A Dream Realized: Reflections from Greece

If you’ve known me for any length of time, you’ve probably heard me say that design inspiration is everywhere; you just have to slow down long enough to notice it.

This fall, I finally did just that.

I took a trip to Greece (and a few neighboring countries).  I’ve dreamed about it for years, and it turned out to be more than a vacation. 

It was a goal I had placed on my “dream board” two years ago during a coaching program, something that represented what I wanted to build toward both personally and professionally. 

This October, that dream became reality.

Standing in History (Literally)

We started in Athens and spent our first two days exploring, touring the Acropolis, visiting Poseidon’s Temple at sunset, and wandering through streets that have been around for centuries.

The precision of the architecture took my breath away. 

These structures were 100's of years B.C, and although considered "ruins”, so much was still standing and incredibly intact. They’ve weathered wars, earthquakes, and time itself… proof of what happens when design is done with care and intention.

But what caught me off guard was my emotional response. Standing where apostles once preached and leaders like Alexander the Great once stood, I couldn’t help but feel inspired. It was incredibly humbling and a reminder that the work we do, however small it may seem in the moment, can echo far beyond us.

Design Lessons Everywhere

Of course, I couldn’t turn off my designer brain for long.

Greece is a masterclass in natural color and contrast. Brilliant blue rooftops, whitewashed walls, limestone grays, olive greens, and that endless shifting of the sea between turquoise and teal. 

October is olive harvest season, so the trees were full, their silver-green leaves shimmering in the sun. Nature never fails to create the perfect palette.

I found myself inspired not just by the colors but by the craftsmanship. Every stone, every curve, and every line felt intentional. It made me think about how often today’s design leans towards “quick and easy” over precision. 

The Greeks really got it right: beauty and longevity are built one thoughtful decision at a time.

Oh, and one more thing: I came home with a renewed appreciation for color. After years of seeing beige and gray dominate every trend list, I’m ready to start bringing bolder, more joyful hues back into my work.

The Power of Stepping Away

Owning a design firm often means living in constant “go mode.” 

This trip gave me permission to step back, not reply immediately, and just be present. And that pause, that distance, refilled my creative well in ways I didn’t expect. 

Every port, every view, every conversation sparked something new.

The distance gave me perspective, and with it, a renewed sense of balance and purpose.

Simple Joys and Shared Moments

Not every moment was monumental. Some of my favorite memories are the small ones like laughing over long dinners with close friends, taking quiet walks with my husband, and, yes, eating Greek salad almost every day (fun fact: an authentic Greek salad doesn’t have lettuce!).

Those moments reminded me that beauty isn’t always grand. Sometimes it’s in the sunlight, the laughter, or the perfect blend of feta and olive oil. Yum!

Bringing It All Back Home

Travel changes you. It widens your view and fills you with a fresh perspective, something every creative person needs.

I came home recharged, inspired, and more grateful than ever for the clients and projects that allow me to keep creating.

The experience continues to shape how I approach every project at Laurel Alexander Interiors. Whether I’m designing a family home or a vacation rental, my goal is always the same: to create spaces that go beyond beauty and function to capture a sense of soul. A space that reflects who you are and the life you want to live.

If you’ve been dreaming of a home that tells your story, maybe one inspired by the places you’ve loved or hope to visit, I’d love to help bring that vision to life.

Click here to book a design consultation, and let’s explore how we can bring a bit of the world’s beauty into your home.