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13 homeware buys for a The Odyssey-inspired look
As Christopher Nolan’s film transports viewers to ancient Greece for the summer, we’re exploring how Homer’s epic poem can be interpreted at home
On 17 July, The Odyssey hits cinemas, and it’s set to be an epic in every way. First, there’s the budget, reportedly in the region of £185 million, and the amount of film used (some two million feet, according to director Christopher Nolan). Nolan’s telling promises to be a visual feast, too, from the terracotta-hued sails of a warship whipping against an inky-blue sea to the earthy tones of ancient ruins. It all combines to create a rich, cinematic world that will not just be epic, but also inspiring. Here’s how you can give your own home an ancient Greek update.
‘Tessera’ rug, Heal’s
This modern design brings the palette of Nolan’s ancient Greece – all terracotta and angry seas – to the floor. Plus, the geometric pattern has the feel of a modern interpretation of the kind of geometric motifs synonymous with that time. From £399, heals.com
‘Acropolis’ club chair, Jonathan Adler
Designer Jonathan Adler has an affinity with Greece, often interpreting motifs that speak to the country’s history through his glitzy lens. This design is a whimsical nod to Greek architecture with its ionic-inspired arms. £1,850, uk.jonathanadler.com
‘Figura Sole’, Bitossi
Designed by Aldo Londi for the ‘Rimini Blu’ collection, this ornament has the feel of a modern relic. Its vivid turquoise glaze, layered over hand-brushed cobalt accents, enhances the engraved surface for a luminous finish that recalls the effect of light dancing across the waves. £157, hollowaysofludlow.com
‘Ipnosi Siren’ vase, Artemest
This hand-thrown piece by Clara Holt and Chiara Zoppei depicts one of the most deadly foes of The Odyssey: the sirens. The beautiful creatures that lure sailors to their deaths are here represented on a terracotta vessel with a traditional Lekythos silhouette. £1,100, artemest.com
‘Olive Branch’ bowl, Bonadea
What motif could be more classically Greek than the olive branch? Crafted from brass, this one rests on a delicate dish that would be perfect for holding real-life olives when feeding guests. £150, bonadea.com
‘Samarcande’ paperweight, Hermès
The Trojan Wars has ended right before the beginning of Homer’s Odyssey, but their influence was still felt on the story so we are going to honour their part in the narrative with a horse. This one is the perfect desktop companion in natural maple wood. £830, hermes.com
‘Imperial’ table, Bontempi Casa
There’s a touch of the Greek key motif to this table by design duo Pocci and Dondoli. Like a lacquered metal bracelet, the base holds up a delicate glass top. Approx £3,800, bontempi.it
‘Verso’ vase, Ferm Living
Ancient Greek ceramics are given a contemporary update by Danish brand Ferm Living, which emphasises the feminine curves of this vase to great effect. £95, fermliving.co.uk
‘Labirinto’ trinket box, Ginori 1735
Gio Ponti’s ‘Labirinto’ design is the perfect place to hide your own treasures. Its ‘Ebano’ brown pattern is outlined in gold for a precious look that hints to the Florentine tradition rather than the ancient Greek (but you can forgive us mixing our heritages for a piece this lovely). £200, ginori1735.com
‘Greek Key’ mirror, Studio Atkinson
It may have the patina and pattern of an ancient Greek design, but this mirror is, in fact, handmade in a modern workshop in Sussex for interior designer Susie Atkinson’s studio collection. We adore it in this ‘Antique Wine’ finish that has been aged by hand. £1,750, studio-atkinson.com
‘Orb’ table lamp, Alex Robinson
There’s something timeless and yet very current about the design of this lamp, which features a terracotta base finished with sgraffito and a plaster shade. If you are looking for a textural piece that will ground your home, this could be the end of your Odyssean search. £1,675, alexandra-robinson.com
‘Auravibe’ vase, Roche Bobois
Designer Sara Ricciardi intended the pieces in her ‘Seed’ collection to fill the home with the kind of wellbeing that sun and sea produce. £990, roche-bobois.com
‘Empreintes’ vase, Ligne Roset
There is a lot of pottery in this edit for obvious reasons – ancient Greece’s ceramics are one of the most lasting examples of their cultural and artistic approach. That’s why we couldn’t resist adding one more to the edit. This one’s indented rings are a nod to the motion of the clay on the potter’s wheel. £181, ligne-roset.com
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