When Rebecca Wingler and her husband set out to design their dream house, the couple wanted to draw upon treasured life and travel experiences. Consequently, Mediterranean architectural elements and art figure prominently in their new Central Texas home.

“I’ve always studied design and am from Southern California,” says Wingler. “And I’ve always been moved emotionally by those elements. Then, a few years ago, we took a trip to Spain. We were especially struck by the architecture, particularly in Granada and at Alhambra.”

Wingler saw many similarities between Spain’s landscape and the site for her house—then in the planning stages and now complete and perched high on a rocky hill outside of Boerne. There were cultural ties as well. “The history of Texas, the heavy Spanish influence and the terrain make the Mediterranean-style well-suited for this area,” she says. “And then there’s the fact that my father’s family is from Seville. So, on some level, I think I wanted to reach back into the past to bring that style forward for us.”

Naturally, you need not have a personal connection with Southern Europe to successfully conjure the region’s warm vibe in your new home. You will, however, want to collaborate with a knowledgeable, reputable builder who can quickly steer you to quality products that fit your Mediterranean-inspired vision. To that end, Bubba Meyers of Trinity Custom Builders notes that his company relies heavily on natural stone products in floors, baths, countertops and walls.

 “These elements are also eco-friendly and provide long-term benefits for the homeowner,” says Meyers. “Rustic-style woodwork features on trim, doors, and heavy timbers and cabinetry help to provide an eclectic Spanish flair within any residence. Additionally, exterior hand-troweled plaster walls, in native stone, help to develop an Old World feel that welcomes guests into the home.”

Light fixtures are critical, too. “Some of the most commonly used materials and finishes are iron fixtures and oiled-rubbed bronze finishes,” says Lise Perez with The Gallery of Lighting. “When selecting fans for the home, we often coordinate the fan blade colors to the cabinetry and/or floors. To tie it all together, we coordinate the glass color and style. A popular choice for the glass globes is a soft, amber-tinted glass [that] gives a warm, Mediterranean feel.”

When the time comes to decorate your new living space, tapestries, textured wall treatments and large urns are great options. Over-sized candles and mirrors create a romantic ambiance, day and night. In the kitchen and dining areas, handmade ceramics lend color and a touch of authenticity. Finally, exterior spaces can be enlivened with extra-large garden pots in rich earth tones.

As you explore and experiment with the Mediterranean aesthetic, in the planning of your next home, you’ll discover that one of the style’s great benefits is how freely it lends to your own whims, interests and desires. That fact alone may explain why the Mediterranean style is here to stay.

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If you’re considering a new home in the near future—or simply wish to gain more ideas on how to embrace the Mediterranean vibe in your current house, mark your calendar now for the Stone Creek Ranch Home Tour (March 19—April 15, 2009). Participating builders include Kannon Homes, John Merritt Homes, Mattern & Fitzgerald Custom Builders and Trinity Custom Builders. Tickets may be purchased in advance at area H.E.B. stores ($9 in advance; $10 at the door).