Exploring Some of My Favorite Design Styles: Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Revival
Exploring Some of My Favorite Design Styles: Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Revival
When it comes to interior design, I find that some styles resonate more deeply than others, creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and timeless. Two of those are Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Revival. Both styles are rich in history, cultural influences, and natural beauty, but they each offer a unique approach to design, blending elements from the old world with a relaxed, comfortable sensibility. Today, I’ll dive into how these two iconic design styles are being used in modern kitchen and bathroom renovations to create spaces that are both functional and full of character.
Mediterranean Revival: A Sun-Drenched, Timeless Style
Inspired by the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea—like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Morocco—Mediterranean Revival style embodies a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The style is known for its connection to nature, an abundance of natural light, and a combination of luxurious and rustic elements. I’m particularly drawn to its warm, earthy tones, intricate tilework, and elegant yet lived-in feel, making it a perfect choice for both kitchen and bath renovations.
Mediterranean Revival in Kitchen Renovations:
When renovating a kitchen in the Mediterranean Revival style, the goal is to create a space that feels open, airy, and inviting. These kitchens often serve as the heart of the home, blending rustic charm with modern functionality. Here are a few key elements I love in Mediterranean kitchen renovations:
Hand-Painted Tile Backsplashes: One of the most iconic features of Mediterranean kitchens is the use of hand-painted ceramic tiles. In a Mediterranean kitchen, the backsplash is often where the eye is drawn. Imagine colorful tiles in shades of blue, yellow, and green, forming intricate patterns or floral designs.
Wood and Stone Materials: Mediterranean kitchens often feature a mix of rustic materials, such as wooden beams, stone countertops, and terracotta tiles. These natural elements evoke the feel of the Mediterranean countryside, where earthy tones and textures reign supreme. I love the look of stone used for countertops or islands, offering durability while creating a luxurious, organic feel.
Open Shelving and Rustic Charm: Mediterranean kitchens are often designed to feel welcoming and lived-in, with open shelving that displays everything from decorative bowls to fresh herbs in terracotta pots. The warm, rustic wood shelving adds a touch of charm while remaining practical for everyday use. Pair this with wrought iron accents—such as in light fixtures or cabinet hardware—and you’ve got a perfect Mediterranean-inspired kitchen that feels both timeless and functional.
Mediterranean Revival in Bathroom Renovations:
The bathroom is another area where Mediterranean Revival style shines. In the bathroom, the goal is to create a space that feels relaxing, sophisticated, and connected to nature. Here’s how Mediterranean elements come to life in bathroom renovations:
Colorful Tiles and Mosaic Patterns: Just like in kitchens, the use of hand-painted tiles is a key feature in Mediterranean bathrooms. Mosaic tiles in all shades of blues, rich reds, and vibrant greens can create a stunning backdrop in the shower or around the vanity. These tiles often feature intricate patterns that mimic the coastal landscapes of the Mediterranean, adding both color and texture to the room.
Freestanding Bathtubs and Elegant Fixtures: A freestanding clawfoot tub is often a central feature in a Mediterranean-style bathroom. The elegant curves of the tub, paired with vintage-style faucets and decorative mirrors, create a luxurious, old-world feel that’s perfect for relaxing. These fixtures evoke the beauty of Mediterranean villas, where bathtime becomes an indulgent escape.
Natural Light and Soft, Earthy Tones: Mediterranean bathrooms often maximize natural light, with large windows or skylights letting sunlight pour into the space. The color palette is typically soft and neutral, with shades of terracotta, sand, and soft whites, allowing the room to feel bright and serene.
Spanish Revival: Rustic Elegance Meets Colonial Charm
The Spanish Revival style is inspired by the Spanish colonial architecture found in California and other parts of the southwestern United States. It combines old-world charm with rustic elegance, blending Spanish, Moorish, and Mediterranean influences. Spanish Revival design often incorporates bold, earthy colors, handcrafted materials, and a sense of warmth that immediately makes a space feel welcoming.
Spanish Revival in Kitchen Renovations:
Spanish Revival kitchens are rich in texture and detail, offering a sense of history while also embracing the practicality of modern living. Here’s how Spanish Revival elements come together in kitchen renovations:
Saltillo Tiles and Terrazzo Flooring: One of the most iconic elements of a Spanish Revival kitchen is the use of Saltillo tiles. These handmade terracotta tiles are often used for flooring or as a backsplash in the kitchen. Their warm, earthy tones add a rustic yet sophisticated charm to the space.
Iron and Wood Accents: Spanish Revival kitchens often feature wrought iron elements, from light fixtures to cabinet hardware. These pieces bring a touch of Mediterranean elegance and contrast beautifully with the warmth of wooden cabinets or beams. I love the rustic appeal of exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, which give the space an authentic Spanish feel and create a sense of openness and airiness.
Bold Color Palettes and Decorative Details: Spanish Revival kitchens embrace vibrant colors, often drawing inspiration from the sun-drenched landscapes of Spain. In the kitchen, you might see deep oranges, bright reds, and turquoise used in accents like ceramic pottery or tilework. Hand-painted tiles with intricate geometric patterns can be used as a backsplash or to frame the stove, adding a pop of color and artistry.
Spanish Revival in Bathroom Renovations:
Spanish Revival bathrooms are all about creating a sense of old-world charm while providing modern comfort. This style often features natural materials, bold patterns, and a sense of elegance that feels at once rustic and refined.
Mosaic Tiles and Colorful Accents: Like Mediterranean bathrooms, Spanish Revival bathrooms often incorporate mosaic tiles, but with a bolder, more dramatic flair. I love the idea of using colorful or patterned tiles in the shower or around the bathtub to add vibrancy and texture. Spanish Revival bathrooms often feature a mix of bold hues like deep reds, turquoise, and golden yellows, creating a warm and inviting space.
Handcrafted Sinks and Fixtures: The use of handcrafted pottery for sinks or accessories is another key element in Spanish Revival bathrooms. These clay or ceramic sinks, often in earthy tones, bring a rustic, artisanal touch to the space. Pair these with wrought iron light fixtures or towel racks, and you’ve got a bathroom that feels both rustic and refined.
Wood and Tile Accents: Spanish Revival bathrooms often feature wooden vanities or cabinetry, paired with decorative tiles on the floor or as accents on the walls. These materials bring warmth and richness to the space, while decorative mirrors and vintage-style faucets help to elevate the design and create a sense of timeless elegance.
Mediterranean Revival vs. Spanish Revival: Which One Fits Your Style?
While Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Revival share some similarities—such as their reliance on natural materials and earthy color palettes—they each have their own distinct flavor. Mediterranean Revival tends to embrace lighter tones, airy spaces, and intricate, colorful tilework that evokes a more coastal, European feel. Spanish Revival, on the other hand, leans more toward bold, rustic colors, artisan craftsmanship, and a deeper connection to colonial Spanish influences.
Both styles are ideal for creating timeless kitchen and bathroom renovations that reflect warmth, heritage, and authenticity. Whether you’re drawn to the sun-soaked elegance of the Mediterranean or the earthy richness of Spanish Revival, both offer the opportunity to craft a home that feels connected to the past while embracing modern sensibilities.