When we think “Mediterranean,” the first thing that probably comes to mind is an image of idyllic Grecian villages by the sea, characterized by houses with vivid blue roofs, white-washed walls, and the rounded bull-nose edges on staircases and ledges. What some of us don’t know, though, is that there’s more to Mediterranean style than those whites and blues.

At the heart of Mediterranean style is simplicity shaped by nature. On the Greek islands of Santorini, which is where you’ll find those postcard-worthy blue roofs on white buildings, the palette of each house distinctly reflects its surroundings. As the villages are situated by the sea, it’s only natural that the houses mimic the azure waters and the clear skies.

If you travel to other areas in the Mediterranean region such as the coastal villages of southern France and Italy, you’ll notice that while the architecture remains similar, the color palettes shift to match the surroundings. In the Provence region, located in southeastern France, homes follow the palette of sunflower and lavender crops, as shown in their preference for terracotta and mustard gold walls.

So how would you apply this kind of aesthetic to your garden? Aside from simply following a color palette, why not try to come up with your own take on the Mediterranean look? As you shape your patio, consider materials like stone or bricks for the pavement. If you’re adding walls for an outdoor kitchen, sculpt their edges to take on the rounded bull-nose shape that’s a must when following Mediterranean aesthetics.

The most important part, though, is choosing your color palette. If you live near water, it can be as simple as mimicking the look of the homes in Santorini. If you live near fields, neutral terracotta walls accented by cedar pergolas can be the key to a perfect rustic home.

What is your take on Mediterranean style? We’d love to hear what you have to say. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments!