The Mediterranean style of home decor features elements from the "old" countries of Italy, Spain and Greece. This style focuses on rich colors that evoke the land - browns and reds, not to mention products of the land itself - fruits and vegetables displayed in bowls or on fabrics. There are no bare bones in the Mediterranean style, the entire room, the entire home, becomes a piece of art.



Whether you're going to decorate one room or your entire home in the Mediterranean style, give some thought to the overall look of the home.

The walls are one of the distinctive features of a Mediterranean-style room. The walls are textured so much that they are almost living things, in shades of brown or red so that it looks as if they've been in existence for hundreds of years and show the patina of age. Occasionally murals are used - these are called "faux art" and consist of artwork that "fools the eye," so that the viewer can believe he is looking out a window at a grove of olive trees, for example, or a refreshing Mediterranean beach.

The floors are tiled, and that tile is not just something to step on a piece of art in its own right. Whether that tile consists of large squares of deep browns or reds, or smaller squares of variegated colors to form an intricate mosaic, is entirely up to the whim of the owner.

Much furniture in the Mediterranean style is simple, practical and functional. However, there's plenty of furniture in the more baroque style, with ornately carved wood and fabric upholstery that's been textured.

But of course every home consists of more than wall and floor treatments. There's the accessories to be considered. Pottery, statuettes, bowls of fruit and so on are the main items in the Mediterranean style.

What artwork should you have on your walls? Reproductions of the Old Masters in ornate frames will enhance any room. The Mona Lisa is probably the most famous painting in the world, so much so that you might not want to have it on your walls, but there are thousands of other classics that will complement the Mediterranean style nicely.

As for statuary, why not think of reproductions of classic Greek statuary - from the Venus de Milo to the Winged Nike to Michelangelo's David.

There are plenty of places on the web that sell these types of accessories to help you enhance your home.