The Giannoulias Family's Timeless Cretan Retreat

Interior designer Cari Giannoulias and her family have created a unique summer home in the Hania region of Crete, Greece. The house is not only a building, but also a symbol of love and belonging, carrying the memories and emotions of the family.

Cari's husband is of Greek descent and the family has spent countless quality times on this picturesque island. In the end, they decided to build a permanent home here, passing on the emotional bonds of the generations. The whole design process perfectly combines traditional craftsmanship with modern life, and the house not only respects the local architectural culture, but also integrates the soul of nature, becoming an extension of the land.

The layout of the house follows the natural contours of the terrain, making extensive use of local resources, such as stone collected in the mountains and traditional Greek material "patiti", to create a time-sensitive wall texture by hand. Curved corners, warm sandstone tones, and wooden pergolas and natural furniture inject a calm and harmonious wabi-sabi aesthetic into the home. Floor-to-ceiling Windows make the pristine beauty of the island central to the design, with every space bathed in sunlight and breezes.

Cari's design is inspired by traditional homes in the Cretan countryside - simple yet warm dwellings. She worked with Scope Architects and local artisans to strike a balance between sustainability and modern comfort, creating buildings that are both durable and elegant. The arches of the house are built in progressively hand-cut stone, paying homage to the classic craftsmanship of ancient Greek architecture while incorporating modern openness and soft lines.

Everything in the home, from the beauty to the details, is very real and natural, but Cari's favorite place is the most modest - the outdoor breakfast area. There, she shares daily time with her family, watches the kids frolic in the pool, or spends a leisurely afternoon with friends. This small corner, concentrated family joy and warmth.

"This project has made me rediscover the value of simple living and appreciate the connection between people and nature," Cari said. This modern, traditional Cretan house is not only a masterpiece of architecture, but also a celebration of the way of life, a precious gift to the family and the future.

In this Cretan family retreat where tradition and nature meet modernity and classic charm, every detail exudes a rediscovery of the simple life and a deep appreciation for the connection between people and nature. As Cari mentioned, the project has led her to rediscover the value of simple living and to appreciate the bond between people and nature. Against this backdrop, the Matera Charming Exquisite Floral Print Pillow Cover from domvitus becomes the ideal complement to this home. With its delicate floral print design, it not only adds a touch of nature's colors to the home but also perfectly blends with the aesthetics of this modern and traditional Cretan residence. More than just a home accessory, it is a celebration of an elegant lifestyle, adding a special charm to this family's precious gift to their future.