This striking renovation in Lisbon was fulfilled by Portuguese architecture firm rar.studio. Located in a 19th century waterfront building, it features a wonderful mix of patterns and materials like tiles, marble and reclaimed wood flooring in a minimalist setting.
As the designers were to restore, conserve and enhance the original characteristics of the building, they decided to paint the entire space white to freshen and highlight the period moldings and proportions. They also restored the original wooden floorboards, now an interesting feature due to their width and aged texture.
Aside from the A+ use of materials, the space planning of the home is quite unique. Rar.studio designed permanently open spaces called ‘inner rooms’, which act as shared storage and wardrobes for the residents of the home. These spaces are visible and accessible from most areas of the apartment, creating an interesting visual and spatial relationship between private and shared space.
I’d say that among all these peaceful and calm spaces, the bathroom and the kitchen are most eye-catching ones. Monochrome and peach-coloured Portuguese marble were used in full slabs to create complete shower cubicles, sinks and splash-backs – a visually strong and modern solution that sings against the crisp minimal backdrop. In the kitchen, blue-patterned ceramic wall tiles dating back to the 19th century were left intact, contrasting with modern chrome taps and white dining chairs.
The overall impression of this peaceful monochrome home is very light, airy and inviting, and the use of interesting materials and restoration of some antique features made it more eye-catching and stylish.