1. Villa Quarda
Best Interio r Design in Europe
Best Property in Greece
private beach minimal design awarded quality innovative technology

28. unique location b1
The reasoning behind the design was for the house to fully compliment the view. The
villa is set in a magical location on the edge of a cliff surrounded by outstanding natural
beauty. It is situated meters away from the water’s edge in one acre of lush green land
which extends to a secluded sandy beach. Because of the unique location there was
the potential to create a truly exceptional house, it was very important that the interior
design was just right.
In designing the interior of the villa everything was done to utilise the spectacular view.
The house has an “upside down” layout with the interior living space (lounge, dinning
are, kitchen and wash room) on the top level. There are three bedrooms, family bath-
room, shower room, home cinema and utility room on the lower level. All bedrooms have
sea views and open to an expansive lower balcony.
The living area is dominated by a huge window with sliding doors which open onto a
large balcony. The concept was for the view to be the first thing that one would see upon
entering the living area and to create the feeling of being at sea – permanently cruising.
The interior decoration with its simple, elegant, minimal style does not distract the eye
with busy patterns and colours, instead it frames the view and creates a relaxing envi-
ronment.
stunning views
The villa is situated on the edge of a cliff,
View from the balcony.
with uninterrupted views of the sea. In
designing the villa everything was done
to utilise the spectacular views. There is
a private footpath leading in to the golden
villa quarda
sandy beach of Avythos just 50m away.

29. minimal white style b1
Because of the villa’s location and view it was important to us that we reflected the
beach style in the interior. The materials we used were chosen to be in keeping with the
nautical style of the villa, for example the all wooden bespoke kitchen and the arched
wooden bath surround which follows the curves of the boat. The use of white washed
paint on the wooden roof is reminiscent of washed beach wood.
beach villa
The use of materials complement the
The villa has a nautical style. surroundings.
reasoning & concepts

30. lighting b1
At the earliest stages of the project, the lighting was considered of great importance to
the overall interior design. During the day the sea is spectacular and the interior design
features do not detract from it. It is at night, when the only views are the distant lights
of Zakynthos and the night sky, that the interior living spaces are designed to come into
their own. Carefully positioned ambient lighting spreads warm light across the white
walls and ceilings illuminating the interior architectural features.
In the lounge coloured down lights in alcoves accentuate the recesses and light up art
pieces. The lights change into 12 different colours at a press of a button.
Behind a recess below the wall mounted television there is a light which creates soft
“sun set” glows. The colour can be adjusted at the flick of a switch and all the lights are
on dimmer switches.
ambient
Art work in alcove.
reasoning & concepts

31. materials •
•
Lounge
Special ordered extra large linen corner sofa from Uccello (330cm x 275cm)
Wood and leather coffee table with 1cm thick crystal glass top (130cm x
b1
130cm/120kg)
• 2 alcoves (175cm x 55cm) with crystal glass shelves and chrome spot lights
(on dimmers)
• Minimal style wood burning self ventilated fire place (90cm x 55cm)
• Custom made unit, housing entertainment system and radiators with
smoked glass doors (4,3m long)
• Tube lighting built into recess in unit (on dimmers)
• Silk blinds (beige)
• Linen curtains (light beige)
• Wooden curtain rails
• Silk and suede cushions
• Chenille throws
• High wooden ceiling with white stain
• Chrome lights run along the length of the lounge and dining room
(on dimmers)
• Custom made wall mounted housing for voltage adapter
• 4 non breakable glass panels run the length of the lounge and dining
(6,5m x 2,2m)
• Electric shutters protect 4 glass panels
• 3 industrial built-in stainless steel air-condition units
• Wooden pergola with slats stained white and supported by 2 circular pillars
surfaces
Fure place.
View from the balcony.
villa quarda

32. materials b1
The design is of understated elegance with the use of high quality materials. Great
attention was paid to the choice of items, materials and the treatment of surfaces.
Kitchen
• Chrome handles, tap (extendable head) and spot lights (task lighting)
• Stainless steel fridge, freezer, wine cooler frame, oven, extractor fan, coffee
machine, double sink (built-in soap dispenser) and other appliances
• All wood bespoke kitchen work top and units (including large draws and cup
boards with carousel mechanisms)
• Kitchen island with electric sockets and double sided storage
• Marble (semi matt) splash-back
• Glass wine cooler door, part of extractor hood and drinks cabinets
• Wide (90cm) ceramic hob with 5 rings
• Wide (60cm) built-in dish washer
• Granite floor tiles (60cm x 60cm)
• Recycled metal lights (accent lighting)
• Tube lighting under all hanging cabinets
• Kitchen stools for long breakfast bar
• Long radiator hidden under breakfast bar
• Unique custom made window above breakfast bar (265cm x 60cm)
surfaces
Chrome sink.
Kitchen units.
reasoning & concepts

33. materials b1
Dining
• Leather dining chairs
• Large bespoke oak wooden table
• Hand made recycled metal hanging lights (custom made to our design)
• Recycled metal free standing sculptural light (custom made to our design)
• Vertical tube lighting in recess by dinning table
• Linen curtains with silk tie-backs (light beige)
• Custom made silk blinds (beige)
• Granite floor tiles (60cm x 60cm)
• Hidden radiator inside wall alcove (155cm x 90cm)
surfaces
Custom made hanging lights.
Oak dining table and leather chairs.
reasoning & concepts

34. materials b1
Staircase
• Plastered concrete frame with wooden steps
• Custom made curved white hand rail
• Long rectangular window providing natural light for staircase and hall
• Chrome and smoked glass wall light
Home cinema
• Sound proofing built into walls at construction stage
• Wall painted with special coat which is ideal for projected imagery
(260cm x 240cm)
• 2 sofas (6 people)
• Ceiling air-condition unit
• Ventilation system
• Chrome ceiling spot lights (on dimmers)
• Custom made projection unit
• Large DVD shelf unit (180cm x 210cm)
• 10 speaker surround system
surfaces
Staircase window.
Staircase.
villa quarda

35. materials b1
5. Master bedroom
• Uccello rattan king size bed with thick head rest and surround
• Low side tables with draws in dark wood
• Smoked glass side lamps
• Dark wooden floating bookcase
• Ratan storage box
• Wide framed full length dark wood wall mirror
• Narrow leather free standing full length mirror
• Ceiling chrome spot lights (on dimmers)
• Ceiling air-condition unit
• Walk in wardrobe (280cm x 180cm)
• Granite floor tiles (60cm x 60cm)
• Square window
• Beige velvet blinds
• Beige linen curtains
• Wide balcony doors (190cm x 220cm)
• Hidden low height radiator
surfaces
Floating book shelf and full length mirror.
Master bedroom and en suite bathroom.
reasoning & concepts

36. materials b1
En suite bathroom
• Large stone like ceramic tiles (50cm x 33cm)
• White toilet with low flow option
• Large walk in shower
• Crystal glass door with chrome handle
• Chrome shower and fittings
• Built in shelf unit
• Custom made wooden shelf
• White bowl sink
• Tall chrome mixer tap
• Long rectangular mirror
• Window
• Chrome towel heaters
• Chrome ceiling spot lights (on dimmers)
• Wicker boxes on storage unit
surfaces
Shower room.
Sink unit and towel heater.
reasoning & concepts

37. materials b1
Main bathroom
• Long rectangular beige ceramic tiles (57cm x 15cm)
• Dark glass mosaic border
• White oval shaped toilet with low flow option
• Large white oval bath tub with chrome handles (184cm x 104cm)
• Wooden and ceramic tiles surround
• Chrome mixer tap and extendable shower built into surround
(accessible from utility room)
• Large oval shaped white sink with chrome mixer tap (84cm x 49cm)
• Dark wooden pedestal cabinet
• Mirrored dark cabinet with glass shelf
• Chrome fittings (towel hooks and toilet rail holder)
• 2 chrome towel heaters
• Large walk in shower with crystal glass partition
• Chrome overhead shower (20cm diameter)
surfaces
Designer toilet and walk in shower.
Main bathroom and oak wood bath surround.
reasoning & concepts

38. materials Guest bedroom
b1
• White bamboo double bed
• White bamboo side tables
• Wall mounted paper light shades
• White curtains and white rails
• Very large fitted wardrobes
• Chrome ceiling spot lights (on dimmers)
• Ceramic floor tiles
• Ceiling air-condition unit
• Ceiling music speaker for smart home entertainment system
• Large patio doors (180cm x 220cm)
surfaces
Floating book shelf.
Guest bedroom.
reasoning & concepts

39. functional b2
The upside down living arrangement is practical because the front entrance is on the first floor level. The layout cre-
ates a very impressive living space with its amazing views. If we had built the bedrooms on the top floor we would
have had to break up the huge space available for a window. Instead we could keep the living space open plan and
enjoy the views throughout.
stylish
Industrial air-conditioning units add a unique feature to the design and are very practical in the summer. There is a
bespoke unit in the lounge which includes ventilated radiator covers. This not only disguises the radiators but makes a
visually stunning feature at night when the recess behind them is illuminated.
The unit contains the entertainment system. All the machines are hidden behind smoked glassed doors and the large
flat screen television is wall mounted and appears to float above the unit. Therefore there are no ugly devices or wires
to break up the simplicity.
The light built into the recess creates a bias light that improves contrast by introducing ambient light which dilates the
pupils without washing out the screen. The surrounding glow creates ambiance, stimulates more relaxed viewing,
improves perceived picture detail, contrast and colour.
The long narrow window in the kitchen was designed to bring natural light onto the work surfaces and also to allow
space for cabinets above. As a design feature keeping the window narrow gives the viewer a sneaky glimpse of the
sea. Below the window we have been able to create a long breakfast bar. This has created more work surface and is a
great place to eat while watching boats go by.
The custom made wooden bath surround which follows the curves of a boat is in keeping with the nautical style of the
interior. In addition, it is useful because it fills the space between the bath and the walls. It also serves as a shelf for
soaps, shampoos, candles etc.
design innovations

40. functional c1
working criteria

41. overview d
Villa Quarda is unique in Kefalonia. The setting and
the interior design work hand in hand to create a
relaxing and calming environment. Created with
great respect for the scenery, a mix of high quality
materials and thoughtful design it is a property with
understated elegance and simplicity.
It was interesting to be set the challenge to create
an interior which would have such contrasting uses.
We believe that the project has been successful
because the villa is a practical minimal living design
which is also stylish and impressive.
unique
View from the balcony.
villa quarda