Chic Mediterranean Style Showcased in Marbella
Another international spotlight will be focused on the Costa del Sol next week when the inaugural Design Marbella fair is held from 5 to 9 April. The event was created to provide a meeting point for collectors, gallery owners, designers and designer lovers, and to showcase a collection of contemporary brands “chosen by an international committee whose experience guarantees the best quality of furniture, lighting and art objects”.
When it comes to quality, “Mediterranean style” is one of the world’s most popular and versatile latest trends and, bearing in mind the location of the host city, it is likely to have a prominent role centre-stage at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos (conference hall).
So what exactly is the Mediterranean style? For a “global” opinion, we checked out the authoritative interior design magazine and portal Houzz, and a recent article by Giulia Zappa.
- White: In a warm climate, protection from the sun and heat is crucial for the greater part of the year. It’s no surprise, then, that buildings are often coated in reflective white. Besides the cooling and antibacterial properties of the traditional lime wash, the white finish promotes visual relaxation and a sense of cleanliness for both the eye and the mind.
- Blue: More than any other colour, blue acts as the counterpoint to white’s dominance in the region’s architecture. Its diverse shades — pale blue, turquoise and ultramarine are the most frequently used — recall the sea and break up the uniformity of a white backdrop. Blue is great not only for doors, window frames and finishes, but also for furniture and accessories.
Stone: Highly prized and frequently used throughout the area, stone is often left exposed in both outdoor and indoor spaces. It’s also versatile, allowing for the creation of beautiful pieces. Especially characteristic of the region is tuff, a stone formed from compacted volcanic ash.- Ceramics: Italy’s majolica pottery, Morocco’s zellige tile and the azulejo tile of Spain and Portugal are a huge part of the Mediterranean tradition. The use of new or salvaged tile, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, not only evokes the charm of Mediterranean style, but also allows for thousands of decorative possibilities from different tile combinations.
- Frescoes: In villas and palaces, Mediterranean style includes rich ceiling frescoes and sophisticated floor designs, often featuring floral motifs or mythological scenes. These elements can blend with contemporary furniture for a more modern take or create deliberate accents within the Mediterranean aesthetic.
Handmade: Many elements in the Mediterranean architectural vernacular have smooth shapes that have been lovingly fashioned by hand. Chairs, countertops, built-in benches and niches are often handcrafted. Especially when stylishly embellished with personal items, such elements speak to an individual and human touch.- Wooden furniture: The furniture that has a privileged role in Mediterranean interiors is therefore also handmade, unsophisticated and marked by the passage of time. This furniture exalts in the beauty of the simple and slow work that lies at the heart of its creation. For a traditional Mediterranean aesthetic, look at conifer woods especially.
- Natural materials: Alongside old stone, lime and handmade finishes, we often find furnishings and household linen made from natural materials.
Reed pergolas: On hot and sunny days, pergolaswith reed lattices make terraces and gardens enjoyable even during the warmest hours. Their structure promotes the growth of climbing plants, which add spontaneous organic decoration. In the evening, a latticed pergola beckons to the guests of the house, serving as the natural centre for a delightful outdoor dinner.- Olive trees in terra-cotta pots: If one had to name a plant that, more than any other, influenced the history of every Mediterranean civilisation, it would be the olive tree, which grows throughout the Mediterranean basin. These trees are often found planted in wonderful (and natural) terra-cotta pots.
- New Mediterranean minimalism: The area isn’t just about traditional style consisting of architectural staples – it also showcases the best expressions of contemporary architecture and design. Especially interesting are projects that integrate the Mediterranean spirit with a minimalist touch: houses large and small that deftly mix concrete with old, original materials, essentially representing the abstract icons of traditional forms while maintaining that smooth and cosy Mediterranean touch.
Luxury Living
The New Golden Mile area between Marbella and Estepona offers a resplendent showcase of the Mediterranean style, as highlighted by the stunning apartments and penthouses in this luxury residential complex – great value at €410,000.
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