10 Greek Interior Design Ideas to Consider For Your Custom Home
November 12, 2024Greek interior design is a classic design style that blends ancient history with elegance. Greek interior design finds inspiration from many architectural wonders of Greece and its iconic landscapes. Here are a few Greek interior design ideas to try in your custom home:
What is Greek Interior Design?
The Greek design style is directly inspired by traditional Greek architecture. Greek design reflects classic beauty and simplicity, hallmarks of Greek art and design going back thousands of years. Greek design is often minimalist, but manages to feel grand and ornate.
When Greek design is used in interior design, there’s a focus on geometric shapes, symmetry, and clean lines, which help create a harmonious home of proportion and balance. Natural materials like wood and marble, as well as fabrics like linen, are often used to ground the space while still feeling open and airy.
10 Greek Interior Design Ideas to Consider For Your Custom Home
If you’re thinking about trying this design style, here are a few Greek interior design ideas to try in your custom home:
- Include high ceilings and columns.
- Blend blue and white with neutrals.
- Incorporate plenty of wooden elements.
- Don’t forget the iconic Greek pattern.
- Keep it simple.
- Don’t forget textures.
- Mix in vintage pieces.
- Pick curvy designs.
- Decorate with an olive tree.
- Opt for stone flooring.
1. Include High Ceilings and Columns
If you’re designing a new home, this is a great time to add high ceilings into your building design. This popular home feature adds a bit of grandeur to any home and will reflect the high ceilings seen throughout Greek buildings, both ancient and new.
These high ceilings can be paired with a skylight or two to add some extra impact to the room. Skylights are a popular great room design idea because they can flood the room with a healthy amount of natural light. This natural light will give your room a light and airy feel like you’re on the coast of Greece!
Another way to channel Greek design is by incorporating interior columns, which are a common style of architectural columns. Columns draw the eye upward, making a room feel bigger. When paired with high ceilings, any room will feel grand and opulent. For a truly Greek touch, go with Corinthian columns. This style of column has scrolls and leaves from the acanthus plant as decorative adornments.
2. Blend Blue and White With Neutrals
White and blue are practically integral to Greek interior design. These colors are representative of the iconic scenery of the deep blue sea and the quintessential white homes that dot the Greek coastline.
While this can feel bold, a helpful tip for decorating with bold colors is to pair a bold scheme with neutrals to tame it down a bit. To tone down the stark white, try using cream or even a light beige instead, or in addition to white. You still get the iconic blue and white look, but beige or cream softens the palette.
Try cream or beige walls paired with airy linens. Accent with different shades of blues through rugs, throw pillows, or furniture. Depending on the color palette and decor, these ideas can also work well for nautical interior design.
3. Incorporate Plenty of Wooden Elements
Another important part of the Greek design style is wood. Wood gives the space a necessary natural element. Wood elements can be added nearly anywhere, such as flooring, trim, cabinetry, and furniture. Wood flooring is a popular flooring option because it’s versatile and offers a classic look to any home.
4. Don’t Forget the Iconic Greek Pattern
Greek design emphasizes geometric shapes and design. It also has its own iconic pattern called the key pattern (also called meander). This geometric pattern features an angular line that folds back on itself. This pattern has been found in many ancient civilizations, including Greece.
This pattern can be used in a variety of ways, making it a versatile part of Greek interior design. For a minimal touch, look for throw pillows in the key pattern. For a bolder look, the key pattern can be found on nearly any textile used in the home, like rugs or bedspreads.
You can also use the key pattern in the tile. There are quite a few ways to incorporate tile accents into your home. A bright blue and white kitchen backsplash is an easy way to incorporate tile in the iconic key pattern.
Playing around with shapes through tile is a creative bathroom design trend to try. Consider tiling a shower in the key pattern in muted blues and creamy white. For a more understated look, opt for the key pattern in neutrals or a few shades of the same color. This can be a great kitchen or bathroom flooring pattern if you want a stone floor.
5. Keep It Simple
Even though Greek style and decor can be associated with elaborate architecture, simplicity is quite common. Simplicity is a much more approachable way of implementing this decor style. Whether you opt for a classical or modern Greek style, remember to stay true to natural elements.
A simple color palette and an accent color or two are the most sustainable Greek interior design ideas. Add some textures and pair them with natural materials such as wood or marble. Stick to clean lines and a minimal amount of decor.
6. Don’t Forget Textures
Greek interiors are a reflection of nature. The Greek landscapes tend to influence interior design so they often pull inspiration from natural materials. Textures are an easy way to add character or depth to a room without relying on bold patterns or colors.
7. Mix in Vintage Pieces
Greek interior design relies on character. Hellenistic spaces have plenty of depth and unique aspects. Adding character to a home can be done by carefully choosing vintage or antique pieces that add style and personality.
Set against a white-washed wall, these pieces can add some quirkiness as well as an edge. If you’re looking for creative ways to display art, try antique frames in brass or brushed gold. a gilded mirror in another way to work some vintage pieces into your decor.
8. Pick Curvy Designs
Greek design often features curves and arches in the home. This popular living room trend can draw your eye upward or outward, making a room feel bigger. They also add some subtle softening to your room.
If you wish to add these elements to furniture or accessories, look for curved furniture. Sofas, chairs, dining, and coffee tables that have rounded designs are an easy way to incorporate this curvy design element into Greek interior design.
9. Decorate With an Olive Tree
Greece is known for its olive groves. While they are loved for their delicious olives, olive trees also have a unique appearance. The silver-green leaves keep their color year-round, making them consistent decor. Olive trees prefer a warm and dry climate, but there are a few varieties that can tolerate cooler weather.
It is possible to grow an olive tree indoors, but it will take some concentrated effort. These trees need direct sunlight and a warm environment. However, a faux olive tree is a good alternative if you want an easier option. Incorporating plants into your home decor is just one of the ways to create a relaxing atmosphere at home.
10. Opt For Stone Flooring
Many Grecian homes have stone flooring. Natural stone is a popular flooring option in Greek homes because it can help the home stay cool during hot summers. Options like marble or granite are popular choices, but other materials can mimic natural stone. If you want to choose natural stone for flooring, you will want to consider how cold your location gets. Radiant heating is one way to keep your floors warm, but if you prefer, simply choose some Greek-inspired area rugs.
Design and Build Your Dream Home With CHG
These are just a few Greek interior design ideas to consider for your custom home. Hopefully, some of these ideas can inspire you, and if you’re ready to get started on your own custom home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090. We can help bring your dream home to life!