I just bought a home in Greece near the sea. How do I make it “look Greek inside” in a simple way? Since we’re not designers, we’re not experts on this topics. Luckily, we know some fantastic designers at Decork Design who have this down to a science, and could share the formula.
In this article, our friends at Decork Design “uncork” the secrets of interior design for Greek homes by the sea. Read on to find out nine ways you can give your home the classic “Greece by the sea” feeling with a few simple decoration choices.
1. Local Plants
Among the native plants in Greece that make a good addition to a home by the sea are olive trees, wild poppies, and pomegranate. The light of the Mediterranean is ideal for many plants to thrive inside your home in Greece. Choosing varieties that are locally available is ideal, because they will grow best in the climate.
2. Shades of Blue and Sand
In Greece, when decorating, choose colors that reflect the environment by the sea. This means blue, emerald green, and sandy colors. This can apply to bowls, plates, towels, throw rugs, pillows, and more.
3. Stone Flooring and Forged Cement
One other classic choice for flooring in Greece is stone. This is a popular choice historically in Greece and naturally keeps the floor cool. It is very rare in Greece to see wood flooring, especially near the sea.
4. Throw Cusions/Pillows
Greek homes maximize comfort, and pillows are a great way to do that. Living rooms in Greece are usually complete with pillows on every sofa, sometimes in shades of blue and white.
5. Natural Materials for Decorations (Wood, Stone)
Wooden decorations are a popular choice in Greece, for their rustic charm. If you’ve been to Mykonos or another Cycladic island, you’ve probably seen the wooden furniture in bars and local coffee shops. Popular areas for the use of marble and stone are in the bathroom and kitchen. In the bathroom, you can add a stone vessel sink, and in the kitchen, marble is a terrific choice for the countertops.
6. Traditional Ceramics
Greeks love to add decorative items to their home. A carefully placed vase, bowl, or art piece is a common addition. Remember to also include some ceramic pots in your kitchen with fresh herbs.
7. Built-in Furniture & Storage
Greek interiors are characterized not just by the items that are present, but also by the items that are NOT present. The Greek style focuses on clarity and simplicity, without a lot of clutter. Open space is valued. This is why in Santorini, we often see cave homes with recesses in the wall to store things or to display decorations.
8. Warm, Atmospheric Lighting
Greek interior design maximises the amount of natural light entering the room. The environment in Greece will naturally offer you a lot of light, so be sure to use it! Light-coloured walls, open floor plans, and large windows all add to the feeling of lightness and space.
9. Linen and Light Fabrics (Curtains and Bed Sheets)
In the bedroom, you can use lightweight fabrics for the bed. You can match this style in the living room with lightweight curtains. In almost all Greek houses you will see how curtains are used on the windows even if there are shutters, an element that is not so common in other countries.
