- Interior
Amidst the winding streets of Plaka, the mythical ‘quarter of the gods’, French-Greek designers Jonathan Stene and Elena Alexopoulos have created an exceptional pied-à-terre that reflects the soul of Athens in all its complexity. Their penthouse, located above the Byzantine church of Saint Catherine and a few steps from Tripodon the oldest surviving street in Europe forms a subtle dialogue between memory, craftsmanship and modernity.
The apartment, once the domain of Elena's grandmother, has been redesigned with great care without disturbing its original soul. In the 1950s building, which exudes understated Athenian modernity, Stene and Alexopoulos chose to retain the authentic structure and layout. The result is a space where the past remains palpable, while the present gently flows in. The 65 square metres seem to unfold thanks to the abundance of light and the spectacular terrace view of the Acropolis, which watches over the city like a timeless beacon. 
The duo's design philosophy is based on the power of materials. Marble, stainless steel and solid wood, materials that were synonymous with progress and craftsmanship in post-war Greece, form the basis of their design. The natural colour tones of these materials determine the atmosphere: cool and bright, yet warm and tactile. The duo designed most of the furniture themselves, as unique pieces that nestle seamlessly into the space. Each object is imbued with artisanal precision and conceived as a sculptural element that continues the story of the project.
The penthouse forms a subtle dialogue between memory, craftsmanship and modernity.
The interior design is a subtle tapestry of eras and styles. Classic forms refer to antiquity, while references to 19th-century Greek craftsmanship and modernist lines from the 1950s create a layered aesthetic. Works of art by Greek and French artists reinforce this cultural cross-pollination. The result is an interior that is both intimate and expressive, a space that lives and breathes through its details. 
Since founding their studio in 2022, Stene and Alexopoulos have been creating interiors in which sculpturality, refinement and functionality come together harmoniously. Their work testifies to a deep love of materials, proportion and stories. The pied-à-terre in Athens fully embodies their vision: a contemporary retreat that honours the city's heritage while offering a new, poetic living experience.
© Ines Silva Sa
Text by Elke Aerts