A bright, contemporary apartment in Portugal

Cristina Jorge de Carvalho is a force to be reckoned with in the Portugese design scene, creating contemporary/modern spaces that are works of art and creating her own furniture collection that is very impressive. This 170 m² apartment in Estoril is owned by a successful Brazilian couple as a holiday retreat and with space, openness, light and modernity as the briefing key-words, Cristina set out to create a timeless and contemporary apartment. Among classic pieces by Harry Bertoia, Flos, Hans Wegner and others are several from her own line, such as the storage unit and rug in the entryway. Cristina also made two significant interior architectural alterations to the apartment: the original wall that separated the entrance hall from the living/dining room was replaced by a rotating structure in brass and stainless steel and, with the impressive ocean views in mind, she added a mirror wall to the bar area which not only opens up the kitchen and bar area, but also reflect the light and view. The result is an incredibly beautiful space. 

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The vertical loft

Designed as a live/work space for an artist the standout design feature of this home is the freestanding OSB shelving system that rises over four floors with access from each level. The first two floors are devoted the studio space and storage with racking system for paintings and the cube storage while climbing higher brings you to the living areas on the top two floors. Modern minimalism contained within a 100 year old shell. DL House by Nuno Alves de Carvalho of Portuguese architecture and design firm URBAstudios.

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A beachside getaway in Portugal

Is it the end of the weekend already? Another working week stretches before us and I'm daydreaming of a beachside getaway to help me make it through until next weekend. Let's escape to Alentejo Beach House, a contemporary villa rental near Comporta on the beautiful Alentejo coast in Portugal. Three independent bungalows with beautiful ocean views and a communal main house for dining and socialising. Oh the sunsets and the sand and the water and the rolling dunes! Oh the fabulous Portuguese food and wine! Oh is it really a new working week already! Alentejo Beach House another hand-picked piece of paradise via Welcome Beyond.

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Beachy pink

Think beach house think white painted walls and accents of blue and sea green. Perhaps that should be pink or melon or citrus green. This modern family holiday home takes a fresh look at the beach theme with its hot fruit flavoured colour hits. Light, bright and stylishly relaxed. Just what you want for your vacation retreat by the sea. Cabana com Arte in Comporta, Portugal by Lisbon-based architectural and interior design studio Sa Aranha & Vasconcelos.

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Margarida's outdoor oasis

You may recall this post of Margarida's weekend home in Portugal back in 2013. Well it seems Margarida has been hard at work on the exterior of her home, despite 45°C heat (which would explain the expanse of brown in the photo above). I detest winter, so this time of the year really gets me down as it is the end of warm weather for a very long time....which is why I really needed to feature this lovely outdoor space. Anything to transport me to warmer climates...

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