| The timeless quality and laid back style | | | | technique. |
| Mediterranean interior design has made it a long | | | | Tiles should be used extensively throughout the |
| time imitated style in Britain. Holiday makers have | | | | home, with mosaics and terracotta tiles favoured |
| been enchanted by themes which evoke feelings | | | | over other styles. Ways to incorporate them are |
| of the turquoise ocean, the romance of the | | | | splash-backs, work-tops, floors and even |
| setting sun and all the other sights, sounds and | | | | fireplaces and chimney breasts. Mosaics especially, |
| smells that make up the Mediterranean style and | | | | provide a real opportunity to spread vibrant |
| wanted to bring a piece of it home. | | | | colours like yellows, oranges and reds- all typical |
| If it is a Mediterranean feel you wish to recreate | | | | of the style. |
| in your home then the first thing you will be | | | | Include lots of low lighting such as table lamps or |
| pleased to hear is that in terms of international | | | | floor lamps to create a serene atmosphere with |
| design themes, it is amongst the cheapest to | | | | warmth. |
| recreate. The simple, laid back approach means | | | | Finish off with fabrics to add warmth and |
| Mediterranean homes are kept fairly basic and | | | | comfort- your home may appear sunny inside but |
| minimal. Try to pair down the amount of furniture | | | | it is still Britain outside. Fabric textures should be |
| you include in order to keep an airy feel to rooms. | | | | rough and earthy and contain lots of colour. Cheap |
| In terms of what style of furniture to include, you | | | | fabrics can be used to make cushion covers or |
| are free to mix up styles as Mediterranean style | | | | cover old settees and you should also add some |
| covers a broad area, including countries such as | | | | inexpensive rag rugs for laid back comfort. Dress |
| Spain, Italy and France. A clever and cost | | | | windows in either natural cotton curtains or a |
| effective way to incorporate the typical wrought | | | | cheap roller blind to allow plenty of light to flood |
| iron structures and oversized urns prevalent in | | | | your rooms. |
| Mediterranean design is by visiting your garden | | | | The rustic look of the Mediterranean is one of the |
| centre rather than a furniture store. Here you will | | | | most satisfying design styles to use in your home. |
| find ornate iron outdoor furniture which could be | | | | Though extremely cheap and simple, its results |
| used as indoor seating with a real Mediterranean | | | | can be stunning. It requires no decorating skill or |
| feel. | | | | experience and therefore a perfect style to |
| Walls a typically painted terracotta but if this is a | | | | adopt for first time buyers or people with hectic |
| little too dark for your tastes or your room is on | | | | lifestyles. With a little creativity and elbow grease, |
| the small side, opt for sunny shades of lemon or | | | | your home can benefit from all of the romance, |
| cream. Try to achieve an uneven or washed out | | | | colour and vibrancy that make the Mediterranean |
| finish to the walls by either adding a little water to | | | | style such a popular choice. |
| your paint or by applying it with a "rag-roll" | | | | |