The ancient pumice mine house that Costis Psychas lifted from a tumbledown wreck with 24 different owners is the ultimate property swan. From a barely remembered pile, he has conjured a stunning set of cool interiors that he now lives in, with a constant steam of visitors, on the Greek island of Santorini.
The design has 3 main winning elements – the proud use of heritage techniques, a lack of fuss or aggressive shapes, and a luxury respect.
The heritage techniques are present from the floor up. Most rooms are finished underfoot with a combination of pressed beach sand and concrete, a local method. The walls themselves are from Island rock. Handmade features include the local marble bathroom sink and dining table. Even the walls themselves are built up in plaster and finished fresco-style, all in pure white.
This last technique gives the house its strongest visual element – the curving walls that make the house seem like the inside of a giant burrow. Psychas has eliminated any feeling of intimidation from his beautiful coastal home, and kept the interior clean, fresh and adaptable. Interesting pieces that are good enough to feature are therefore highlighted, from antique lanterns, to boat sail awnings, to dark wooden chairs (all of which are, by the way, locally discovered).
Finally, where’s the luxury element I hear you ask? Well, precisely in this warm minimalism (though the sun helps). In a world just brimming with junk and distractions, luxury is found in simplicity and cleanliness. A point that Psychas realized long ago.
Designer & Owner: Costis Psychas
Produced by Anita Sarsidi/ Photography by: William Abranowicz for Elle Decor
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