Reflections of Summer: A Journey Through London and Greece
Travel has always been one of my greatest sources of inspiration. This summer, I had the joy of exploring London and Greece with my family and friends. From historic landmarks to quiet seaside days, the trip offered lessons that deepened my design perspective and left me with personal reminders about balance, beauty, and slowing down.
London
London is where history and modernity meet seamlessly. Walking through Kensington’s columned white homes with my family, I was struck by how rhythm and proportion can turn repetition into elegance.
A favorite stop was Liberty London, a historic building alive with carved woodwork and William Morris patterns—proof that heritage can be reinterpreted for today. The city itself carried this same dialogue: the Tower of London and Kensington Palace standing in contrast with the London Eye and glass towers. Experiencing these juxtapositions reminded me that balance comes not from blending, but from intentional contrast—a lesson in both design and life..
Greece
Where London was layered and moody, Greece was luminous and airy. On Paros Island, we stayed steps from the beach and spent days swimming, lingering over meals, and strolling back with sandy feet. The whitewashed buildings dotted with bougainvillea reminded me how a simple backdrop allows color to truly shine.
Standing beneath the Acropolis and Parthenon was unforgettable—their scale and light revealed how architecture can transcend time. Daily details inspired me too: gauzy linens in the breeze, vine-covered cafés, flowers spilling into the streets. These textures underscored how design should respond to climate and lifestyle, marrying comfort with beauty.
Shared Lessons
Though different in character, both London and Greece showed how history and modernity can coexist. They also revealed the importance of human-scaled spaces—plazas, markets, and winding streets that invite gathering and connection. Experiencing these places with my family reminded me that design, at its best, creates room for people to slow down, linger, and connect.
Final Reflections
From the moody richness of London to the breezy lightness of Greece, this trip was a reminder that environment shapes experience. Traveling with loved ones made every detail more meaningful, and the lessons I brought home—simplify, embrace contrast, create for connection—will continue to shape how I design at Emily June Designs.
The summer was a reminder of why travel is so essential to design - it broadens perspective, sharpens appreciation, and sparks ideas that linger long after the suitcase is unpacked. From Kensington’s columned facades to the breezy textures of Paros Island, every detail tells a story worth carrying forward. For us at Emily June Designs, these moments become the building blocks of interiors that are as personal as they are inspired.