Architect Banu Altay, Sia Moore Architecture Decoration Founding Partner, shares different decoration styles and application suggestions every month.In this month’s article, our subject is the Mediterranean-style architecture and decoration where shades of white, the symbol of purity, and blue, the symbol of peace, are prominent.

Indigo and cobalt blue, colors that are frequently used in architecture, interior spaces, clothing and accessories along the Mediterranean shore, actually serve a purpose. The most poisonous species of scorpions and centipedes found in that region have the color cyan. Did you know that the reason for painting windows and doors in Mediterranean homes this color is not merely an architectural preference but a precautionary measure? People believed that these poisonous animals are scared of objects that are the same color as them but larger, so this measure to scare them away has in time become the defining characteristic of the Mediterranean style.

If you want to be in a vacation mood and feel the peace and joy of summer in you own home, here are a few ideas for some subtle touches:

• Stone walls, both interior and exterior, are one of the most popular Mediterranean-style decorative elements.
• Another detail that one would often come across on the streets are colorful plants and flowers in ceramic, terracotta flower pots on the steps or the walls.
• Plastered walls, white plaster, whitewashing and spray textured wall surfaces would bring you a Mediterranean feel; the often-preferred satin plaster is not a match for this particular style.
• Just a few essential furnitures, straw mats and decorative objects, white cotton couches, blue pillow combinations, crimped fabric curtains are other necessary elements of this style.
• Patterned floor tiles, glazed tiles with blue-white tones, pebble covered floors would present a great background for your furniture.
• White wrought iron furniture is also frequently preferred, especially a wrought iron bedstead and a white tulle canopy would bring a Mediterranean feel into your bedroom.
• You can also enrich your living spaces by creating personal decors; just blend antique bronze-colored authentic accessories or untreated wooden objects such as bowls and trays with sea shells or pebbles that you collect from the seashore.