Mediterranean style.. nature stories in the decor

Perhaps it is difficult to talk about unifying features of architecture and design in the multinational Mediterranean region (21 countries occupying parts of 3 continents: Europe and its southern peninsulas, Southwest Asia and the Maghreb region in North Africa), because the architecture was influenced by societies of different backgrounds and customs. However, there are characteristics summed up by houses in some Mediterranean cities, where the sun shines on people’s faces most days of the year.
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The Mediterranean houses, crowned with red bricks, decorated with arches and large facades, and reinforced with stone walls that keep the cool air inside, while the care of the external spaces, whether they are gardens, patios or “terraces”, pay attention. interior design embraces the threads of the sun through the glass walls.

Mediterranean style in short

It is worth noting that Mediterranean architecture was inspired by the arches and columns of the Italian Renaissance in the sixteenth century, as well as the simplicity and rusticity of the Spanish settlers in America during the sixteenth century. From modernity, the Mediterranean style is inspired by the style of resorts and related entertainment, with its open plan, spacious kitchen, and indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Natural materials are commonly used in the design of Mediterranean houses, in addition to stone, clay, wood and iron (wrought), with warm colors, and fewer elements are satisfied. In addition, skilled craftsmen are abundant in the aforementioned countries, especially in Southwest Asia and the Maghreb, which is reflected in how materials are processed.

elements of nature

Regarding the connection of the internal and external spaces in the residential project, the architect, interior designer, designer, founder and owner of Roba Youssef Architects, Roba Youssef Architects, tells “Madam” that “the external spaces play a big role in the formation of the identity of the project and gives it natural harmony, in general,” adding that “nature It is also present in the interior, to make harmony prevail between the two sections. Therefore, the theory of ” biophilia” (or environmental design), with its forms and elements derived from nature, ideal to establish the connection between nature and man, and to improve the general health and psychological state of the latter. The architect focuses on the Mediterranean style in the design, explaining that “the latter is based on the correct use of light, water and harmonious forms drawn from nature and materials.” There are several tips for the application ing of the above style, in the garden or yard of the house, including:

• Use of hanging planters.
• Design seating areas, shaded by beautiful and fragrant climbing plants.
• Stone floor.
• The use of Mediterranean relief tiles.
• Use warm earth tones.
• Use the element water.
• Allow enough sunlight to enter the space, with the importance of maintaining a balance between light and shade.

creativity

The engineer emphasizes that “copying any style in its entirety is not desirable in the world of interior design, as the designer must take inspiration from all models, classic, modern and contemporary, and add unique modern touches to the project, because the job of the interior design engineer is creativity and creating solutions.”

Environmentally friendly materials

In answering the “Madam” question about the materials most used in the Mediterranean style design, the engineer points out that “traditional “environmentally friendly” materials available at the local level achieve sustainability, revitalization and healthy space In this context, it is possible to use many natural or hand-made materials (stone, wood, plaster, straw, natural textiles…) without losing sight of the importance of the design engineer’s touch and how he uses materials. “

Comfortable Furniture

The medium-style home furniture varies from simple to somewhat formal, and is distributed in open spaces, sections next to each other and harmoniously with each other. The furniture is small and comfortable, but this is evident in the design scheme. Generally, the number of furniture pieces is chosen based on the needs of the client, the number of people living in the house and the activities carried out in it, according to the engineer.

Characteristics of the Mediterranean design in the rooms of the house

• Living room: The presence of the glass wall in the above area is enough to provide daylight, which is positively reflected on the walls painted with beige pigment, making it bright. The same applies to the earthy colors used in the space, furnished with contemporary and unpretentious furniture, while noting the predominance of organic forms inspired by nature.
• Reception room: The reception area should be open and consistent with the central layout (living area).
• Kitchen: Nature’s materials, elements and colors play an important role in the Mediterranean design style, so like other rooms, the source of kitchen materials is nature, including: solid wood for furniture and floors. The case applies to the colors of nature and its light, bright and comfortable shades, while it distinguishes the kitchen with a clear texture and a bit of calmness.
• Bathroom: There is no objection to the use of bold (bright) natural colors in moderation, together with earth tones, in the bathroom, which is furnished according to the Minimalist Style so that it appears simple in appearance.

Briefly…
To express the Mediterranean style in the best way, architect Ruba Youssef asks to focus on nature and its characteristics, making use of sunlight, in the interior and exterior areas of the house, including open spaces, while the interior spaces are connected with the exterior using the “minimalist” approach, creating contrast and balance. In decoration, the appropriate furniture and wall design were also well coordinated.