Athens abode: interior designer navigates scale and culture in a $23.5 million dream
A sprawling, 23,500-square-foot residence in Athens, Greece, is pushing the boundaries of moderndesign – and challenging its creator, interior designer Nashmita Rajiah.
A risky gamble, a creative revelation
The project, commissioned by discerning clients, presented a formidable set of hurdles: a significant language barrier, logistical complexities spanning an ocean, and the sheer, monumental scale of the build. Yet, Rajiah, of London-based firm Nashmita Rajiah Design, embraced the challenge, recognizing it as a rare opportunity to sculpt a home from a blank canvas.
Layered luxury: from sable mohair to emerald greens
The reception room immediately captivates with its panoramic city views of Athens, framed by a double-sided sofa from Sedilia London and custom swivel arm chairs upholstered in sable mohair. Details like the hand-painted murals by Meg Boscawen – vibrant flora adorning the breakfast room and stylized trees lining the indoor pool – introduce a playful counterpoint to the home’s restrained travertine exterior. This juxtaposition, according to Rajiah, of deliberate restraint and bold color is key to the interior’s allure.
A maximalist approach, masterfully executed
The client’s vision – a saturation of primary hues and a blend of textures – demanded careful navigation. Rajiah expertly translated this preference into a cohesive narrative, avoiding a chaotic jumble. “It’s about consistency in tone, proportion, and the material language,” she explained. Consider the dining room, where off-white walls provide the perfect backdrop for leopard-print Colefax and Fowler chairs, an irregular pink-lined rug by Sacco, and the multicolored mural that anchors the space.
Echoes of scalloping and silk
The daughter’s bedroom, characterized by a recurring motif of scalloping, showcases another facet of the design. Walls are enveloped in a Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, complemented by a bespoke Trove bedside table and Tori Murphy upholstered bench. Even the powder rooms, connected by a shared palette of vibrant emerald green – one adorned with DeGournay silk wallpaper, the other with Art Deco-inspired black and white tile – contribute to the home’s deeply personal feel.
A decade of deliberate distance
Rajiah spent over two and a half years meticulously crafting this residence, making approximately ten trips between London and Athens. “It challenged me to push myself in ways I didn’t think possible,” she reflects. “It was a bit of a decoding process, but fun at the same time.” The finished result is a testament to her dedication and vision – a home that seamlessly blends her client’s desires with her own artistic sensibilities.
Architect: Fermanoglou Architects, Athens Greece • Styling: Jeska Hearne Juliet Izon