25 Mediterranean-Style Kitchens

Warm and rich, Mediterranean style finds its inspiration in the intense colors of nature: the blues, yellows and greens of sun and sea. When it comes to materials, Mediterranean kitchens tend toward natural ones. Hardwood floors are common, usually in lighter shades to continue a light, bright and welcoming feel. Earthy terra-cotta floor tiles and handpainted tile backsplashes; rustic, textured walls; stone; and accents of wrought iron and dark wood define this engaging, timeless look.

Here, a low peninsula countertop serves as the boundary between this luxury kitchen and an adjacent living room. Ceiling beams are one feature of a Mediterranean kitchen, and in this one, help accentuate the high ceilings.

An armoire-style cabinet lined with curtains, arched backsplash and a trio of iron lanterns showcase French-country flavor in this design by Gail Drury that blends Mediterranean touches of wrought iron and wood.

Natural elements and plenty of texture in cabinets, floors and countertops define the Mediterranean look. This open plan kitchen gets a stately feel from thick exposed beams and detailed cabinetry and drawers. The textured tile backsplash adds another layer of texture.

Pops of blue offset the handsome wood cabinets and floors in this open plan kitchen. The rich blue cabinet brings in a fun tie-in with the ocean just outside the door.

Stainless steel appliances blend gracefully with the dark kitchen countertops and cabinetry that define this Mediterranean kitchen. The variety of woods works because the tones are so different: cool for the cabinets, warm on the floor.

Tilework, especially hand-painted tile, is a signature component of Mediterranean kitchens. Designer Melissa Salamoff gave this galley kitchen Moroccan tile features that are reflective of the overall Mediterranean style of this home. The arched mosaic tile backsplash over the stove echoes the arched doorway leading into this kitchen.

Dark wood kitchen cabinets have beautiful detailing, highlighted by the white walls and countertops. The pendants' and barstools' slim lines feel more modern in contrast.

Wrought iron is one feature of a classic Mediterranean kitchen. Here a few Mediterranean touches — the chandelier and pendant lights — take this white kitchen in a unique direction. Its square shape is maximized for efficiency with a central island and built-in storage units like the wine rack above the refrigerator.

Curves and stonework are two elements of the Mediterranean kitchen, and this kitchen has both in the large stone archway connecting the kitchen and living room in this elegant home. Travertine tile carries from the dining area and kitchen into the living room, giving the home a sense of cohesion and fluidity.

Four black barstools at the beige wood kitchen island provide a great place to enjoy a casual meal and create an ideal homework spot for kids in this warm Mediterranean kitchen.

A Tuscan mural-designed backsplash gives this kitchen, featured on HGTV's Home Town, an infusion of color.

Mediterranean design is often characterized by tile floors, especially terra-cotta Saltillo tile. In addition, this Mediterranean kitchen boasts a beautiful stone wall that also warms up the space with rustic elegance.

This large chef's kitchen features a farmhouse sink, tile floors and rich wood cabinetry in a harmonious blend of farmhouse and Mediterranean styles.

A large white range hood sits over a chef-grade gas stovetop in this opulent eat-in kitchen. Iron pendant light fixtures hang over the island. Heavy fixtures and warm brown wood lend an Old World, Mediterranean feel.

This modern Tuscan-style kitchen pays homage to the traditional details associated with the design through its use of color, architecture and accessories. Wood rafters help enclose the kitchen, while exposing the cathedral ceilings and intricate, artistic murals along the walls and ceilings. Simple wrought iron fixtures give Mediterrean style a contemporary edge. With massive wooden beams, terra-cotta tiles from Italy and hand-painted frescoes of Italian vineyards — this kitchen cooks up Italian flavor from floor to ceiling.

This white Mediterranean-style kitchen with blue accents evokes the whitewashed buildings of the Greek islands.

Rich, warm colors are a feature of Mediterranean kitchens like this one, bathed in shades of yellow and blue to echo the sun and sea. Painted pottery sits on yellow shelves in this Italian-style kitchen by designer Linda Adams. Blue and yellow tiles and a tiled backsplash are partnered with yellow and blue cabinets to give this cozy kitchen an Old World feel.

Eclectic French and Mediterranean details in this kitchen from Indianapolis designer Jennifer Norrington include a toile-upholstered armchair and wrought-iron pot rack, tile backsplashes and ladder-back chairs.

Arched cabinets add a touch of the Mediterranean, and open shelving allows the homeowner to showcase favorite majolica pieces in this kitchen designed by TMS Architects.

Sophisticated and elegant, traditional toile in soft shades of tan and rose are integral to the French-country style. Curtained oak cabinetry is a hallmark of the look, and dried flowers are a classic Provençal accent in this kitchen designed by David Stimmel.

Designer Ellinor Ellefson imported a 19th-century iron fireback from Italy for this Mediterranean style kitchen. The arched stove hood enhances the Old Europe feeling.