Mediterranean architecture became popular in the early 20th century in places like Southern California, Texas, and Florida: areas that enjoy warm climates similar to the countries and cities along the Mediterranean Sea. While styles vary they share an emphasis on the home as a retreat and sanctuary and offer easy access to the outdoors via wide doors and windows, terraces, atriums, and patios. Notable architects who used Mediterranean influences in their designs include Bertram Goodhue, George Kaufmann, Julia Morgan, and Wallace Neff. Forms of Mediterranean architecture include:
Spanish Colonial and Spanish Colonial RevivalMediterranean RevivalItalian VillaMoroccanPuebloHaciendaMission RevivalNeo-Mediterranean, which is also known as Spanish style MontereySpanish Eclectic
Key features of Mediterranean home design include:
A connection and easy transition between indoors and outdoors Spaciousness created by high-beamed ceilings and archways Eclectic: mixing old styles with modern tastes Stucco Red-tile roofs Arches above doors, windows, and porches or balconies Rough-hewn wood or carved doors Brick Stone Ceramic tile Wrought-iron (not rod iron) grillwork and railings An emphasis on natural materials Outdoor spaces, like patios, courtyards, balconies, terraces, etc. Outdoor water features: fountains, ponds, pools, etc.
Join us for an international tour of magnificent Mediterranean homes, from petite properties to expansive estates. Spanish/Mediterranean features include handmade roof tiles, brushed cedar windows, and hand-painted ceramic tiles. Using plants native to the region, Dreamscapes’ goal was to enhance the home’s Mediterranean beauty and not have any landscape features overshadow it. e only want to enhance the beauty of the home, not overshadow it. Tall, slim cypress trees do not block features like the home’s arched windows and doors, while curving palm trees repeat the shapes. The project is a standout for its simplicity, use of materials that are distinctly Mediterranean Revival, and retaining the home’s architectural and historical integrity. Heavy or excessive ornamentation would have dwarfed the home. Instead, we see hints of its origins in the terra cotta roof tile, ceramic tile porch, simple iron handrail, and the Moorish/Moroccan detail above the windows and doors. The texture and color of the concrete was custom matched to the home’s exterior and architectural elements. Mediterranean garden plants include pittosporum, pomegranate, dianella, liriope, privet, azalea, and Japanese maple ‘Bloodgood’.
