The Cycladic vernacular is one of the most recognized architectural styles in the world; born from the unique combination of the Cycladic islands' rugged, windswept landscape, sunny climate and resourceful culture, its serene, timeless aesthetic – a combination of stark, whitewashed walls, cubic volumes, smooth curves and minimalistic design – holds universal appeal. It’s therefore only natural that architects and designers working on new hospitality projects on the Cyclades overwhelmingly embrace the aesthetic; it takes boldness and vision to tinker with such a successful ‘recipe’ but when done right, the result can be captivating. This is the case with Seriphos Estate, a duplex retreat on Serifos island conceived by Athens-based interior designer Ioli Chiotini as a modern interpretation of Cycladic aesthetics.

Scenically perched above Agios Ioannis beach on the island’s east coast, the whitewashed building, an existing property originally built in the 1980s, espouses the stark sensibility of Cycladic architecture. Not so the interiors however, where an eclectic colour palette of Tiffany blue, mahogany red and blush hues meets bespoke furnishings with post-modernist and Arts & Crafts influences, and a plethora of whimsical decorative details. That’s not to say that Chiotini’s imaginative interiors swap simplicity and elegance, the hallmarks of Cycladic aesthetics, for ostentation and panache; it’s more of a testament to Chiotini’s creative acumen and keen eye for detail that the property artfully balances modernity and tradition, harmoniously blending the soothing familiarity of Cycladic minimalism with warmth, charm and whimsy. Add in the sweeping sea views, the spectacle of the sun rising over the water, and the spacious shaded verandas and terraces, and Seriphos Estate becomes an enchanting haven for relaxation and inspiration.

Taking its name from the Greek word for shell, the two-bedroom “Kelyphos” apartment occupies the building’s upper level, while the one-bedroom “Edaphos”, named after the Greek word for ground and soil, is located on the ground floor. Both apartments feature an open-plan living, dining and kitchen plus a number of private and communal outdoor sitting areas. While the latter adheres to the Cycladic norm of muted tones and simple forms—think stone-paved terraces and built-in sitting and wooden pergolas—the interiors are boldly swathed in colour inspired by the blue of the Aegean Sea (Kelyphos) and the earthy hues of the island’s rocky landscape (Edaphos).

For Edaphos, Chiotini opted for a soulful, warm palette of mahogany-red and blush hues, the former used in the floors and the latter for the ceilings of the open-plan living area adjacent bedroom. Connecting the two is a dreamy wallpaper with an ombre effect by textiles and homeware brand SØLØ which also supplied all of the project’s bespoke fabrics, including curtains and upholstery. The deep red colour scheme is echoed by the kitchen’s marble backsplash, cabinet doors and handles, and extraction hood, as well as the meticulously curated selection of furnishings and fabrics. A sculptural wooden counter with matching high chairs that doubles as a dining table, also by SØLØ which custom-made all of the property's bespoke furniture, imbues the space with a sense of craftsmanship as do a series of handcrafted ceramic objects and a linear suspension lamp.

Pops of mahogany red can also be found in the open-plan living space in the larger Kelyphos apartment, but in this space are used to complement the predominant Tiffany blue hues, most notably on the floor of the open-plan living space, extending to the coffee table, fur-lined armchair and kitchen backsplash as well as the custom-made suspension lamp, the latter one of several light fittings designed by Chiotini in collaboration with Athens-based product designer Chris Bassias. Similar blue hues appear throughout the two-bedroom apartment, from the skirting-like coloured band that leads to the private quarters, to the bespoke bedside suspension lamps, to the post-modernist mirror in the powder room.

Inspired by the eye of Polyphemus, the mythological one-eyed giant in Homer’s Odyssey, the latter is part of a series of playful elements that celebrate Serifos’ cultural heritage—legend has it that Odysseus and his companions fought Polyphemus on the southwestern part of the island. Such elements include a full-length mirror in one of the bedrooms whose arched shape is inspired by the traditional doorways in the island’s main town, Chora, and the bee-like metallic sconces in the sitting niche in the living room that reference the island’s renowned beehives.

Complementing Edaphos and Kelyphos’ imaginative interiors is a series of outdoor areas, subtly animated by the custom-designed patterns adorning the pillows and pouffes, where guests can enjoy the mesmerizing sea views in privacy, while an outdoor kitchen and dining area functions as a vibrant communal hub. A large rug covering the floor imbues the latter with a “barefoot” luxury vibe, while the spacious central wooden table, flanked by benches that can be swapped for pouffes, further enhances its inviting, laid-back elegance. Although this space may lack the chromatic panache of the interiors, it compensates with the scenic encounter of the island’s rugged landscape, glittering azure sea and bright blue sky – these are, after all, the ‘primal’ ingredients comprising the Cycladic experience.