If you’re thinking about rearranging your space or decorating a new home, it’s wise to think about the Portuguese interior. The main reason is that there almost isn’t another interior design style that will elevate the spirit in your space like this one.
In this blog post, we’ll see which are your best options, no matter if you’re rearranging or building for the first time. However, we’ll also give you ideas on how to boost your Portuguese interior with cool metal projects to make it unique.
Still, before we address each Portuguese interior design style, let’s touch a bit on its history.
History of Portuguese Interior Design
Unlike Italian interior design, Portuguese design doesn’t have a strict movement or designers who invented groundbreaking pieces. It’s a result of centuries of artistic evolution and cultural exchange. The latter wasn’t always a nice one since colonization is also a part of it.
Nevertheless, it’s a mix of the country’s rich history and influences from Roman, Moorish, and Baroque styles. Furthermore, it’s also made from inspiration from Africa, Asia, and South America, which makes it highly diverse. Iconic elements such as azulejos and complex woodwork showcase Portugal’s craftsmanship and aesthetics.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Age of Discovery brought exotic materials into Portuguese interiors. The Baroque and Rococo periods boosted the focus on ornate details, bold colors, and luxurious textiles. Over time, these historical influences were connected with contemporary elements, which was the birth of the elegance that Portuguese interior design offers today.
Since we covered its history, let’s move on to the Portuguese interior design style you should think about implementing.
Traditional Portuguese Interior Design
A traditional Portuguese interior will bring a very warm and welcoming atmosphere into your space. One of the reasons is that it often highlights the usage of natural materials. The thing that can differentiate you from everyone else is blending metal elements and art with its natural aspects.
Some of the main features of this design style include the following:
- Azulejos: These colorful ceramic tiles often showcase scenes from history, mythology, or nature and are used to decorate walls, floors, and even furniture. However, they can also be simply decorative according to your taste. Azulejo is an essential part of Portuguese design, especially traditional.
- Stone and Wood Elements: Limestone and granite are commonly used for flooring and fireplaces, while wooden beams and furniture bring warmth and texture. These aspects definitely make this design unique.
- Handcrafted Textiles: Embroidered linens, woolen rugs, and lace curtains add a touch of traditional charm. If you want to embrace its traditional culture, these elements are almost necessary.
- Earthy Color Palette: Shades of terracotta, ochre, and deep blue dominate, reflecting the natural landscape and coastal influence. Deep blue makes even more sense since Portugal has coastal towns and regions.
- Metal Elements to Make A Difference: To be honest, there isn’t much space for improvisation in this style with metal art and elements that can make you authentic. However, incorporating a metal sculpture art would be the perfect way to break the similarity. You can install it on your floor but it’s even a better idea to go for a wall sculpture.
If you like craftsmanship and history, this design style is perfect for you and your space. It’s timeless but also creates a cozy atmosphere.
Modern Portuguese Interior Design
Modern Portuguese interiors lean more toward minimalism but they still have traditional roots. The focus is more on functionality, which adds more value since it’s not just about aesthetics. It also uses clean lines and a more neutral color palette. Of course, even the contemporary Portuguese interior subtly honors the past.
Some of the crucial characteristics of this design style are:
- Sleek Furniture: Like most modern designs, Portuguese also uses sleek furniture with simple designs crafted from metal, wood, or glass.
- Open Spaces: Using spacious layouts with natural lights creates a comfortable environment.
- Neutral Tones: The basic colors for this interior design are white, beige, and gray. However, the monotony is broken by using pops of color through artwork and decor.
- Sustainability: One of the advantages of modern Portuguese design is that it often incorporates eco-friendly materials, which shows a commitment to environmental consciousness.
- Metal Elements to Make A Difference: This design is perfect for incorporating metal art. We can create metal bases for your sleek furniture and metal artwork. Moreover, we also pay attention to being eco-friendly.
This style is ideal for urban enthusiasts who seek a balance of sophistication and simplicity.
Rustic Portuguese Interior Design
Logically, every rustic interior design is at least connected in some way with traditional interior design, and the same goes for Portuguese. However, there’s a difference since rustic is rural while traditional may also refer to wealthy designs from the past.
Therefore, rustic Portuguese interior design draws inspiration from rural homes and the natural beauty of their countryside. Rural Portugal undoubtedly has to offer something beautiful and impressive.
It’s all about creating a warm yet unpretentious space with:
- Natural Materials: Stone walls, wooden beams, and terracotta tiles are essential for this style. These materials come naturally with this design and are an inevitable characteristic.
- Vintage Accents: Antique furniture, wrought iron fixtures, and traditional ceramics can also be used. On the one hand, this type of Portuguese design furniture is a reminder of a colonial time, which isn’t something to be proud of. On the other, it’s also a lesson for the future.
- Layered Textures: Cozy throws, woven baskets, and chunky-knit rugs are not only a rustic expression but also enhance the sense of comfort.
- Outdoor-Inspired Elements: Potted plants and fresh flowers bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. By the way, if you’re decorating your garden, here are several garden metal art ideas you can use.
- Metal Elements to Make A Difference: This design is also suitable for using metal, especially for wrought iron lighting and furniture bases.
Rustic Portuguese design is perfect for creating a peaceful home that makes you feel close to nature.
Sino-Portuguese Interior
Surprisingly, the Sino-Portuguese interior, also referred to as chino Portuguese interior isn’t dominantly used in Portugal. Quite the contrary, it’s used in China with a mix of Portuguese and Chinese styles. This fusion of Portuguese and Chinese influences is also used in Macau regions and the southern Thai town of Phuket.
Nevertheless, it’s still part of the Portuguese interior. This isn’t something new since the French interior design also drew ideas from the Italian.
This style combines:
- Elaborate Carvings: Ornate wood and stone carvings are often implemented with floral and geometric patterns.
- Vibrant Colors: A mix of bold color tones such as red, gold, and blue create an impressive visual impact.
- Cultural Motifs: Here’s where the mix is most evident. Decorative elements like dragons, phoenixes, and traditional Portuguese tile patterns are connected all in one.
- Mixed Furniture Styles: European-style chairs and tables are mixed with Chinese screens and lacquered cabinets.
Sino-Portuguese interiors offer a rich and eclectic aesthetic that showcases artistic heritage and cultural diversity.
Final Thoughts on Portuguese Interior Design
By understanding the diverse aspects of the Portuguese design style, you will be able to transform your space into a blend of tradition and modernity. It may not be perfect but it’s undoubtedly one of the most combined interior designs ever.
Almost everything can be made according to your personal desires, you just need to contact us and we’ll gladly help you achieve excellence. Whether you prefer the traditional beauty of azulejos or contemporary details, Portuguese design offers something for everyone.
Enough reading, it’s time to rearrange your space!