Mediterranean-style homes, which resemble the aesthetic of Mediterranean villas, originated in the 1920s. During this period—the Roaring Twenties—people were consumed with wealth and leisure, resulting in the rise of seaside resorts in the United States.

A blend of Spanish and Italian architecture, Mediterranean homes are dominant in warm-weather locations like California and Florida, which also have Spanish influences. Popular architects at the time were Addison Mizner, who advanced this home style in Florida, along with Bertram Goodhue, Sumner Spaulding, and Paul Williams in California.

Alison Davin of Jute Home and DKOR Interiors' Ivonne Ronderos provided us with background on the common characteristics of Mediterranean houses and their top decorating tips to consider.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

A Mediterranean house is a dream for someone who appreciates simple, yet elegant, spaces. "It's timeless and quintessential California," says Jute Home's Alison Davin, who is based in California. "If you want a house that is not trending and won't require updating—one with really warm woods, bright walls, and indoor-outdoor living—it's never really going to go out of style."

The exterior of Mediterranean homes typically feature a red-tiled roof (usually terra cotta), as well as brick or stucco that’s often painted white. Stone details, carved doors, and raw iron and metalwork on windows, over balconies, and front doors are other common features.

Matthew Millman; Design By Jute Home

An outdoor space of a Mediterranean home in California.

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There are three main styles of Mediterranean homes:

- Italian Renaissance: Drawing inspiration from buildings during the Italian Renaissance, this style is marked by columns and rounded arches.

- Spanish Revival: This home, which is influenced by Spanish colonial architecture, usually boasts simple, clean lines and a low-pitch roof.

- Modern Mediterranean: The style has traditional characteristics of Mediterranean homes with a modern twist. A focus on indoor-outdoor living, spacious, open floor plans, along with Spanish and Italian influences, are evident in these homes.