In the heart of Marousi, PAINTmyNOOK offers a unique experience in the world of decoration and creative design. It is a modern and welcoming space dedicated to the renewal of interiors with an emphasis on sustainability, aesthetics, and personal expression.
I personally discovered it through Instagram, where I was struck by the entire concept and its aesthetic appeal. I decided to visit in person, and what did I find? Beyond the impressive creations of the owner, Nicoletta, I was lucky enough to meet her as well. A wonderful, warm person with remarkable talent, aesthetic sensitivity, and a unique perspective—qualities that are evident in everything she touches.
PAINTmyNOOK shop, Photo: Peny Zerva
A Space of Inspiration and Creation
PAINTmyNOOK is not just a store. It is a creative studio where visitors can find ideas, solutions, and guidance to shape their personal spaces. Through design consultations, colour and texture suggestions, and layout recommendations, the studio helps each client create an environment that reflects their identity and needs.
When you visit, you’ll be amazed by the handmade items—wall decorations, vases, bowls, even lighting fixtures—crafted by the owner using recycled paper and the Papier-mâché technique, as well as origami-inspired lighting. And let’s not forget Nicoletta’s painting skills and boundless inspiration, which will have you coming back again and again to see what new creations she’s brought to life.
PAINTmyNOOK shop, Photo: Peny Zerva
Renovation with Respect for Space and the Environment
One of PAINTmyNOOK’s core services is furniture renewal. Old, worn, or simply forgotten pieces are brought back to life through special painting and restoration techniques. The approach relies on eco-friendly materials and practices that respect both the object and the environment, encouraging reuse and waste reduction.
You’ll truly find handpicked vintage treasures—not just castoffs. So, rummage through your home for old pieces that are begging for renewal, or simply drop by the store for some inspiration. You can also make special requests: PAINTmyNOOK will find what you’re looking for.
PAINTmyNOOK shop, Photo: Peny Zerva
A Friendly and Personalised Experience
What sets PAINTmyNOOK apart is the human connection. Nicoletta takes time to get to know each client, understand their needs, and offer solutions that are practical, functional, and stylish. Whether it’s a small room or an entire space, the approach is always personalised and creative.
Hamak restaurant, Photo: PAINTmyNOOK
But let’s get to know the woman behind this space a little better.
D.G.: Nicoletta, welcome to A Design Geek in Athens! You have years of experience as a civil engineer in spatial design. What led you to explore your artistic side and dedicate yourself to creating decorative items and furniture renewal?
Nicoletta: No one can deny the influence of the family environment on a person’s life. My experience was particularly paradoxical and shaped my values and how I view creativity today.
I grew up in a household where art and technique coexisted. My mother, a decorator with experience in furniture, textiles, and mosaics, later devoted herself to homemaking. My father, a civil engineer, worked back when everything was drawn by hand.
As a child, I had free access to a treasure trove of tools: rulers, calipers, stencils, paper, technical pens. I was always fascinated by materials and tools—whenever I was allowed to be. Measurements, plans, floor layouts, assemblies—I now do all that almost instinctively, like the solutions are embedded in me.
At the same time, my parents’ deeply conservative value system did not allow experimentation or encourage creative curiosity. For them, love, care, and support meant equipping me to take over my father’s technical office.
Imagine, Peny, how much inner work the small, obedient, reserved Nicoletta had to do to break down those barriers and let critical thinking and creativity flow. Although I loved painting, my wish to study at the School of Fine Arts (ASFA) was met with zero encouragement. Nor, to be fair, did my own confused choices help me move in that direction.
I went through a period of isolation and depression. Reading and therapy helped me reclaim my life—and I say that with certainty.
Meeting my partner, Konstantinos, was also a pivotal moment. He’s a very creative person, too, looking for ways to bring his ideas to life. We immediately dove into painting and DIY projects, constantly encouraging each other. Furniture has become our shared passion—we choose and work on pieces together.
I learned to paint by watching English-language courses online. As for lights and decorative items, I can’t avoid the cliché: “I create the things I wish existed.” I make what I’d want in my own space.
My grandmothers were also very creative women and had a huge influence on me. From them, I inherited my love of knitting, sewing—and baking! I’d open a bakery if I could wake up early enough—haha!
To sum up: PAINTmyNOOK is the natural evolution of a long creative journey that started long before the pandemic. The time finally came to do what I truly love—consistently and in an organized way, not just occasionally.
Nikoletta and rope weaving, Photo: PAINTmyNOOK
D.G.: Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
N: I’m inspired by plant life, geometry, and music. I studied piano for many years, and the musical imprint is deep—I seek rhythm and completeness in phrasing. I also like to explore the history and symbolism of a subject or object, especially when I’m working on visual art.
D.G.: Why is sustainability so important to you that it underpins all your projects?
N: Sustainability started as a personal necessity and evolved into a broader realisation—it concerns us all. I moved houses many times and constantly faced the question: “What do I throw away? What do I keep?” While IKEA’s flat packs opened new horizons, when I met Konstantinos, I learned the art of (not) throwing anything away: “We might need it someday.” We went deep into the furniture rescue syndrome—we’re still recovering. (Laughs!) But seriously, seeing discarded wood next to dumpsters hurts us. Somebody’s trash is somebody’s treasure.
Supporting circular and barter economies in Greece is a matter of education. Sadly, consumerism dominates. And although it feels like we’re trying to break down a stone wall with our fists, we stand by reuse—not just for environmental reasons, but because it allows for true personal expression.
D.G.: How do you help clients shape their personal space? What’s different about your approach?
N: What I really want is for potential clients to understand that I’m not here to impose my style on their space. I want to have a conversation, ask the right questions, and help them sort through their thoughts and articulate their needs.
In general, I prefer listening to talking. My technical knowledge helps bring to life an environment where they will want to live or work. Whether someone is highly individualistic or views interior design as a mere task, there’s always something unique about them. I see the design process as a story written when the client’s self-awareness meets the designer’s empathy.
I’ve seen people wandering around in homes designed by famous architects—looking like strangers in their own space. That’s wasteful, even pompous. At PAINTmyNOOK, we don’t support that. We want to design spaces that are in harmony with both the environment and the people who live in them.
PAINTmyNOOK shop, Photo: Peny Zerva
A Destination for Aesthetic Enthusiasts
PAINTmyNOOK is for those who love beauty, colour, decoration, and personal expression through their space. It’s perfect for those wanting to refresh their home or office without resorting to mass-market solutions, and for those who want to breathe new life into emotionally significant objects. It’s a sanctuary of creativity, aesthetics, and environmental care—just waiting to be discovered.
PAINTmyNOOK shop, Photo: Peny Zerva
Visit the Store
The physical store is located at:
1 Themidos Street, Marousi (15124)
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 12:00 – 20:00
- Saturday: 12:00 – 16:00
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
For more information or to book an appointment, call +30 21 6070 1275 or email contact@paintmynook.gr.
Until next time!!!
Design geek in Athens