Red marble and soft details define compact Athenian flat by architects Emi Georgosopoulou and Alexandra Zarani

In the heart of Athens’ historic commercial triangle, just off the lively Ermou Street, a quiet passage leads to a small surprise: Apartment No. 9 at Ermou18. This 36-square-metre studio has been carefully renovated as a hotel-style stay that brings together the city’s past and present in subtle, tactile ways. The apartment sits behind the building’s original spiral staircase, a charming nod to its mid-century roots. With only one main source of natural light, the layout was designed to let that light reach every corner. A long marble volume runs through the space, dividing it into two uneven zones and creating a gentle rhythm as you move from the entrance to the living area. At the back, a small vestibule hides the bathroom, storage, and a quiet resting nook behind fluted glass and rich marble surfaces. The ceiling lowers here, the atmosphere shifts, and the deep red Greek marble, soft and matte to the touch, gives the feeling of stepping into a modern cave. Materials play a central role. Mosaic stone floors, brushed marble, warm wood, and simple metal details create a calm and grounded environment. Even the ceramics -from a handmade wall sconce to the tableware- were made just for this space, bringing a sense of care and craft to everyday rituals. A freestanding marble bathtub sits by the window, framed by sheer embroidered curtains and a blackout layer. It’s a quiet spot to pause and look out over the city, while still feeling protected inside. Thoughtful details carry through the studio: a rounded column wrapping gently around a piece of furniture, mirrored sliding panels that reflect bits of the room back at you, and a slim pipe grid along the walls for lighting and shelving. Everything feels intentional, but not overly designed.