10 summer decorating ideas from the coolest Greek hotels

How many times you wished you could bring in some island vibes, while decorating your house for the summer?

Crystal clear waters, blinding sun, all things white and blue: when you think of summer, Greece is always part of the dream plan. Everytime I travel, I always take notes on how I could step up my summer decoration game.

So, here are 8 summer decorating ideas from the coolest Greek hotels I have visited

M for Macramé- Eagles Resort

During my visit at Eagles Resort, I stayed in an impressive private villa which combined luxury and simplicity, elegance and a homey feeling. I loved the neutral colours and soft fabrics but what stole my heart was a black, round macrame wall piece, hanging above the bed. If you want to give your space a light touch of tradition, or a nomadic vibe, this is the key piece you should invest in, whether you decide to put it in your bedroom or living room.

Bathtub of the Gods- Naxian Utopia

Despite being named Exotic, my dreamy suite at Naxian Utopia was an ode to the cycladic minimalism. Among the decoration highlights was the the big spa-like bathtub built in the middle of the bedroom, decorated with little white stones. If your summer house is still in pre-production stage, opt for a built-in bathtub to add a hamam accent to your space. If you already have a bath tub like this, switch from candles to more “primitive”and simple stones.

Read everything about this dreamy hotel at Naxos here

Pillow fever- Cape 9

From the adorable turquoise hued pools to the vintage sinks and the macramé wall hangings, there were many deco easter eggs at Cape 9 hotel in Santorini. But what I loved the most, were the pillow choices. Bright and colourful next to the pool, knitted and decorated with the classic evil eye motif inside the room, they created the perfect harmony between neutral and playful. So good, plus super easy to achieve!

Under the olive tree – Kivotos Hotel

Probably the easiest decorating tip to incorporate into your space: an olive tree (or just a branch). The olive tree was a symbol of peace and friendship and is associated with ancient Greece and myhtology. It’s one of the key elements that compose a typical greek landscape and you can copy the perfect combination Kivotos Hotel offered: an olive tree next to a blue (or lilac) door and a white background. Bonus tip: Add a fancy pot for a pop, unexpected twist.

A paravent to hide and seek – Kea Village

Forget the wooden, hand-painted vintage paravent you bookmarked on Pinterest- it fits better in winter. An off white paravent with linen or cotton patches, like the one that was in my Kea Village room, is the real deal for a laid back, summer decoration.

A study in white and blue – Grace Santorini

When you find yourself on the island with the world famous, jaw dropping view, Santorini, it’s difficult to get distracted by anything else. Grace Santorini got it right, choosing simplicity on the inside to balance the breathtaking scenery on the outside. A decoration mostly based on elements in white and blue, in clean patterns and shapes is the go-to way to bring a cycladic breeze into your house.

Staying at Grace was a really unique experience. Read all about it here!

Bits of tradition – Sterna Residences

Straw baskets may be one of the most trending accessories in fashion, ultimately, but they undoubtedly have roots in tradition. Sterna Residences in Nisyros, made the most out of them, placing them on the floor, in front of the wall made of stone. The addition of a white sheet, hanging on the wall made me think I was in a traditional village house.

Bedding goals – Chora Kythnos

Interior Design at its best

I won’t deny it: sometimes upon entering in a new hotel room, I hop and lay on the bed just like they do in the movies. I guess it’s a common way to break the ice with your home for the next days. That’s why, when I saw the bedding at the Chora Kythnos hotel, I got extra excited. Signed by the top Greek brand Cocomat, it involved a wonderful balance of crispy white, cream and charcoal hues and big, super soft pillows for the sweetest of dreams. Tip: adding a darker colour instantly refreshes the classic (but also a little bit common) total white bed look.

Details from the ceiling – Kinsterna Hotel

Kinsterna Hotel in Monemvasia, had the most brilliant idea about how to give new life to your living room or bedroom ceiling (especially if you have one made of wood). A hand-knitted spider web of macramé caught my eye in the conference hall and it will sure have the same effect on the guests of your summer house.

Vintage with a modern twist- Anemi Hotel

Never underestimate the power of a vintage tin box. Stage Design Office, a renowned design studio in Greece, created Anemi Hotel’s signature style, combining elements from the present and the past. One decorating idea I kept, was the use of vintage tin oil containers as vases for small olive trees. Definitely a must- try.

Read also:

5 easy decor ideas to copy from the coolest hotels

5 + 1 hotel life essentials