Sneak Peek Of My Athenian Flat
Step inside Andriana’s living room and see some of her favourite corners.
“Home is a feeling. A feeling that evolves with your needs and phases of life. The important thing is to reflect who you are in that moment.”
- Andriana, creator of ARONIA living
For those who have lived abroad at a young age, the experience of flat sharing is likely familiar. I've lived in various places, from a tiny room with random flatmates in a London state house to a luxury room in a Brussels mansion with the strictest landlady living in the house as part of the package. I have also shared a flat in West London with two of my best friends, where the place itself wasn't crucial; it was the family vibe that mattered, along with all the memories we shared together in that Victorian house flat on Elgin Avenue.
Regardless of the location and space, I've come to understand that home is a feeling; a feeling that evolves with your needs and phases of life. The important thing is to reflect who you are in that moment. And for me, at this stage of my life, in my late thirties, the vibrant centre of the city of Athens feels like the perfect place to be.
MY ATHENIAN APARTMENT
I'm still amazed at how this house found me, rather than the other way around. A 100-square-meter rental flat, just a stone's throw away from the Acropolis and the historic area of Plaka. I can't quite describe the feeling I had when I first stepped into this flat; a mixture of surprise, astonishment, and a profound sense of gratitude, especially considering the size and layout of my previous flat.
I loved everything about my new place, even the old-fashioned cottage-style kitchen. The dark brown laminated floor with the unexplained wear in some places, the old-style windows - that don’t always block the cold air, to be fair - and the preinstalled bookshelves with the secret bar, serving as a nostalgic reminder of how flats were built in the 50s and 60s: stylish and elegant.
Today, I'll offer you a glimpse into where I work, dine, host, entertain, and socialize, the heart of my home, my living room and dining room. It's the space where I practically do everything, mainly creating memories of connection for myself and my beloved ones. This is the birthplace of ARONIA, where it took shape and form. I hope you enjoy this little taste as more details will be unfolding in the posts to follow.
The coffee table
The coffee table is the centrepiece of the living room. I never regretted going for the unpopular choice of the Alanda coffee table from B&B ITALIA. Its minimal and transparent design balances out the more vintage vibe of the home and creates an ideal canvas for various styling ideas. Chunky books, scented candles and always a vase with flowers are its main components, rearranged often to create different aesthetic outcomes.
The bookcase
I try to keep the bookcase minimal with cherry-picked items that reflect my taste without making it look busy. Books, sometimes positioned backwards to prevent excessive colour blocking, ceramics from beloved brands or the Greek islands and some framed art decorate its selves. To be honest, I am never fully satisfied with the outcome, so this is an ever-evolving project. A beautiful floor lamp placed in front of the bookcase creates a warm and cosy corner.
The green sofa
The eucalyptus green velvet sofa holds a special place in my heart as it was the first piece of furniture I purchased upon arriving in Athens. Its rich tone of green and smooth velvety texture still captivates me to this day, making it one of my all-time favorite pieces. Paired with a couple of feather-filled cushions, it results in a harmonious combination of style and comfort.
The dining table
The dining table stands as a silent witness to countless memorable dinners and gatherings. It is the beating heart of this home, where friends and family gather to share meals and create unforgettable memories. Setting the table is one of my favourite rituals allowing me to play with decoration styles, sometimes going over the top. My Japanese paintings positioned symmetrically behind the table add a unique characteristic touch to the space, further enriching the ambiance.
For the table decoration in the pictured setup, I chose Anthurium flowers. Symbolizing hospitality, love, and passion in the Western world, these flowers perfectly capture the essence of ARONIA’s existence: beautiful, welcoming, and created with love.
Photos by: GIANNIS PARASKEVAS
Creative direction by: MARIA KANTANI
If you have any queries you can email me at: info@aronialiving.com or DM me on Instagram.