Mediterranean style houses have an extensive heritage dating back to their introduction into American homes in the 1920s, first becoming widely accepted at this point. Before their mainstream adoption here they evolved out of older European styles like Spanish Colonialism, Italian Renaissanceism, and Mission Revival.
What Is A Mediterranean Style Home?
A Mediterranean style house encapsulates the lifestyle found along Southern European coastal areas. Today’s modern Mediterranean homes may be called Spanish Modern or Neo-Mediterranean properties; while older structures may be classified as Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, or Italian Renaissance properties.
These words and terms are all used to delineate different elements within the Mediterranean home style.
Interesting Facts About Mediterranean Style Homes
There are some interesting facts about Mediterranean style houses:
1. Mediterranean Style Homes Are Built for Natural Cooling
Did you know that Mediterranean-style homes are intentionally constructed to naturally cool themselves? Their thick stucco walls, painted in light hues to reflect away sunlight and act as excellent insulators against heat gain, work wonders to keep interior temperatures under control.
Mediterranean style homes incorporate high ceilings to allow hot air to move up and away from living areas, and large strategically-placed windows allow homeowners to create refreshing cross-breezes in summer months. They tend to be slightly more energy efficient than their suburban tract counterparts.
2. Mediterranean Style Homes May Uphold Positive Psychological Effects
Mediterranean-style homes feature arched windows and doorways, which could have psychologically positive outcomes.
Study results published in 2013 revealed that individuals tend to view spaces with curvier features as more beautiful than those featuring sharp angles, activating brain regions associated with emotion and reward when people judged such spaces as beautiful.
3. Mediterranean Style Homes Are Built Around Indoor-Outdoor Living
While there may be exceptions, Mediterranean home styles generally emphasize indoor-outdoor living, as their origin lies in sunny regions where residents wanted to take advantage of both space “outside” and the comforts of home at once. They were founded upon this core tenet.
As Mediterranean style houses became more common across America, the features that best suited an open-air lifestyle were adopted; such as open floor plans, large windows, and French doors. Additionally, outdoor areas, patios, verandas, terraces, and courtyards serve as an extension of living space.
Modern and High-End Mediterranean Style Homes:
Mediterranean style homes provide the ideal atmosphere for relaxation, dining, and entertainment, not to mention they make an exceptional family residence!
Fair enough, there can be quite a bit of flexibility about current-trend design styles. Modern Mediterranean homes for example may incorporate sliding glass doors, retractable walls, and steel components as part of their style.
High-end Mediterranean style houses may include luxury features like rooftop infinity pools and hot tubs that weren’t around hundreds of years ago, further merging old with new. This allows homeowners to combine classic elements like tile roofs with contemporary amenities in order to blend tradition with innovation.
4. Clay Tile Roofs on Mediterranean Style Homes Can Last Over 100 Years
Mediterranean style homes can often be distinguished by the roof covering, which typically comprises clay tiles. You may have even come across one with red clay roof tiles, they surely stood out!
Clay roof tiles unquestionably provide aesthetic value, yet offer much more. Clay tiles have long been known for being highly durable; some models even last up to 100 years with proper installation!
Their long life can be attributed to clay’s inherent resistance against various conditions including mold, insects, fire, and extreme climate conditions.
Clay tile roofs may cost more than other styles, but their superior longevity makes them particularly desirable.
5. Mediterranean Revival Was First Used at Upscale Resorts
Mediterranean Revival homes, inspired by southern European styles of architecture, first became fashionable in America around 1900.
These structures were initially seen only in luxury hotels and seaside resorts; however, as time progressed they gradually found more widespread application within single-family residences due to their airy layouts that provided shade during hot sunny climates.
Today, Mediterranean Revival homes have become popular choices among upscale neighborhoods all across America including Las Vegas.
6. Mediterranean Style Houses Can Have Hidden Gardens
Stepping inside of a Mediterranean style homes could bring unexpected delight. Some feature hidden or semi-private gardens!
These discreet spaces are typically integrated seamlessly into the layout of modern Mediterranean-inspired homes to evoke classic Mediterranean courtyards. Modern Mediterranean homes with hidden gardens take various forms ranging from interior courtyards, rooftop retreats, nooks, or interior courtyards. The latter is often an interior courtyard retreat!
Curiously, “hidden garden” may be misleading since these gardens tend to be visible from certain points within your house.
7. Mediterranean Homes Are Restored to Combine Original Integrity with Contemporary Amenities
Restoring old Mediterranean homes can be costly; but, for anyone interested in creating an authentic Mediterranean experience in their modern life, restoring one is certainly worthwhile.
Maintaining distinctive elements such as red-tiled roofs, stucco exteriors, and ornate details while adding modern amenities can be difficult; an experienced remodeler must find an equilibrium to accomplish this.
Restoration experts employ minimally invasive techniques to avoid further damaging homes while upholding original designs by reinforcing original structures and refinishing woodwork with epoxy resins or special wood fillers in warmer climates, they also utilize materials that withstand sun damage while maintaining the traditional look of their projects.
At its heart, home renovation should maintain the home’s beauty while adapting it to meet modern living needs. Achieving this requires working closely with architects, specialized craftspeople, and the homeowners themselves.
8. Mediterranean Style Homes May Boast Exquisite Tilework Inspired by Historic Traditions
Have you been inside of a Mediterranean-style home before? Chances are good you have seen either decorative mosaic tiles or tile work which has deep cultural connections within the Mediterranean culture. These features may feature intricate design elements.
Mediterranean tiles come in various styles, such as Italian Majolica, Spanish Azulejo, and Portuguese Azulejo tiles. Each style boasts its distinct look; blue hues often accompany these earth-toned pieces.
Traditional Mediterranean tiles often consist of ceramic or terracotta; modern interpretations prefer porcelain for its versatility in use across floors, walls, kitchen backsplashes, bathroom surfaces, and swimming pool surfaces. Modern Mediterranean homes feature tiles designed with cutting-edge designs that showcase modern aesthetics.
9. Mediterranean Style Homes Are Defined by Central Courtyards
When people picture Mediterranean homes, central courtyards usually come to mind first. Courtyards vary among Mediterranean home subtypes; those designed as Spanish Colonial houses tend to feature larger entrances or courtyards equipped with outdoor kitchens and seating. While courtyards don’t necessarily exist everywhere, they often accompany other outdoor spaces like patios.
Are you searching for Mediterranean style homes in Las Vegas? Contact Las Vegas Real Estate Sales for assistance in locating your ideal Mediterranean-style houses. Let us help find you your dream property!
