Mediterranean Patios, Pergolas, Stucco Terraces, & Water Fountains

Ken is a retired CFO who enjoys quotes, nautical décor, gardening, and finance.

The Mediterranean is world-renowned for its climate and patios. Yes, Mediterranean style is truly the standard of excellence for an outdoor oasis. Yet, you do not need the perfect climate; you may just need some inspiration. Journey with me as we visit some stunning Mediterranean patios and see the elements that make them stand apart. My fondest wish is for you to be transformed into a magical garden world and inspired to put up and add an element or two from this unique décor called Mediterranean.

For those who relish leisure living, perhaps the only item missing in the Mediterranean garden design is the outdoor flat screen, but with today's technology, even that is within reach.

From Spanish tiles to water features, the richness of character of the elements of the Mediterranean patio delight the senses.

Close your eyes, listen to the fountain, feel the cool tile beneath your feet, and then open your eyes to the visual delight of the beauty of the sky or a wooden ceiling.

Experience firsthand through vivid photos from around the world the variety of design options, and at the very end of this journey, check out the copper do-it-yourself fountain that is reminiscent of the essence of the Mediterranean patio. Join us as we explore these many great elements:

• Mediterranean Patio
• Mediterranean Courtyard
• Stucco and Stone Walls
• Water Fountains and Wall Art for the Garden
• DIY Copper Water Feature

Mediterranean Courtyard Ideas and Designs

Mediterranean Patios and Exterior Home Improvement Ideas

Mediterranean Climate: Where Is It Found in the World?

What is the Mediterranean climate like, and how does it contribute to this patio style?

Essentially, the Mediterranean climate is subtropical. In the United States, California is indicative of this style. For our friends in Australia, if you visit the western and southern portions, you will experience the beauty of the Mediterranean.

The name comes from the Mediterranean Basin, the area around the Mediterranean Sea.

Other areas of the world that also offer this same climate exist in Chile, portions of Asia, and southwestern Africa.

Pergolas and Arbors of All Types and Sizes and Colors

What Is Mediterranean Style?

Mediterranean style, often referred to as "Spanish modern," is influenced by the countries north of the Mediterranean Sea. Look to Spain, Greece, and Italy for comparable style elements such as iron filigree, copper, and bronze. Include the color of the sea, and you have captured this classic decorating style.

In the United States, I believe we use "Mediterranean" interchangeably with "Italian." This is sad because the Italian style is rich in its own right.

Smaller Pergolas: Mailboxes and More

Mediterranean Courtyard Gardens

Stucco and Stone Retaining Walls

Mediterranean Fountains

Wall Art for the Garden

Copper Water Wall by DIY

Inspired to Create Your Dream Patio?

Get inspired to create your own dream patio with many of these elements. You don't have to buy what is in the marketplace; you can design your own fountain.

Some of my favorite Mediterranean fountains are designed with colorful artisan tiles. The vibrant blue echo the blues of the Mediterranean Sea.

Store-Bought Wall Fountains

For those less ambitious and simply wishing to delight in the sound and feel of the water feature near them, check out the option of the outdoor wall fountains. Often these recycle the water and only need an electric outlet or a battery.

What Is a Pergola?

"An archway in a garden or park consisting of a framework covered with trained climbing or trailing plants"—a garden arbor with distinctive vertical and horizontal pillars.

It's one of the most iconic hard structures of the Mediterranean style. It may be white and is often seen in rich cedar or redwood. Nowadays, maintenance-free vinyl is all the rage in the marketplace.

What is often not shown but often desired is an outdoor television screen. The technology is available for a great set, and the prices have made this a reality for many homeowners.

Imagine enjoying your patio and your favorite television show.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2012 Ken Kline

Comments

Valentina Guajardo on June 26, 2020:

My husband does all kinds of blacksmith work, he does all the iron mandalas for the wall, gates, guides for plants, everything is very beautiful, it is an exceptional job

Ken Kline (author) from USA on October 27, 2016:

Sherri,

It might also be helpful to visit this site - they provided one of the photos for this article and have a tremendous website of ideas:

http://www.alton-gardencentre.co.uk/search/wall

I used the term "wall" but their menuing system on the left offers the very best navigation.

Hope this helps.

Ken Kline (author) from USA on August 19, 2014:

Hi Sherri,

Thank you for the notification. I updated the link and did some research - it appears that is a custom piece. I haven't checked sites such as Custom Made or Etsy to see if they offer price estimates on custom ironwork but I would imagine that they would.

I have had great luck out on eBay finding reproduction pieces.

Hope these tips help.

You have a great eye - the piece you chose was very elegant.

Sherri on August 17, 2014:

Your link from Wrought iron wall art is not working. I clicked on several images and it brought me here but the items I wanted to view and prices are not here. Neither are measurements.

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Ken Kline (author) from USA on July 06, 2013:

Hi Bradlletter,

I create folios for my own personal enjoyment and 90% of the time they made a great hub. This is one of my favorites. I live in a Mediterranean home and my husband and I are building a pergola for next the garage or rather my carpenter neighbor is. My neighbor live the idea so much that they will be building one for the back of their home. What a wonderful garden accent.

For me, it is also about function I want a place for my hanging baskets and drip irrigation system. When the two pergolas are complete and IF the flowers are blooming then I will share the photos.

I am very excited about this new garden / carpentry project.

Brenda Kyle from Blue Springs, Missouri, USA on June 11, 2013:

Beautiful images, I love the design ideas. The vivid colors and views really make them special. Thank you for sharing.

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