Mediterranean style in the interior - what is important to remember. Mediterranean style in the interior: description and photo examples

Among the variety of design options for fashionable modern spaces, the Mediterranean-style living room, which has absorbed the spirit of the Middle Ages and is distinguished by a variety of decorations, is very popular.

Style features

The Mediterranean-style living room interior has some distinctive features:

An abundance of air and light penetrating through large windows, which should create a sense of unity with the external environment. Small windows are often combined into one large space.

Natural materials. When decorating a room, preference is given to natural materials (stone, wood, ceramics) or their skillful imitation. It is better to plaster and paint walls and ceilings with light colors.

Decorative beams that echo the tone of door openings, window frames are welcome. If wood is used, then the choice falls on rough, impregnated sea ​​salt or specially aged materials.

Ease of finishing. Rough decoration of walls and ceilings is usually reduced to painted relief plaster with the obligatory presence of a fireplace (even an artificial one), around which a stone or brickwork on the walls. It is better to lay out the floor with tiles of different colors or fragment mosaics.

A palette of nature featuring soft, warm natural tones that create a welcoming atmosphere.

Specific furniture, reminiscent of a rustic, mostly wicker or wooden with forging elements.

This design does not like pretentiousness and luxury, you can be convinced of this by looking at a photo of a living room in a Mediterranean style. It is preferable for romantics and calm people who like to spend time in a cozy family circle.

Color preferences

The modern living room in Mediterranean style enhances the vitality of the people who live in it. This is achieved by combining natural shades in the design of surfaces for finishing, furnishings and decor.

The living room in the Mediterranean style is characterized by warm earthy tones - terracotta, beige, sand, cream, light and dark shades of brown, yellow, diluted with black and green accents in small quantities.

Priority and White color used in internal and exterior decoration and reflecting bright sunlight in hot climates.

A marine and solar palette is allowed in the form of blue, azure, turquoise, lemon, pale green and bright yellow accents.

The choice of colors depends on taste preferences inhabitants and design ideas. When deciding on a palette, you need to consider the size of the space.

Large southeast facing windows suggest the use of blues, turquoise and light pinks. In dark rooms, terracotta, sand and beige shades are asking for.

Interior decoration of the premises

The main principle of interior decoration is simplicity, which allows significant savings, since expensive materials and careful leveling of surfaces are not used. Uneven planes are the hallmark of this interior.

Living room design in a Mediterranean style involves the implementation mandatory list finishing works:

  • plastering walls without leveling;
  • painting / whitewashing in accordance with the chosen basic tone;
  • gluing decorative beams or finishing of the present;
  • increase in window openings;
  • laying the floor with real tiles or laminated flooring, with imitation of porcelain stoneware;
  • building in a fireplace (decorative or real, if possible).

When designing your space, do not forget about main feature Mediterranean design - naturalness.

Selection of furniture and accessories

You can emphasize the style by choosing the right furniture for the living room in the Mediterranean style.

There are also no exceptions to the main design features: it must be made of natural materials and not contain any surplus.

Antique furnishings that match the style are preferred. If there is no opportunity to purchase a rarity, you can order specially aged items. The usual simple furnishings from natural wood.

In the Mediterranean living room, most often they have:

  • graceful rattan chairs;
  • tables and chairs with forging elements;
  • low leather sofa;
  • open shelves made of wood;
  • massive cabinet furniture;
  • an impressive dining table with cane chairs.

The principle that should be adhered to when furnishing a living room is - fewer pieces of furniture, more space.

The decorative design of the Mediterranean living room does not require sophistication, the main thing is to emphasize the character of the furnishings.

Light functional curtains made from natural fabrics are chosen for windows; bamboo roller blinds or blinds are often used instead. Hand-knitted rugs, as well as cotton tablecloths and bedspreads, will work well.

Beautiful, high-quality items can be used as accessories. For example, patterned vases, forged products, living potted plants, seashells, straw hats, small mosaic panels, antique books.

The use of Mediterranean style in the interior of the living room gives wide open space creativity and opens up vast horizons for imagination.

Be creative, invent, try yourself in creating a simple, functional and comfortable design.

Photo of a living room in a Mediterranean style

The Mediterranean style is suitable for apartment owners who have visited European countries and who want to create an atmosphere of romance in their room. This style is lightweight. It has a warm design palette. Among the features, it is worth highlighting the overload of the interior with decor and excessive pathos.

The Mediterranean interior combines antique elements of ceramics and marble, wood of various colors and wrought iron furniture... The complementary accessories are: textiles with checkered white and blue colors, fruit still lifes, decorating the motives of the sea. The style has a nautical and earthy color palette. In the interiors there are sandy, earthy, blue, black, shades.

The Mediterranean style in the interior reflects the quality and lifestyle of the owners of the dwelling, expresses the desire to acquire vegetation, which is emphasized by the use of ceramics, wood, and natural fabrics in the design. Mediterranean style is closely intertwined with rustic country.

  • attributes in a romantic style (capes, lace, handicrafts);
  • blinds and curtains made of lightweight materials on the windows;
  • ceramic dishes;
  • marine color palette in the interior;
  • cane wicker chairs;
  • elements of embroidery on bedding sets;
  • furniture made of natural materials with forging;
  • the presence of wooden flooring or tiled floors, finished in a terracotta shade.

Furnishing features

Handcrafted furnishings are increasingly welcomed in Mediterranean style rooms. Light furniture made of pine and oak goes well with the design of the walls. For example, if we consider rooms in Italian houses, then wooden furniture with wrought iron and lacquered legs and wicker rattan furniture are considered popular here. Furniture items made of natural stone with textile upholstery are also welcome.

A special feature of the furniture is the presence of open light wooden shelves, reminiscent of shelves in bakeries. It is customary to display kitchen utensils, ceramic dishes, hand-painted bright pictures of Mediterranean themes on such shelves.

Furniture sets with wicker reed seats will look interesting in Mediterranean-style interiors. The uniqueness of the design will be given by countertops, coffee tables and tiled surfaces.

Selection of the color palette

In the Greek direction of the Mediterranean style, a cold color palette prevails, represented by lemon, white, bright yellow, blue, green, pale blue tones. The red-pink is especially pleasant.

The Italian direction requires a warm color palette... It is advisable to use terracotta and colors as well as ocher. Don't be afraid to combine different colors in your interior. The variety of colors is one of the features of the Mediterranean style.

The Mediterranean style has many sub-styles, of which Greek is considered the most popular. Greek color is represented by a cold color palette. In the interiors of apartments you can find white, lemon, emerald, blue designs.

K essentially important elements Greek style include:

  • white wall decoration;
  • imitation of semi-antique panels;
  • rough plaster texture;
  • light natural fabrics present in the interior;
  • handcrafted furniture from valuable breeds wood;
  • carved elements in the decor;
  • wicker rattan furniture.

Italian color is presented by a warm palette. The interior is ideal for olive, earthy, cream, terracotta palettes.

The components of the Italian style Mediterranean style are:

  • mosaic decoration of walls and ceilings;
  • low dark furniture;
  • wide and high windows;
  • massive curtains with drapery;
  • the use of decorative plaster;
  • antique items;
  • soft furniture.

Wall design

Gloss is welcome in the interior of the room. Unusual matte surfaces of various textures look gorgeous. In an apartment decorated in Italian style, it is possible to combine several different textures on the walls, for example, decorative plaster and mosaic tiles or murals imitating a "fresco".

A widespread technique of painting walls with several layers, similar in spectrum. Nice combination of golden ocher and terracotta. Such a color scheme is perceived worse, but it looks interesting and unusual, creates a shade similar to the reflection of "sunbeams". This finishing method is called "Venetian plaster".

In the Mediterranean style, according to the Greek principle, it is rational to use white. Light interior suitable wooden furniture, made in a marine color palette.

Rough plaster elements add charm, sophistication and simplicity. When it is necessary to hide irregularities in the room, this method is the ideal finishing option. By using rough plaster you can decorate a room well, spending a minimum of finance, effort and time. Brickwork is also characteristic of the Mediterranean style, but in minimal quantities, for example, in the design of a fireplace or one of the walls of the kitchen.

A highlight in the interior will be harmoniously selected stylish kitchen sets and an apron, decorated small tiles in a single color. The creativity of the room will be given by ceramic tiles imitating the antiquity characteristic of rustic style, as well as hand-decorated tiles of interesting colors.

Features of flooring design

The main rule regarding flooring is a minimum of flooring. Perfect option- floor design with a single material. Thus, the visually created integrity of the room is preserved.

Unglazed ceramic tiles in a warm color palette are considered the ideal flooring. As a decor, you can use panels, tiles, decorative friezes. To highlight the floor in the interior, you can use marble mosaics with decorative elements.

Quality floor coverings include reed mats, sesal and seaweed. Improving the mood, such coatings give the interior peace, naturalness, peace. Wood can be used as a floor finish.

Advice: when choosing wood flooring, be extremely vigilant. It is impossible for the tree to dominate the interior.

Textiles used in the interior are used in connection with functional and utilitarian features, and not for aesthetic purposes, as many think. Linen and cotton fabrics look beautiful on bedding (mattresses, sheets, bedspreads).

Stylistic features

The most successful examples of this style are shown in the photo among the collections. interesting designs... The emphasis is on muted shades. Used a gold, white, blue palette. The Mediterranean-style apartment looks very practical, aesthetically pleasing, simple and impeccable. This style can be used in the interior design of both city apartments and country houses.

The advantages of the Mediterranean style include beech and pine furniture with wrought iron legs. The windows are decorated with flowing curtains. The design also uses display accessories, ceramic dishes, and live plants.

It is better to use in the design of interiors in the Greek direction, juicy earthy - in Italian. The kitchen group is represented by the reed collection. Lace and embroidery prevail in textiles.

Mediterranean motifs are suitable for the design of rooms, where it is possible to make the ceiling and walls with a matte or textured finish. Stylish interior looks like wall painting, mosaic tiles, plaster. A mosaic panel that turns into the floor, on an apron or a plinth, looks creative.

Advice: when finishing the floor, do not use the active texture of the floor covering that dominates the pattern of the mat, otherwise the interior will be damaged.

Textile feature - natural materials (silk, cotton, linen). It is preferable to use natural natural blinds.

The design of the Mediterranean style is unique in that it is dominated by sunny, marine, plant motifs, creating an atmosphere of peace, tranquility, solitude with nature.

Photos of rooms in the Mediterranean style indicate the rare use of curtains. On the windows modern rooms more and more bamboo, wooden blinds and Roman curtains made from natural fabrics.

Mediterranean style in the interior is exclusively sea ​​style, characterized by its ease. The apartment, which is designed in Mediterranean style, creates a festive atmosphere. Abundant vegetation, bright motifs, a marine palette - the combination of elements of this style. The decor looks fresh if it is created with the help of auxiliary tools at hand.

It is worth starting to design in a Mediterranean style with color in mind. The style can take several directions. The most famous are the interpretations with elements of Moroccan or French trends. Less common in the interior are elements from other Mediterranean countries. Outside of this feature, the Mediterranean style is uniform in terms of design features.

Mediterranean style in the interior is a design that features a simple and romantic aesthetics of warm European countries: light, earthy and marine tones in the interior, as well as the extensive use of natural materials such as ceramics, wood, wrought iron and cotton. The design combines brevity, simplicity and convenience. Therefore, he will find a place in any house or apartment. If you want to fill your home with the sunny romance of Spain, the abundance of warm colors of Italy, the sea freshness of Greece and the spices of Morocco, the Mediterranean-style interior will certainly be the embodiment of all of the above.


The daily, friendly lifestyle of the South Coast is reflected in a “relaxed” design, from garden and rustic furniture (inspired by Greece) to wood, wrought iron and stone décor (originating in Italy). Each country in this region has its own shades, fabrics and textures in design, but there are still many more common features. Let's take a look at them.


Mediterranean style in apartment design: distinctive features

  • This design trend aims to flowers, inspired by sunny nature. The key to recreating this style is correct selection colors for walls, floors, furniture and fabrics. Look for inspiration in the blue, turquoise, lavender shades of the sea, the lush blooming of plants, the warm sands of the coast, and the coolness of the cloudy sky. If cold shades are not to your liking, give preference to terracotta, olive, red, pink and deep yellow “sunny” colors.
  • Finishing, furniture and accessories must be exclusively from natural and reliable materials: wood, wrought iron, glass, stone. Their natural, cool tones need to be diluted with bright textiles: pillows, rugs and bedding.
  • Mediterranean style interior design allows floor made of ceramic tiles, which can be “insulated” with a soft rug. It is also possible to cover with a laminate imitating wood or rough bleached wooden planks.
  • To dilute the weight of the furniture, priority is given to curtains made of light, airy fabric. On the curtains, let's say a neat pattern. It is categorically impossible to use curtains with lambrequins, tassels and draperies. Forged cornice will become a restrained decoration.
  • Ceiling should be high. The optimal color palette consists of a matte sandy, beige, milky shade. The original ceilings are decorated with massive wooden beams.
  • Wallpaper and wall cladding are not typical for houses on the south coast. Walls it is enough to plaster and paint in a light shade.
  • By choosing accessories, it should be remembered that they must be functional, otherwise you run the risk of burdening the interior with unnecessary details. The Mediterranean style apartment does not tolerate surplus. The hallmark of this style is its unpretentious beauty, functionality and laconicism. Remember that pretentiousness and luxury are completely alien to him.
  • You can express your creativity in home decoration with detailed texture walls and furniture upholstery. Finding the materials with which you can embody this idea is not difficult. There is a wide selection of paint kits and appliques on sale.
  • The design of an apartment in a Mediterranean style looks more complete if it contains mosaic elements... This will require fine or chipped ceramic tiles or a set of mirrors. You can meet the mosaic inside and outside the house, as well as in the kitchen, in the pool area and in the corridor. If you want to add a little playfulness to the room, then you can use it anywhere in your apartment or house. For example, when decorating an apron in the kitchen.


Mediterranean style kitchen: what to consider when designing

The kitchen or kitchen-living room in this interior is a delicious cocktail from the cultural traditions of southern countries. Do you want to embody the idea of ​​coziness, hospitality and convenience? Mediterranean style cuisine will provide you with functional variety. A design can include many elements. But this does not mean at all that the room should be oversaturated with details. Choose any combination: from sunny colors to muted sandy shades. Everything is limited only by your imagination and budget.


Furniture

  1. Large dining table for 4-6 people for a comfortable meal.
  2. Kitchen set. Choose headsets made from natural wood with ceramic, glass inserts and metal fittings.
  3. Chairs. You can pick up a set of wooden chairs with wide backs or graceful metal frames and soft seats. Chairs upholstered with cotton or linen fabric in a cage will look harmonious.
  4. Cupboard. The interior of the Mediterranean-style kitchen allows for a laconic cabinet model with open shelves filled with beautiful accessories (bright kitchen utensils or decorative plates).
  5. Table top. Opt for natural stone countertops, ceramic tiles, or a combination of both.
  6. Washing. The large bronze ceramic sink will perfectly complement your kitchen interior.


Walls

Wallpaper and panels in the kitchen are rare in this design. As a rule, the walls are faced with tiles or stone. Mediterranean-style tiles can be laid out in a mosaic pattern. As for the choice of colors, the most common are rich shades of yellow, soft cream, sand, as well as a variety of blotches of "sunny" colors. Kitchen designs can also be decorated in a variety of warm colors, making it even more cozy in winter time of the year.


Floor

As for the floor, it is often covered with ceramic tiles in colors that is in harmony with the walls and ceiling. If the ceramic floor feels cold to you, place a soft rug.


Ceiling

Solid wood beams in gray and dark brown are a popular feature on the ceiling. They are ideal for a spacious kitchen. In an apartment, it would be best to paint the ceiling. matte paint beige colour.


The Mediterranean style kitchen features a large dining area. In this case, the cooking zone and dinner Zone can be divided by additional work surface or a bar counter.

Mediterranean style bedroom: basic motives

Getting started with a Mediterranean style bedroom? First, decide which country's motives you want to follow. Colorful Spanish or blue and white Greek? Or maybe a more restrained Italian? Here are some of the more popular options.


Italian Mediterranean

This style is characterized by rough country motives. The charm of the old world is achieved through a dark floor, luxurious massive furniture and wooden ceiling beams... The bold combination of vibrant orange and red is often used when choosing bedding. Earthy and neutral colors serve as the backdrop for the vibrant accessories. The Mediterranean style in the interior of the bedroom can also include the texture of Venetian stucco.


Greek Mediterranean

The Greek influences in the interior can be easily distinguished by the deep blue and turquoise tones that convey the colors of the sea. This nautical color palette is often combined with crisp white stucco and bleached floors. White walls are favorably combined with authentic Greek patterns on the ceiling and bedding. This choice can be safely called both traditional and modern.


Versatile design

The Mediterranean bedroom design is ideal for such a space because of its warm and inviting décor, which combines classic, modern and unconventional options. So, a richly decorated bed with four turrets looks luxurious in combination with modern table lamps, bedding and delicate window curtains.

Living room in a Mediterranean style and its features

Colour

First of all, you should choose the right palette, but first decide which trend will be decisive. If you have chosen Italian, then give preference to shades of earth: from gray, sand to yellow and terracotta. In the case of the Greek direction, perfect choice will become white, blue, olive and light terracotta.



Furniture

Regardless of the stylistic orientation of the living room, make a choice in favor of wooden items furniture. To convey the richness of Italian aesthetics, purchase furniture with graceful wrought iron elements. A living room interior usually includes a low sofa, a couple of armchairs, a coffee table, a bookcase, or a shelving unit. In addition, you can put a chest of drawers. Place lamps and high chairs for decoration.


To fill the living room with a simple “rustic” wooden furniture- quite in the Greek spirit. Wicker chairs and poufs with cotton covers and capes are also acceptable. In this case, the furniture should be arranged so that there is enough space for comfortable movement.

Floor

As in the bedroom, the floor is usually tiled with ceramic tiles, natural stone, painted wood planks or laminate with an untreated surface.


Walls and ceiling

In order to withstand the style requirements in the living room interior, any wall treatment should be excluded, except embossed plaster and staining in a matte shade. Rough wooden beams on the ceiling - a characteristic element of decor original design, - choose to match the window and doorways... You need to purchase a chandelier with forged details only if you recreate the Italian style in the living room.

Decor

Finished with the renovation work? It's time to start decorating. It is he who will create comfort in your living room. Therefore, feel free to buy decorative ceramics: pots, decorative plates, amphorae. Forged copper candlesticks and lamps will add a special charm of comfort to your living room. Also, don't forget the brightly colored cushions and soft rugs.


Mediterranean style bathroom: design specifics

The southern style bathroom is very easy to recognize thanks to its original decor. In this case, it is advisable to abandon the massive bath. Replace it with a walk-in shower or a neat, rounded bathroom.


Natural materials are here in everything from finishing materials, ending with bath accessories. The bathroom interior is ideally complemented by floral decorations, as well as an antique mirror or amphora. Walls and ceilings can be decorated with antique or Roman stripes.

For walls, it is recommended to use tiles in traditional colors for this design solution. Flooring(made of wood or ceramic tiles), it is advisable to equip with heating. The ideal bathroom combines naturalness and elegance with a minimum of decor.


House in Mediterranean style: outside view

No other design can better convey the classic charm and beauty of the Mediterranean coastline. This solution is one of the most popular all over the world. The question is, how can you successfully convey his idea in your home?


If your home is still under construction, then it is best to opt for arched windows and doors. With this solution, you will be able to achieve a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor. After all, the interior of a Mediterranean-style house is closely related to its exterior.


Particular attention should be paid to the porch, stairs, gazebos and patios, which are required. You can start with an elegant wrought-iron fence, complement the exterior with a fountain or pool. Also, residents of the southern regions widely use forged elements in external design houses in such a way that they echo with the same elements inside the house. Do not forget that the Mediterranean style of the house is rich in greenery. With such a southern design for the exterior, you can easily create the atmosphere of a seaside house.


We offer to take a virtual trip to two beautiful villas, decorated in Mediterranean style:

Name of this stylistic direction speaks for itself in many ways, but few people know that the Mediterranean style in the interior includes not only summer-sea design motives, but also the rich flavor of a whole group of warm countries with interesting traditions: Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, France ... So contrasting and at the same time cozy interior will be able to please you and visually fill the deficit sun rays in the cold season.

Features of the Mediterranean style

Each interior design has its own distinctive characteristics. Mediterranean style combines romantic aesthetics, laconic functionality and maximum comfort. The main features of the direction include the following points:

1. Sunny colors. The right choice of light shades of finishes, textiles and furniture can fill the room with light. The following colors will look harmonious: turquoise, lavender, light blue, light green, olive, peach, sand, white, golden, red.

2. Natural materials. It is best that furniture, decoration and decor (at least 50%) consist of the following components: wood, glass, stone, iron, silver.

3. Light curtains. Textile fabric should not be dense and dark. It is best to choose airy materials in natural shades. Small patterns will also look good. Curtains with drapery are not allowed.

4. High ceiling. It is also one of the conditions for a successful Mediterranean interior design. The colors of the ceiling can range from milky to sandy.

5. The minimum number of accessories. No decor detail should weigh down the overall light atmosphere. Good decision there will be laconic and functional things (clocks, candles, paintings) that harmoniously complement the overall picture.

6. Presence of mosaic elements. Such creative option is also considered optimal for Mediterranean motives. To complete the task, you can use a small ceramic tiles... Embed such unusual decor most often in the kitchen and in the hallway.

7. Original furniture upholstery. Here you can show your creativity with the right set of applications and paints.

8. A combination of two colors. Compliance with such simple rule turns any room into a designer piece of art. Successful options shades: white and blue, peach and turquoise, beige and green.

Finishes and materials

Favorable adherence to the thematic design direction is not only right choice color palette, textiles and furniture, but also creating the right finishes.

Ceiling

Light sunny tones must prevail. This is the basis of everything, so a high-quality whitewash will be a simple and aesthetic solution. Decorating will look more original with wooden beams(or their imitation).

Walls

In the matter of wall covering, it is worth including imagination. The correct elements will be decorative plaster and colored small mosaic. Each of these options is able to skillfully emphasize the beauty of the home.

Floor

One of the most famous options is wood. Tiles and laminate flooring are next. It is best to choose shades that are one or two levels different from the walls. Such a good combination will create an excellent, but at the same time slightly noticeable contrast.

Mediterranean style furniture

First of all, it should be noted that the furnishing of rooms in Mediterranean design should not be too conservative and strict. The color scheme, shape and composition of furniture can be completely different. Popular aesthetic solutions include large wooden chests for clothes, dressers of simple design, metal coasters, glass sideboards and furniture made of untreated wood. This choice will help create comfortable, stylish and practical rooms.

Decor and lighting

For an original thematic design of a room, you should always use the right decor and lighting. The main thing is imagination and an individual approach that will help to embody the Mediterranean mood. The decor can be sea stones of an unusual shape, a panel of shells, fresh flowers, colorful photo frames in blue shades, glass vases, handmade accessories and landscape painting with the image of the sea, ocean or coast. The light should be bright: neat chandeliers, wall lamps, spotlights, floor lamps and lamps.

Interiors in Mediterranean style - photo

When you start decorating your home, it is not necessary to follow the motives of one colorful country. Each room can be a versatile option for a completely different tradition.

Mediterranean style bedroom design

The basis of this style is laconicism. For example, a Greek bedroom should have functional furniture(bed, sideboards, sideboards), and decorated dressers, armchairs and tables. You can dilute the monotony with original decor, unusual colors, as well as colorful rugs and rugs, which will undoubtedly become the highlight of the room. Italian notes are furniture made of beautiful metal, designer carving and symmetrical patterns. Everything else is worth considering harmonious combination light colors and special elements of the selected country. Such a cozy bedroom will give comfortable rest and positive mood to its owners.

Children's design in Mediterranean style

There are two main approaches to decorating a child's room with a southern touch. The first is a Greek motif that includes contrasts of white with other colors. The second option is italian design... It is characterized by warm transitions, delicate hues and lack of contrasts. Also, do not forget about decorative frescoes, bright mosaics, paintings from shells, which will appeal to all children.

Living room design in Mediterranean style

The main feature of the Mediterranean countries is that their residents value family and friendly meetings at a meal. For them, it becomes a whole ritual. Therefore, there must be a table in the living room (preferably wooden, wicker or metal). Ceramic pots, amphorae, wrought iron lamps and wooden accessories can be used as décor. It will also be easy to dilute the light shades of the finish with bright sofa cushions or colored rugs.

Mediterranean style kitchen design

The choice of a person who wants to decorate his kitchen in such an extravagant style should fall on kitchen set with inserts from natural materials (glass, stone, metal), small cabinets with open shelves, chairs with wide or slightly curved backs and a sink in bronze shades. In all other respects, the kitchen corner can combine muted colors and bright shades, as well as many small practical accessories that will delight the eye and will not overshadow the general background.