Is Mediterranean the New Hamptons?

The Mediterranean aesthetic has been trending for the last couple of years in Australia and doesn't look to be losing popularity. It is even said that Mediterranean is the new Hamptons, although I believe the Hamptons look is fairly immune to changing trends!

Mediterranean homes traditionally feature light exterior stucco walls to maintain cooler temperatures, central courtyards to encourage natural ventilation, and low-pitched terracotta roofs. Thermal mass from stone and tile floors keeps interiors cool, while interior-exterior connection is central to the design. The Roman influence is evident in the widespread use of arches.

All this to say, it's a style that is well suited to the Australian lifestyle and climate, and it fits perfectly into the pendulum swing away from millennial grey to warm colours with appealing textured finishes. The trending use of hand-plastered Venetian plaster walls, artisanal tiles, terracotta finishes, and arches all tie into this movement.

It's a great style for renovators and developers to execute. Builders have become accustomed to incorporating arches and curves into their builds, so there is less pushback on construction methods that were once considered too complicated and expensive. Many of the products with a Mediterranean look are now supplied relatively inexpensively. It photographs well, and is easy to style.

There are some authentic-looking projects documented if you want to check out this aesthetic and get some inspiration. The Grece residence in Brisbane features curved details, terracotta tiles, crazy paving, lime-plastered walls, mid-brown timber joinery, and beautiful stonework. Volume builder, Ultra Living Homes, has a display home called La Casa Eden 54, promoted as affordable luxury (though the landscaping alone contradicts this claim!) with a modern Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic.

Looking into my crystal ball, the future of Mediterranean style will include Murano glass, darker timber, richer, moodier colours like reds and browns, stripes, patterned tiles, and a vintage aesthetic. But for now, it's light, bright, and very saleable.

If you have a particular style of design you're looking to incorporate into a build, I would love to hear about it. Check out my shop for the latest finishes schedule in Mediterranean style - https://www.iistudio.com.au/product-page/modern-mediterranean-finishes-schedule