'the modernist' boutique hotel revives a 1920’s heritage building in thessaloniki, greece

‘the modernist’ boutique hotel combines old-world grace with casual luxury in a 1920’s heritage building in the heart of thessaloniki, greece. designed by local architecture studio, FORMrelated, the hotel pairs minimalist aesthetics with art deco detailing, immersing guests in an atmosphere of urban elegance. besides its 40 private rooms, which come in four different sizes to accommodate individual needs, ‘the modernist’ packs a series of social spaces that celebrate the city’s craft and culture. with the exception of selected signature pieces in the lobby, all furniture, lighting and uniforms are custom-made by local designers and craftspeople.

images by ioanna roufopoulou / vavdinoudis & dimitriou

past the heritage façade, ‘the modernist’ welcomes guests in a lobby with original 1920s encaustic tiles and contemporized dados, where the british racing green reception desk awaits. this space also includes the hotel’s own concept store, which stocks a curated display of lifestyle items, city guides, books, and custom-made souvenirs. social spaces are complete with the roof garden on the 7th floor, a light-filled, in-and outdoor space that guests can enjoy throughout the day.

FORMrelated has converted the 1920s building into a boutique hotel that pays tribute to its past with art deco details, combined with minimalist aesthetics for a fresh, urban feel. ‘the modernist’ rooms come in four sizes – S, M, L, and XL – tailored to individual needs and complete with customised furniture, mood lighting and seamless comforts. wood, brushed brass, charcoal, and dark amethyst hues define these spaces, set against the backdrop of the building’s old bones, with high ceilings, tall windows, and original blond parquet. the rooms are complete with retro-modern bathrooms in classic black and white, and feature walk-in showers and ample marble sinks.

characterized by a strong collaborative spirit from the very beginning, ‘the modernist’ aims to showcase the work of local creatives with ongoing partnerships, and through a small gallery that has been added recently. guests have the chance to experience traditional flavors with a modern twist thanks to ergon foods, a purveyor of premium quality products, that provides the hotel with breakfast delicacies. luxury bathroom amenities throughout the property are supplied by physis laboratory, a pharmacy and laboratory producing high-end natural products. local design lab, post-spectacular office, is responsible for the hotel’s branding and visual identity, while stoneware clay and porcelain objects found throughout are created by well-established artist, george vavatsis. finally, a curated list of books, courtesy of young author and bookseller, kyriakos gialenios, can be found in all guest rooms and common areas.