Interview with Clio Gkeka
What Differentiates Gekko Concepts From Other Designers in Greece?
Our company focuses on storytelling and keeps a close eye on what is going on worldwide in the world of design. We visit a variety of exhibitions and focus on an attention to detail that is hard to find elsewhere.Also, the Gekko Concepts team does not impose themselves on the customer, but instead lets the customer guide the projects. Stemming from my personal philosophy, our modus vivendi is to not fully impose ourselves on the customer, rather to let their personalities speak in the designs we create.
What are Your Hopes for the Future of Gekko Concepts?
We see Gekko Concepts succeeding for the foreseeable future, and we can see a steady growth over the next few years. We also plan to expand into the product design market by helping create new series of products with novel globally sustainable materials. There is no way to predict exactly what the future will be. However, through forecasting and trend analysis we can have a good grasp of tendencies to come.
What are Your Predictions for the Future of Interior Design in Greece?
There is big room for growth for the Interior Design business in Greece, in the hotel and vacation home markets. Also, there is room for growth in the renovation of old apartments and in new product design, a trend that has become more and more prevalent since the pandemic.
Gekko Concepts Projects
The Ecali Club Meeting Room
This project is a blend of modernity and old fashion aristocracy. Located in the prestigious Ecali Club in Athens, and the newly transformed meeting room has traditional charm and contemporary elegance. The remodeled space is born from a rustic room, where the original wooden roof, though unable to be fully restored, has been transformed with a white paint finish.The southeastern wall, draped in gold-onyx tiles, emphasizes the details of the work of renowned Greek painter Ioannis Gaitis, which is featured on the turquoise side wall. This thoughtful arrangement adds a pop of color and enhances the room’s visual appeal. The curated furnishings, including an oak-wood meeting table with plush orange leather chairs, combine sophistication and comfort. An oak-wood bookcase and a restored antique oak-wood buffet add a touch of charm, and the small relaxation area, with a modern Italian-style sofa, armchairs, and two rounded coffee tables, gives an inviting space for members to unwind and engage in casual conversations. The new meeting room for Ecali is the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, creating an atmosphere for productive discussions and memorable experiences.
Voula
In the neighbourhood of Voula in Athens, Greece, Gekko Concepts, led by founder Clio Gkeka, transformed a newly purchased villa into the family’s dream home. The project, named “Dreamscape Reverie” after its concept, created a personalized, functional living space for a family of five. The unique layout of the villa, with multiple levels even on the same floors, created a challenge. Gekko Concepts addressed this by introducing bespoke works that served as both storage spaces and dividers, ensuring a seamless flow throughout the home while maintaining privacy and individuality for each family member. In this captivating transformation, Gekko Concepts introduced a double paint effect throughout the house, with the upper half of the walls adorned in an off-white hue and the lower half in faded pink. This visual choice adds depth and character to the space. The main living room and dining area showcase furniture in earthy tones such as green and beige, complemented by oak wood and vibrant accents in pillows and artwork.
Interviews
