If you’re a fan of luxurious living, there’s no amend architectural trend for you lot than Mediterranean. These homes remind viewers of seaside villas in addition to fourth dimension spent on vacation. That said, receive got you lot e'er wondered what just it is that makes the Mediterranean habitation in addition to therefore unique?
We decided to accept an in-depth await at what it is that sets Mediterranean homes apart. If you lot accept the fourth dimension to read over these distinctions, you’ll hold out an practiced on this trend earlier you lot know it.
Mediterranean homes boast both Castilian in addition to Italian influences. Image: McHarris Planning & Design
History of the Mediterranean home
Mediterranean homes every bit nosotros know them today are based off an architectural trend known every bit Mediterranean Revival. This trend aims to emulate the feeling of beingness inwards a luxurious Mediterranean villa. It became popularized during the 1920s when a cultural obsession alongside wealth in addition to leisure led to a nail inwards seaside resorts.
Originally, the trend was solely used for world structures similar hotels. However, eventually, architects similar Addison Mizner of Florida and Bertram Goodhue of California saw that the style’s breezy layout mightiness hold out a goodness jibe for their coastal climates. It withal remains nearly pop inwards coastal areas today.
Types of Mediterranean homes
Mediterranean Revival homes are unique inwards that they borrow influences from a few unlike cultures inwards that geographic region. In particular, Italian in addition to Castilian are seen nearly commonly. Below is an explanation of the differences betwixt the two:
Italian Renaissance (1890-1930)
As the name suggests, Italian Renaissance homes borrow some of their inspiration from the 16th-century buildings of the Italian Renaissance. Specifically, this tin hold out seen inwards their imposing scale, every bit good every bit architectural details similar columns in addition to rounded arches. That said, this trend too borrows from its ain fourth dimension period, which began at the terminate of the Victorian era. Of the unlike styles of Mediterranean home, Italian Renaissance homes are the nearly ornate.
Spanish Revival (1915-1930)
Spanish Revival homes are based off of the architecture that the Castilian Colonists brought to America inwards the 16th century. This architectural stimulate was particularly pop inwards warmer, coastal areas similar California in addition to Florida. Castilian Revival homes are a chip simpler than the other Mediterranean varieties. They characteristic cleaner lines, every bit good every bit a lower-pitched roofline that appears thicker in addition to heavier.
Modern Mediterranean
Modern Mediterranean architecture tin follow either Castilian or Italian design. It brings dorsum a concentration on resort-style living. These homes borrow aesthetic details from the traditional Mediterranean habitation trend alongside many of the comforts of modern living. These homes commonly characteristic opened upwardly flooring plans, expansive, updated kitchens in addition to an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.
Defining features of Mediterranean homes
Though at that topographic point are around distinct differences betwixt the sub-types, at that topographic point are a few defining features that necktie them all together. They are every bit follows:
Exterior features
- Sprawling, symmetrical façades
- Stucco exteriors
- Low-pitched, tile roofs
- Arched windows in addition to doorways
- Wrought-iron balconies in addition to window grilles
- European-style gardens or courtyards
Interior features
- One to 2 stories
- Rectangular flooring plan
- High ceilings
- Heavy purpose of woods in addition to patterned tile
- Designed to allow breezes current through the house