Greece has long been a magnet for the rich and famous, attracted to the warm climate, clear blue skies and turquoise waters. Since the movie Mamma Mia! was released, in July last year, homeowners have been eager to capture the feel of Greece, especially the gorgeous villas on the Mediterranean islands where the film was set. Going Greek is definitely 'the new black' when it comes to interior design. And that new black just happens to be very, very white.
'There are several reasons for all that white,' says Eva-Marie Prineas of Architect Prineas. 'Summers are very hot in Greece and the white limewash reflects the heat away. It also makes the interiors lovely and light.'
She says many of the early Greek island villas were built using the local limestone, which tends to be very porous. A white limewash render was used to make them waterproof.
'The aesthetic comes from the function,' Prineas says. 'In summer ... you don't want a lot of stuff around you making you feel hot, hence there's an absence of clutter in these places. Less is definitely more when it comes to going Greek.'
Greg Natale, of Greg Natale Design, says: 'To get it right, the interior walls need to be bagged to achieve a gravelly texture. And a natural stone floor keeps things cool underfoot.'
When it comes to colour, Natale opts for the traditional white with splashes of Aegean blue. In lieu of a natural stone floor, terracotta tiles will suffice. Failing that, use timber hardwood, so long as it is covered with a beautiful Greek key rug, such as the Corfu, designed by Natale for Designer Rugs (
www.designerrugs.com.au).
Walls should be pure white (Dulux white on white would be an ideal choice;
www.dulux.com) while windows should be dressed with timber shutters or floaty muslin curtains in blue or soft pink. For accent colours, look towards those quintessential Mediterranean hues, such as blue, turquoise and yellow. Don't get too knick-knacky. Remember, this is a minimalist style; a couple of key pieces such as terracotta urns will suffice.
Natale says walls of decorative plates are very Greek and very now. 'Wedgwood [
www.wedgwood.com] does a wonderful range [of plates] in blue and white or you could even look at the camel and chocolate range for a point of difference.'
Natale also likes the neo-classical Wedgwood vases, such as the Portland (below right; about HK$87,000).
You can also take Greek to a more glamorous level. Keep the white on white walls and opt for modern white on white furniture, such as the Gandia Blasco chaise longue by Patricia Urquiola (
www.gandiablasco.com). You can also add some funky turquoise pieces, such as the Essence pitcher (far right; about HK$560) by iittala (
www.iittala.com).
For the ultimate in Greek-inspired decadence, buy a cushion or two from Versace Home (
www.versacehome.it). The Barocco pattern features a Medusa's head motif - very Greek, very opulent.
