When looking at the jewels Nikos Koulis designs, you often find yourself asking, "Wait, what is that?" The Greek-born jeweler is known for his way with innovative materials. Is it onyx or jet outlining that emerald? A proprietary enamel, actually. Is that diamond collar set in aluminum? That happens to be blackened gold softened with a steel brush.
A similar line of inquiry occurs to you when you walk through his newly renovated apartment in the Kolonaki neighborhood of Athens. Is that bar antique? Actually, it's custom built and designed by Koulis himself, from wood and bronze, and deep consideration. Is the carved wood door at his entrance original? No, but it was redone to perfectly match the ones in the lobby from the building's 1935 opening. While we're at it, note also that the marble in the building entrance as well as the banisters, staircases, and windows, were all revamped by Koulis. "I was so happy," he says, "that the other owners trusted me to refine the elegance of the building with grace and substance." One look at the modern elegance of Koulis's jewelry, and we all would likely have done the same.
Followers of his work have chronicled its evolution, the introduction of new materials, the increasing boldness of shape and volume. A similar shift has taken place in his surroundings. "I have designed three houses so far, Koulis says, "and each one reflected a certain period of my life. I'm the same person, but my taste has evolved and my needs have changed. Now I emphasize comfort more than ever. My previous apartment was more idiosyncratic, with bold Art Deco elements. It also mirrored my jewelry creations at that time."
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
For Your Eyes Only
A small wedding has many charms. Here's the proof
Anatomy of a Classic
Ballet flats have been around since medieval times. They still know how to have fun.
It's the Capital Gains Tax, Stupid
In the battle for billionaire political donations, the presidential election finally turned Silicon Valley into Wall Street without the monocle.
I'll Have What She's Wearing
Refined neutrals, face-framing turtlenecks, a white coat that says: I've got 30 more. Twenty-five years on, Rene Russo's Thomas Crown Affair wardrobe remains the blueprint for grown-up glamour.
Isn't That RICH?
If fragrance is invisible jewelry, how do you smell as if you're wearing diamonds, not cubic zirconia?
THE MACKENZIE EFFECT
A $36 billion fortune made MacKenzie Scott one of the richest women in the world. How shes giving it away makes her fascinating.
Her Roman Empire
Seventeen floors up, across from the Vegas behemoth that bears her name, Elaine Wynn is charting a major cultural future for America's casino capital, and she's doing it from a Michael Smith-designed oasis in the middle of the neon desert.
Are You There, God? I'm at Harvard
Why on earth are a bunch of successful midcareer professionals quitting their jobs and applying to Harvard Divinity School? Hint: It has nothing to do with heaven.
Bryan Stevenson
He has dedicated his life to defending the unfairly incarcerated and condemned. But his vision for racial justice has always been about more than winning in court.
Emma Heming Willis
Once best known as a model and entrepreneur, today shes an advocate for patients and caretakers dealing with an incurable disease—one that hits very close to home. Here, she speaks with Katie Couric about her mission.
