A guide to laid back living

If you were asked to picture the difference between Mediterranean and New England coastal homes, each evoke a relaxed and light-filled approach to living. But on closer inspection, the two styles are interpreted in distinctly different ways.

At their core, the foundations of both rely on a natural palette of sun washed neutrals, naturally tactile materials and layers of textures, yet where the New England style feels crisp and tailored, Mediterranean interiors are softer, more rustic and feel effortlessly understated. For those looking to create uplifting spaces inspired by the sun-drenched Med, we explore this laid back approach to interiors and how a rug or runner can inject effortless interest to your home.

So what defines Mediterranean style?

Rooted in a relaxed approach to both living and decorating, coastal interiors reflect the natural materials and simplicity of Mediterranean landscapes and life. Whitewashed walls, cool terracotta tiles and aged timber form the foundations, with unexpected colour introduced through elements such as a painted doorway or window, with a statement rug introducing texture and a dose of earthy muted colour. Very much an imperfect approach to interiors, spaces don’t feel overly styled, taking the view that pieces tell stories and evolve with us over time, keeping that connection with our surroundings and the materials in our home. 

Increasingly embraced in UK homes, this casual approach to decorating combines a restrained pop of colour softened by white-washed walls, soft earthy tones, weathered woods, buttery linens and timeworn finishes to create spaces that feel calm, welcoming and quietly refined. 

Mediterranean Colour

When it comes to colour, the approach is subtle, with paint used to offer accents to architectural details and textiles. The addition of a striped flatweave rug or textural hand tufted design can elevate this even further, adding another layer of character and warmth underfoot while introducing quiet colour and enhancing the relaxed, lived-in quality that defines this enduring style.

To add earthy, rustic tones to a neutral scheme, a flatweave rug provides a grounding element whilst softening tiled floors and cooler materials like stone and cement. Reds, oranges and pinks tempered by neutrals create year round warmth, with designs such as Malton Terracotta, Pelham Gold and Milan Cerise offering a palette that reflects the sun-baked hues of the Mediterranean while adding pattern and texture to pared-back spaces. For stairs, Mila is a subtle border design and effortlessly laid-back design making it the perfect choice for a Mediterranean-inspired hallway. Paired with a pop of coloured paintwork and natural, worn materials, it can transform a space into a welcoming entrance full of character.

Adding warmth and texture to hard floors

For more intimate spaces like snugs and offices that use a minimal palette and are framed through a doorway or opening, a statement patterned hand tufted rug can inject instant interest with its deep pile and inviting textures. Our hand tufted rugs range from bold to quiet, and can be individually created to any space. Inspired by the horizon lines where sea meets sky, the Linear collection sees designs that balance laid-back coastal elements with contemporary compositions, making the perfect addition to relaxed and lived-in interiors. Sennen, a design that makes a quiet statement, features graphic stripes contained amongst earthy blocks of colour, making it the ideal addition for an elevated mediterranean inspired office or seating area. For a little more timeless colour that will help unite spaces like living rooms or hallways, the Penrose rug displays a considered layering of cool, warm and neutral hues in a lively striped arrangement that will complement a number of pared back interior styles.

Not only does a rug add interest and colour to a space, they are also a practical and versatile addition to the home, providing year round functionality. In winters, when hard flooring is cold and uninviting, the deep wool pile of a hand tufted design or a tactile flatwoven rug are an easy way to retain heat and provide warmth underfoot, softening acoustics and enveloping them with texture. Whilst in summer, wool also has the ability to regulate heat and humidity within warmer climates, making a rug a smart investment for those seeking quality design that will change with the seasons.