The luxurious home, updated by designer Josie Fratantoni, is amazing. Wood carvings, marble and Venetian plaster create a luxurious interior.

House after restoration

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona.
Who lives here: family with three children.
Number of rooms: 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, 1 toilet.

This is interesting: The construction and decoration of this home was a family project for Sam and Josie Fratantoni. He is a builder, she is an interior designer. They are assisted by son Vince, who handles business planning, and another son, Angelo, who works with clients.

Located in a mountainous area, the house is maximally adapted to local climatic conditions. Mediterranean style the interior is supplemented with natural decorative materials and an open patio outside. The design uses a neutral color palette. The fireplace is finished with natural stone.

From October to May, the family gathers on the terrace every evening to drink coffee and chat. During the cold season, this purpose is served by the dining room, separated from the patio by sliding doors.

The walls are finished Venetian plaster, real wood burning fireplace– a rare Moroccan stone. Massive wooden beams decorated with carvings self made.

There is a long gallery between the courtyard and the living room. Candlesticks, window and door treatments, and curved beams on the ceiling maintain the traditional Spanish style.

The kitchen countertops in Calacatta marble look great, and the custom alder cabinets are also very attractive. The luxurious kitchen is so spacious that even several people can cook in it without disturbing each other.

The ladies' bathroom is decorated with handmade tiles. It contains a cabinet with an onyx tabletop. The sink is made from part of an old bucket, this is Fratantoni's original idea.

In this room the owner of the house receives guests and clients. The main decoration of the interior is a bar counter with marble inlay.

The handcrafted dining table is also decorated with marble, and the domed ceiling of the dining room is lined with limestone. The open floor plan allows you to walk from here to a room with a fireplace or to the patio. Another door leads to the butler's pantry. On the left, Fratantoni decided to place an antique sideboard.

Another dining room is used for informal meals with family.

The home library is hidden behind walnut doors.

The Fratantonis designed this room for a 13-year-old girl who preferred to see pink and brown shades in the interior. The design of the bedroom can be easily adapted to the wishes and requirements of the growing housewife.

The owner of the house dreamed of having a good organized space for storing clothes. A spacious dressing room allows you to keep all your outfits in perfect order.

The bathtub, which is most often used by the owner of the house, is built into a niche near the window through which you can admire the garden.

The cabinets in the men's dressing room are made of mahogany, the floor is marble. This is a perfectly thought out and functional interior.

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Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Croatia, Syria, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco... The shores of 22 states located on three continents are washed by the Mediterranean Sea. Sumerian, Etruscan, Phoenician, Minoan, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and many other civilizations left their traces on its shores.

Dozens of nations contributed to the culture and the formation of the architecture of this region, which is often called the cradle of humanity. But most of all, perhaps, are the ancestors of modern Greeks, Italians and Spaniards. It is not for nothing that the Mediterranean type of architecture is the most recognizable and popular in their countries. Yes, these are the ones under tiled roofs houses, as well as snow-white villas that seem to be created from the sun's rays, sea ​​water and white sand.

Basic features and specifics of style

Despite the external diversity, all buildings in the region have common, characteristic features. They are formed by the same climate: in Greece, Italy, and the South of France, houses are built in such a way as to keep them cool inside.
As a rule, the structure of the local buildings is quite simple, even archaic, which makes them an easy, relaxed continuation of the landscape. The consonance between nature and the building itself, the rational West and the sensual East, elevates Mediterranean architecture to the rank of classical architecture.

The coastal buildings are the embodiment of simplicity and lyricism, a manifesto about the ease of being. Pathos and excesses are completely alien to them. They loosely and even somewhat carelessly combine cheap limestone and noble marble, ceramics and brightly painted wood, forged metal and plaster.

In addition, a Mediterranean-style house is recognizable by the following features:

1. Tile roof. The roof is most often covered with brown, red or orange tiles.
2. Open floor plan and minimal barriers between rooms. This technique creates the illusion of smoothness and limitlessness, promotes better ventilation premises.
3. The walls are usually finished with white, beige or terracotta plaster.
4. Availability arched openings, niches and galleries.
5. Availability of open, spacious terraces and balconies.
6. The presence of a patio is an internal, paved courtyard, sometimes covered with a canopy and filled with pots of vegetation.
7. If we are talking about a villa, then there is also a swimming pool surrounded by tubs of greenery. However, even an ordinary house should have a pond - for example, small fountain in patio. For the peoples of the coast, the sea is a factor of prosperity and development, and therefore they treat water with special reverence.

Color palette and materials

The local city planners “borrowed” the colors from nature. The walls are covered with white, pinkish, beige plaster, and the roofs are covered with orange, red, brown natural tiles. Many parts, doors, for example, or window frames They are painted in ultramarine color, symbolizing the waves and heavens.

The floors are laid with stones or large ceramic slabs, which promotes coolness. At the same time, stone was never brought from afar: the architecture of the region is characterized only by local raw materials. The refusal to import was dictated not only by practicality. Both the Greeks and Romans believed in the sacred power of a specific, native place. They also believed that if a house consists of local materials, then the protective field of the natural environment extends to it.

In addition to common features, each country in the region has its own architectural nuances. In Greece, the tone is set by the so-called Cycladic style, named after the archipelago.
It took shape in the 19th century, when the islands were swept by a “whitewash boom.” Houses, until recently different, began to be covered with dazzling white plaster. It got to the point that local authorities, trying to achieve architectural uniformity, generally banned the use of any paint other than white and blue.
True, many residential buildings in, say, Santorini are still beige, ocher, terracotta and even burgundy.

Greek buildings rarely exceed 2 floors. The role of another, additional tier is played by flat roofs, on which terraces are arranged, water tanks are located, gardens in tubs or solar panels. Since residential buildings are often “inscribed” into the mountainous terrain and arranged in steps, the roof of the lower structure is a veranda for the building on the tier above.

In mainland Greece, private buildings are mostly two-story, rectangular shape and from two or four pitched roofs. They are built from stone, which is whitened with lime, and the roofs are covered with tiles.

On the ground floor of the Greek house there are barns and a kitchen. The second, residential floor is complemented by a gallery, which is connected to the bottom of the house using an external staircase. Wooden balconies are no exception.

If the mansion is located in a mountainous area, it is tightly adjacent to a hill or rock, or hangs over them, resting on a protruding platform.
In northern Greece, houses are made of limestone using pebbles. And in the wooded part of the country you can also see wooden residential buildings.

Features of private buildings in Cyprus

The architecture of the third largest island in the Mediterranean was most influenced by Greek building culture. At first glance, these are the same white houses under pitched roofs, “hung” with balconies and loggias.
But it also has its own special flavor. Houses in Cyprus can be built up to 4 floors (local authorities strictly ensure that buildings do not obscure the sea), and in their construction, in addition to stone and tiles, local Cypriot oak wood is used.

Villas on the island are equipped with terraces and generously decorated with pergolas; the floors are not only ceramic tiles or marble sections, mosaics, but parquet is also used.
Cypriot houses are decorated in a typical style light colors, and the presence of a patio is no less necessary than a long terrace.

Mediterranean style in Italy

As befits a country, a direct heir Ancient Rome, Italy has remained faithful to ancient values.
However, the style common to the sea coast was transformed here into the so-called Tuscan style. It reached a particular peak during the Renaissance: architects even coined the term “Tuscan order,” a simplified version of the Doric order.

The houses of the Italian coast are distinguished by clear proportions, based on a clear square or rectangle.
Most often, their walls are built from local rough tuff mixed with medium-sized bricks.
The roofs are flat and tiled, just like everywhere else on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Wood is used to make supports for arches, rafters and ceilings, pergolas and terraces.

The floors are laid with stone or ceramic textured slabs. And the outside walls are decorated with forged lanterns and the same bars on the windows.
Frequent attribute Italian houses, primarily in city mansions - round dormers and galleries in the form of arches.
Color design - moderate shades brown tone(sand, brick, cream, olive), accented with cobalt paint.

Mediterranean style in Southern France

From Tuscany to Languedoc-Roussillon, one of the southern outskirts of France, is only 800 kilometers. However, the French "branch" of the Mediterranean style is better known as "".
The houses of the Cote d'Azur are mostly rectangular, elongated vertically. The popular material is local, wild stone, covered with plaster in light colors: yellow, creamy, pink. The walls, however, can also be “naked,” which adds a special, rustic chic to the building.
The optimal number of floors is 2-3, and the boundaries between them are often emphasized with cornices.
The roofs are two- and four-slope, with dormer openings, covered with the same tiles typical of the Mediterranean basin.

Just like in the south of Italy, where there is plenty of sun, windows French houses narrow, small and rather sparingly located. But the doors are wide, “barn”, with forged hinges. Mandatory additions are extensions to the house, terraces and outbuildings.

Mediterranean style in Spain

The culture of this country was influenced for many centuries by the Berber and Moorish mentalities, which could not but affect construction customs. Most oriental motifs noticeable in Andalusia, which was once completely conquered by the Arabs, and in Catalonia. But Valencia, once the region of Ancient Rome, is famous for its antique staircases, classic terraces and flat roofs suitable for sunbathing and passive relaxation.

Muslims introduced turrets, battlements, arcades, balustrades and asymmetrical decorative details into the residential architecture of Spain and, above all, Andalusia. And the walls of many houses acquired rich, bright “clothes,” although the combination of white and blue also remained popular.

Modern Spanish houses are often built with 2-3 floors. At the same time, downstairs there is a living room with a fireplace, a kitchen and a dining room with access to the terrace.
Balconies are a must, the windows of a Spanish house are equipped with shutters, and the horseshoe-shaped door is equipped with a heavy iron knocking ring (door knocker).
In general, the light palette of a traditional Spanish home is shaded more bright color ceramics on the floor and roof.

Mediterranean architectural style today

Despite all its charm, historical fame and global recognition, Mediterranean architecture remains a “captive” of the southern latitudes. And there are explanations for this.

Open verandas, terraces, balconies are good for winters without precipitation, but flat or with slight slope roofs - for places that do not experience heavy snowfalls. And small windows that protect rooms from the scorching sun are hardly appropriate in the homes of northerners.
What to do, what to do if your dream depicts a Mediterranean mansion, no other?

• Firstly, you can repeat the shape typical of Mediterranean buildings: a rectangle or a cylinder.
• Secondly, use stone, plaster, or wood for finishing.
• Thirdly, apply individual elements style: techniques in the form of arches and pergolas, decor made of forged metal, as well as coloring - a duet of virgin white and cornflower blue.

When giving the estate the appearance of an Italian palazzo or a Spanish villa, one should, however, take into account the local landscape and topography, because harmonious fusion with nature is one of the conditions of the style.

Today, in private construction, even in the countries of the Mediterranean basin, new technologies and materials that imitate natural raw materials are increasingly being used.
Ceramics on roofs have been replaced by metal tiles, and doors, shutters, cornices are sometimes made of durable polymers, stylized as a natural stone or a tree. Well, architectural style- not a dogma, but a code of certain generalized principles, leaving room for creativity and flight of fancy.

Modern design presented in various directions, but the interior of houses in the Mediterranean style deserves special attention. Unusual combination Natural materials such as brick, wood, textiles and metal give the room a unique look, fill the rooms with comfort and warmth. The main characteristic This decor considers the use of original textures and natural shades.

In addition, the Mediterranean style implies comfort and practicality in everything, so it is perfect for lovers of free space and beauty. Similar projects usually preferred by owners big houses located outside the city, but similar finishing can be done in modest one-story buildings.

Features and Specifications

Mediterranean style looks great against the backdrop of nature. To appearance the house fully corresponded to the image, it is necessary to apply it in its architecture Construction Materials neutral shades. Thus, the facade will turn out stylish and neat, and beige or white plaster walls will favorably emphasize the beauty of all structural elements. If the roof is decorated with tiles, then burgundy, gray or Brown color. The interior of residential premises is also considered an integral part of this design.

It is characterized by the following features:

• Furniture. The furnishings of the rooms are presented with chic items made of natural wood. The shaped legs of the designs and the red metal frame all point to a Mediterranean style.
• Ladder. This item decor is the real highlight of the home. Its openwork finish and unusual curves will not leave indifferent not only the owners of the house, but also their guests. For greater effect, it is recommended to complement such staircases with massive chandeliers and wooden vases.

• Drawings and paintings. The main theme in the painting should be the sea and the sun. At the same time, it is very important to correctly select the size of the canvas to suit the parameters of the room.
• Decor elements. The rooms should contain various figurines and souvenirs made from natural materials.

To decorate your home in a Mediterranean style, it is not enough to use just one beautiful compositions, the interior should feel an atmosphere of homely warmth and comfort. That's why Special attention worth your time interior decoration rooms. Flooring in this case it is recommended to choose from decorative stone or tiles. Such a floor will not only transform the room, but will also last. long term, A huge selection color range will open up interesting ideas for experiments. For example, in the living room tiles in shades of sand and sea will look amazing.

As for the walls and ceiling, they must match harmoniously general interior. Walls can be decorated brickwork or plaster, and make the ceilings in the form suspended structures. It will look unusual against this background wooden furniture and light textiles on large windows. To brighten up the severity of the lines in the design, it is also recommended to use woven carpets, decorative pillows, various crafts made from beads. We must not forget about indoor plants, they can be placed indoors on special metal stands.

Interior decoration

Living room country house or apartment is the main room, so its interior should be original and stylish. If homeowners prefer to see their “family nest” as cozy and functional, then it is advisable to use Spanish decor to decorate this room. Beige walls, terracotta floors and dark furniture will become the right decision in this direction.

To make the living room light and spacious, it can be decorated in a Greek Mediterranean style decor, in this case it is good a house will do with large windows. A maximum of light and a minimum of furniture will give the living room a feeling of infinity and lightness, while the main attribute of the room will be curtains and blinds made of natural fabrics.

The bedroom in this design is different big walls And high ceilings with beams. All surfaces in the room should be free of glare and gloss. It's best to choose Decoration Materials with a rough texture. Matte painting or decorative plaster with patterns. In a Mediterranean bedroom, the main piece of furniture is the bed, its forged parts and different elements satin bedspreads and a canopy will complement the wood in an original way.

As for the bathroom, it is usually decorated with wooden furniture and mosaic tiles. To make a room functional, you need to place a minimum of objects in it. All the necessary things can be easily hidden behind the finishing panels. The color scheme for the bathroom is chosen in cool shades, ranging from dark blue to terracotta.

It is recommended to lay out the walls and ceiling in the bathroom facing tiles contrasting colors. It should also be noted that there must be present in the room waffle towels, since they are considered the main attribute of this style.

The Mediterranean style originated in the countries north of the Mediterranean Sea - Greece, Spain, Italy, Turkey - and brought together the abundance of colors and tastes of the southern coast of Europe. And even the difference in the mentality of the regions is not a hindrance to him at all.

Features of the Mediterranean style

A big feature of the style is the harmonious borrowing of nature in the house: a lot of wood, organic fabrics, fresh and bright natural colors. Terracotta tiles, stucco figurines, wooden beams are just a few of the things that make the atmosphere so cozy. Let's take a closer look at the details?

Let's start with the structure of the house: ceilings, floors and walls

White textured walls with huge windows - required condition Mediterranean home. They are rarely even - most often they are plastered and covered with several layers of paint. They can be decorated with mosaics or natural materials - stone or wood.

A separate type of art is ceilings. Carved, irregularly shaped, domed, with wooden beams. The more unusual the better:

Large patterned windows are sometimes left on the ceilings.

If your budget allows, use natural floors. The rooms are often parquet, and in common areas– stone, classic terracotta color. In some places there are bright hand-painted tiles. Arabesque and Moroccan patterns are popular.

Color spectrum

Be inspired by nature, imitate its natural shades. Do you want bright ones: blue sky in spring, dark green ocean, tender May greens, red poppies, warm yellow forget-me-nots. Do you want gentle, muted ones: terracotta clay, lavender fields, rusty earthy shades. Take a white background as a basis, dilute it with painted wood - it’s more harmonious.

Furniture

There are different types of furniture in the Mediterranean style, but most often it is heavy, durable, made of dark wood, and huge in a rustic way. In some places it is shabby, in others it is roughly put together, in others it is extremely elegant: many objects are decorated with carvings and inlaid mosaics. There are covers and many colored pillows on the sofas and armchairs. Wicker furniture is sometimes found.

Textile

The most frequent guests are bright colored pillows on dark furniture and carpets on cold floors. Patterns strongly depend on the region - in Greece they prefer simple fabrics without patterns, in Spain you can find Moroccan motifs.

Curtains are optional, but if you want, light and modest fabrics give the interior an airiness, enjoying every ray of sunshine.

Materials

Mediterranean style is a story about textures. Plaster and several layers of paint on the walls, warm and soft textiles, bronze and iron lamps, durable wooden furniture and beams on the ceiling. But the whole soul is in the tiles. It can be found in furniture, decorative inserts on the floor, and even in frames on the walls.

Varieties of Mediterranean style

No matter how much there is in common between the regions, the style still varies greatly depending on the country. How? Let's talk.

Greek style

The calmest image of all. White walls and white wood floors with wrought iron accents and of blue color any shade. Greek motifs in textures and fabrics, majestic columns and arches, modern furniture.

Italian style

Italian Mediterranean design is close to Tuscan - carefree, slightly chaotic, especially highlighting the colors and textures found in the surrounding landscape. Cast iron objects, natural colors - orange, red, yellow, lots of earth and beige, along with wooden floors and furniture, textured walls.

Spanish version

Moroccan furniture, vibrant textures and mosaic murals with blues, yellows and deep reds. Mosaics are found in mirror frames, tabletops, accessories - lamps, ceramics, vases. Terracotta floors, accent patterns.

Style features in different rooms

Kitchen

A kitchen is needed to welcome guests - a comfortable spacious room with a huge table for 10-12 people for all friends and neighbors. The decoration is simple, as everywhere else, nothing pretentious, bright, or conspicuous. Exception - kitchen apron, it can be as bright as you like. Accessories include useful utensils, copper utensils, braids of garlic, peppers and onions, a lot of dried and fresh flowers.

Living room

In this style, living rooms are often connected to the kitchen, dining room and… garden. IN original houses in southern Europe, large windows and doors occupy all the walls. The rooms are comfortable cushioned furniture, a fireplace is often found. The objects are stocky, stable, with plenty of space between them. Practical accessories - frames, lamps, vases, books and of course flowers.

Bedroom

The bedroom should have a lot of light - large windows, light curtains. A massive comfortable bed (sometimes with a canopy), white walls, always natural materials. Even in small bedroom meet bedside tables and wardrobes for clothes.

Bathroom

IN toilet rooms There are windows that span an entire wall and everything around is made of natural materials. Fresh flowers are very popular, as are spacious bathrooms. There is stone or plaster on the walls, stone tiles on the floor. The walls and ceiling can be decorated with tiles with ancient Roman or Greek patterns.

Well, that's all, do you remember what the Mediterranean style is?

Let's repeat:

Natural colors;

Natural materials;

Creative ceilings;

No rectangular doors or windows;

Light curtains and soft rugs;

Tile, tile, tile;

Plaster on the wall.

And if you want more details, write to us at or take the light test – our test of preferences in the interior.