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DESIGN | A coastal refuge rooted in Greek heritage
A coastal refuge rooted in Greek heritage
Set along the shores of Porto Germeno, interior designer Tina Rich converts a former fish tavern into a quiet family sanctuary framed by raw textures, olive trees, and the Aegean Sea.
Speaking with someone as steadfast in their vision as Florida-based interior designer Tina Rich is an instant breath of fresh air. A self-confessed minimalist at heart, Rich was drawn to her latest project by a lifetime of summer memories spent with family in Greece. Turning her eye toward her own personal refuge in the coastal town of Porto Germeno, she designed a home crafted to give her children the same indelible childhood memories she holds dear: leisurely meals by the water, quiet afternoon naps, swimming until twilight, and devouring fresh figs straight from the trees. Step inside her seaside sanctuary and learn how the design came to life.
Tell us about yourself and what you do?
I’m an interior designer, currently living in Florida with my husband and two children. I started my business in NYC almost 15 years ago and we have residential projects throughout the US and now Greece.
How would you describe your design style in three words, and is there a common thread that runs through all of your projects?
Relaxed, refined, collected.
Summers in Greece are all about slow, intentional living centered around daily rituals of swimming, eating, drinking coffee, napping, and connecting. That sensibility of intentional living is how I approach my projects, not from how a space should look, but how a space should make you feel and how it can support your daily routines and rituals in the most beautiful, intentional way.
With all my work, I try to honor simple living, honesty of materials, a deep connection to nature, and a commitment to daily rituals.
What brought you to Greece for this project, and how did the setting shape your design vision?
My parents, both Greek, have brought me to Greece since I was 3 months old. I spent my summers in this small beach town, Porto Germeno, a little over an hour outside of Athens. My Greek family would gather in this town for summers, taking refuge from Athens, coming and going when their school and jobs would allow. It became a second home for me and a place that I feel deeply connected to. I got married there 10 years ago and have been bringing my kids there since they were babies as well, in hopes of them having the same childhood memories that I did - long meals by the sea, afternoon naps, swimming until the sun goes down, eating figs directly from the trees, catching fish.
The property was previously a fish tavern that we’ve now converted into a summer home. It sits directly by the sea and is surrounded by mature olive trees - a magical property with a lot of history that we want to honor.
Looking at the finished space, what element or detail are you most proud of?
I chose a very restrained color and materials palette, which was intentional in allowing the space, and the mind, to breathe. We wanted to create a space that is quiet and grounded. Our furniture and accessories selections were edited down to no excess and we chose natural, handmade materials like lime wash ceramics, and gorgeous linens.
I wanted the space to have those quintessential Greek elements like plaster walls and concrete floors, and embody the Mediterranean ethos of effortlessness. I didn’t want the home to be over designed and I wanted the home to grow with us and we will add pieces that speak to us or serve our family and our guests over time.
How do you infuse minimalism with warmth and soul?
I am a minimalist at heart! I practice minimalism as restraint - nothing in excess of the beautiful or functional. While minimalism could be perceived as cold or stark, I choose to define it as deeply considered and curated. I’m intentional about choosing pieces that serve a function, but I also believe in creating space for pieces that exist simply because they are beautiful. Those are often the pieces that create an individual and interesting home.
When it comes to table styling, what's your philosophy?
I style a table with the Greek concept of Parea in mind. A Parea is one of my favorite Greek concepts meaning: a group of friends who gather to enjoy each other's company, discussing life, values, and ideas. A Parea usually gathers over food, or coffee, and I style a table with that in mind. I start with a simple, beautiful linen and then layer in textures - ceramic plates, interesting glassware, linen napkins. Never too styled or too perfect - my goal is for people to relax and linger at the dinner table, eat and drink plenty, pass plates, share their stories and their time. There is nothing more Mediterranean than a long dinner by the sea!
What does the beauty of home mean to you?
For me, the beauty of home means the beauty of being home. The feeling of comfort and belonging, and surrounding yourself with the objects and people that bring out your authenticity and your joy. It also means curating your home with intention and your values in mind. This home was created with the intention of slow living, connecting with family and friends, and embracing the feeling of summer by the sea.
Shop the Look
Heavyweight Bedcover Sand
Linen Tablecloth Natural
Linen Table Napkins Sand
