Cari Giannoulias describes her cherished retreat in Crete as “my favorite place on Earth.” This modern stone sanctuary, carefully crafted to harmonize with the surrounding rugged landscape, showcases stunning architectural brilliance by Scope Architects, with serene outdoor spaces designed by Fytron Landscapes.
Splitting her time between Chicago, where she runs her design studio, and Greece, Cari fondly reflects on her connection to the country. “My husband’s roots trace back to Greece. He spent carefree summers exploring its beauty, with Chania always holding a special place in his heart. When he first took me there, I fell head over heels for the city,” she recalls.
The couple built beautiful memories together in Crete, having tied the knot and baptized their children there, while also making countless summer visits to his grandmother’s home. Eventually, they decided to deepen their ties to Greece and sought out land to construct their dream home.
Neutral chairs by the pool don’t have to be dull—this Soho Home piece adds a refreshing touch!
They found a picturesque plot in a peaceful area not far from town, relocating to Greece during the pandemic to keep a close eye on construction while managing their kids’ remote schooling.
Reflecting on her creative process, Cari notes, “I looked to traditional village homes for inspiration. Their use of simple materials and inviting atmosphere shaped my desire for our house. I filled it with items that hold special meaning for our family.”
Following a Pi-shaped layout with references to local architectural traditions, the home embraces an indoor/outdoor living concept around a lush Mediterranean garden—complete with multiple cozy nooks for a well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Generously sized openings fitted with minimal framing bring a breeze of fresh air while merging the home’s interior with the expansive outdoors, creating a complete ecosystem of a swimming pool, edible gardens, and even a quaint olive grove.
Natural textures enrich this home. This straw lamp is the perfect accessory to add a little warmth!
According to Cari, the calming neutral tones are designed to foster an atmosphere of peace and simplicity. Employing natural, sustainable materials, bespoke fixtures, and handmade touches guided by the wabi-sabi aesthetic, she established the desired ambiance.
Simplicity and luxury elegantly intersect, creating a modern take on the traditional Cretan residence, as advised by Cari.
Authenticity permeated every element of the design process. “Each piece was handcrafted using time-honored techniques mastered by artisans through generations,” she shares.
Cari also decided to give prominence to genuine Grecian materials, adorning walls with hand-applied patiti (cement mortar) to evoke a sense of time and history.
This soft, chic carpet is perfect for a stylish yet cosy bedroom vibe.
Cari reflects, “The whole experience has been life-changing, connecting me to what truly matters and reviving my love for authentic experiences.”
“In this beautiful space, I rediscover joy as I read, tend to my garden, and indulge in the richness of history and culture. Currently, we live full-time in the US while visiting Greece every summer. But one day, perhaps we’ll spend more time here. The Greek lifestyle resonates deeply within me.”
