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.
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