on Mykonos, this home is the perfect showcase for no-fuss, high-charm relaxation

The hybrid bliss of classic Cycladic island style and Scandi cool

While Mykonos may be well known as the party capital of the Mediterranean, the small island also offers quiet, secluded beaches far from the throngs of partygoers.

When christina Paraskevopoulou and george Papoutsis decided to renovate their holiday home along the quiet northern coast, it was their intention to make the most of the wild natural environment and breathtaking views from the property, while never compromising on the ability to entertain and host their friends.

athens-based Block722 architects sotiris Tsergas and Katja Margaritoglou did just that when they took on the project. They applied intuitive design solutions to the home and the outside entertainment areas that speak to both the owners’ lifestyle as well as the region’s climate. The spirit of Mediterranean living and the sophisticated minimalism of scandinavian aesthetics are combined in the 300-square-metre house to create a spacious and relaxed atmosphere. clean lines and simple architectural shapes are found throughout, keeping the interior cool during the harsh summers.

Wood and stone are the primary materials in the home. rather than keep to the usual rustic influences of the area, each element is clean, deliberate and undeniably contemporary. In the living room, a day bed rests on a concrete slab just inches from the ground, beneath a large arch cut from the wall, while stone benches extend from the walls to create seamless seating and storage areas. In the kitchen, another large arch can be found, which hides interesting storage spaces: deep squares cut into the walls. Throughout the house, a selection of different textures and materials were combined for a modern yet comfortable look. glass and metal found in lamps and tables are contrasted with raw linen, woven carpets and cushions, while polished concrete floors (which replaced old wooden ones) are paired with whitewashed walls.

While the house is filled with classic designer pieces (see the carl hansen & søn dining chairs and metal tables by Mos design), many were designed especially for christina and george by Block722, such as the chic wooden cabinets in the kitchen, the console in the master bedroom and even outdoor pieces such as the dining table under the pergola.

natural light was key in the design of the house. The windows are large and unobstructed – some seem as large as doors and go almost right up to the ceiling. set in simple wooden frames, the windows allow light to fill almost every corner of the home. outside, the spacious entertainment areas echo the simplicity of the interior. one area is shaded by a wooden pergola and houses the dining table with ample seating – the perfect excuse to have every meal outside – while another seating area – covered only with simple palm branches – takes relaxation one step further with large, soft day beds overlooking the ocean and the surrounding delos and rineia islands.

Just a few metres away a large swimming pool begs to be splashed in. Made from resin, large shallow steps descend into the water, creating an inviting gradient of turquoise colour.

While the Mediterranean and scandinavia may be worlds apart, the two are brought together beautifully in this home, illustrating that simplicity and comfort are a universal language. Block722 8 block722.com n