Mykonos

A few years back now, I visited ‘the island of the winds’. A total of 28 windmills were operating on the island in the 19th century. Today, the mills are no longer in operation. Mykonos is the most cosmopolitan island in the Cyclades.

I adore this island with its plethora of traditional whitewashed houses overlooking the sea. I thought I’d share my experience on this beautiful and stylish island with you.

MYKONIAN ARCHITECTURE

Mykonos has a unique architectural style generally described as a mixture of Greek traditional and Venetian styles, with a cubic and minimal trend. The style embodies simple materials and lines consisting of cubic whitewashed houses (without roofs), sky blue shutters, over-arching balconies, picturesque windmills, a labyrinth of narrow streets and beautifully decorated courtyards, and churches with coloured domes - all this gives Mykonos its very unique flair and character — in perfect harmony with the beauty of the Aegean Sea.

The dwellings were built one atop the other and the streets were made as narrow as possible in an attempt to pretty much close up the town against the pirates in the olden days. The houses are small due to the shortage of building materials on the island. Square formations offer protection from the elements. The back wall of the houses is always situated to the north, to protect the inside from the strong northern winds. The crisp white colour reflects the sun light so the inside of the house remains nice and cool.

Sunsets in Mykonos

Little Venice in the Old Town is maybe the most picturesque neighbourhood in Mykonos and the perfect spot to watch the idyllic sunsets by the iconic sea front windmills with breath-taking, panoramic views over the Aegean Sea. This truly creates a dreamscape that, since 2005, has been protected by law and is legally classified as one of distinctive, natural beauty.

AN ISLAND SANCTUARY

I really appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of Mykonos. The island has an on-trend and sophisticated flair. The atmosphere and interior spaces are decidedly minimal and relaxed — understated yet elegantly layered. There is a distinctive less-is-more approach to interior design. White-washed walls and large format natural tiles form the perfect foundation for the design - allowing nature and style to form a beautiful unity.

Natural materials, shades of blue and white encapsulate Mykonos’ style and attitude. Artistic floor-standing sculptures create visual interest and the use of natural materials – such as rustic elements made of olive wood, teak, and oak, woven wicker chairs, artfully woven light pendants, worn tan leather and natural linen textures – embrace the Mykonos lifestyle. The minimalist Mykonian interior style seamlessly blends modern interior decor and Mykonian architecture.

Experiencing the island in all its beauty has certainly enhanced my appreciation for organic shapes and an understated muted colour palette of shades of white and design elements artfully tinged with turquoise.

The vibe and feel of Mykonos has stayed with me and is reflected in my own home…

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Drift & Co