Maria Chatzistavrou
Biography
ABOUT
Maria Chatzistavrou is an internationally recognized Interior Architect known for her distinctive approach to Retail, Luxury, and Hospitality Design. Her work has been featured in international design magazines and awarded in competitions across Europe and the Middle East. With a career spanning over two decades, she combines technical precision with artistic vision to create spatial experiences that are both functional and emotionally resonant. Her projects, often blending architectural narrative with commercial strategy, reflect her passion for detail, innovation, and contextual sensitivity. As a speaker, she brings insights from her rich professional journey and a deep understanding of spatial storytelling.
AWARDS
- International Property Awards 2019, London. In the “Hotel Interior” category, as the “Best Interior Hotel Greece”, with the highest recognition of “5 Star”. Project “The Marble Sun”.
- Seven Star Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2019. For the contribution in Interior Design, in Europe.
- Hotel Design Awards 2019, Athens. For the Interior Design of the “3 Caves Villa”, during the event “100% Hotel Show” annual exhibition, in Greece.
- Hotel Design Awards 2018, Athens. “Special Audience Award” for the Interior Design of the “3 Caves Villa”, in “Hotel Design Awards” contest.
SHORT DESCRIPTION ABOUT THE OFFICE
Lime Deco is a multi-awarded interior architecture studio based in Geneva, celebrating 18 years of creative practice. With a strong portfolio in boutique hotels, luxury residences, retail spaces, and hospitality design, the studio has gained international recognition through global publications and prestigious design competitions. Founded in 2007, Lime Deco is driven by a clear design philosophy: to elevate the quality of everyday life through spaces that are both visually striking and functionally refined. Each project is approached as a unique dialogue between space, context, and human experience. Collaboration, inspiration, and innovation lie at the heart of every design process. From concept to completion, the studio provides integrated solutions including interior and small-scale exterior architecture, bespoke furniture and object design, corporate identity, and strategic design consulting. Lime Deco’s holistic approach embraces sustainability, technological innovation, and emotional design—transforming spaces into stories that connect people with place.
AWARDS OF THE OFFICE
- Luxury Lifestyle awards 2023, New York. Best Luxury Interior Design (small spaces) for the project “Oias Local -KORE” In Santorini, Greece.
- Luxury Lifestyle awards 2020, New York. Honorary nomination in the category of Top 15 of “The Best Luxury Architect and Interior Design Studio in Greece.”
- International Property Awards 2019, London. In the “Hotel Interior” category, as the “Best Interior Hotel Greece”, with the highest recognition of “5 Star”. Project “The Marble Sun”.
- Seven Star Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2019. For the contribution in Interior Design, in Europe.
- Hotel Design Awards 2019, Athens. For the Interior Design of the “3 Caves Villa”, during the event “100% Hotel Show” annual exhibition, in Greece.
- Big See Awards 2019, Ljubljana, Slovenia. For the Interior Design of “3 Caves Villa”, in the sector of “Interior Design for Hospitality”.
- Hotel Design Awards 2018, Athens. “Special Audience Award” for the Interior Design of the “3 Caves Villa”, in “Hotel Design Awards” contest.
PROJECTS TO BE PRESENTED DURING THE EVENT
Project #1: Namaste Suites, Santorini
Start year: 01.06.2018
Namaste Suites Location / Oia, Santorini, Greece Area / 1722 square feet (160 square meters) Architecture / Elias Apostolides Interior design / Maria Chatzistavrou, Lime Deco Photography / George Fakaros Namaste Suites is located in the most photographed part of Oia, perched on the cliffside with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the caldera, right below The Church of the Resurrection. Originally a series of cave-homes dating back to 1900, these were combined into a single structure spanning 1,722 square feet (160 square meters) and meticulously renovated by architect Elias Apostolides. The building materials include pozzolan, known for its exceptional strength and insulative properties. Apostolides approached the cave as a canvas, blending elements of native architecture with influences from Italy and the East. The interiors evoke the essence of a sculpture, harmoniously crafted with precision and artistry. The floors are adorned with black and white Naxos marble and wood, enhancing the elegant yet cozy ambiance. The décor honors the unique architecture, showcasing individual elements that create an atmosphere of refined luxury and positive energy. This ethos is reflected in the name “Namaste Suites,” which means “I bow with gratitude to your positive energy and welcome you.” The Lime Deco office, led by Chatzistavrou Maria, spearheaded the decoration, utilizing natural materials like bamboo, straw, linen, marble, stone, and metal in soothing shades of gray and beige. The main room features a primary living area with an auxiliary kitchenette. A small staircase leads down to an old cistern, now transformed into a serene reading and relaxation area complete with a comfortable bamboo armchair. There are two bedrooms: the larger, located within the cave, and a smaller one with a window offering a stunning caldera view. The interior room boasts its own lounge-desk, a walk-in wardrobe, and a spacious bathroom with a free-standing bathtub. Both bedrooms share an outdoor Jacuzzi, while a lounge area overlooks the caldera through a unique marble window, a distinctive feature of the house. Namaste Suites is a true sanctuary, merging historical charm with modern luxury, and offering a tranquil retreat infused with positive energy.
Project #2: KORE Oias Local Cavehouse, Santorini
Start year: 01.07.2023
“KORE” by Oias Local , www.oiaslocal.gr Concept & Interior Design: Maria Chatzistavrou – Lime Deco Photographer: George Fakaros Kore is a quintessential cave house nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Oia in Santorini. The feminine energy of the cave inspired its name, Kori, after the ancient Greek bust of KORE, sculpted by the renowned Greek ceramist Haralambos Goumas. Kori was designed to evoke the experience of staying in a traditional Santorinian cave house, while offering refined interior design and luxurious amenities. The style and interior architecture were crafted by the award-winning Lime Deco design studio, led by Maria Chatzistavrou. The free-standing furniture pieces are custom-made, while the built-in structures were preserved from a previous renovation. The color palette features soothing beige-cream tones as a backdrop, with fabrics highlighted in vibrant orange and blue accents. A meticulous lighting study was conducted to enhance the cave’s relief, employing direct, indirect, and decorative lighting fixtures as appropriate. The space features valuable ceramics from the owners’ family collection, and a striking photograph of the rock “Skaros” in Imerovigli, Santorini, captured by Georgia Pitsikalis, which takes center stage in the living room. The bathroom and kitchenette were redesigned and reconfigured to maintain their traditional character while meeting modern standards. Utilitarian ceramics, such as plates and mugs, are crafted by Santorini’s 1260° Ceramic studio. In the courtyard, bright yellow takes the lead, evoking the traditional “basic” colors of the caldera. The courtyard is designed for sharing moments, enjoying local delicacies, and experiencing the everyday life of locals, which inspired the business name OIAS LOCAL. The owners aim to share their daily life with travelers seeking an authentic Santorini experience, encompassing culture and gastronomy beyond the island’s well-known attractions. Their motto? “Live Like a Local.” The logo of OIAS LOCAL was designed by the acclaimed Greek sculptor and graphic artist Lito Leonti.
Project #3: “HERMES” Oias Local Cavehouse, Santorini
Start year: 01.07.2023
Hermes by Oias Local “Hermes” is a cave house in the heart of the picturesque village of Oias in Santorini. It belongs to the Oias Local cluster of companies whose desire is to be able to share their everyday life with travelers who want to learn about the genuine Santorini culture, beyond the obvious the island has to offer. Their motto? “Live Like a Local”. The masculine energy of the space, which is part underground and part build, influenced to give it the name Hermes, ultimately inspired by the ceramic bust of Hermes created by the important Greek ceramist Haralambos Goumas. Hermes was designed to offer the feeling of staying in a typical Santorini accommodation, with a modern minimalist decoration that can offer luxurious comforts to the modern visitor. It is worth noting that the original use of the space was for keeping domestic animals. The colors chosen for the shell are shades of beige as a background and the fabrics on the furniture are in green and rose-red tones. A special study was made of the lighting in order to maximize the relief of the space and, where appropriate, there are direct, indirect or decorative lighting fixtures. The bathroom and the kitchen area were redesigned and reconfigured while keeping their traditional character. In the area there are ceramics of particular value from the family collection of the owners. A landscape photograph from the beach of Koloumbos in Oia, Santorini, through the lens of Georgia Pitsikalis, adds serenity and completes the composition. The logo of the OIAS LOCAL company was designed by the well-known Greek sculptor and graphic artist Lito Leonti. Project: “Hermes” by Oias Local , www.oiaslocal.gr Concept & Interior Design: Maria Chatzistavrou – Lime Deco -www.limedeco.ch Photographer: George Fakaros