Greek Interior Design and Decor Aesthetics

From the white shorelines of Santorini to the stony hills of the Peloponnese, Greek interior design reflects a calm lifestyle shaped by sunlight and simplicity. Homes stay cool through architectural structure. Interiors rely on natural materials—limewashed walls, stone floors, and aged wood—to create quiet, long-lasting spaces.

At our interior design and architecture company, we help homeowners apply these characteristics in both coastal and city settings. Our team designs spaces where local textures, sunlight, and comfort work together.

Whether for a holiday villa design or a year-round residence, Greek interiors remain timeless.

Here, our interior designers and architects share their insights about Greek interior designs.

1. Structural Layout

Thick Walls for Heat Control

Walls in Greek homes are built thick using stone or concrete. These walls help insulate against both heat and cold, keeping interiors temperate throughout the year.

Cross Ventilation Planning

Windows and doors are placed to allow fresh air to pass through naturally. This technique, common in homes across the Cyclades, reduces the need for artificial cooling.

Shaded Entryways

Entry points often include overhangs or arches for shade. This design protects interiors from harsh sunlight and provides comfort during hot afternoons.

Internal Courtyard Orientation

Courtyards function as cooling cores. These open spaces are often paved in stone and surrounded by rooms that benefit from shade and airflow.

2. Surface and Texture

Limewashed Plaster Walls

Walls are coated with lime-based plaster for a breathable finish. This surface diffuses light softly and pairs well with minimal design.

Rough Stone Flooring

Stone floors use local materials such as marble, limestone, or slate. Their irregular surface adds authenticity and keeps the space cool.

Sanded Wooden Beams

Ceiling beams remain exposed and untreated. Wood is often locally sourced, and its weathered texture complements the simplicity of the walls.

Shuttered Openings

Wooden shutters control light and protect against heat. They are painted in muted colors—most commonly off-white, pale blue, or green-gray.

3. Color Palette

White Dominance Indoors

White is used on walls, ceilings, and built-in furniture. It reflects light and creates a neutral base for additional elements.

Blue-Toned Accents

From pale sky tones to deeper Aegean blues, these shades appear on doors, windows, and stair rails. These elements bring a coastal feel.

Earth Pigment Variations

Natural pigments from terracotta, sand, and olive stone introduce subtle warmth. These tones are used on textiles and accessories.

Island-Specific Palettes

Homes in Santorini use strong black and white contrasts. On the mainland, such as in Monemvasia, palettes lean toward warmer earth tones.

4. Built and Placed Furniture

Fixed Wall Sofas

Benches are often part of the structure, topped with cushions. These are practical and help maintain open space in small rooms.

Raw Wood Dining Tables

Dining tables are simple, made from reclaimed pine or cypress. Surfaces are left unfinished or lightly oiled.

Minimalist Bed Platforms

Beds rest on built bases, made from stone or cement. They sit low and typically include side ledges or integrated nightstands.

Open Framework Storage

Instead of closets, homes use open shelving or wooden racks. These keep the space airy and emphasize visibility of each item.

5. Textile Selections

Handwoven Wool Rugs

Flatwoven rugs add warmth in winter. They come in stripes or solid tones and are handmade in northern Greece.

Narrow Cotton Floor Runners

Runners define space without overpowering it. Popular in corridors or beside beds, they feature faded colors.

Lightweight Linen Panels

Curtains are made from washed linen. They provide some privacy while allowing airflow.

Local Island Weaves

Each island has its own weaving style. Skopelos, for example, is known for embroidered borders and red detailing.

6. Decorative Elements

Unglazed Terracotta Pots

Large jars are placed on patios or inside corners. They may hold olive branches, dried herbs, or simply act as sculptural forms.

Painted Ceramic Dishes

Ceramics feature simple hand-drawn patterns. Plates and bowls are stacked in open shelves, used for both function and decoration.

Woven Wall Items

Natural fiber mats or hangings fill wall space. Materials include straw, raffia, or jute.

Herb and Citrus Table Bowls

Lemons, figs, and bay leaves often sit in ceramic bowls as both display and everyday use.

7. Urban Greek Interiors

Compact Apartment Planning

Apartments in Athens maintain the open feel of island homes. Space-saving features such as corner seating and foldable tables are common.

Mixed Floor Surfaces

Tile is used in kitchen interiors and bathroom designs. In bedrooms and salons, original wood floors are restored or repainted.

Transitional Lighting

Lamps and wall sconces create soft zones. Light is indirect, often filtered through thin shades.

Noise-Reducing Covers

Though city homes include shutters, they may also use heavy linen panels to buffer street sounds.

8. Villa Design Arrangement

Courtyard-Centered Plans

Larger villas often build around an interior courtyard. This space becomes a central living area, shaded by trees or pergolas.

Outdoor Built-in Dining Zones

Dining areas use built platforms with stone seating. Tables are long and wide, suitable for gatherings.

Island Material Selection

Materials come from the region. In Paros, white marble is common. In Rhodes, sand-colored stone dominates.

Heat-Absorbing Surfaces

Stone and cement floors resist heat. Outdoor showers and kitchen counters follow the same philosophy.

9. Sitting Room Themes

Soft Neutral Sofas

Seating uses beige, ivory, or light gray upholstery. Fabrics are cotton or linen, often in removable slipcovers.

Solid Slab Tables

Coffee tables are built from large planks or stone bases. Designs are square or rectangular.

Alcove-Based Storage

Recessed shelves house books or lanterns. These are carved into thick walls.

Soft Layered Lighting

Lampshades, candles, and sconces combine to create depth. Lighting is always low and warm.

10. Culinary Spaces

Wall-Based Shelving Units

Upper shelves hold ceramic dishes and kitchen staples. Hooks hang under for utensils and cups.

Hanging Tool Bars

Above worktops, rods or nails support ladles, pans, or sieves. This keeps tools accessible and decorative.

Natural Cement Surfaces

Counters use stone or cement with a matte finish. These materials resist stains and scratches.

Bare Wood Chairs

Dining chairs are straight-backed and unpainted. The grain remains visible.

11. Sleeping and Bath Zones

Rock-Tiled Showers

Showers use rough marble, slate, or river stone. Shapes stay irregular and organic.

Bronze Water Fixtures

Taps and handles use bronze or copper. Patinas are kept rather than polished.

Cement-Based Tables

Side tables may be formed from poured concrete. Often paired with low lighting.

Soft Wall Lighting

Instead of ceiling lights, bedrooms use sconces or low-level lamps. Light remains subtle.

12. Accent Items

Straw and Palm Containers

Basket sets are used in bathrooms, kitchens, and closets. They hold towels, produce, or logs.

Handmade Clay Lights

Light fixtures use fired clay. Patterns are cut for glow effects on walls.

Aegean Wood Accessories

Items like trays, stools, or coat racks use olivewood. These items are left rough.

Natural Scent Features

Dried oregano, lavender, and myrtle are common. Scent comes from the items themselves—not added perfume.

13- Frequently Asked Questions

Is Greek decor style only for coastal homes?

No. It can be applied in city apartments and rural residences as well.

What flooring works best?

Limestone, marble, or natural wood are the most used options.

Can I mix Greek design with modern furniture?

Yes, as long as materials and shapes remain simple.

What kind of lighting suits the look?

Soft, diffused lighting—mostly wall-mounted or shaded.

Are Greek interiors expensive to maintain?

They rely on durable materials and stay timeless, reducing long-term costs.

Contact Us

If you're looking to bring timeless Mediterranean interior design into your home, our architecture and interior design team will guide you in creating spaces inspired by authentic Greek style interiors.

Reach out today for a consultation for your home’s structure, light, and style.