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Mediterranean Living

Mediterranean flair for home

A warm breeze wafts through the window, on the table lemons scent the air in a clay vase, and the tiles underfoot feel like a holiday. Who says this feeling of life is only possible by the Mediterranean? Mediterranean living brings exactly this mood into your own four walls – with natural materials, warm colours, and a handcrafted character. Hardly any element creates as much atmosphere as a well-chosen rug.

Mediterranean-style living room with a striking royal blue rug in a diamond design.

The Style of the South: light, lively and timeless

The charm of Mediterranean decor lies in its simple elegance, attention to detail, and clarity of forms. The materials – stone, wood, ceramic, linen – give the space a sense of lightness and naturalness. The colour palette is also crucial: terracotta, sand, olive green, turquoise, blue – inspired by sun, sea, and earth.

Those who wish to furnish in a Mediterranean style often consciously embrace the imperfect: surfaces with patina, furniture with character. Lime-washed walls that are not flawless tell a story. Just like hand-knotted rugs . No piece is the same as another; each carries its own signature.

Colours & Materials Overview

When one thinks of life in southern countries, warm colours, rough walls, and the play of light and shadow immediately come to mind.

That is precisely what makes Mediterranean living so special. It feels vibrant yet relaxed at the same time. What is the first step in this direction? The choice of colours and materials.

Terracotta certainly belongs in this mix. This earthy tone has a calming effect, yet it is never dull. The same goes for ochre or sandy colours: they radiate a certain warmth and make spaces feel open.

Those who wish to set accents often turn to shades of blue or turquoise, as they bring the coolness of the sea and the freshness of the sky into the home. Olive green, on the other hand, reminds one of the vegetation around the Mediterranean. All in all, a colour scheme emerges that feels balanced but never sterile.

Materials that are honest and connected to nature complement Mediterranean furnishings. Natural stone is a good example, often used for floors or as wall cladding. Wood can show its grain, and joints can be visible. Perfection is out of place here. Linen fabrics are particularly popular; they feel light and not too tidy, just right for rooms with a southern character.

Rugs play a larger role in Mediterranean interior design than one might think. They make spaces feel homely, especially where tiles can otherwise feel cold quickly. It's not about thick cushions but rather a textile surface that holds the room together and connects everything. Made from natural materials, they provide soft transitions and bring calm to open living areas.

In the end, it’s all about the interplay. Those who wish to furnish in a Mediterranean style do not need complicated concepts. Colours that remind of earth and sea. Materials that are allowed to breathe. And a design that leaves space – for light, for air, for life. That is what defines the Mediterranean style of furnishing.

Creating zones, structuring spaces

In generously proportioned rooms, as often found in modern living, rugs take on the role of structuring spaces. A large rug in the living room, a sturdy one under the dining table – this creates islands in the room that provide comfort without dividing.

A rug, such as an Indo-Gabbeh , is ideally suited for such tasks. It is durable, easy to care for, and its calm design remains present. At the same time, it protects the floor from wear: a practical aspect that is considered when decorating in a Mediterranean style.

Gabbeh LoriBaft rug with floral patterns in blue and green.
Gabbeh Loribaft
261 x 189

NZ$5,815

Acoustics and Room Climate – Underrated Qualities

Rugs in a Mediterranean context serve far more than just a decorative function. They improve acoustics, especially in rooms with stone, glass, or high ceilings, and create a more pleasant spatial experience.

By using natural materials, rugs can absorb and release moisture. This stabilises the living environment, particularly when combined with breathable wall and floor coverings. Another subtle benefit that contributes to a holistic living experience.

Bright living room with a beige-brown vintage rug in front of open French doors.
Ziegler Farahan
347 x 273

NZ$10,302

Bringing nature into the home: Mediterranean-style plants

Plants are as much a part of Mediterranean decor as olive oil is to the kitchen. They bring life, fragrance, and structure to the home. There’s no need for tropical varieties – what grows around the Mediterranean is perfectly sufficient.

Lavender with its purple flowers and silvery foliage instantly creates a holiday atmosphere. In a terracotta pot on the windowsill or balcony, it requires little maintenance but makes a big impression. Rosemary is equally low-maintenance. Its resinous scent evokes memories of summer evenings, and as a culinary herb, it is doubly useful.

The olive tree is considered a classic. Even as a small standard tree, it brings a southern flair – whether in the living area, entrance hall, or on the terrace. Combined with stone, wood, and ceramics, it creates a harmonious ensemble.

Important: A few well-placed accents are more effective than a multitude of small pots.

Room by Room: Mediterranean Living in Practice

Living room

Naturalness at every turn

A living room in Mediterranean style thrives on light, airiness, and furnishings that showcase personality. Berber rugs are a wonderful addition here. Their dense structure and soft pile invite you to walk barefoot. They pair excellently with oiled wooden floors, linen fabrics, and subtle wall colours in beige or sand.

If you prefer something a bit more refined, opt for a Ziegler rug. The delicate patterns and muted colours appear understated yet characterful – especially in combination with antique pieces or iron furniture. A rug in this space connects without dominating. It creates visual accents and provides a framework for the various elements in the room. This is what makes it so valuable in Mediterranean living.

Mediterranean living space with a rectangular Persian Gabbeh Loribaft Atash in shades of blue.
Persian Gabbeh Loribaft Atash
199 x 156

NZ$5,685

Mediterranean bedroom with Berber Ela design 3D rug featuring a graphic pattern.
Berber Ela Design 3D
294 x 217

NZ$5,253

NZ$4,833

Bedroom

Quiet tones, soft floors

In the bedroom, tranquility takes centre stage: both acoustically and visually. Rugs can help define the space and create a harmonious transition from the bed to the floor.

Berber rugs introduce a pleasant texture, while Gabbeh with their calm colours and clear lines bring order.

Cream, sand, or a subtle green have a soothing and unobtrusive effect. Combined with linen fabrics, wooden furniture, and lime wash on the walls, a space is created that is not only for sleeping but also for breathing deeply.

Kitchen

The kitchen is a meeting point, workspace, and comfort zone all at once. And that’s precisely why it needs flooring that is practical yet stylish.

A flat-woven kilim is a natural choice here: robust, easy to care for, and vibrant.

Its colours – from warm red to muted green – capture the natural light that falls through open windows onto stone floors. It fits harmoniously between wooden shelves, ceramic dishes, and copper pots.

In Mediterranean style, it’s all about authenticity. A rug in the kitchen supports exactly that: it can show signs of use, as they tell the story of the life that takes place here.

Hallway

The first impression of your home

The hallway is the entrance to your home and often reveals the style behind it. A suitable rug provides structure and atmosphere here.

Indo-Gabbeh or Kelim rugs offer the robust craftsmanship and clear patterns that are exactly what is needed in the entrance area. They withstand dirt, moisture, and daily wear without losing their appeal.

With accessories such as a narrow wooden table, a mirror with a patinated frame, or a basket for shoes, a space is created that feels inviting and sets a Mediterranean tone right from the start.

Bright Mediterranean hallway with Berber Moroccan carpet featuring a subtle diamond pattern.
Berber Maroccan
236 x 172

NZ$2,899

Study

Clarity and cosiness

A study must bring functionality, but it can still be homely. Rugs help to create an atmosphere that promotes concentration without feeling cold.

Texura or Barchi rugs are particularly suitable due to their flat structure and subtle design. They zone the space, dampen noise, and introduce a calm tone through natural colours.

Complemented by a desk made of untreated wood, open shelves, and indirect lighting, a space is created where work simply belongs.

Inspiration

Handwoven kilim with a red border, geometric all-over pattern, borders, flat-woven without pile.

Modern Berber rug with a graphic, symmetrical line pattern in shades of red and orange.

Handwoven kilim with vertical stripes in red and light cream in a minimalist design.

Berber rug in Moroccan style with a geometric stair pattern in white and black accents.

Berber rug in pink with crossed grey lines and an orange stripe pattern in the upper section.

Handwoven kilim in vibrant red with black and white stripes, along with fine mottled accents.