What is a Mediterranean Kitchen Style?
Mediterranean kitchens are a popular design style for those looking to get a taste, both literally and figuratively, of life across the sea. They often feature natural and warm colors and a variety of textures to leave you with an eclectic and inviting space. Colors such as oranges, yellows, and reds mixed with pops of blue are usually used the vibrancy of the blue and yellow pair nicely with the warm reds and oranges. There is also an emphasis on natural materials like hardwood and natural lighting to tie the earthy tones together. A Mediterranean kitchen can be executed in a variety of ways, channeling any of the 21 countries included in the region. As one of the nation’s highest-rated multi-showroom kitchen and bath retailers, Cabinets Direct USA is your best bet to achieve a Mediterranean Kitchen Style.
Distinct Regions in the Mediterranean
There are three main regions in the Mediterranean: the Eastern Mediterranean, the Southern European, and the North African region; each one known for its own type of cuisine. The Eastern Mediterranean region includes countries such as Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, and Egypt. Like many kitchens, thinking about the food and flavors can guide your design and layout. There is a heavy reliance on cheese and yogurt here, along with parsley and mint to season food. The Southern European region of the Mediterranean includes parts of France, Italy, and Spain. Food preparation in this region almost involves one or more of the following: tomato, garlic, capers, and/or pine nuts. Finally, the North African region of the Mediterranean, or Morocco, stretches across the Southern shoreline of the Mediterranean. Spices such as cumin, coriander, and saffron are regularly used to prepare food here.
Despite having distinct culinary traditions, the Mediterranean regions all focus on seasonally fresh and well-prepared meals, using olive oil whenever necessary, of course. Thinking about the foods, spices and flavors and featuring them decoratively in your kitchen concept will be a good starting point.
Eastern Mediterranean Kitchen
The Eastern Mediterranean region includes over 20 countries, including Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, and Turkey. Encompassing a variety of cultures, this region is a crossroad of exchange and is therefore rich in history and tradition.
Much of the Eastern Mediterranean culture is rooted in Levant traditions. The Levant is a geographic term for modern-day Palestine, Israel, and Syria and is closely intertwined with Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions. The most prominent flavors in Levant culture are sumac, pomegranate, lemon, and orange. Cheese, yogurt, flatbread, lamb, mutton, poultry, and whole grains are among the most popular foods eaten in these regions. As Levant culture is closely intertwined with religion, many of its recipes are rooted in Jewish traditions. For example, Sabich, a pita sandwich made with eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, and potato is eaten in Israel and is believed to have originated in Jewish communities. It is for this reason that cooking in the Eastern Mediterranean region is a key part of the culture. Recipes are passed down from generation to generation, community to community, etc, bringing people from all walks of life together over a shared meal. Kitchens inspired by this region should not reflect that in the color and decor, but embrace the old-world style, including its warmth and tradition. Opulent stone and rich woods would work for Eastern Mediterranean kitchens.
To achieve the Eastern Mediterranean aesthetic in your kitchen, try looking at some of our cabinet designs for inspiration:
Quartersawn Oak Cabinets in a Rustic Kitchen
Rustic UltraCraft Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops
Spanish and Italian Kitchen
The Southern European region of the Mediterranean includes the South of France, Italy, and Spain. The South of France is known for its history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking views. It is rooted in Medieval and Roman culture, with many pieces of architecture remaining today. Medieval castles, such as the Castle of Gordes, along with many Medieval churches and abbeys can be seen throughout the region. The Triumphal Arch of the Orange and the Aries Theater are a few of the Roman remains there today. The South of France still continues some of its long-standing traditions, such as the Nice Carnival in the winter, the Ferias in Aries for bullfighting matches, and patronal festivals, Bravades, in every town. Historically, craftsmen have always been present in this region and continue to be. Soaps made from local olive oil and Santons are still made in Marseille today.
Compared to the North of France, life in the Southern Hemisphere is much more laid back. It has adopted the Mediterranean lifestyle, even down to the types of food eaten. Bouillabaisse is a fish stew eaten in the South of France. Made with fresh fish, shellfish, vegetables, and spices, it fits right in with Mediterranean cuisine.
If you’re looking for a more Italian vibe, you could lean into Tuscan influences, or you could have your own fairytale kitchen, from the large, pastoral cabientry and light, fresh spaces reminiscent of Southern France.
Our cabinets surely can create a vibe similar to the South of France. Take a look at:
White Contemporary UltraCraft Kitchen Cabinets with Quartz
Rustic UltraCraft Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops
Italy is a region full of unique cultural identities and historical heritage. Geographically, it represents a diverse range of mountains, valleys, lakes, and islands. It is home to some of the most iconic landscapes and pieces of architecture known to the world, dating back to as early as 8th Century BC. The southernmost parts of Italy, such as Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia, are considered to be Mediterranean as they are bordered by the sea and are met with the typical warm weather.
Culture in Italy can be characterized by tight-knit families, appreciation for the arts, food, and wine, and being proud of one’s Italian heritage. Food, in particular, plays a crucial role in Italian culture; it joins families, often from different generations, together. Extended families will gather together at least once a week and cook from recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, keeping the tradition alive. Food in Italy is closely intertwined with its historical and cultural significance.
New Jersey is home to some of the best Italian food and culture in the world, so you might already have the building-blocks for your Italian kitchen just waiting for a few updates. Maybe you need a new countertop and plan to keep your current cabinets, or you’re ready for a complete refresh. Either way, our free kitchen design can get you started with an entertaining-style kitchen that welcomes in your large Italian (or otherwise) family.
If you are looking for cabinets that fit this aesthetic, we suggest:
Spain is also one of the countries that is considered the Southern European region of the Mediterranean. Spanish culture can be described as a very social environment, with an opportunity to mingle at almost every occasion or meal. There are five different meals eaten in Spain throughout the day:
- Breakfast (El Desayuno)
Breakfast in Spain is the smallest meal of the day. It usually includes a strong coffee with hot milk, or cafe con leche, paired with a sweet roll, toast, or crackers dunked in milk.
- Tapas
Tapas are a light snack between breakfast and lunch. They are small plates or finger foods that typically range from region to region and season to season. During tapas people will typically bar hop to have wine and chat, ordering a different tapas at each stop. This is a very social time for Spaniards. Some popular tapas include patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo.
- Lunch (La Comida)
Lunch in Spain is the largest meal of the day. It includes multiple courses and wine. Spaniards take their time enjoying this meal; lunch can take over an hour and a half to finish. There is usually a two to three-hour break during the day to enjoy lunch or nap, what Spaniards call a siesta.
- Snack (La Merienda)
A small mid-afternoon snack is usually necessary because there is a five to six-hour time window between lunch and dinner. La Merienda is usually small bites.
- Dinner (La Cena)
A significantly lighter meal than lunch; it is smaller portions and simpler plates. A simple and fast dish that is popular in Spain is arroz cubano, white rice with tomato sauce and a fried egg.
You can see how the Spanish kitchen is very lived-in. It doesn’t necessarily have to be large, but it should incorporate a functional layout and allude to that classic Spanish, mission-style architecture. Achieve that look
By browsing some of these cabinet options:
Milino Luxe Solid Agra Marina Kitchen Cabinets
Milino Luxe Solid Multi Colored Kitchen Cabinets
Moroccan Kitchen
Known for its bright colors, Islamic architecture, lively markets, and delicious cuisine, Morocco is full of wonder. One of the most notable things about Moroccan culture is the traditional types of dress. Long-sleeved, flowing garments are typical for local men and women. The djellaba and kaftan, usually made from cotton, are worn in both the city and the countryside. They are long and flowy, making them suitable for the hot temperature of the North African sun. The main difference between the two is the hood featured on the djellaba. For women, long dresses that reach below the knees and cover the shoulders paired with a headscarf is standard. Women visitors must also dress like this, although only the most conservative areas will require a headscarf to be worn.
People wear garments in a variety of colors, including yellow and orange. Just like the garments, many cities and homes feature bright colors. Marrakech is known as the Red City, Chefchaouen the Blue City, Fes the Yellow City, and Tangier the White City. Green ceramic tiles and mosaics are also dispersed throughout Morocco and seen on many buildings. The city is bustling with color!
Morocco is known for its use of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and saffron. Couscous, traditionally made from hand-rolled wheat pasta, is a widely popular dish that is paired with meat and vegetables. Moroccan cuisine blends Arabic, Berber, Jewish, and Mediterranean cuisine to create a sensational combination of flavors.
To channel Morocco in your kitchen, take a look at these cabinets:
Milino Luxe Solid MultiColored Kitchen Cabinets
Milino Luxe Solid Azul Marino Kitchen Cabinets
How to Style a Mediterranean Kitchen
Often, you might think of bamboo or light wood as the go-to option, and this can absolutely be true. Starting with revamped cabinetry can do a lot to transform a space. Because the tropical aesthetic is more natural, rough wood can go, or anything that is not too uniform in color or paint. Rich, textured wood can also be dark, too, which can go especially well if you have a minimalist cabinet, use wallpaper, or want to contrast bright and vivid plants. For example, this black, wood cabinet by Diamond, or some of these rustic and affordable colors by WOLF.
What is the best countertop for a Mediterranean-style kitchen?
Cabinets Direct USA offers some of the best countertops to complete your Mediterranean kitchen. Countertops are an excellent way for you to tie the look and feel of your kitchen together. In line with the aesthetic, we suggest a lighter white or marble countertop to complement the natural elements and colors. For example, the Two Toned White and Blue UltraCraft Kitchen Remodel and the DuPont Corian Sandalwood Countertops are excellent choices to accomplish this.
Get Inspired by Custom Cabinets and Countertops in New Jersey
Cabinets Direct USA can help you elevate your kitchen and achieve that exact vision you’ve had for a lifetime. And your kitchen will last a lifetime too. We have expert kitchen design professionals, skilled kitchen cabinet installers, and we carry only some of the very best brands that range from affordable and semi-custom to the ultimate in luxury. We also have a wide selection of high-quality countertops. Visit our idea gallery or come down to your nearest Cabinets Direct USA showroom in New Jersey where you can see your future project come to life.