• Water and land both provide inspiration for Mediterranean decor.the evening sun on the mediterranean sea image by Alexey Protasov from Fotolia.com
  
  Along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the blue hues of sky and water mix with the creamy whites and yellows, rich reds and greens, and dark earth tones of the surrounding landscapes. The colors and textures of the environment influence the architecture of the region, as well as the interior designs.
  
  

Greece

• The Grecian landscape is a study in blue and white. The pastel blue of the sky, the deep blue-green of the sea and the bright white of the smooth sandy beaches create a stunning color palette and offer a rich array of textures to inspire interior design.
  
  Dark hardwood floors paired with whitewashed walls create a background set for contrast. Use white and blue fabrics for upholstered furniture, selecting furniture with soft, curving lines and deep padding. To complement the contrast, use gold-framed oil paintings and natural wood or reed window shades. Add visual interest and softness with large potted plants, throw pillows, and an area rug.
  
  

Italy

• The Italian Mediterranean is a warm climate with blue skies and pink-hued beaches bathed in soft yellow sunlight. This color palette translates to gold textured walls and rustic tile flooring.
  
  Furniture is ornate, with intricate carving, upholstered in printed fabrics. Beaded lampshades, fringed bed linens, and layered window treatments are indicative of Italian Mediterranean decor.
  
  Use a broad color palette, including gold and sunny yellow, pink and red, and leafy greens along with deep purple hues with red undertones. The rooms in Italian Mediterranean decor are filled with furnishings, with the seating arranged close together, and the shelves crowded with pottery, dishes, seashells, and books.
  
  

Spain

• The heat of the Spanish Mediterranean inspires a culinary color palette. Chile red, grape green, lemon yellow and eggplant purple contrast with subtler shades such as wheat and eggshell.
  
  Use upholstered furnishings with rolled arms and curved backs. Use solid-colored fabrics in the darker colors of the palette in natural materials such as cotton, linen, suede and leather. Include side chairs with slat backs and finials. Tables with glass tops and wrought iron legs add textural interest to the decor.
  
  Include armoires with ornate hardware, open-front display cabinets, and low-boy chests. These hard-case goods may be painted with floral designs such as grape vines or in rich colors such as paprika or gold.
  
  Use tile flooring throughout the design scheme. Clay tiles, such as Saltillo, work well in kitchens and outdoor rooms. Add painted tiles to the kitchen backsplash as well. In living areas, the floors may be hardwood or tile. Textured walls painted yellow, white or red add a finishing touch to the Spanish Mediterranean design.