of paint so as to achieve the needed chalky texture.

The furniture that's appropriate for Mediterranean interior design must be sleek and simple, with classic curves and patterns that call upon the romanticism of the easy Mediterranean lifestyle.

You could make use of wrought-iron garden sets for the lawn and comfortable oversize couches for the interiors. If you can't afford new couches and chairs, you could have them upholstered in neutral fabrics and accessorize these with colorful pillows and shawls.

Once you're done choosing the big pieces, you can now pick out the lighting. Track lights are a good bet for Mediterranean interior design, despite what purists may say. Lamps, whether they're etabletop lamps or standing lamps, give some serenity to a room and can be moved around when needed.

To top off your Mediterranean interior design project, bring in some plants to brighten up the space. If you're not too keen on tending plants that need to be regularly taken out for sunlight, invest in a striking flower.

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Could Greek Mediterranean Decoration Improve Your Home?

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When it comes to decorating the home, a great way to decorate it is by taking inspiration from the different regions of the Mediterranean. Each region is full of culture and history and you just have to take one look at the architecture in order to get the feel of it all.

One particular country which some people love to base the décor of their homes around is Greece. The decorative term 'Spartan' is often used with a Greek Mediterranean theme and basically it means simple. So in order to create the best possible Greek Mediterranean feel in your home, you need to keep the designing of it simple, yet impressive.

Creating a Greek Mediterranean Theme in the Home

The Greeks may have been impressive, but when it came to interior decorating, they did not have the time or the resources to make their homes overly comfortable. Things were kept incredibly simple and that was also partly to do with the fact that the citizens of Greece became more determined when things were kept simple. Purchasing fancy goods for the home was considered to be a waste of time and money and there were more important things to focus on in the Greek's opinion.

These days we love nothing more than to surround ourselves with fancy decorations. However, they do not always make us feel any better about ourselves or our lives. The Greeks found that by creating only simple styled homes, they were free to focus more on the state of their mind and that is something that we do not do today.

However, whilst that simple theme worked for a long time, eventually art was introduced into the Spartan theme. The style mainly remains the same, but these days it has a much brighter effect and whilst it is still simple, it also looks homely. Obviously the Spartans took simplicity to an extreme length and the military way that they run their lives was partly to blame for this. However, simple is still a good concept to follow with interior decorating and so we could really learn something from their old way of life.

Overall Greek style decorating is one of the simplest forms of Mediterranean style décor, though it can still look extremely nice within the home.

Adam Peters is the author of many resources on wall texture venetian related topics published at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Find more publications about mediterranean style at his website.

Cruise on the Mediterranean Sea and Visit Italy, France, Spain, and Greece

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There isn't anywhere else on the planet where you can sample as many exotic flavors, cultures and historic sites as you can on a Mediterranean Sea cruise. Exploring this region on cruises entails visits to Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. You will experience all of the amazing scenery and rich cultures during a holiday on the Mediterranean.

When one cruises the Mediterranean, one wakes up in a new world each and every morning and relaxes in the comfort of one's very own floating resort with all of the accommodations, meals, and most entertainment already taken care of. The best season for Mediterranean cruises is between April and October, although there are still cruise ships that sail all year long. When and where you go is really all up to you.

Mediterranean Cruise Ports

Several cruises from Athens will sail around the Greek Islands and the Mediterranean Sea. You can opt to take a small luxury cruise ship to many beautiful islands or a large ship to the famous cities in Italy and France. A cruise around the Greek Isles is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy all of the awesome natural beauty and the very lively nightlife.

Over one million passengers a year will take Barcelona cruises in Spain. This city's amazing food, shopping, nightlife, and architecture create an ideal port of departure. Cruises from Barcelona can go everywhere around the Mediterranean, and all the popular cruise lines will sail from here.

There are 3 luxury cruise lines that offer Mediterranean cruises from Monte Carlo, which is located between the Mediterranean and the Alps. It is located on the scenic Cote d'Azur, whose natural beauty is embellished by all of the yachts and finery of the French Riviera's rich and famous denizens.

To learn everything you need to know about western Mediterranean cruises visit http://WesternMediterraneanCruises.net to find out more about Mediterranean cruises of all kinds, including many European destinations.

A Mediterranean Cruise Ship Will Surround You With History and Luxury

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When one thinks of Europe, one usually has visions of royalty, tradition and grandeur that come to mind. For many centuries, many monarchs have ruled over the nations of Italy, France, Spain, England and other countries. The history of both the rise and fall of these European empires and the people that they ruled makes Mediterranean Sea cruises some of the most memorable and exciting.

Ancient architecture, along with fine art and wondrous natural beauty are often attributed to the continent of Europe. Cruises aboard well known cruise lines like Holland America are a great way for you and your family to fully enjoy all that Europe can offer. You will travel on some of the most luxurious cruise ships to ever sail the high seas, complete with fun activities that every age group can enjoy, as well as exceptional cuisine and delightful entertainment.

Your choice of Mediterranean Sea cruises is quite extensive. Depending on the cruise you choose, you may visit exciting ports such as:

Rome, Italy

Remarkable and world-renowned sites await you as you venture to Rome. Generally most famous as the home to the Vatican, the Parthenon and the Colosseum, Rome has a unique heritage steeped in religion, power and innovation. From some amazing aqueducts to the intriguingly exquisite squares and fountains, an experience in Rome will be uniquely European. These cruises can depart from many U.S. and European ports.

Monte Carlo, Monaco

One of the more romantic places on Earth, Monte Carlo is positioned between the sea and the mountains. The setting of a true-life fairy tale between Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, who was a former U.S. movie star and resident. With very ornate palaces, several stately museums and its world-class cuisine, a Mediterranean cruise that includes a stop at Monte Carlo is your chance to step into a world of regal elegance.