A Mediterranean-Inspired Home For A Stewardess
A stewardess learns how she can create a simple yet beautiful place to call her home
Travelling is fun, but having a place to call home is just as incredible. For this stewardess who is planning on building a house, a space that is beautiful yet inexpensive and a lovely echo of her travels is what she wants to achieve. Architect Lilli Beth Gelvezon gives expert advice on how to get this look.
Q: I’m presently working in Greece as a stewardess in a luxury yacht. I’m planning to have a two-storey house built. I want the interiors to be simple but beautiful, but I don’t want it to be expensive. I hope you can advise me on what to do. –Jinky
A: A local architect/interior designer will really be a big help if you want to have a beautiful but inexpensive home because he or she knows where to buy good quality yet cheap materials. Also, it would be good to have the assistance of a design professional knowledgeable on climate control, building codes, etc. When you look at pictures of modern Mediterranean homes, a lot of them are interpretations of the traditional Mediterranean style: simple but rich. You can save a lot by following the same concept. Go for simple yet traditional lines, and white plastered walls but contrast them with textured terracotta tiles.
Minimal ornamentation is the key to keeping things within budget. Splurge on a few of the major furniture pieces, like the bed and the sofas, and find the rest in second-hand shops. To bring warmth and character to your home, accessorize with personal items you already have—pictures of family and of your travels, souvenirs you’ve collected over the years as a stewardess. –Lilli Beth Gelvezon, architect
This snippet originally appeared in the May 2006 issue of Real Living Magazine.
