Mykonos Beyond Time

architecture

CHRISTOS DRAZOS, GIORGOS BOLBASIS

Makers of Dreams

Precision and creativity are not easy to combine in furniture design, yet Furniture Gallery CEO Vasilis Karafotias seems to have found just the right balance.

Interview by DESPOINA SAMPSON

At the helm of a tight-knit team of creative craftspeople, Vasilis Karafotias does not hide his passion for the world of furniture and interior design, taking on the challenges of designing and manufacturing custom-made pieces for commercial and private spaces. Furniture Gallery was established in 2004 and, in these 18 years, Vasilis has led it to a well-deserved prominence powered by out-of-the-box thinking, teamwork and dedication. He spoke to us about his close ties to Mykonos in a short but insightful interview. Design-wise, what befits Mykonos? For us, every new project is a story waiting to be told. In the case of Mykonos, of course, the island is already full of interesting stories, so when we are invited to take on a project based here, we will take into consideration not just the typical Cyclades architecture, but the functionality of the space we are designing for, as well as its personality and that of the owner. One type of project more and more clients entrust to the Furniture Gallery in recent years involves upholstering, adapting and generally updating well-loved older pieces of furniture, often antiques with a lot of sentimental value. That is what Mykonos would be to me if it were a piece of furniture: A traditional piece – maybe an armchair or table – that has been given a new, very trendy and luxurious twist, in the same way that the island combines the best of both worlds. You’ve already completed projects on the island. What can you tell us about them? It was very exciting to work alongside the director, set designer and interior designer Antonis Kalogridis on several of the Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts at Elia Beach. You wouldn’t believe the amount of thought, inspiration and planning that went into each of these spaces. In the case of the Myconian Avaton resort, we combined classic with contemporary high-end aesthetics, adding country and indie accents to the interiors for that extra effect. A challenge we faced was combining timber with fabric and LED in couches, armchairs, chairs, and other items, but everyone was elated with the result. At the Myconian Imperial, the goal was to exalt the Greek summer, placing the focus on the light of the sun and the elements of the sky and the sea. The brief here asked for luxurious minimalism with references to nature. I’ll also mention the work we did for the Myconian Villa Collection because it was so fulfilling despite its challenges. This project revolved around the art of hospitality, and our made-to-measure constructions included long plush couches, comfortable beds and many more pieces. Of course, all of these designs had references to the Cyclades landscape that we made sure were free from clichés. Instead, we chose to mirror and pay tribute to the silhouettes of church domes and buildings, and the textures found inside traditional homes. Our colors were both inspired by and complementary to the famous Mykonos landscape and architecture. What is Mykonos to you? Mykonos is iconic, but creating for it is a challenge. There is such a high level of hospitality and services in general at properties such as those of the Myconian Collection, and since it’s such a popular destination, the expectations are very high. We always give it our best – all our energy, attention to detail and motivation. This is how we tackle challenges and bring new designs to life. This is how we shape stories. Fortunately, working on Mykonos projects also means getting to visit this breathtaking island, which is a blessing.  Furniture Gallery Eleftherias 11 & Parnithos, Ag. Ioannis Rentis, Athens Tel: +30 2105776745 furnituregallery.gr

architecture

The Forward Thinker

As a classical optimist, John Revithis can always detect the silver lining in every circumstance and as an experienced Real Estate specialist, he can foresee the grand development that lies ahead.

Interview by DESPOINA SAMPSON

Having an active role in the field or Real Estate for over three decades on Mykonos island, what was the greatest change you have experienced? Every year, on the altar of development, the great demand for purchase or rental of real estate brings about radical changes, spatial, urban and traffic related. Mykonos is among those top five islands of the territory that are champions on these changes. We would rather like all Greek islands to remain as they were 30 years ago. Unfortunately, this can’t happen and as a result we see significant changes every year. What are the prospects of premium real estate on Mykonos in five years’ time? Mykonos is now one of the most famous tourism destinations in the world. It is no coincidence that multinational catering and clothing companies, clubs and international brands have been established here. The island’s prospects are mostly referred to the hotels, concierge services and suppliers. I strongly believe that these sectors will continue to take central stage and embrace the arrival of international brands. Dealing with the circumstances of the last two years, what is your biggest challenge? As a matter of fact, the tourists’ traffic fell by 50%, a percentage lower than on other international islands. However, this reduced influx of tourists and investors brought forward better priced opportunities for some who did not miss this opportunity. Regarding villas, what are the characteristics of the most sought-after investment? The characteristics can be summed up in privacy, easy access, sea view, large pool, gym and spacious interiors. What are the characteristics of a residential property either on the Athenian Riviera or on the islands that attract the investors’ interest? Good architecture, careful construction, design layout, spacious rooms and remarkable outdoor living, many electrical facilities and prime location: these are the prime advantages of a sought-after property. Is Greek Real Estate competitive compared to the ones of Western European countries? Of course, it is competitive due to the excellent prices we offer in Greece and comparatively we are hospitable with excellent quality, natural agricultural products, amazing natural clean beaches and exceptional Mediterranean climate. According to you, in what terms will the Ellinikon develop Real Estate around Athens Riviera? The Ellinikon, along with the casino, stands as one of the largest construction developments in Europe, including skyscrapers, houses and many more buildings, due to its excellent location. 

John Revithis, the Real Estate Specialist on Mykonos island with an exquisite portfolio of supreme luxury properties.

GEORGE SFAKIANAKIS The renovation was undertaken by Stavros Papagiannis, Creative Director of Stage Design Office.

Timeless Elegance

Deloudis is celebrating its 50 years with the complete interior renovation of its showroom in Alimos.

The recently renovated facilities of the impressive building in Alimos, fully incorporate the modern aesthetics of today, showcasing the latest trends of high-end interior design, while maintaining the absolute feeling of elegance which springs from the timeless classical pieces. Following the company’s vast tradition of five decades, the showroom hosts a selection of collections from the most famous design houses such as B&B, Cassina, Flexform, Edra, Poliform, Giorgetti, Porro, MDF Italia, Acerbis, Arflex, Tom Dixon, Moooi and Thonet, amongst others. The dark colored grey shades which dominate onto the walls merge with the industrial concrete on the floor, creating a dramatic and almost theatrical dimension. The mesmerizing walls stand out and give elegance and flexibility allowing the furniture to stand out masterfully. The architectural lighting of Flos was applied with particular intelligence and a multidimensional way so that the space is divided into individual rooms, especially lighted according to their use; the “living rooms” are drowned in natural light which is diffused from enormous openings, whereas the bedrooms are isolated from the rest of the space in a discrete way, creating a familiar atmosphere. This friendly aesthetic order directs and inspires the visitor effortlessly in order to realize every wish or working need that he/she has dreamed of. Deloudis Showroom Alimou Avenue 5, Alimos Tel: +302109851378

White gold and diamond earrings, white gold and diamond bracelet, white gold, diamond and emerald ring and white gold and diamond ring, all by Georgios & Co. Fine Jewellery. 002

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Treasure the Moment

Gold necklace with diamonds and lapis lazuli, gold ring with diamonds and lapis lazuli and gold ring with diamonds and malachite, all from the Happy Hearts Collection, Chopard, Chopard Boutique.

Luxury meets aesthetics in carefully curated precious jewellery.

White gold earrings with diamonds and black enamel, Nikos Koulis. White gold ring with diamonds, white gold ring with diamonds and ruby and white gold ring with diamonds and rubellite, Gofas.