Quintela's Palace.

Located in the charismatic Lisbon neighbourhood of Chiado and built between 1777 and 1788 the Palace is a striking example of the architectural style known as Pombaline, which dominated Lisbon's reconstruction following the earthquake of 1755.

Extensively refurbished and improved by generations of owners, the Palace was enriched with decorative plasterwork, oil paintings and frescos by Portuguese Neoclassical artists.
Awarded the status of classical heritage building of public interest in 1938, the Palace was the headquarters of IADE, one of Portugal's leading design and marketing schools, upon its establishment in 1969 and has since become the school's cultural headquarters.


For a year, the Palace's entrance and upper floor are hosting an amazing retrospective by experimentadesign about Portuguese graphic and product design, named Revolution 99-09. Next time I'll focus on the exhibition itself.

For now, we shall get indulged, dream and imagine what and how we could use this astonishing space for. Get inspired.









The detail that really catches my eye is the floor. Absorbs and balances perfectly the surrounding.



I'm totally inspired by this amazing balustrade.

An Eclectic Space by a Contemporary Friend.

To write about a space we know, it can be easy, but about the space of a best friend can be tough, especially if we want to be objective (and not telling funny stories we lived together).

Cláudia and I are friends since we’re 6 years-old. We went to primary school together and since then we’re best friends.
A very cosmopolitan girl with special love for music and films, she’s the Chief Content Officer at SubFilmes, a television production in the Capital.
Living in one of Lisbon's prime location called Graça, her flat is in a building which was once a Manor House. A few years ago it was converted into flats and original features like doors and wooden floor were kepted.

The space is quite small yet with lots of character and many beautiful touches I would like to share in here.

A space always reflects who uses it and this one is no exception, but what I really like about it are the objects with stories to tell you’re surrounded by, the key to style a home. From inherited possessions to purchases around other cosmopolitan world cities, she has it all.

For years I’ve been convincing Cláudia to leave this book wall as it is. She argues it’s not practical (which is not) and I argue it’s the main feature in the space. So far, I’ve won.
The floor lamp was inherited from her mum, which was acquired in the 1960’s in Germany.

Everything’s simple, in pure harmony.

Though white is the main color, textures and patterns are everywhere, which makes the space very balanced and cosy.
The 1960’s rug was as well inherited. Earthy colors and round shape brings pretty well all the surrounding objects.

Over scaled wallpaper pattern in the bedroom makes an interesting contrast with the wooden frame door, doesn’t it?

As you walk to the terrace, there’s this beautiful painting on the kitchen wall. Perfection.

Look at the view! A key element to live perfect lifestyle, isn't it?
Top of the hill you can see one of the most important churches in the city – Igreja da Graça (Graças’ Church).

So, what's your spatial key feature?

White Point Of View.

While I was exploring (once more) Lisbon, I found this gorgeous optician in the city’s downtown. Felt in love straight away with the concept – personal interiors to provide personal experience, yet with commercial approach.

We do find these interiors very often in commercial spaces, and London has indeed an enormous selection, but what I find different on this one is the sense of order, organization and tidiness. What do you think?



The interiors symmetry brings so much balance to the space, doesn’t it?

One thing that caught my eye was the ads on the walls as if they were home owner's portraits. Nice touch.



Nice wooden floor. Great off white selection.

All About Patterns.

Lately it’s been all about patterns. Patters patters patters. Impossible to live without them, isn’t it? They’re used in interiors, furniture, wallpapers and curtains for hundreds of years.

Today I thought to post photographs of patterns used in architectural surfaces, as they become increasingly popular at the beginning of this century.

This pattern was very popular late 1970’s. Simple as it can be, but very rich. Love the 3D effect.

For some reason I can’t place this pattern in time: 60’s? 80’s? Not sure. Anyway, I like its playful asymmetry, quite summery I think.

Very Sixties.

This one is specially engaging: if you look closely you can trick your eye and see it 3D. Can you? (click on image to enlarge)

Neoclassic pattern.

Size: 10x10cm.

Classic pattern.

Inspiring patchwork.

I couldn't resist to post this tile panel. It's not a pattern, but since all the ones I post here are on tiles, this one couldn't be missing. It's located in one of Lisbon's Underground main stations. Every time I pass by it always makes me smile. I love the way they give a contemporary touch to such classic design.

Related article.
Azulejos

MUDE – Design and Fashion Museum.

It’s not news that I’m a patriotic. Though I have a good reason to be so: not because Portugal is the best (we have a long way to go), but because projects like MUDE are the mark and inspiration to move forward.

First time I saw the collection it was a few (many) years ago at Centro Cultural de Belém, as Francisco Capelo’s private collection. It has now a new home in the Baixa Pombalina, Lisbon’s downtown, in the former head office of the Banco Nacional Ultramarino. All the original spatial features were remained which makes the space on its own a must see.

Romeo Gigli, Alexander McQueen and Ron Arad.

Spatial design is key for such outstanding and outside the box display.


“MUDE is a cosmopolitan space, an internationally renowned collection, the expression and inspiration of creative activity. MUDE is part of the force driving towards a modern Lisbon.”



1990’s by Yoshiki Hishinuma and Ana Salazar.







Every single display is a single engagement. It feels someone is telling you a little story.

Gianni Versace – Haute Couture Collection Spring/Summer 1991.

Special thanks to Pedro Teotónio Pereira, Vice Director, for allowing me to photograph on the spot and to Margarida Mata, an enthusiastic receptionist, for being a bridge to my request.

Sneak Peek.

I haven't been able to seat down to edit photos and write an article to post here, but I have so much to share that I thought I should write a sneak peek on what I am planning to share with you all for the next couple of weeks.

From beautiful houses to design and fashion exhibitions, hotel bars and simple colourful patterns: stay tuned. Lot's to get inspired.


MUDE, Design and Fashion Museum @ Lisbon.
Alexander McQueen and Ron Arad.


ExperiementaDesign.
Revolution 99-09 @ Palácio Quintela, Lisbon.


Shop @ Chiado, Lisbon.


Eclectic Flat by a Contemporary Woman @ Graça, Lisbon.


Hotel Bar by the Beach.
Porto Novo.


A touch of Art Deco.
Summer Houses @ uSanta Cruz.

Little Side Note.

Today, after my very first good day on the beach, I thought I would be posting some spaces I have been photographing for the last days. Guess what? I fogot my card reader in London, therefore can't download my photographs.

Nevertheless, I want to leave here and today one of my favorite spots in Lisbon.






Bairro Alto Hotel @ Pombalina Downtown.

If you are or planning to visit Lisbon, save an afternoon to have a drink in the Hotel Bar located on the roof terrace. You will have the best city views. Enjoy.



Photographs from Google Images.