Residential Mediterranean Style Architecture

Climate

• Influenced by regions in Europe, Asia and Africa, the Mediterranean architectural style is common to American homes situated in California and Florida. Exterior and interior Mediterranean architectural elements are well-suited to residences located in similar climatic and topographical regions. Sturdy, thick, exterior walls protect occupants from heat during hot summer months, keeping the interior cool and insulated. Substantially built walls increase protection from high winds and pounding rain. White exterior walls reflect sunlight away from the house, contributing to a cool interior.

Exterior

• Traditional Mediterranean homes are fenced and gated to ensure privacy. Low-pitched roofs covered in red terra cotta tiles incorporate extended roof eaves, typifying Mediterranean architecture. Common exterior features include open courtyards, decorative landscaping and babbling fountains. Structural columns, porticos and outer walls constructed of brick or stucco are common Mediterranean features. Grand, wooden front doors and arched windows partially encased by wrought-iron grilles reflect the Spanish influence. Loggias -- a chain of arches supported by columns -- may come into this design.

Interior

• Hand-carved, Mexican cantera stone enhances the Mediterranean design. This stone may be for attractive floors, mantels, hearths, window ledges and fireplace surrounds. Additional interior features incorporating cantera stone include crown moulding, hand rails, columns and door trims. Blue, lavender and yellow compose the typical Mediterranean color palette. Two-story Mediterranean homes are common and incorporate an open, architectural plan, viewing as many rooms as possible from a single interior location.

Ashlee Simpson

• Well-known, singer-songwriter-actress Ashlee Simpson owns a home exemplifying Mediterranean style architecture. Exterior features include a walled and gated courtyard with canyon and hillside views. A meditation garden complete with fountain and firepit and a built-in pool adjacent to a luxurious guest house are elements comprising this Mediterranean masterpiece. Interior wide plank floors, soaring cathedral ceilings and more than 7,100 ft of living space situated on more than half an acre contribute to this extraordinary Mediterranean design.