Santorini Style Interior Design Ideas - for a Calm, Airy Space

Essential Tips for What Is Santorini Style Interior Design?

Santorini style interior design draws inspiration from the serene and picturesque Greek island, combining coastal elegance with timeless Mediterranean charm. At its core, the style is all about simplicity and natural beauty. The style finds inspiration in the picturesque whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches of Santorini. Centuries ago, Arab design emerged as a solution to the hot climate and was aimed at ensuring comfort through natural airflow and light spaces. The style also combines the features of Greek island living, which is rich in tradition and culture. Today, the elegant shapes and pastel palette appeal to those wishing to feel peaceful and joyful in their own homes. Many are drawn to it precisely because of the organic harmony and effortless elegance it embodies.

• Color Palette

  The quintessential color palette of Santorini homes derives inspiration from the island’s village landscapes: sun-bleached whites, deep sea and sky blues and earthy sand and stone neutrals. The soft gray and ochre of volcanic rock or stucco occasionally make an appearance. Most surfaces are light-colored, which helps maximize the available light and creates an airy feel even in small spaces. Blue accents such as sky, sapphire, or navy punctuate the doors, shutters, textiles and pottery. In the modern interpretation, subdued greenery or dusty olive colors are occasionally incorporated as a homage to Mediterranean vegetation. Altogether, the palette is clean and refreshing but not harsh; all colors harmonize well. This look balances a home’s interior and exterior elements, creating a sense of continuity and openness.

• Materials & Textures

  Authenticity also defines the choices of materials. Look for smooth white walls, lime-washed and plastered, or exposed local stone. Natural woods, often bleached or lightly treated, are also a hallmark of this style. The breezy texture of cotton and linen fabrics covers furniture, curtains and bedding. What are some other features of rustic Mediterranean design? Occasionally, a hint of polished metal such as bronze or brushed brass is featured in the hardware and light fixtures for some subtle gleam. The textures are sun-kissed and breezy. The overall vibe is light and effortless, with every surface feeling harmonious and subtly layered.

• Furniture & Silhouettes

  The furniture in a Santorini-inspired space is guided by a casual, welcoming ethos. Pieces typically feature clean lines, organic shapes, and low, relaxed profiles. You’ll often see built-in benches or banquettes, echoing the architectural forms found throughout the Greek islands. Sofas and armchairs are generously cushioned, covered in white or cream linens to enhance the light, breezy vibe. Wooden stools, simple side tables, and rustic dining sets offer practicality while adding texture and visual grounding. Upholstered pieces are kept unfussy, often without excessive ornamentation, allowing natural forms to take center stage. There’s a focus on comfort—think deep lounges and oversized cushions—which invites people to linger. Altogether, the silhouettes remain functional but never fussy, supporting the room’s easygoing, coastal spirit.

• Decor & Accessories

  Decor in this style is restrained and accents are selected based on meaning, material and tradition. Nautical elements such as rope, driftwood, or sea glass might be incorporated subtly due to the island’s proximity to water. Ceramic vases and hand-thrown pottery in crisp white or blue glazes perch on tables and shelves. The wall art is also typically minimal: black-and-white photography, ocean-themed paintings, or even panoramic mirrors to enhance lighting and views. Textiles also introduce interest in the form of lightweight throw blankets, fringed towels and woven baskets, adding color without clutter. Consider lanterns, pendant lights, or wall sconces that might have been found in an old island home. Every accessory feels personal and thoughtfully curated. Each look builds upon the next, reinforcing the brand’s ethos of travel-inspired elegance.

• Architectural Features

  Hallmark architectural elements lay the foundation for the Santorini-style interior, even before any furnishings are brought in. The slightly irregular whitewashed walls, an effect of natural light bouncing, encompass the trademark arches and niches. The small, deeply set windows with wooden shutters help keep the interior cool by modulating sunlight. You’ll often find vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams or domed roofs. Built-in plaster benches or alcoves further blur the lines between furniture and architecture, creating a seamless sculptural effect. Look for the occasional pebbled mosaic or accent tile. All these elements work together to create a seamless flow and sense of comfort throughout the house while paying homage to its history.

• Planning & Composition