FLUID SHAPES, UNUSUAL MATERIALS AND COMBINATIONS OF MATERIALS, A COLOUR PALETTE THAT RANGES FROM RESTRAINED TO GAUDY – IT’S NOT EASY TO CATEGORISE THE STYLE OF CHRISTINA PETROU, A CYPRIOT ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER. EVEN SHE HERSELF FALTERS AT THE QUESTION. BUT THAT DOESN’T SEEM TO DETRACT FROM HER SUCCESS. WITH HER DESIGN STUDIO CHRISTINE KALIA, SHE CREATES FURNITURE, RENOVATES HOUSES AND RECENTLY FITTED OUT THE CHLOÉ STORES.
Your real name is Christina Petrou, how did you get the name Christine Kalia?
My mum always called me Christine – and Kalia was her short name. I lost her when I was 13. I inherited the artistic side of myself from her.
You come from Cyprus, an island with an exciting history and beautiful surroundings – does your furniture reflect this?
I wouldn’t say that. But I work with traditional Cypriot techniques and materials, which I then modify in a modern way. For example, my projects always include round wooden balls. These are made by hand on the island. I then colour them to give them a contemporary look.
Which colour palette is part of your DNA?
I feel comfortable with any colour as long as it suits the function and the room. I believe that colour always brings life to a project. It can be a nice kick for the overall design. I also find it exciting how colour and material interact. When colouring wood veneer, I spent a long time looking for a technique that wouldn’t cover up the beautiful texture. The result is reminiscent of marble.
What do you look for when selecting materials?
I love atypical materials, I like textures and I like to use materials in an unexpected way to create a more exciting result. My favourite material to work with is steel. It’s a contemporary material that you can use for years and still look amazing. You can create statement pieces with steel. What fascinates me about it is that I’m fascinated by the fact that it reflects the surroundings but can also disappear into the room – an interesting contradiction.
Your work also moves between dream and reality – Bauhaus, Memphis, Scandi – many associations come to mind, but none of them really fit. How would you describe your style?
My work is modern but also timeless. Eclectic might be a more appropriate term. Scandi is for the masses. I work for a niche, a certain group of people who like this style.
You live in a holiday destination, but also regularly leave the island to travel abroad – which places have particularly appealed to you?
I used to be inspired by big cities. They still do, but lately I’ve been drawn to hidden places and small villages. I was recently in the middle of nowhere in Cyprus in a house with lots of water elements, surrounded by nature. That touched me.
You have furnished the boutiques of the French fashion label Chloé. How did you approach the approached the subject?
I first took a closer look at their brand identity and colour palette. Chloé has a very feminine style. These inputs resulted in furniture in white and beige with soft shapes and round details.
What is your latest project about?
I have just launched a collection made of local limestone and red steel. The objects are very sculptural, yet functional. They were presented at the Larnaca Biennale.
Which job would make a dream come true for you?
With the design of a theatre! The light, the furniture – a very interesting place!
What do you need for a good party?
Good company – it’s the people that matter. I also think my furniture has a playful and party-ready look, especially the Tide and Wavy benches.
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