How to Decorate a Home in Greece By the Sea

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Table of Contents

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.

Photo Credit: Decork Design
Photo Credit: Decork Design

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.  

Photo Credit: Decork Design
Photo Credit: Decork Design

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.  

Photo Credit: Decork Design
Photo Credit: Decork Design

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.  

Photo Credit: Decork Design
Photo Credit: Decork Design

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.  

Photo Credit: Decork Design
Photo Credit: Decork Design

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.

Photo Credit: Decork Design
Photo Credit: Decork Design

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. 

Photo Credit: Decork Design
Photo Credit: Decork Design

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. 

Photo Credit: Decork Design
Photo Credit: Decork Design
Looking for something in particular?
BlogLifestyle

Buying a Home in Greece: City or Countryside?

If you’re like most real estate seekers in Greece, you’ve likely pondered whether you want a home in a city like Athens or in the ...
BlogLifestyle

International Schools in Crete

Overview of Education System in Greece The education system in Greece is mainly made of public schools that are administered by the Ministry of Education. ...
BlogLifestyle

Best Places to Solo Travel in Greece (Updated for 2025)

The island of Rhodes was voted as the best island in Greece for solo travelers, based on a report by the Hungarian air carrier Wizz ...
BlogRegional Guides

Spring in Greece: The Best Greek Wildflowers

What will you see in Greece in the Spring? Why is Spring one of the best times of year to visit Greece? Most travelers to ...
BlogMarket Insights

What Type of Home Buyer are You?

Knowing what kind of buyer you are may give you an advantage in the market. It will help you get inside the head of real ...
BlogLifestyle

The Best Greek Coffee Shops in Greece

You haven’t truly experienced Greece until you’ve sat in a traditional “kafeneion” (coffee shop). In Greece, coffee shops are more than just a quick stopping ...

Compare Listings

Featured in

Receive the latest news

Join over 20.000 subscribers and stay informed on the latest market insights, updates, tips and more

We’ll send you our best articles, expert insights and newest listings.​

Personalized Greek Real Estate Guidance

Tell us more and our team of real estate specialists will get in touch! 

This quick form takes less than a minute to complete. We only need minimal information to get started.

Step 1 of 3

Your inquiry will be reviewed within 24 hours on business days.