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.