INTERVIEW WITH THE FOUNDER OF MYRAN.GR

What happens when timeless Scandinavian design meets the sun-soaked landscapes of Greece? For Martin Olofsson, founder of Athens-based design store myran.gr, the answer came naturally. “I’m a Swede, born in Denmark and raised in a very design-interested family,” he explains. “Our standard weekend entertainment growing up was hours spent in Illums Bolighus, trips to the glassworks of Småland, and overhearing long conversations between my parents and people like Sven Lundh, the founder of Källemo.”

When Martin moved to Athens in the early 2000s, he was surprised to find that Scandinavian design was nowhere to be found. “And I was unemployed,” he laughs, “so the decision to open a Scandinavian design shop was easy!”

Today, Myran is one of the leading ambassadors of Nordic aesthetics in Greece—showcasing pieces that feel surprisingly at home among the whitewashed walls and rugged coastlines of the Mediterranean. A prime example is the partnership with Skargaarden, known for their timeless, high-quality outdoor furniture. “The mix of iconic Scandi pieces like the H55, combined with soft, lounge-style furniture, really resonates here,” Martin says. “You only have to look at a Cycladic house to see why—it’s a perfect match.”

Over the years, Myran has brought Skargaarden’s designs into a wide range of projects. “We supplied H55 chairs to the beachfront of the W Costa Navarino, and we’ve furnished island homes in Paros, Mykonos, and recently Paxos with lounge collections,” Martin shares.

If given the chance to furnish any iconic Greek location with Scandinavian pieces? “We’ve already worked in Mykonos, Santorini, and some landmark spots in Athens—but the Acropolis is still in need of some good furniture, of course,” he jokes. Beyond the aesthetic harmony, Martin sees a deeper cultural shift taking place. “In Greek interiors and exteriors alike, original design has become a way to stand out. You see fewer copies now and more curated, thoughtful spaces. The quality just keeps rising, and Greek studios like K-Studio are setting the bar globally for leisure architecture.”

Since 2004, Scandinavian design has moved from niche to mainstream in Greece—and Martin believes it’s here to stay. “The simplicity, honesty, and quiet confidence of Scandinavian design fits so well with Greek architecture and nature. After the pandemic, people crave authenticity. I don’t think this style is going out of fashion anytime soon.”

And when it comes to Martin’s own go-to for outdoor relaxation? No hesitation: “Nothing can beat the H55.”