INSPIRED BY MALLORCA: Infusing local charm into your home…

If there’s one thing Mallorca does well, it’s style with soul. From sun-drenched stone walls to terracotta stucco and hand-painted ceramics, the island is a treasure trove of inspiration for creating a warm, personal, and unmistakably Mediterranean home.

As an interior designer, lucky to be based in Mallorca, I am constantly inspired by the textures, colours and craftsmanship surrounding us here. I love helping my clients bring a touch of that relaxed, elegant charm into their own spaces.

Whether you live on the island full-time or want your holiday home to feel a little more Mallorcan, here are a few of my favourite ways to bring local character into your home.

Ceramic Love Affairs

INSPIRED BY MALLORCA Infusing local charm into your home - Justine Knox

Let’s start with one of Mallorca’s most iconic features: ceramics.  You’ll find them in every village – from traditional siurells (those quirky little white figurines with splashes of green and red) to bold tiles made from terracotta, in cobalt and emerald tones.  Beautiful? Yes, of course, but they also tell a story of generations of craftsmanship.

I love using locally made ceramics as a feature splashback in a kitchen, to frame a mirror in a bathroom, or as a decorative panel to brighten up an outdoor dining space.  Each piece feels individual and unique, instantly bringing warmth and artistry to any room.   I have also been known to add felt to the back of beautiful tiles to make some rather unique coasters.

The Beauty of Natural Stone

INSPIRED BY MALLORCA Infusing local charm into your home - Justine Knox

There’s something incredibly grounding about natural stone – and Mallorca has it in abundance.  Think golden Marés sandstone, rough-hewn limestone, and smooth, pale pebbles underfoot. These materials, used indoors or out, give your space a sense of permanence and timelessness.

Consider exposing stone walls or incorporating local stone into your flooring if you’re renovating or building.  Even small touches, like a basin carved from stone or a rustic stone bench in the garden, can add that touch of earthy, Mediterranean authenticity to your home.

A Mediterranean State of Mind

INSPIRED BY MALLORCA Infusing local charm into your home - Justine Knox

Mallorcan interiors are rarely fussy;  the focus is always on simplicity, texture, and a connection to nature.  Whitewashed walls, rustic wooden beams, woven baskets, and linen curtains that billow in the breeze.  it’s all about creating spaces that feel calm, loved and lived-in.

A neutral canvas beautifully infused with pops of colour here and there… It’s not so much about having everything perfectly match as it is about layering materials and tones effortlessly and invitingly. Wherever possible, I love to include plants native to Mallorca in my designs. Fragrant rosemary and lavender bring an incredible aromatic quality, while vibrant bougainvillaea always adds that unmistakable touch of Mediterranean magic.

As an interior designer in Mallorca, I often encourage clients to let the setting speak. That might mean keeping things pared back to let the view take centre stage, or choosing furniture that feels at home inside and out – like a weathered teak table or a sofa in soft, sandy neutrals with a few colourful cushions.

Mallorcan Textiles, Glass and more

INSPIRED BY MALLORCA Infusing local charm into your home - Justine Knox

One of my favourite ways to introduce a Mallorcan touch to a space is through textiles and artisan crafts.  As the locals call it, the traditional fabric known as ikat – or tela de llengües (cloth of tongues) is instantly recognisable by its flame-like patterns. Initially made in earthy reds, leafy greens, and deep indigo blues, the fabric is heavy and textured, and it is still produced today by a handful of family-run workshops across the island. Many modern fabric houses now offer lighter versions in various colours and finishes, making it easy to incorporate a dash of island character into your cushions, curtains or upholstery.  We have plenty of samples to browse at Knox.

I also love the look of Mallorcan hand-blown glass – especially the colourful pieces with bubbles and swirls that are typical of the island.  Gordiola and Lafiore glass factories create beautiful light fixtures, accessories and tableware…  so lovely that we stock a selection at the Knox Homestore. They make a perfect table statement or a thoughtful gift.

When I get an opportunity, I love to make time to visit different places around the Island for inspiration, and to support local artisans:

  • Teixits Vicens (Pollença) – a family-run workshop established in 1854, still hand-weaving beautiful and durable ikat fabrics using traditional methods.
  • Artesania Textil Bujosa (Santa Maria del Camí) – a third-generation textile studio combining classic Mallorcan patterns with contemporary colour palettes.
  • Teixits Riera (Lloseta)—founded in 1896, this company creates sustainable fabrics using 70% recycled cotton and 30% raw linen.
  • Gordiola Glass (Algaida) – the island’s most historic glassblowing factory, founded in 1719, with a quirky museum and mesmerising live demos.
  • Lafiore (Carretera de Valldemossa) – a more modern take on traditional glassmaking, where you can even try your hand at a glass-blowing workshop.

It’s All in the Details

INSPIRED BY MALLORCA Infusing local charm into your home - Justine Knox

Never underestimate the power of the finishing touches—a ceramic jug filled with wildflowers…  a vintage Mallorcan print on the wall, or handwoven linen napkins at the dinner table. These small thoughtful additions help create a space that doesn’t just look good—it feels authentic and full of life.

Great design isn’t about following trends, it’s about telling your story…  And if Mallorca is a part of your story, let that beauty and spirit shine through in your home.

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