Luxury and aesthetics, according to my opinion, could be two completely different worlds.
The first one could be just a show off situation, without any substance, while the second one hides  too many components, that are combined magically: sensitivity, simplicity, kind but powerful design lines, practicality, mindful elements combination. Aesthetics is a whole world of meanings. Seems easy at a glance but it's the hardest way to find it and create it. That's why the result evokes feelings. Real feelings.

All the above thoughts came out, cause i totally identified myself with Martin's Olofsson -the owner of the "Myran Scandinavian Store" in Athens - phrase:"We are not interested in luxury, but we have an almost physical need to surround ourselves with the stuff that we love and adore".

Myran Scandinavian store, is one of my most favorite spots in Athens.
Martin Oloffson and Aggeliki Papavasiliou, the owners of "Myran Scandinavian Store", answered below my six questions.

Enjoy!

What is the core reason for your love to Scandinavian design?
- Martin Olofsson:  I kind of grew up surrounded by it. One of my first memories is playing with the Arne Jacobsen revolving ash tray, full of ashes from last nights cigars. I still clearly remember the smell of the wood oil and leather in Illums Bolighus in the 70’s in Copenhagen or the impression the Jonas Bohlin Concrete chair made on me when I first saw it in the early 80’s in Stockholm. Of course I wasn’t  aware of it as Scandinavian design, or even design for that matter, for many years. It was just beautiful objects that made you smile.

-Aggeliki Papavasiliou: The fact that it is part of everyday life.

In what way, do you identify yourself with Scandinavian philosophy and where do you apply it -if you do- in your daily and working life? 

-Martin Olofsson: At work I often think about what Sven Lundh, the founder of Källemo, used to say. A new design have to “Stand the wear of the eye”. Everyone can make a chair that doesn’t break, but if you get tired of it after a couple of years, it’s no good anyway. And as manufacturing and shipping furniture around the continent definitely has an environmental footprint, we want to make sure that what we select to our store and that get in to peoples homes will last, both quality wise and aesthetically. We do this by avoiding fast trends and fashion and be as timeless as possible in our selection. 

-Aggeliki Papavasiliou: I don t know if there is a Scandinavian philosophy but from what I have experienced I try to keep  cosiness and style in my living and working space.

Greek people, are they familiar with Scandinavian design? Have you notice any difference the last 5 years concerning Greeks and their attitude to Scandinavian design? 

-Martin Olofsson: I believe that Scandinavian style is the dominating “trend” worldwide the last couple of years in interior and furniture design. It’s such a huge difference from when we started out 15 years ago when it was a real niche, and the last 5 years it has really exploded. Now we have clients coming in and saying they want their entire home in Scandinavian style. It’s great of course, it’s really amazing. Personally I always thought that it makes perfect sense, the meeting of the paired downed design and simple natural materials of the Scandinavian Design, with the austerity of for example the Cycladic architecture. A match made in heaven.

-Aggeliki Papavasiliou: I think  there has been a change the last 5 years and it is the first time after the 60s that Greeks are so related again to Scandinavian design. 

Is there any moto in your life, that is depicted at your Store/business? 

-Martin Olofsson: Of course our shop is a mirror of our personalities. We try not to take ourselves too seriously.  Our shop is more like a second home than a business. We are not interested in “luxury”, but  we have an almost physical need to surround ourselves with the stuff that we love and adore. We are not perfectionists and I think many will find that our store is a quite relaxed and friendly place. The shop is our extended living room, where our dog and daughter and friends are hanging out more often than not. Sometimes it’s chaos but it’s fun!

-Aggeliki Papavasiliou: Treat all customers the same no matter how much they are willing to spend. 

What does ‘Myran’ means? 
-Martin Olofsson & Aggeliki Papavasiliou: Myran means ant in Swedish. It’s one of Arne Jacobsen’s masterpieces and in Sweden it’s a common name for a Kindergarten. Haha. 

Would you like to share with me any of your next ‘Myran’ plans, if there is any for the moment? 
-Martin Olofsson & Aggeliki Papavasiliou: We are not that great at planning! The only thing we can say is that we as always will continue to look for new brands and young designers and nurturing our relationship with the old masters, keeping the mix in the shop alive, organically changing and curating the store to follow our current mood. But of course it would be great with a bigger space to show more amazing design and to organise more exhibitions and design related events.


You could meet Martin, Aggeliki and their "Scandinavian Design" store, in Athens:
 3 Fokylidou street.