Mediterranean-Style Home Ideas

The generous foundation plantings of this Mediterranean-style home tie the house to the surrounding lawn and landscape. The homeowner chose plantings at all levels to embellish the two-story lines of the house as well as the front porch and two balconies.

Herringbone saltillo tiles, dark wood ceiling beams, arches, and a fireplace extend interior design themes into what the owners of this Mediterranean-style home call an outdoor living room.

The architect of this Southern home combined various Mediterranean elements, and the landscape designer added terraced gardens and tall, slim trees reminiscent of rural Italy. Although the home has both Mediterranean and Italian influences, it was not intended to be a direct copy of any one style.

Wood pergolas supported by stone columns have long been popular for creating outdoor living spaces in Mediterranean climates. In keeping with the Mediterranean style, the design adds architectural interest and provides shade.

Elaborate Mediterranean-style homes may feature intricate tile work, as seen above the front door of this house. Additionally, the windows are embellished with wrought iron details.

Small vegetable gardens flanking the entryway steps to this Mediterranean-inspired home are dotted with artichokes, herbs, and bamboo wigwam supports for beans, squash, and tomatoes.

To unite the landscape with the Mediterranean flavor of the house, a variety of California and Mediterranean native plantings soften this transition from the house to the fireplace patio.

With its low-pitched roof, red roof tiles, and stucco siding, this Southern California home references Spanish and Mediterranean architecture. The windows are flanked by shutters and underscored with brackets, adding architectural interest.

Mediterranean-style homes often feature porches, patios, and courtyards surrounded by lush plantings. Traditionally, these outdoor spaces are fenced and gated for privacy, offering informal gathering spots for family and friends.

Because the covered loggia of this Mediterranean-style home is arranged like a room, it acts as a visual bridge between the living room and the gardens outside. The homeowners call it their "back porch," and they use it almost all year long.

Stone walkways are a characteristic of Mediterranean-style homes and gardens. The curved, red brick walkway leading to this home reflects the roof tiles in both color and pattern. Flowers along the path provide bursts of color.

Lush gardens often accompany Mediterranean-style homes and enhance their architecture. The gardens may include patios, steps, retaining walls, sculptures, water features, and wrought-iron details.

One-story Mediterranean-style homes often resemble ranch houses, as seen here. Characteristic of the style, a white pergola forms the entryway on the left.

Mediterranean landscaping is all about contrast: soft foliage against structured surfaces such as stone walls, tall vines next to clipped hedges, and so on. This stone wall and metal arbor add interest and height to this Mediterranean-style patio and define and enclose the space.

The front porches of Mediterranean-style homes are often defined by stone columns spanned by arches. Roofs feature wide, overhanging eaves with large brackets under the roofline.

The red tile roof and wrought-iron accents lend a centuries-old authenticity to this Mediterranean-style home, but the crisp white stucco, stylized arches, and luxury amenities ensure the house isn't just a same-old rendition of a familiar historical look.