Plan an escape in...

...Patmos, one of the most picturesque islands of the Aegean sea. In Chora, the capital city of the island which is characterised as an UNESCO world heritage site, a complex of old manors, stone houses and high yard walls create a wall around the city, erected by the residents of Patmos to protect themshelves from the invasion of pirates during the Byzintine period. Villa Amalia is a part of these wall around Chora... Due to its privileged location gives generously breathtaking views -especially from its magnificent terrace- of the imposing Monastery of Saint John, the Aegean sea and the old town! 

Traditional characteristics of  Patmos local aesthetic as colors, stone floors, high ceilings with exposed beams and exposed stone details around the openings were preserved in the best way during the property's recently renovation! Its exquisite spaces are accentuated by the unique choise of furniture (in a combination of traditional Aegean handmade pieces with some vintage findings), the atmospheric lighting and the cozy nooks, decorated with fluffy pillows and mattresses from crispy linen in order to create the ultimate relaxation spots. 

I would give anything to be there right now!!! Is there something better from living in an island like this, in a house with such a long history? To be able to enjoy every morning  this amazing view from your bed and then going out for a walk in the picturesque alleys of the old city? What do you think?

DIY: Torch Bottles

For years I used to collect old liquor bottles, as many of them have such a unique design and color that it was too hard for me to part with them... I love to use them as candle holders or to store on them my handmade liquors, juices & flavored olive oil with mediterranean herbs. I use to make every year my own limoncello, lemonade & flavor virgin olive oil from our family olive groves with fresh cut herbs from my mini balcony garden. 

Today, I discovered a new inspired way to repurpose my empty liquor bottles... I am so enthusiastic with the idea of turning them to torch bottles! I find it such a lovely decorative item for our balconies which will accompanies our Spring and Summer warm nights... You can find a how to do it tutorial on Sugar & Charm. Try it, it's so easy!!!

Indoor Porches

I am so obsessed with indoor porches... I love the idea of bringing the outdoor inside and have the opportunity to enjoy it all year long. Whether it's a four-season, enclosed or sunroom, your porch can become an inviting and relaxing gathering spot. A room with floor to ceiling windows which allow the sun rays invade the space, brighten it, warm it and generally gives it a fresh and airy feeling. Personally, if I had one, I will fill it with interior plants in lovely ceramic pots in order to feel nearest to the nature and I will choose a super cozy sofa combined with rattan garden furniture so as to reinforce the sense of being outdoor!

Wise Words

When ancient meets modern

When a 17th century oil mill in Salento turns into a family vacation home, by the italian designers (& the property's owners) Ludovica & Roberto Palomba, the result couldn't be anything else than excellent! 

Enjoy this traditional structure perfectly combined with contemporary style furniture designed in their majority by the owners!

Easter Table Settings

Here you can find some Easter table settings in order to help you decorate your own festive table... Use happy Spring colors for your table clothes, add small bouquet of flowers or little nests full with easter eggs as a centre piece and transform your table into an Easter heaven which will gather your beloved ones! Happy Easter to all of you!!! 

Easter Egg Dying Ideas

via magpie paperworks

According to the custom, Holy Thursday is the day that we dye Easter eggs... Here in Greece, we are usually dyeing eggs in deep red color as red represents the blood of Christ. However, last years we use to dye them in other colors too! I love the Spring pale colors of naturally dyed eggs, the minimalistic black & whites or the colored polka dot eggs. There are hundred ways and ideas to dye your Easter eggs... Here, I present you some of them, that inspired me most and made me want to try them as an alternative to the all time classic red ones!