As the name suggests, the Mediterranean style originated in European countries north of the Mediterranean Sea - Greece, Spain, and Italy. Most of the preeminent architects of the age were primarily known for painting and sculpture, skills which they often put to good use in the decoration of the palaces they were designing for their wealthy patrons. Bramante was to distinguish himself in ecclesiastical architecture enjoying papal patronage for his long career. Sangallo, Michelangelo, Rafael, Michelozzi and others executed many domestic designs for palaces in both urban and rural environments to complete a resume that includes both public and private architecture. Private courtyards were a defining feature of the urban palaces of the time in an effort to reproduce in miniature the grand gardens of the country estates. The style is characterized by visual elements like arched windows and doorways, low-pitched roof lines covered in tiles, and stucco walls. Intricate stone details can also be found throughout interior and exterior elements.
Take a look at a few famous modern day mediterranean style homes you may recognize....
Okay, so maybe this isn't exactly "attainable," but Cher's massive Italian Renaissance Malibu estate is a good example of modern day Mediterranean architecture. It was up for sale a few years back for a whopping $45 Million.
Michael Douglas' ex-wife Diandra Douglas resides in the Mediterranean style home built in the 1920's that the couple had purchased in 1979 for $275,000 in Montecito.
A villa-style home designed by Reginald Johnson in 1915, the renowned architect of the Biltmore Hotel.
And here are a few Visbeen Architects' designed Mediterranean abodes...
Star Coast Villas, a development in China
If you are looking to achieve the Mediterranean style, here are a few great products to consider:
- Roofing: GAF Roofing has a designer shingle line called Monaco. It gives you the look of a genuine European tile roof at a fraction of the cost with the added bonus of a lifetime ltd transferable warranty with Smart Choice Protection for the first ten years.
- Fireplace / kitchen hood details: Tartaruga Design Inc. offers historical European-inspired mantelpieces and kitchen hoods, impeccably crafted and hand-sculpted. They offer nearly unlimited combinations of design variations, material choices and hand finishes, making each piece as unique as the properties they are made for.
- Stone details: Haddonstone is the leading manufacturor of cast stone building materials, making elements like quoins, keystones, balustrades, coping and capping, etc.
- Windows: Loewen windows offers a variety of window lines and even custom designs to perfectly fit every architectural style, including Mediterranean.
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