Defining Greek Style
Greek design is not about a single style because different periods of history brought different elements of design to the country, however, there seems to be a tendency to geometric designs, a good sense of proportion and a simplicity that gives Greek designs a long lasting appeal.
This site deals mainly with exterior design but other sites show design themes in Jewelry, art, fashion and interiors too.
Mention Greek style and two visions spring to mind, one is the Island style - blue for the sky and sea, white buildings and terracotta roof tiles. The other is classical Greek style - elegant, restrained, with fluted columns, white marble and statues of robed gods and goddesses.
There are also other associations. The rich and ornate Byzantine which spread through Europe in the middle ages and the rural vision of Olive groves, tethered goats, simple stone dwellings and vine-clad pergolas.
The most successful designs involve a personal approach that achieves the required ambience, without losing what to me typifies Greece - beauty that seems (and often is) accidental; from nature that can be harsh in its simplicity yet gives the sense of peace and relaxation that one might expect after a hard but rewarding day's work.
Buildings
Most of us live in ordinary homes, often on estates or in apartment blocks. There may be limited opportunity to make our own statement, especially on the outside when building regulations may apply, but it's worth the effort to make our homes suit our lifestyle and reflect our own taste in design. An examination of the design elements of buildings can help find suitable style ideas.
Classical Greek Style
Classical Greek style is exemplified by the Parthenon in Athens and the buildings along Akadimias which incude the National Library, University and Academy. The Classical Greek style, often with lavish use of marble, has also influenced architects throughout the world. Elements of it are found in many official buildings such as Government offices, Libraries, Museums, Art galleries and even railway stations. In the United Kingdom this is known as Georgian Style and characterised by neat, rectangular buildings, with restrained decoration such as pediments, columns and simple arches.
Ancient examples outside of Athens include Olympia and Ancient Messinia. Interior furnishings often follow the exterior architectural design to give a harmonious, calm and very beautiful atmosephere.
Byzantine Architecture
Byzantine architecture featured in the "middle ages" - 13th - 17th century, and was characterised by the use of stone, ceramic tiles, domed churches and rounded arches. Buildings were smaller and close together, with winding alleys and pathways. A prime example is "Mystras", near Sparti on the Peloponnesian Peninsular. Many modern Greek churches are still influenced by this design. Interiors were painted with murals or decorated with mosaic.
Modern Buildings
In the 20th century, Concrete became the material of choice for commercial premises and apartments. Although it may be considered ugly in comparison with other styles, it is functional and convenient and is very much a standard in Greek buildings. Recent new developments have curved balconies, added architectural detail and are painted in different colours. This softens the appearance and is quite attractive.
Country and cottage styles
Most older Greek homes are simple in design, with either pitch tiled or flat concrete roofing. They are traditionly of stone construction or more recently concrete. A number of prefabricated designs are also available and their modular construction allows rapid building, with a variety of shapes including windmills and castles. Older cottages often have quaint additions, built on over the years. Especially nice is the use of natural materials such as wood or split bamboo to blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor space.
Woodwork on traditional Greek houses and cottages is often in shades of brown, olive, pale green and grey to harmonise with stonework and surrounding greenery. For those who like something a little sharper in contrast, maroon or saffron make good choices.
For painted exteriors City colours are perhaps more subdued than in the countryside or seaside dwellings.
Fashion must also play a part these days as a number of previously restrained, white painted homes on the Peloponnese have been repainted quite strong colours - terracotta, ochre, lime, lemon and sky blue.
Interiors are often white, making the most of light as windows are traditionally comparatively small, to keep buildings cool in summer and warm in winter. Many interiors I've visited have pine board clad walls and/or ceilings. This was a common mid 20th century trend which covered rough walled interiors and provided added insulation.
Traditional rugs are woven stripes, but may be patterned. Interiors are practical and not excessively ornamented.
Island Style
We associate blue and white with Greece and this is typical of island homes. It reflects the blue sea and the white exteriors help to keep the interiors cool in summer when temperatures outside are high. It is uplifting just to see these colours together and the "ciel" shade is popular as well as the darker blue.
Peloponnesian Styles
Traditional Peloponnesian buildings were stone and there is a pleasing trend for building new stone houses at present. Even better is the restoration of old houses to their former glory. Earthquakes are one of the causes of disrepair and it is common to see ruined buildings within Greek towns, villages and cities.
traditionally marble was used for window sills and internal staircases, if they existed. Many houses had external steps to upper floors, where the family lived, the ground floor being for animals and storage. Windows were wooden, with shutters - plain boarded or louvred. Two storied houses often had small balconies with wrought iron surrounds.
or terraces rather than large gardens, though houses built for foreign residents are often set in larger plots. The town or village dwelling is generally supplemented by other property out of town which provides the traditional Greek food ingredients.
Ornaments and artefacts
Inside or out, Greek design offers ornaments, copies of ancient artefacts, and utility items that help to create the right atmosphere and add interest. You don't even have to travel to Greece to find them. Keep a look out in second-hand shops and at car boot sales, ask a friend to bring one from their travels or order online.
Note: It is illegal to take artefacts from Greece - this is one instance where fake (reproduction) is good! it is also surprising what the correct combination of colours can do to evoke the Mediterranean ambience.
Patterns, Textures and Colours
The most beautiful expressions of pattern texture and colour can be found in ancient work and I refer you to specialist sites for further information and illustrations:
Articles by
Ruth Westgate including illustrations of pictorial mosaics with geometric borders.
The famous Greek key design is the most well known geometric pattern, featured on buildings, furnishings, pottery and jewelry.
Marble is quarried in Greece so used extensively, providing variations in veining and colour
which enrich window sills,
door surrounds and flooring of even modest homes. Earthernware, olive wood, pine wood and
woven cane provide a softer, more relaxed effect and a range of material may be used together.
Blue and white are not the only colours! Black, beige and terracotta, is a classical Greek colour combination and
primary colours are fun. Patterns don't have to be traditional and items don't have to
be hand-made. There are many subtle ways to achieve the desired effect.
Outdoor spaces require imagination more
than cash. You might have a window-sill, a wall with just enough space for a hanging basket, a balcony,
courtyard, garden, grove or an entire farm. The Greek lifestyle combines indoor and outdoor living, even in cities
such as Athens where building space is at a premium and apartments are the norm.
Patios can be practical and decorative. Balconies are often
festooned with plants, especially vines and trailing forms of geranium,
and carnations that spill over the railings in a torrent of colour.
Outside spaces