Greek Interior Design – Why It’s Not Just For The Affluent

At one point in time, America was enamored by the Greek interior design. Called the Greek Revival style, it became so prominent in the country that it became the national style back then especially during the 1800s. This design was meant to bring the beauty of Greek buildings into the nation. Since then, this style became less common as architecture took a different, more modern turn.

Greek architecture often displays expensive marble, painted wood, intricate columns, and other such formidable structures. Wooden floors were quite common for many Greek homes and they often had varnish coating. Unlike floors in modern homes, Greek floors had paint that was either a solid color or patterned.

Wall-to-wall carpeting was not common but area rugs are a great addition to any home that embraces the Greek style.

If you have ever visited modern Greece, then you know that it is a place that is filled with sunshine and deep blue seas. Greeks have a relaxed lifestyle and their home decorating reflects just this. Keep in mind that Greek interior design is minimalist even Spartan in its lack of intricacies. This is the difference between the modern Greek style and the ornate designs of the past.

Greek All the Way

Begin by painting the walls with a white color. Choose from a smooth or a gravel-ly kind of texture. You can achieve the latter by adding sand to the paint that you would use on your walls.

For your accent colors, such as that which you will use as a trimming in your kitchen, you can choose bright yellow, turquoise or the most common color chosen by many homeowners – Mediterranean blue. Greek homes came with intricate moldings in the past but today’s design is all about simplicity and chair rails.

If you have a fireplace, make it look simple. Just have a wall alcove, chimney or a tile border to accentuate this natural focal point in your home – nothing more.

Modern Greek style features terracotta tiles or hardwood flooring. Both can offer warmth to the residents in the home as well as the visitors. Stone flooring is a possible option but just make sure that you cover the hard floor with a bright area rug. One of the best options is to have a geometric patterned rug set at the very center of the floor. Natural Flokati rugs come naturally in Greek settings so having them in your home should be a great idea.

Your furniture choice should be as simple as your surroundings. Find quality wood that is solid and simple, sure, it could be slightly rustic. Coffee tables and bench choices must also be low-key with the room for linen fabrics and plump floor cushions.

Grecian urns are also a must and so are unusual potteries that come with rustic designs. These can either be glazed, colored or in natural clay. Find examples of such urns, vases, pitchers and plates in magazines and interior design websites.

Greek textiles like the colored wall hangings with geometric patterns can be used in halls and entryways. These can best complement the Greek feel that you are trying to establish throughout your home.

Greek lighting should reflect the rustic cultures that embodies this unique people. Have wrought-iron chandeliers installed, bring out those candlesticks and wall sconces. Fairy lights may also be used as drapes on ceilings and all around the windows to evoke a relaxing atmosphere.

Greek interior design looks best in tropical settings. Colder climates might not give justice to the sunny atmosphere that Greek interior design evokes. To counter such a dilemma, use more terracotta (a warm color) rather than the usual blues and deep yellows of Greek design.

Useful Reference Links

Greek Interior Design – Inspired Spaces
Ancient Greek Interior Design
6 Greek Interior Designers You Should Know