My home away from home!

As a Greek Australian who has been visiting Greece and the Greek islands since I was young, I’ve always been inspired by the beauty of these stunning destinations. From the colours of the sea to the textures of the sand, everything feels brighter and more vibrant.

Greek people are known for their warm and welcoming culture. Family and community are highly valued, and the Mediterranean lifestyle emphasises the importance of enjoying life’s simple pleasures, such as good food and company. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing this firsthand. Some of my fondest memories are sitting with my family in their house in Paros, in a backyard with a garden of fresh fruit and vegetables grown by my great aunt. The huge fig trees which fruit she makes into delicious fig jam, the tomatoes straight from the plant bursting with flavour, and the aromatic herbs filling the air. It really is a feast for the senses! We spend hours drinking wine and laughing, enjoying each other’s company.

Greece has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with many notable artists, writers, and philosophers hailing from the region. The Greeks were known for their intricate and ornate architecture, including the famous Parthenon in Athens. Over time, Greek design has been influenced by a variety of factors, including Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian styles. This artistic tradition is reflected in the country’s design, which incorporates elements of historical influences, as well as contemporary trends from around the world.

Let’s dive in to see how we can incorporate the design elements of the Greek Islands into our homes!

Colour
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Greek islands is the vibrant colour palette. The deep blues and turquoise of the sea, the crisp white of the buildings, and the bright pops of colour from the flowers and the doors make the Greek Islands a visual feast. There’s no shortage of inspiration when it comes to colour! To bring this into your home, start with a white base and add shades of blues in things like rugs, pillows, curtains and even sofas (if you’re feeling the full Mediterranean vibe). Incorporate pops of bright colours through artwork, plants (a hanging pot with vibrant red or purple flowers goes a long way!) and other accessories. For a more subdued look, incorporate natural materials like wicker or rattan in furniture and decor.

Texture
The Greek islands are full of interesting textures, from the rough-hewn stone walls to the smooth pebbles on the beach. Look for natural materials like linen, burlap, and jute to use in your home. These materials can be used in your curtains, upholstery, and rugs to add warmth and texture to your space.

I love the different textures used in the photo below. Small elements like this can make such a difference to adding more depth and feel to your home!

Light
The Mediterranean sun is a key feature of the Greek islands, and the bright light has a way of making everything look more beautiful. Make sure to maximise natural light by using sheer curtains or blinds and consider adding mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Further to this, try to incorporate warm lighting into your home. Use lamps with soft, warm bulbs and add candles to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

Side note (and I will do a whole post on this at some point) but lighting, or rather the colour of your lighting is something that can too easily be overlooked, but my goodness it is important. All too often I walk into a space that is beautifully decorated, cohesive in all ways, but something just feels off. Most of the time, it’s because they are using bright, cool (blue-white) lighting. I’m a firm believer that most houses should only use warm light (yellow-white) in their spaces. Now I’m sure that professional designers will have something different to say, or may even discuss the design benefits of cool lighting and yeah, I can see the merits in this. But for any house I live in, warm light will almost always be my go to. It just makes a space feel more cosy, more homely, more… warm…
haha couldn’t help myself there 😉

Pattern
Greek island design is all about embracing pattern and using it to create interest and depth. Geometric motifs, such as meanders and key patterns, adorn pottery, textiles, and architectural elements, adding a timeless elegance. Vibrant Mediterranean-inspired prints featuring olive branches, sea motifs, and sun symbols celebrate the natural beauty that surrounds the islands. Look for patterns with simple lines and shapes, like stripes and waves. These patterns can be incorporated into your decor through textiles like pillows, curtains, and rugs.

You can use a mixture of different patterns as seen in the pillows below, but I would suggest you don’t go too overboard here.

Furniture
Greek furniture combines simplicity with functionality and focuses on clean lines and natural materials like wood and stone. Handcrafted wooden pieces, often adorned with intricate carvings, provide both beauty and practicality. To bring this into your home, look for pieces with a minimalist design and natural materials. Try incorporating a simple wooden bench or a stone coffee table into your space.

I absolutely love this wooden bench and stool combo. Holy moly! The natural timber adds some depth to the white, sleek lines of the walls. It’s just so pretty!

Artwork
The Greek Islands are also home to talented artisans who create breathtaking artworks. From vibrant paintings capturing the island landscapes to sculptures inspired by ancient mythology, the art scene on these islands is thriving. Incorporate these elements into your space with artwork and decorative pieces. Look for pieces with a classic design, like busts or vases, or choose a more modern piece that incorporates these ancient motifs or beautiful landscapes.

Plants
The Greek Islands are full of beautiful plant life, from olive trees to bougainvillea (there’s that pop of colour again). Incorporate plants into your home design by choosing low-maintenance plants that thrive indoors. Succulents and cacti are great options that require minimal care and add a touch of green to your space. I’ve also started seeing a lot of restaurants on Greek Islands using plants like Devil’s Ivy and Monsteras in their spaces. These add wonderful layers of deep greens, climbing between wooden structures all laid on top of a white background… just wonderful!

I hope you enjoyed my first post and this tour of the Greek islands, my home away from home. I also hope you found some inspiration for your own home decor.

Have you been to any of the Greek Islands before? If so, what island and what struck you most about the art and design of that island? Let me know what you think! Stay tuned for more design tips and ideas inspired by the art, culture, and designs of the world!

With love,
E