What is Ibiza style?

Ibiza style is light, natural and relaxed. It is the calm of a whitewashed wall, the warmth of old wood, the softness of linen and the character of something made by hand. It is a blend of boho, vintage and Mediterranean design, with influences from Bali, Morocco and the Middle East.

But more than a look, it is a feeling. A home in Ibiza style never feels perfect or staged. It feels lived in, warm and welcoming, the kind of place where you kick off your shoes and stay a little longer.

Where it all began

The roots are in the old farmhouses of the island, the casas payesas. Thick white walls kept the summer heat out, small windows gave shade and the beams were made from local sabina wood. Nothing was there for show. Everything was simple, honest and made with what the island had to give.

Then, in the sixties and seventies, the hippies arrived. They brought colorful fabrics, macramé and treasures from their travels, and with them a sense of freedom that never left. That mix, simple island living and a free, bohemian spirit is what we now call Ibiza style. To me, it still feels exactly like that.

What makes a home feel like Ibiza

• Light and space. Fewer things, more air. Let every piece breathe.
• Natural materials. Wood, rattan, jute, linen, stone and terracotta. I always look for the marks and irregularities that show something was made by a person rather than a machine.
• Soft, round shapes. Curved niches, round mirrors, big pots and low, comfortable sofas.
• Pieces with a story. A basket from a small family workshop, a lamp found on a trip, a table made from old teak. Character above all, never mass production.
• Indoors and outdoors as one. On Ibiza we live outside as much as inside. A terrace that feels like a second living room is part of the style.

The colors of the island

It starts with white, chalk white, off-white, cream. Then come the warm earth tones I see around me every day: sand, clay, caramel, terracotta and ochre. A touch of olive green or soft blue brings in the trees and the sea. My advice? Keep it calm. Three or four tones in one room is plenty.

Bringing a little piece of Ibiza home

You don't need to live on the island, or renovate your whole house, to feel it. These are the small changes I always start with:

1. Begin with the walls. A warm white or lime paint gives that soft, natural glow straight away.
2. Lay a jute or wool rug. It instantly makes a room warmer and more grounded. See our collection rugs.
3. Choose linen and soft textures. Cushions, curtains and bedding in natural tones are the easiest upgrade there is. 
4. Add one rattan piece. A chair, a hanging lamp or a big basket. One is enough. 
5. Bring in green. A small olive tree, a palm leaf or dried grasses in a large vase.
6. Find one piece with a story. A handmade vase or bowl that becomes the heart of the room. See our collection.
7. Let go of what you don't love. Ibiza style is about calm. A few beautiful, natural pieces rather than many.
8. Make the light warm. Lanterns, candles and soft lamps. In the evening, that is where the magic happens. Check out our lighting collection. 

Not just for summer

Ibiza style is not a summer trend. In winter, the island becomes quiet and cozy, and so can your home: thicker plaids, sheepskin, wool and lots of candlelight, while keeping that calm, natural base. That way your home feels like a little holiday all year round.

Come and feel it for yourself

People often tell me that when they walk into our showroom in San José, something shifts, the calm, the light, the feeling of being somewhere special. That is exactly the feeling I hope you take home. Come by, touch the materials, sit on the sofas and take your time. 

Not sure where to start, or furnishing a villa or holiday home from a distance? I am always happy to help, with the same honest advice I would give a friend. Interior design And if you are not on the island, you can discover our collection online, we deliver across Europe. happinezibiza.com

With love from Ibiza,

Merel & the Happinez Ibiza team