36 Ways to Incorporate Greek Design Into Home Decor

Trista - June 30, 2019

Photo: Hillary’s

Greece is an incredibly popular vacation destination thanks to its beautiful blue ocean views, warm sandy beaches, delicious foods, and rich historical culture. If you want to incorporate Grecian designs into your home, there are some easy style choices you can make to bring that warm, natural vibe into your favorite spaces.

Adding touches of jacquard or Greek key print fabrics are inexpensive and straightforward ways to incorporate the design. More complex and costly renovations might mean whitewashed walls, wood planked ceilings, or even archway doors. Read on for a plethora of ways to incorporate the beautiful, historical trends of Greece into your home’s interior design!

1. Exposed Walls

There is strongly rustic energy to a lot of Greek interior designs, with exposed brick and stone walls being a common sign in many traditionally decorated homes. This decor provides a clean aesthetic that is simultaneously quite warm and welcoming. The exposed stone can also help keep homes cool in the hot Grecian summers.

If your home does not have brick, stone or even plank walls that can be exposed, try integrating a whitewashed brick feature or accent wall. A bricked-surround fireplace surround would be another way to incorporate the exposed wall feeling without dedicating committing to an entire renovation.

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2. Blue and White Palette

The quintessential color story for Greek interior decorating is blue and white. It mirrors the energy of the ocean and pristine sandy beaches. These shades are popular in Greek draperies, rugs, furniture coverings, and more. Many home exteriors throughout the Grecian islands feature blue and white painted doors, pillars, and even steps.

A simple way to incorporate this color palette is through your bedding. If you already have neutral wall colors, merely adding a blue and white geometric rug and blue along with white linen bedding can instantly bring a taste of Greece to the room.

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3. Olive Trees

Olives are a central part of the Greek economy and culture. Having a beautiful olive tree indoors on your property brings a vital part of Greece into your home. Homeowners in USDA zones 10 and 11 can grow olives outdoors, while everyone else must keep their plants inside over the winter.

Whether through a planted real tree or a realistic faux tree, the very sight of an olive tree will bring Mediterranean flair to your home. Pair faux trees with olive blossom candles or incense to better recreate the Mediterranean atmosphere. Many nurseries also sell olive trees that can be grown indoors!

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4. Olive Oil

Much like the olive tree, olive oil is another essential part of Greek economics, culture, and cuisine. Many food staples are preserved in olive oil, and it is a common ingredient in countless dishes. Greek homes often have beautiful bottles of olive oil, often filled with herbs and other additives to create rich, bold flavors.

Having high-quality olive oil in your home will not only contribute to the Greek feel through the beautiful glass bottles but will also enhance your ability to make delicious Greek and other Mediterranean foods. Save used containers to upcycle for candle holders, wind chimes, and more.

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5. Greek Key Pattern

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6. Sheer Fabrics

The plentiful, warm sunshine of Greece is an important element in all of their homes and is often admitted through large, uncluttered windows or skylights. To sincerely invite in this warm sun, sheer curtains are a must for a Greek-inspired space. The gently billowing, light curtains evoke the style of Ancient Grecian dress: simple, unadorned, and light.

Look to muslin, silks, and other sheer fabrics in muted, natural colors. If you’re truly feeling bold, try no curtains at all and instead use indoor shutters to control the amount of sun let into your space.

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7. Columns

A look at ancient Greek ruins will quickly show you that gorgeous, elaborately constructed pillars are a vital part of the Greek aesthetic. The Ancient Greeks were brilliant architects, and columns played a vital role in the construction of their buildings, which is still evident in many Greek ruins.

While Athenian pillars may not be terribly practical for most modern homes, there are many other ways to incorporate pillar motifs into any room. In a living room, try pillars around a fireplace or doorway. Try a solitary post as a plant stand or to hold a Greek-style bust or sculpture. Patios and porches could also benefit from column accents.

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8. Damask

Damask fabrics are luxurious, vibrant pieces created by the unique process of weaving one warp yarn with one weft yarn, often using satin and sateen yarns. This design produces stunning often two-color effects with varying levels of sheen. While Damask is a Byzantine invention, it was loved by the ancient Greeks and was widely incorporated into their homes.

Damask bedding is still trendy and widely available; thus, this Greek decor is easy to introduce to your home. A blue and white Damask bedspread would be the ideal way to enjoy this style, as Damask draperies are too heavy to fit the Grecian aesthetic.

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9. Jacquard

Modern damask fabrics are often woven on jacquard looms. Jacquard looms allow for the mechanized production of previously handmade intricate materials like brocade and Damask. The jacquard loom allows for the much cheaper and faster creation of many elaborate decorations, including Damask and patterns like the Greek key or Meandros.

Any big box home decor store should carry a wide variety of jacquard fabrics pieces that will bring a bit of Greek beauty to your home. If a Damask bedspread is too expensive, a Jacquard coverlet will offer a very similar aesthetic for a fraction of the cost.

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10. Blue Glass

With the heavy emphasis on blue and white decor in Greek design, blue glass is an ideal medium for any number of pieces ranging from stained glass windows to bottle chimes to sculptures. The transparent nature of glass beautifully renders the sunlight that Greek design holds dear while also bringing a decorative structural element.

Blue glass vases are a cheap and straightforward way to bring blue glass into your kitchen or living areas. Try storing your favorite flavored olive oil in a beautiful blue glass bottle, or pair white fresh or dried flowers with a blue vase to display the popular blue and white aesthetic of Greece.

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11. Painted Ceilings

While Greek design does not typically include many outlandish or bright paint colors, it does often call for painting a ceiling. Wood beamed ceilings are very important in Greek architecture and design, but when these are not feasible, painting a ceiling in a beautiful, muted natural shade is preferred.

Light, sage greens and faded lemon yellows are both attractive options, as are washed out sea-foams and blues. If there are beams or another unique structural element, painting them in contrasting blue and white would bring the favored color palette into the room. However, virtually any color that gently echoes the beauty of the ocean is appropriate.

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12. Throw Pillows

Much like in Moroccan design, Greek design is also all about pure comfort, which means many pillows. No Grecian home would consider a seating area complete without an ample variety of comfortable pillows for guests to choose.

A low Greek-style sofa filled with beautiful blue and white Damask or Jacquard pillows is an incredibly inviting sight. Pair these pillows with lightweight blankets in natural cotton or linen for a truly welcoming space that allows one to stay cool in the Grecian heat. Pops of natural color like lemon yellow and herbal greens are also a favorite.

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13. Low Tables

Low tables for seated meals and socializing are an essential part of Greek decor that is also echoed throughout much of the Arabian Peninsula. A low, simple table with luxurious thick pillows for seats, while unusual to many Westerners, is a cozy and intimate way to set the table.

Look for simple, well-made tables crafted with natural wood finishes. Three-legged tables are also trendy in Greek design. Pair these tables with a simple, low sofa with clean lines. For the truly adventurous, look for large, thickly cushioned pillows as seating around a very low table.

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14. Sundeck

Nothing says Greek vacation better than sitting and taking in a gorgeous ocean view from a simple, uncluttered sundeck. To bring the vibe of a Grecian sundeck to your porch or patio, look for simple, low chairs made from naturally finished wood. Moreover, keep the space bright with light colors.

Brighten the space with an olive tree in a terra cotta or lightly glazed white or pale yellow pot, but of course, bring it inside for winter in most areas. Blue and white cushions in a Grecian design will perfect the space and add the necessary comfort.

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15. Whitewashing

To fight the often brutal heat of Grecian summers, many Greek homes whitewash the brick facades both inside and outside their homes to reflect the intense summer sun. Whitewashed brick has a beautiful, rustic look that would be at home in many popular modern styles including industrial and rustic farmhouse.

An old brick fireplace surround is the perfect place to tackle a whitewashing project to update your room and bring a summery Grecian vibe. If you’ve been considering a statement wall, whitewashing is also a great trick to make a wall pop.

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16. Volcanic Rock

Greek is a tectonically active location with many volcanoes. Thus, volcanic rock is a common sight on the islands that are often incorporated into landscaping and decor. Volcanic rock, of which Scoria is a widely recognizable variety, forms when rising magma in a volcano experiences pressure and temperature changes.

Outside, volcanic rock is a beautiful accompaniment to hardy perennial succulents like sempervivums, prickly pears, and yuccas. Inside, a large statement piece of volcanic rock pairs beautifully with a houseplant arrangement or as a focal point in an aquarium or vivarium.

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17. Tiles

Tilework was a prevalent feature in traditional Grecian homes, both on walls and floors. On floors, tile work helps to preserve a bit of coolness during the fierce Greek summers. In the homes of wealthy Greeks, the tile floors often featured the traditional Meandros, or Greek key, pattern.

A kitchen backsplash or tub surround are ideal places to incorporate a beautiful white and blue Greek-inspired tile backsplash. If you live in a location where tiled floors are practical, a blue and white patterned tile floor in a kitchen or bathroom would be a stunning nod to the Greek aesthetic.

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18. Textured Plaster

Textured plaster is another common wall material in Greek housing, alongside whitewashed brick. It is another medium that reflects sunlight, helping a home stay cool during the harsh summers. The crenellations and texture also evoke the beauty of silt and sand.

In the modern home, textured plaster is commonly found on ceilings, in the form of the dreaded “popcorn ceiling.” Instead of going through the laborious and messy task of removing the popcorn, just say it is textured plaster in the Grecian style! More seriously, though, many new types of wallpaper can provide a realistic textured plaster appearance for an inexpensive price.

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19. Murals

Murals were incredibly popular in historical ancient Greek buildings. Many of these large walls of artwork featured their gods and past conflicts. They were often vividly colored and highly detailed. While several murals were painted, others were created from tile mosaics.

While the vast, elaborate paintings of the ancient Greek would be rather challenging to pull off in today’s modern ranch house, consider a small, statement picture in a bathroom or bedroom. A miniature Hellenistic depiction of a woman would be a beautiful way to incorporate a Grecian mural without turning your home into a museum.

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20. Amphoras

An amphora is a two-handled vase and was a hallmark of ancient Greek pottery making. Historic examples are present in museums and are often two-tone terra cotta and black pieces that depict gods and mortals and their interactions.

The stunning shape of these amphoras makes them immediately recognizable and perfect as a statement piece over a fireplace or on a decorate column pillar. While true Greek amphoras are, of course, in museums, there are many reproductions produced for consumers. Amphoras that feature the Greek Key, or Meander, pattern or a mural would be especially iconic pieces to honor the Grecian style.

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21. Busts

Much like amphoras, busts of gods and prominent historical figures are a hallmark of ancient Greco-Roman design. Gods, goddesses, and famous men and women were all depicted and preserved through the ages through beautifully carved stone busts.

While a full-size bust may feel a bit ostentatious for your home, consider miniature statues as bookends for a vintage book display, as decor on a full house plant shelf, or worked into your home as part of a larger art piece. The classic white stone or marble bust is simply too beautiful to be passed up for any decorator!

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22. Vertical Design

The vertical orientation of lines and designs is fundamental to Greek interior designers, both ancient and contemporary and is reflected beautifully in the Greek tradition of columns. Old Grecian designers used the concept of Entasis to correct for optical illusions in straight vertical lines because they were so vital to their aesthetic.

To bring this idea into your home, try a vertical indoor garden or a long, thin wall tapestry to draw the eye upwards and give a sense of vertical space. Greek houses often have high ceilings, but low ceilings aren’t a deal breaker as long as you work with that limitation to create the feeling of vertical movement.

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23. Stucco

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24. Muted Hues

While blue and white are the predominant colors in Grecian interior design, many other colors can be incorporated as long as they stay muted. While bold and jewel tones are on-trend for 2019, the Greek aesthetic prefers to stick with muted colors that evoke natural elements like citrus fruit and herbs.

Look to pale, washed-out yellows, corals, and greens as a way to bring pops of color to your style without distracting from the soft, Greek vibe. A hint of pale, lemon-inspired yellow in a kitchen would be the perfect way to try this style on for size.

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25. Minimal Metallic

While blue and white are the predominant colors in Grecian interior design, many other colors can be incorporated as long as they stay muted. Even though bold and jewel tones are on-trend for 2019, the Greek aesthetic prefers to stick with muted colors that evoke natural elements like citrus fruit and herbs.

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26. Leather

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27. Sculptures

Alongside busts and amphorae, sculptures are another beautiful hallmark of Greek history and art that complement any Greek-themed interior designed space. While a classic Greek style sculpture would undoubtedly add to the theme, any sculpture in a natural wood or stone finish would bring a gorgeous, historic feel to your decor.

Glass sculptures, especially in clear, white, or blue, would also beautifully pair with Greek decor. It is a beautiful way to work sculptures in your home. Any carving with Grecian motifs like olive trees, Greek mythological figures, or ocean motifs would be particularly appropriate to evoke the Ancient Greek aesthetic. For metal sculptures, look for tarnished or dark finishes.

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28. Natural Colors

In addition to a wide range of muted hues like lemon yellow and sage green, natural colors are a must for any Greek space. Colors that evoke warm sands, soft leaves, soil, and more are all welcome in a Greek designed area.

While they should be muted, they also should indeed echo the natural color of the item being represented, be it an herb, flower, or seashell. The critical element is to bring the beauty of ocean-side nature indoors. Try a warm, sand-like shade of paint in a bathroom for an attractive beachy finish. In a kitchen, try a hint of olive-leaf or sage green.

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29. Minimalist Furniture

Even wealthy ancient Greeks tended to have simple, uncluttered homes that featured a handful of beautifully made wooden pieces of furniture rather than a large quantity. This philosophy meshes beautifully with the Marie Kondo era of keeping only things that spark joy, so look to locally and artisan-made high-quality furniture pieces that will last you a lifetime, regardless of the style of interior design you’re pursuing.

Clean, natural lines and finishes will always be in-style and beautiful! To truly embrace the Greek style, look for three-legged minimalist furniture and pieces made from beautiful warm-toned woods.

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30. Stone Flooring

Much like with tile flooring, stone flooring is another way to beat the heat of scorching Grecian summers by letting the cool of the earth seep up into the stone floor. Natural stone finishes are a decorative element in many forms of Grecian decor, from busts to countertops to sculptures, and a neutral, light-hued stone floor could be the ideal way to take a bathroom or kitchen from traditional to Grecian.

If marble and granite are out of reach, look to modern engineered laminates that even mimic the texture of stone. In colder climates, under-floor heating is a luxurious but relatively economical touch that will keep your stone floors comfortable all year round.

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31. Interior Shutters

Heavy, thick curtains and drapes are an absolute no-go for Grecian-inspired interior decor. At most, Greek homes use sheer, ethereal curtains that allow a great deal of light into the house. For many Greeks, no curtains are used at all and are instead replaced by useful indoor shutters that can be adjusted throughout the day to control the amount and placement of light in the home, a must for hot, bright summers.

While having no curtains at all may sound strange to many American decorators, indoor shutters can bring a very chic, continental feel to a home. Also, if you’re tired of washing curtains, that’s another excellent reason to give indoor shutters a try!

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32. Tripod Tables

A common yet unique feature of Grecian furniture design is the tripod table. Just like it sounds, these tables all feature a three-legged base instead of the traditional four-poster design. The legs typically start joined at the bottom of the furniture and flare out to three separate feet, giving an elegant, languid look to the furniture. This design also unique echoes the vertical alignment important to Greek design.

Look for side tables and small plant stands to add this style to your home cheaply. A three-legged plant stand with a vertically vining plant like a Pothos of Philodendron would be a beautiful way to combine several Greek design elements.

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33. Wooden Ceilings

Rustic wood-beamed ceilings are trendy in Greek homes. They bring a natural beauty inside that makes you feel incredibly comfortable and secure, almost as though you’re sheltered beneath a large beautiful tree instead of a roof. The rich, warm wood tones also pair beautifully with the Greek trends of exposed brick and white stucco or whitewashing.

Wood-beam ceilings also pair beautifully with rustic farmhouse, French farmhouse, and nautical interior design, making them a very versatile investment if added to your home. If you have a high enough ceiling, there are many online tutorials on how to easily install faux wood beams, so keep that option in mind.

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34. Arched Doorways

While the famed Moorish arch never entirely made its way to Greece, simple curved arches are incredibly popular and seen widely indoors and out. A simple arch is much more natural to incorporate into a home than the elaborate keyhole arch but still would take a bit of renovation.

If you wish to more simply are looking for a simple way to incorporate the arched design into your home, shop for rounded bookcases and other arched pieces of statement furniture to recreate the feel. Creating arched outdoor spaces with landscaping arbors is another option, and can even be trained with vining plants like grapes for an authentic Mediterranean feel.

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35. Natural Wood Finishes

Greek furniture is often quite minimalistic, using simple shapes and legs with natural wood finishes being a must. Painted or gilded wood is very uncommon, and will detract from a natural Greek aesthetic. Think clean, light, and inspired by sand and driftwood.

Look for light, natural-hued wood finishes like birch and light oaks. While dark wood is beautiful, this too would mostly compete and clash against the sunny vibe achieved through the typically light tones of traditional Greek interior design. The ideal pieces of Greek-inspired furniture would have three legs, arched, simple lines, and light sandy finishes.

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36. Rugs, But No Carpet

As in many warm climate cultures, wall to wall carpet is a major no-no for traditional Greek design. Tiled floors are incredibly famous both for their classic beauty as well as helping to provide a more refreshing feel on the feet when the full strength of summer hits.

However, for those worried about cold floors in northern climates, rugs are a popular way to add a bit of warmth and softness in the winter months while still keeping with the Greek aesthetic. Look for traditionally made, rustic rugs that feature geometric patterns, especially in blue and white.

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