Greek City Times has caught up with Alexandra Pappas, creative director of homeware brand No.22, to talk all things Mykonos, homewares and the birth of her twins.
No.22 recently launched its Mykonos Collection, which has been designed to make you feel like you are in Greece, without having to leave your home. This collection is perfect for entertaining, or for everyday use, it’s designed to be mixed and matched with our Mykonos placemats, tablecloths, plates and glassware.
Where did your brand concept and brand name originate from?
I love homewares and was always obsessed with seeing how people decorated their home. I realised I had more than just a passion when my Instagram feed was full of architecture and interior design posts, and I was always on the lookout for unique homeware items – such as glassware, table wear or decorative pieces.
My husband encouraged me to start a business as a hobby and he was the one to suggest the name as it looked like a house number, but we also found out the number 22 is quite auspicious. I launched No. 22 in 2019 when I was working for a technology firm and found it started growing quite quickly. Within two years, I left my job to focus on No. 22 full-time and I haven’t looked back.
What is the inspiration for each collection?
Definitely travel, but also the history and natural landscape of different locations. Our Destinations by No. 22 collections are all inspired by some of the favourite places I’ve travelled to and evoke a special memory from my visits. For example, the Capri Collection has a recurring lemon theme after my favourite restaurant on the island - Da Paolino.
Your latest collection has been inspired by the popular Greek Island of Mykonos. What drew you to this island? What does Mykonos mean to you?
Mykonos was the first place in Greece that I travelled to with my husband. We were there to celebrate the wedding of two of our close friends and the week we spent there was filled the most wonderful, happy memories.
The collection has been designed to feature some of my favourite parts of the island, such as the bougainvillea trees you see in the town, the distinct shapes of the buildings, the natural, beige landscape and of course, the mati!
What are the key pieces in this collection? How does your colour schemes reflect Mykonos & differ from other brand’s interpretation of this Island?
This collection uses a lot of light and neutral colours. You usually see dark blue and white associated with Greek products and homewares, but I love that you see lots of pink, light blue, beige, and green hues in this collection.
My favourite pieces are the Elia Plates, the Mykonos Paradise Napkins, and the Mykonos Ornos Placemats – you can’t go past a cute scallop design!
Would you describe your brand as a “destination”? A way for you to feel a holiday experience, whilst confined to your own home? How has this been important during Covid?
I like to say that No. 22 is a go-to destination for statement homewares, because you can always find unique and stunning pieces at our store. During COVID, we saw people invest in their home more than ever before, and I think this trend is continuing even as we come out of the peak of the pandemic. People are paying more attention to how they decorate their home and are on the lookout for quality and unique pieces, rather than generic items. We try to be a source of inspiration for these pieces and are always on the lookout for new and exciting items people will want to style in their home.
Can you offer some tips/ advice on how to elevate a table setting? What are some essential items that you recommend?
Definitely using accessories, such as candlestick holders, menus, and place cards. We’ve seen a real shift in how people entertain at home, with a lot more personalisation and curating individual pieces. Adding little accents, like accessories, can really help elevate your table and entertaining settings.
Congratulations! You are 9 months into your pregnancy with Twins. How are you feeling about running a company and balancing motherhood?
Thank you. I am due to give birth next week, and I have no idea what I am in for! I think everything will be a big juggle for a while, but I can’t wait to meet the twins and start our little family.
How is the nursery coming along? How are you transforming the space, and what are the key elements that you will be focusing on?
Believe it or not, I haven’t got one yet. We just moved house, so I am in the process of starting to design it. As we are having boy / girl twins, we are looking at using neutral tones with hints of gold accents in the nursery. I’m excited to see it all come together.
What’s next for No.22? In what direction would you like to see the brand head in?
We have already started working on the next collection in our ‘Destinations by No. 22’ series, which we are hoping to release later this year. In the meantime, we are always on the lookout for new and exciting pieces to add to our statement homewares range – so watch this space!
Your favourite coffee.
Oat Latte – but I can’t say no to a Greek coffee.
You never leave home without it.
I’m about to become a Mum in a week, so it will likely be my children very soon!
We find it in your handbag.
Sunglasses, lip balm, Airpods and my iPhone.
Favourite go to make-up product.
Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion. It’s a game changer for your skin, particularly to make sure you’re wearing sunscreen every day.
Favourite Travel destinations.
Too many - Athens, Rhodes, Mykonos, Capri, Paris, London, St Tropez!
Favourite table colour scheme
Neutral tones with a hint of gold. Although I’ve loved adding colour with our recent Mykonos and Capri collections.
Essential dinner party item.
I wouldn’t say there is one, single essential item, but I love unique tablescape pieces, such as fancy glassware, napkins, or plates.
Favourite Greek singer.
Anything Antonis Remos!
Favourite Greek food.
Dolmades