Monsieur Didot: A neoclassical Athens boutique hotel by Babatchas design studio

Monsieur Didot welcomes his friends to an astounding Athenian neoclassical house, renovated to be a boutique hotel. Built in the early 20th century, in the beating heart of Athens, Kolonaki.

‘Here is where I’ll make my home’, Monsieur Didot said. ‘What would it be worth, though, unless you share it with esteemed friends?’, a hospitable god whispered. And so he put his tools to work…Athenian culture, Greek hospitality, discreet luxury and sustainable development; it was with this set of values with which his vision was built.

Monsieur of the house, a family of French printers, a typeface and an Athenian street, all share the same name and, in a manner that can only be magical, they meet in a single unique spot: Monsieur Didot – The Residence – Athens!

Monsieur Didot is influenced by the neighborhood’s dynamism and its culture, he respects the environment and cares for its protection and he aspires to offer his guests a meaningful and memorable experience, one that is created and embodied with care, attention to detail and an emphasis on authenticity.

Babatchas design studio began exploring the design of this building with outmost respect for its neoclassical architectural routes. By decoding the main features of such building, Babatchas set the principles to safeguard this monumental feeling oozing from the pours of such premises, using traditional methods and natural materials for the restoration of the old building, including mortar for walls, natural wood for furniture and floors, whilst marble, mosaic and clay for the decorative details.

The intention was to create ‘the climax of one’s route, though a sequence of exciting rooms. Delicate drawn ceilings and walls have been revealed and restored in the hotel’s main entrance as well as in several guest rooms. Access to guest rooms was re-organized to re-orientate and diversify the existing layout to serve the daily routines of a hotel business.

In other cases secret doors have been introduced to create a touch of mysticism. The guest’s engagement with the design set certain boundaries; the already chosen name gave the direction of the overall design concept.
‘Monsieur Didot’ owns its name to a man of letters and arts. This statement outlined the scheme of the interior design.

Bookcases throughout the building, framed works by famous and infamous artists, portraits of influential people, handmade ceramics and custom designed lighting have been introduced into the building’s fabric, encouraging contrast, plurality of textures and shapes. The furnishings have been cared for by Babatchas design studio, and the vast majority has been custom-made. All these combined, revealing building’s soul hand in hand with its modern dynamism, have been designed to offer a boutique flavor and to serve the needs of a luxury hospitality establishment.