Take the Greek route!

Turquoise blue seas, elegant architecture and fresh environs describe Greece perfectly. You can get some of these elements in your home decor, writes A Varsha Rao.

When one picturises Greece, all one can think of are turquoise blue seas, sunny skies, white-washed homes, rustic monuments, farm-fresh cuisine and sparkling sands. Greece, a sun-kissed country in southern Europe, is a beach-bummer’s paradise. So, you can now get some Greek style in your abode this season and revel in the gorgeousness.

Basics first

Greek homes mainly consist of rustic elements, right from the structure to the accessories. True beauty lies in the rawness of things. Use this to your advantage and keep the physical structure simple and clean. If you have looked at images of Greece, then you will know that white-washed homes dominate this coastal country.

White as a paint is generally avoided in our spaces thanks to the fear of dirtying it. But with little care, you can enjoy the many effects white walls can bring to your home. White walls on the interiors or
exteriors are natural coolers. Reflecting maximum sunlight, they also give an illusion of space.
Sharp corners, edges and lines don’t suit Greek style. Curved spaces, unfinished corners and rugged edges lend that rustic aura. Break down wide walls and install huge bay windows. Let the sunlight stream in and let the white paint do its job.

Wide verandas and balconies add more space and also give a feeling of vastness. If your home is spread across two levels, then keep the stairs rocky or stony and give them a coat of white paint.
The Greeks are known for their architecture. Their awe-inspiring temples, jaw-dropping statues and architectural theatres are an inspiration all over the world. To replicate them, keep the columns in your home exposed.

If you want to indulge, get these
exposed columns carved. Get beautifully carved columns or pillars in the entrance of your home and this will certainly
impress anybody entering the house.
Colours of the sea
The colour palette is the easiest for a Greek home because all you have to do is to replicate the colours of the ocean in your home. Shades of blue, green, white, orange and red will put focus on the walls. If an all-white decor
intimidates you, these are other shades to look out for.
Go in for single wall covered in turquoise blue and keep the rest of the walls white. This way, every time you look at it, you get reminded of the sea. Mediterranean colour scheme is usually a combination of jewel tones and earthy hues.
Another idea would be to get a wallpaper depicting the rising sun in your bedroom behind your bed. The changing shades of the sun spread across the wall will refresh you every morning. You can also bring in olive green or bright blue mosaic tiles for your kitchen.
Introduce these colours of the ocean in small accessories like curtains, bedspreads, cushions, cutlery and decor
accents. But, make sure that you do not overpower any space with these colours, as you may stand to lose out on the main theme.
Accessories
Greeks are known for their pottery.
Exploit this feature and get some fine pottery to adorn the corners in your home. Terracotta figurines of Greeks are made of clay and give a natural charm to your home. If you have a garden, get
terracotta pots for your plants. If you do not have one, then go in for a small herb garden in small-sized terracotta pots. Greeks love their herbs. So, a herb
garden will definitely add to the
Mediterranean feel.
Prints of coastal life can be incorporated in bedspreads, cushions and curtains. For an instant Greek touch, get bedspreads in shades of the ocean. Or, get a painting of seas and skies for your home.
The Greek architecture follows some basic designs such as Greek key pattern and floral motifs. You can get the same pattern in bathrooms tiles, curtains, bedspreads and carpets.
For art lovers, there are numerous busts of Greek gods that can adorn
different areas in your home. Greek style of decor can be introduced in lights,
coffee tables and storage spaces also. These elements of decor can have the
famous key pattern forming their bases.
Wood dominates the Greek decor. So, get a dining table that is very simple and follows a scrawny design. If it’s too simple, paint it in a bright colour like red or blue. This will add a splash of colour in the room. Same goes for the sofa in your
living room. Get a bright blue sofa with white cushions to perk up the area. Use mirrors extensively, as they will go well with the white-washed walls.
As is the case with any coastal decor, shells can work magic in this design too. Shell mirrors can replace the mundane mirrors in your bathrooms. Or you can also create a small display of shells on your coffee table.
The Greek home decor can be
described in a single word – freshness. So, take a breather from everything heavy and space-consuming and go Greek.