Famous Greek Architects: Maria Chatzistavrou

Interviews

14.02.2024

Lime Deco was founded by Maria Chatzistavrou in 2007. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, and operating on an international scale, her office specializes in interior architecture for boutiques, hotels, private villas, residences, and professional spaces. The vision is to create a spectacular and a functional result for each client, so that they will be connected with their space. Each project is a combination of the space, location, architecture, and of course the client’s vision.

Interview with Lime Deco Founder, Maria Chatzistavrou

What Differentiates Lime Deco From Other Designers?

Maria Chatzistavrou notes her personal desire to be different from other designers, and that every project needs to be unique. The most important, to Mrs. Chatzistavrou, is understanding the client's needs, budget, and hopes. One of Lime Deco’s distinguishing features is that unlike most other design studios in Greece, you will only find completed projects on the website and not renderings.

What is Your Goal for the Future of Lime Deco?

“The goal is to continue designing memorable, unique, and elegant spaces. Every project is a part of me and this is the element that helps me to change and always seek for something new to offer”. As Mrs. Chazistavrou also notes, her uniqueness from other design studios is that she doesn’t have a need to create a specific design "style." The constant change, it seems, is what pushes her to continue innovating.

What is the Future of Design in Greece?

In Mrs. Chatzistavrou’s perspective, Greece already has great design, and has in fact been leading the way. The source of its success, she argues, is from Greece’s natural features. For example, the distinctive landscape and the unique abundant light that Greece has, create ideal conditions for a scenery. In addition, the focus on tourism constantly makes Greeks want to improve, in order to create a better experience for the visitor.

Lime Deco Projects

"KORE Oias Local Cavehouses" - Santorini

Kore is an artsy subterranean studio house in Santorini that is instantly noticeable for its curves, textures, and retro influences. The bust from an ancient Greek KORE features at the center of the living room, surrounded by two built-in sofas. Every piece of has been carefully selected to add practical use and sophistication. Accents of soft colors create a soothing atmosphere. Copper bath accessories and the solid marble sinks are an ode to Greek antiquities and traditions. The swanky, retro style kitchenette with built-in shelves has all the necessary utensils you may need during your stay.

"Marathi" - Mykonos

This structure was originally built in 1973, and Lime Deco was tasked with turning the inside into a chic tourist accommodation for rent in Mykonos. The building is found in the area of Marathi in the countryside. The surrounding area offers inspiration with its slate dry stone walls, its gentle slopes, and its fig and prickly pear trees. It would be impossible to mention the Cyclades scenery without the scenic white chapels and the constant view of the Mediterranean. The building itself has a feel of monastic architecture and incorporates Cycladic marble motifs such as the marble presses, lintels, and friezes, which were handmade by a Tinian marble sculptor.

"Namaste Suites" - Oia, Santorini

Namaste Suites are found at the most photographed part of Oia on the famous island of Santorini. The suites overlook the Aegean Sea and the Church of the Resurrection. The original cave house was built in 1900 and is made with a building material called pozzolan, which is known for its strength and insulating properties. There are many native architectural elements, and the flooring includes black and white Naxos marble and wood. The name of the residence is Namaste Suites, which means “I bow with gratitude to your positive energy and welcome you.” Some of the natural materials used in the design are bamboo, straw, linen, marble, stone, and metal. These were hand-selected for their natural shades of gray and beige.

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