MYKONOS STYLE – ISLAND INSPIRATION AT HOME

HOLIDAY VIBES – MYKONOS STYLE

Enjoying a dose of ‘vitamin sea’. Image courtesy of Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts

We’re in the thick of summer holiday season! Whether you’re jetting off somewhere exotic, overstuffed suitcase and/or children in tow, or luxuriating at home during this extended spell of glorious weather, it’s the perfect time to ease off the gas.

I have to admit it, I’m thorough and picky when deciding on a holiday abroad. They don’t happen all that frequently, so I reserve the right to be choosy. Much akin to the process of booking a restaurant, the decor of a place – it’s style and ambiance – is central to my selection. Some may call this ‘fussy’. I call it the ‘expectations of an interior designer’.  So when my husband and I decided to cut loose and indulge in six delightfully child-free days in Europe, finding the right location and hotel was paramount.

 

MEMORIES

Mykonos had always been on my wish-list. I don’t know, it’s probably something to do with those impossibly clear waters, artfully tinged with turquoise, endless sandy summer days and whitewashed buildings. Plus, I just love a boat trip and there were plenty available, given its island status.

Greek adventures on the windy isle. Image courtesy of Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts

My last Grecian adventure – Faliraki, 2002 – had not been quite so extravagant or elegant. Nights bar-crawling felt endless and decidedly uncomfortable, especially as I’ve never been hugely into drinking-to-excess. Safety was questionable too – our dingy apartment was fitted with a front door that barely locked and cockroaches frequented more often than our friends, who were a stone’s throw away. Hardly the lap of luxury. No, Mykonos was going to be different. It was going to be sophisticated, comfortable and totally design-focused.

 

MYKONOS STYLE: INSPIRATION

The beautiful entranceway to a little boutique in Mykonos’s Old Town

If you follow my instagram or read this blog regularly, you’ll know that I inadvertently draw inspiration from anywhere and everywhere I go. This is what I love about getting out and about, whether travelling afar, visiting showrooms or trawling around London day-to-day. Experience is everything.

 

Details like the mosaic floor gave the Old Town such character

Inspiration was rife in Mykonos – from the hotel’s relaxed Myconian/Ibizian aesthetic to the breathtakingly beautiful Elia Beach.

Most evenings, we would meander along the idyllic pedestrianised streets of the Old Town. Famous for its smooth, stoney paths, overhanging trees and sloping white-washed buildings, the atmosphere was decidedly relaxed. This is a very cool part of the world – with small, boutique galleries lining the cobbled streets and skilled artisans selling their beautiful, bespoke pieces. There is a distinctive less-is-more approach to design.

MYKONOS STYLE: HOTEL & INTERIORS

The textural lobby of our hotel. Image courtesy of Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts

THE HOTEL:

After thorough research and much deliberation, we booked the Myconian Villa Collection. A quiet location on the rock-face, its relaxed aesthetic and beachy vibe perfectly befitted the flavour of our trip.

The decor was beautiful too – understated yet softly layered. In true Mykonos style, the white-washed walls and large format natural tiles formed the perfect foundation for the design. Rustic elements, from raw-edged wooden coffee tables to floor-standing natural sculptures added texture and warmth. Artfully woven wicker chairs showcased mastery of form and contrasted against casual, white linen day beds, finished with contrast-piping.

Design details at the hotel. Image courtesy of Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts

Woven finishes featured in abundance and the schemes were accessorised with locally sourced craft-pieces. Groupings of over-sized carved bowls, glazed urns and ceramic ducks were the perfect finishing touches atop the many surfaces.  Lighting showcased strong, organic forms and interesting patination. Outside, striped monochrome sun loungers enjoyed a fun interplay with natural edges, raffia pergolas and sandstone walls.

Inside/outside living at the hotel. Image courtesy of Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts

THE POOL AND THAT VIEW:

Clearly the views were the hero of the hotel’s positioning, with its cliff-side location overlooking the sparkling Aegean waters. The dazzling bar-side infinity pool looked beyond to the sea, as did the villa’s private pools on individual balconies. Our balcony had a hot-tub which was the perfect place for champagne sipping whilst we gazed across the water. The view was spectacular and wow, the colours – I have had a craving for azure, sky blue and turquoise ever since.

The infinity pool with its stunning view across the Aegean Sea was a highlight. Image courtesy of Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts

TAKING INSPIRATION – MYKONOS STYLE

There are two definitive ‘looks’ that I have taken from my stay. These looks – Natural Materials and Blue and White – are heavily indicative of Mykonos’s flavour, style and attitude. I will include pieces across both fashion and interiors for each, so read on if you’re interested in achieving a flavour of island life for yourself;

 

MYKONOS STYLE LOOK 1. : NATURAL MATERIALS 

The hotel lobby with its feature lighting framing the front desk. Image courtesy of Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts

Craft is back!

Consider this the start of a huge Art-Nouveau (esque) revival – a celebration of all things handmade, homespun and individual – as we rediscover our love for unique pieces, produced to a high quality. Consider the coverage that hand-woven bags have already received – a must have accessory this summer – or our unbridled enthusiasm for hand-crafted wooden furniture. Perhaps it’s a coincidence, but this means Mykonos feels extremely on-trend! The use of natural materials was rife on the island.

 

A collection of shells highlights the appeal of natural, organic forms on the island

HOME:

Gone are the days when only one finish would do and you could take a ‘matchy-matchy’ approach.

Layer up your favourites for an eclectic, warm and textured scheme. Mix timber, celebrating the beauty of oak, olive wood, teak and ash or play with whitewashed stains. Layer natural sheepskin, woven rugs and thin knits with soft tan leather and raffia furnishings.

NATURAL MATERIALS HOMEWARE – 1. Normann Copenhagen – Shorebird Ornament – Black/Oak | 2. Bloomingville – Tibetan Sheepskin Rug in Stone | 3. The White Company – Olive Wood Small Platter| 4. A by Amara – Fusion Hand Woven Wool Rug in Oyster| 5. Skagerak – Norr Tray in Oak | 6. The White Company – Whitewashed Oval Rattan Charger | 7. LSA – Utility Pot with Leather Handle | 8. House Doctor – Hanging Woven Planter | 9. The White Company – Seagrass Tealight Holder | 10. M&S – Ash Wood and Marble Salad Servers  | 11. Garden Trading – Bothy Bowl | 12. Broste Copenhagen – Nola Stool | 13. The White Company – Alibaba Laundry Basket |

FASHION:

This is a very accessible and wearable look, especially given the traction it has already made.

Champion over-sized, woven totes, ‘undone’ straw hats and easy-to-wear espedrilles. Opt for natural colours and finishes, pairing with on-season mustard hues, khakis, white or blues. Celebrate classic leather finishes alongside fun pom-pom or embroidered accents.

NATURAL MATERIALS FASHION – 1. Rae Feather – Distressed Fray Panama Hat | 2. Russell & Bromley – Coco Nut Ankle Strap Espadrille | 3. Rae Feather – Monogram Small Martha Pom Pom Basket | 4. Kayu – St Tropez Mini Pompom-Embellished Embroidered Woven Straw Tote | 5. Kayu – St Tropez Pompom-Embellished Woven Straw Tote  | 6. Russell & Bromley – Candyfloss Peep-Toe Espadrille | 7. Catzorange – Circle Woven Cotton Shoulder Bag| 8. Mango – Handmade Bamboo Coffer Bag| 9. Aranaz – Tikog Woven Lobster Tote | 10. Whistles – Ola Espadrille Slide | 11. Hereu – Cabas Leather-Trimmed Straw Tote | 12. Loeffler Randall – Cleo Woven Leather Bucket Bag | 13. Massimo Dutti – Raffia and Leather Crossbody Bag |

 

MYKONOS STYLE LOOK 2. : BLUE AND WHITE

Image courtesy of Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts

Obsessed is an understatement – this combo is undoubtedly one of my all-time favourites.  Ever-chic, the marriage of blue and white is synonymous with the Greek flag (and others). This pairing sings in so many ways but this year, it’s all about mixing materials, textures and finishes both in dressing yourself and your space. Mykonos style rejoiced!

HOME

Whilst a blue and white stripe motif feels both fresh yet timeless, artfully combine with floral, graphic or aztec prints for an instant update. And don’t be afraid to mix shades of blue. This creates a far more casual aesthetic than sticking with a single hue and feels more relaxed and Myconian.

BLUE & WHITE HOMEWARE – 1. Desenio – Blue Stairs Print | 2. Elizabeth Scarlett – Bambou Wash/Clutch Bag – White  | 3. Cole & Son – Mariinsky Bellini Paste the Wall Wallpaper, Blue / White 108/9045 | 4. John Lewis – Modasa Rug, Indigo/White | 5. Burlington Pot – Pale Blue on White | 6. Poole Pottery – Blue Orchid Asymmetrical Twist Vase | 7. Smythson – ‘Blah Blah Blah’ Panama Leather Notebook | 8. Villeroy & Boch – Verso Small Midnight Sky Vase | 9. Smeg – Pastel Blue 4-Slice Toaster | 10. Tommy Hilfiger – White & Blue Striped Pillowcase  | 11. Merimekko –  Oiva/Mynsteri Mug – White/Blue | 12. Le Creuset – Stoneware Petite Round Casserole Dish | 13. Eichholtz – Glamour Vase Small |

FASHION:

It doesn’t get more classic than washed mid-blue denim and a crisp white shirt, does it?!

This season, mix it up with Moroccan pattern, playful gingham and modern mules alongside woven or acetate pieces. Tan is a fabulous colour to work into this palette for an added ‘pop’.

BLUE & WHITE FASHION – 1. Loewe – Two Tone Woven Leather Tote – Blue | 2. Ray-ban – Clubmaster Acetate and Silver-Tone Sunglasses | 3. Pampelone – Grimaud Maxi Dress | 4. Whistles – Gingham Square Neck Swimsuit | 5. Red Valentino – Pleated Printed Crepe de Chine Midi Dress | 6. J by Jasper Conran – Blue Paisley Print Bandeau Swimsuit | 7. Russell & Bromley – Visa Pointed Toe Mule | 8. Tods – Mocassino Suede Driving Shoes | 9. Rae Feather – Piñata Monogram Canvas Clutch | 10. Tory Burch – Ariana Embellished Silk and Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress | 11. & Other Stories – High Waisted Button Shorts | 12. Office – Hallie Strappy Suede Sandals |

MEMORIES OF MYKONOS

Back home – all good things must come to an end. And as tans fade and stress levels resume, the short-term effects of a holiday may sadly wane. Luckily, we will always have our memories. Our memories and ten thousand photos documenting every moment. More if, like me, you neglect to delete the duds. References of inspiration, these snapshots capture blissful days which celebrate the absence of alarm clocks and email inboxes. Every location that I travel to, each place that I visit, affects me in some way. There is always something to learn.

Appreciating the sunset in Mykonos. Image courtesy of my ever-enduring husband

Our holiday to Mykonos reinforced the beauty and tactility of natural materials. It enhanced my appreciation for organic shapes and understated, classic palettes – something that will stay with me.

I hope that this post has shared some of the ideas and inspiration that captivated me*. For more ideas and design-inspo, have a read of my posts on the Ned Hotel – Part One and Part Two, Palm Court at The Langham and The Chelsea Flower Show.

I would also love to hear where has inspired you the most. Or somewhere you would love to travel to? Join the conversation in the comments below.

 

Girl signing off,

 

Sarah x

 

*Connect with my Instagram account for more on our Myconian holiday. Alongside images on the feed, check out the highlights in Stories.

** Please note that this post has not been sponsored in any way. We just had a fabulous time and I wanted to share it with you!