5 Common Features of Mediterranean Style Homes

Mediterranean-style homes are heavily influenced by the architecture, cultures, design ideas, and elements commonly found in countries around the Mediterranean Sea – like Spain and Italy, as well as other European countries, including France, Portugal, and Greece.

With an emphasis on warmth and outdoor living, this style was often associated with a leisurely lifestyle, and those who could afford to live one – the wealthy. There are three subcategories within Mediterranean style architecture: Modern Mediterranean, Spanish Revival, and Italian Renaissance.

Traditional Mediterranean style architecture in the United States was originally served for hotels, seaside resorts, and public buildings, however, around the 1920s Mediterranean Revival style blew up and people in the likes of Florida, California, Texas, and more warmer states began to demand these styles of homes. It continues to be a popular style of home to this day.

Want to be able to spot a Mediterranean abode in the wild for yourself? Familiarize yourself with these common features.

Here are 5 popular features of Mediterranean homes:

A typical Mediterranean house can feature some, or all, of the following characteristics.

1. Red or brown (often Terracotta) tile roofs

Mediterranean homes in America were originally made from indigenous and local materials, and the iconic, red, barrel terra-cotta tiles used to roof them were made and curved by hand.

2. Beautiful archways

Archways are a subtle but incredibly beautiful feature you’ll often see in Mediterranean style. Whether it’s in the form of doors entryways, windows, between rooms – these soft, rounded arches lend so much to the architectural beauty of Med abodes.

3. Emphasis on outdoor living

Mediterranean style homes were designed and built to emphasize outdoor living through the use of balconies, patios, terraces, and courtyards. Indoor-outdoor flow in these homes remains important today.

4. Symmetrical facades and white stucco exteriors

Stucco was placed over brick and painted while to bounce sun off of residences to keep the heat out and maintain cool temperatures inside.

5. Wrought and cast iron details (balconies, gates, window grilles, and decor)

Wrought and cast iron details are another feature you will commonly see in Mediterranean style houses – particularly around railings, balconies, light fixtures, windows, doors, stair banisters, and more. They are one of the few ornamentations you will see and really add to the rustic feel of these homes.