Cover L’Éléphant plays with an array of textures, colours, and patterns to create a wonderful sense of whimsy (All photography: Francisco Nogueira)
L’Éléphant plays with an array of textures, colours, and patterns to create a wonderful sense of whimsy (All photography: Francisco Nogueira)
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L’Éléphant’s creative vision brings the essence of Brazil to this Lisbon apartment
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal is home to a plethora of fascinating historical sites and equally stunning architectural wonders. Here, we zoom in on Príncipe Real, one of Lisbon’s most exciting neighbourhoods that is filled with quaint cafes, gorgeous historical landmarks, and a vibrant community.
As we continue walking down the street of Rua da Imprensa Nacional, we take a small glimpse into this 200 sq m apartment that seemingly teleports us into another world, an eclectic amalgamation of a tropical Alice in Wonderland.
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Above Busy hands setting up the final touches to unveiling this fantastical home
Busy hands setting up the final touches to unveiling this fantastical home
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With the apartment having undergone a classic-driven intervention prior to purchase, Joana Correia, one of L’Éléphant’s founders, recalls the original design process as discussed with the client prior. “Our client relayed her desire for something bold, chic, and colourful while reminding her of her hometown in Brazil.”
“As such, we wanted to play around with various combinations of colours, textures, and statement pieces to create a unique piece that would bring Brazil to Lisbon for her,” continued Correia.
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Above Bold patterns provide visual texture to simulate the eyes
Bold patterns provide visual texture to simulate the eyes
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Having been given full creative freedom for this particular project, anyone walking into the apartment would first be greeted by the striking sight of two stuffed parrots perched and framed amidst the tropics.
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Above The first view upon entering is a colourful sight to behold
The first view upon entering is a colourful sight to behold
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Despite the bright and busy backdrop, the maroon velvet chairs and crown moulding with red and gold accents blend seamlessly with the extravagant tableau, the velvet adds a visual texture that one can feel from sight alone. The gold accents are reminiscent of the warm glow of the Brazilian sun.
“It’s my favourite space in the house,” remarked Correia. “It’s a joyful and sophisticated space that clearly tells those coming in that they’re entering a bold house, a visual preparation of sorts.”
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These stuffed parrots are extremely detailed and realistic upon observation
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With a majority of the apartment space dedicated to the living room, L’Éléphant took a creative approach to fully utilise this room, intentionally playing with varying fabrics and patterns to create a visual separator and divide the space into three sections: two living areas and a dining section.
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Sharing the same space, the different colours act as an effective divider
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Separated by the entrance between them, the red leopard-print couch on the left provides the middle section with a pop of colour, a statement piece made chic by gold-accented side pieces.
On the right in the corner, L’Éléphant continues to play with your perception of sight and feel, drawing your eyes immediately to the two acrylic framed pieces, the hues of orange and yellow helping to draw an invisible line between the two living spaces.
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Living room entrance separates both living spaces apart
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Accented in red and gold, the simplicity of the dining area allows the chandelier and intricate details of L’Éléphant’s chosen furniture pieces to pop while not being too visually overwhelming in this openly segmented space.
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Complete shot of the dining room layout
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Meanwhile, at the other end of the hallway, Indian-inspired wallpaper and sheets adorn the guest room, the strong visual patterns providing a sense of uniformity while remaining on theme with the rest of the house.
“When you’re trying to shape a house for someone who’s constantly travelling, you feel the need to bring in references from multiple points of the globe,” stated Correia, explaining the decision for this thematic change.
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Within the rainforest, the gold archways seem to bring you into another world
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Likewise, the vibes for the master suite are gentler, with its silk walls and curtains providing the room a soft glow that soothingly washes over you after a busy day. Without dampening this softness, the velvet green headboard and banana yellow lamp shades reminiscent of palm trees and cattails provide some tropical zest.
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Lampshades and headboard give a pop of colour to retain that tropical feel
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An exercise of unabashed creative freedom, the eccentricity and boldness that one might initially mistake for haphazardous, is carefully curated to create this slice of tropical paradise in the middle of this historical city in Portugal.
“Much like its owner, this home is a reflection of her style and personality,” remarked Correia. “When a space represents the person inhabiting it, that is when we know we have fulfilled our goals.”
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Credits
Photography: Francisco Nogueira
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About
A city girl at heart, Amber is happy to analyse intricate plot points, design concepts, and the best tea spots in Malaysia for those brave enough to ask. When she’s not writing, knitting, or playing the latest JRPG in her free time, she is most likely thinking of her next creative endeavour to immerse herself into.
Work
A senior writer primarily under Tatler Homes, Amber uses the analytic skills given to her by her Literature degree, her professional online marketing background having worked in various marketing agencies, and her own interest in functional home designs to create distinct and engaging pieces about the latest home tours, designers, and architectural news happening around the world.
You can find out more about her professional career on LinkedIn
