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Mediterranean interior design ideas to bring holiday style home

Victoria Robinson product manager Author Victoria RobinsonProduct ManagerEdited 26/11/2026
Striped Roman blind in a deep burgundy tone, framed by a white kitchen window above a Belfast sink and mural-style wall décor.

When we think of Mediterranean interior design, it's often the sun-soaked villas, coastal retreats and colourful streets of southern Europe that come to mind. Defined by relaxed living and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it's a look that never seems to go out of style. 

For homeowner and content creator Vicki Faller, whose bespoke self-build family home, Elibank House, sits in County Cork, Mediterranean influences emerged organically during the redesign of her utility room. The busy family space developed a distinct sense of escapism without ever feeling themed. 

  • "I didn't consciously set out to create a Mediterranean room, but the mural, fruit and foliage and then that gorgeous stripe naturally brought subtle Mediterranean notes as the room came together."

    Vicki Faller, interiors content creator

Living room with mink walls, two tall arched windows on adjacent walls dressed in teal shutters, closed with louvres open, terracotta beanbag-style chair, matching pouffe and pedestal wooden side table all on a traditional Turkish-style rug in matching muted hues, ficus in terracotta pot in corner.

What is Mediterranean interior design?

Mediterranean interior design is all about creating a home that feels relaxed, lived-in and connected to nature. Inspired by countries including Spain, Italy and Greece, the style embraces natural textures, handcrafted details, warm colours and a strong relationship between indoor and outdoor living. 

Rather than following strict decorating rules, Mediterranean décor tends to feel collected over time. Architectural details, woven materials, ceramics and tactile fabrics all contribute to a space that feels inviting and full of character. 

Bright blue shutters frame a tall bedroom window, bringing daylight into a white room with a metal bed dressed in blue striped bedding.

The Mediterranean colour palette

One of the most recognisable features of Mediterranean interior design is its palette. Drawing inspiration from terracotta rooftops, olive groves, coastal waters and sun-bleached landscapes, Mediterranean colours feel warm, grounding and timeless. 

Terracotta, clay, olive green, deep blue and soft neutrals all work beautifully together, whether you're decorating a whole room or introducing smaller accents. In Vicki's utility room, fruit and foliage motifs added warmth and depth, helping to transform a highly practical space into something much more personal. 

  • "The utility is a small but incredibly hardworking room, so I wanted to give it a personality of its own and bring a little joy to a space usually filled with washing, school bags and endless to-do piles." 

    Vicki Faller, interiors content creator

A bold, Mediterranean-inspired cobalt blue bathroom with a vibrant lemon print Roller blind, arched mirror and brass fixtures.

Mediterranean décor and individuality

The best Mediterranean décor balances timeless design with individuality. Botanical prints, artisanal details, decorative ceramics and colourful textiles all help create a home that feels personal rather than perfectly styled. 

For the utility room makeover, mural wallpaper became the starting point for introducing character. Its combination of foliage, fruit and playful details brought warmth to the space while helping to create a look that's distinctive and joyful.

  • "I increasingly love a home that has unexpected moments, something that makes you stop, look again or smile." 

    Vicki Faller, interiors content creator

Red and white striped Roman blinds dress a dormer window in a bright children’s bedroom with teal walls and playful furnishings.

Stripes: the detail that quietly says Mediterranean

Few patterns evoke Mediterranean style quite like a stripe. Whether found on traditional awnings, beach umbrellas or outdoor textiles, stripes have a relaxed holiday feel that instantly brings a sense of escapism to a room. 

For Vicki, the Jonathan Adler striped Roman blind became a defining feature of the scheme. The eye-catching design complements the mural wallpaper while subtly reinforcing the room's Mediterranean influence. 

  • "There's something about a strong stripe that instantly makes me think of parasols and awnings, long lunches and that wonderful feeling of being away with nowhere particular to be." 

    Vicki Faller, interiors content creator

Why smaller rooms are perfect for experimenting

Smaller spaces can often be the ideal place to take design risks. Because they're used differently from main living areas, utility rooms, downstairs bathrooms and boot rooms offer an opportunity to be more playful with colour, pattern and decorative details. 

That was very much Vicki's approach. While she initially considered a more traditional design direction, she ultimately chose to embrace bolder choices that reflected her personality and made everyday tasks feel a little more enjoyable. 

Q&A: inside Vicki Faller's Mediterranean-inspired utility room

  • What inspired the overall look and atmosphere of the space?

    "I wanted to give the room a personality of its own and bring a little joy to a hardworking space. The mural, fruit and foliage and striped blind naturally introduced subtle Mediterranean influences as the room came together." 

  • Do holidays and travel influence your interior design choices?

    "Absolutely. I'm forever absorbing details when we're away, colour palettes, old buildings, fabrics, tiles, planting, furniture, restaurants and sometimes simply the way different materials have been put together.”

  • What advice would you give to someone creating a Mediterranean-inspired home?

    "Start by thinking about what it is you actually respond to, perhaps a stripe reminiscent of an awning, botanical patterns, earthy colours, natural textures or the relaxed layering of old and new. Then take those elements and interpret them in a way that works with your own home rather than trying to recreate a destination." 

  • Person standing beneath a striped Roman blind at a large kitchen window, framed by mural-style wallpaper above white cabinetry and a Belfast sink.
  • Close-up of a burgundy striped Roman blind at a white-framed kitchen window, with botanical mural wallpaper and countertop accessories nearby.
Utility sink area with a small window fitted with a white shutter, letting in natural light above blue patterned tiles and a simple basin.

Taking inspiration from the Mediterranean

As Vicki's utility room at Elibank House demonstrates, Mediterranean décor is often most successful when it evolves naturally. Through a combination of colour, pattern and the right window dressings, even practical rooms can offer a small moment of escape from everyday life. 

Whether you're refreshing a utility room, updating a bathroom or introducing a few new decorative touches, small changes often have the biggest impact. 

Simple ways to embrace Mediterranean style

If you're looking to bring a Mediterranean-inspired feel into your home, consider: 

  • Building a Mediterranean colour palette with terracotta, olive green, deep blue and warm neutrals 
  • Adding stripes through textiles, Roman blinds or decorative accessories 
  • Introducing botanical patterns, fruit motifs and artisanal details 
  • Using smaller rooms as an opportunity to experiment with colour and pattern 
  • Focusing on atmosphere and feeling rather than following a set design formula 

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*Order now for fitting in time for Christmas is available on selected blinds and curtains only and is subject to advisor capacity. Regional variances may apply. Wooden shutters, conservatory blinds, Duette blinds, Blind Screen, pleated blinds and awnings are not included.