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Greek Redux

Four modern riffs on one historic design

Hellenic Frescoes

“Blue Ladies” fresco, circa 1500 B.C., was discovered in the late 1960s on the Greek island of Thera in the Aegean Sea.

The Basics: Ancient Greek artists, like the unknown creator of the “Blue Ladies” fresco, made permanent wall paintings by burning and slaking limestone to plaster. As the lime plaster dried, the Greeks applied pigment, locking their chosen colors and designs beneath a calcium carbonate coating. Why you should care: Because of the permanence of plaster painting, frescoes are the clearest representation of ancient Greek design, which has had an enormous impact on decorative arts—from the Greek Revival to the Neo-Grec period and beyond. Motifs: Look for anthemions, palmettes, Greek key designs, classical busts, winged griffins, sea serpents, urns, medallions, and arabesques. Serving Suggestion: Use the Greek look smartly and sparingly to add a tinge of classic sophistication (the “Sonia” console) or slyness (the “Artemis” pillow) to any space.

Get the look 

1. Limoges porcelain “Mer Turquoise” dinner plate by Alberto Pinto, $159
 

2. “Klismos” chairs by Councill, $1,890 each
 

3. “Sonia” console by Alexa Hampton for Hickory Chair, $4,095 as shown
 

4. “Artemis” pillow by Thomas Paul, $110

For more information on featured products and suppliers, please see our Buyer's Guide.