The living room has a softer touch courtesy of the sofas and armchairs, as well as the tencel and wool rug and custom-designed poufs that are upholstered in linen
Cover The living room has a softer touch courtesy of the sofas and armchairs, as well as the tencel and wool rug and custom-designed poufs that are upholstered in linen

Portuguese designer Cristina Jorge de Carvalho of Atelier CJC transforms a home with a delightful use of art, wallpaper and colourful furnishings in jewel tones

When Lisbon-based interior designer and architect Cristina Jorge de Carvalho was approached to design the interiors of a home in Cascais, Portugal, she immediately thought of how she could layer the space with an eclectic mix of contemporary objects and modern influences to create a sense of timelessness that has been her design signature for the past two decades. 

“I like to create harmony by playing with rich, contrasting textures and natural materials, and keeping to a very restricted and neutral colour palette,” says Jorge de Carvalho, who leads her award-winning namesake firm Atelier CJC. “The owners didn't want any major works done, so I thought of a few changes that could change the house completely.” 

These changes include brightening the walls and ceilings with fresh paint colours and wallcoverings and redoing the flooring of the house, while adding new design elements to give the rooms character. 

See also: Home Tour: A Tropical Themed House That’s Filled with Colour

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 The entrance area of the home exudes a strong sense of classicism with its marble black-and-white floor tiles
Photo 2 of 2 A oakwood sideboard holding a table lamp crafted from Kenya black marble, both custom designs by Atelier CJC, adds a contemporary touch

Located within Quinta Patiño, Portugal’s most exclusive and illustrious condominium complex, the home was a “1980s house with very traditional Portuguese architecture”.

Sticking to that sense of classicism, Jorge de Carvalho used black and white marbled tiles to make an impactful visual statement at the entrance area. A 1993 glossy black Felt lounge chair from Italian furniture maker Cappellini as well as a vintage ‘90s chandelier designed by Jacopo Foggini are among the chic accents in the space. 

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 The Al Fresco bookcase from CJC Furniture collection flank one wall, accompanied by the Chimera floor lamp from Artemide
Photo 2 of 2 The living room has a softer touch courtesy of the sofas and armchairs, as well as the tencel and wool rug and custom-designed poufs that are upholstered in linen

The living room exudes an inviting sense of calm. The designer stuck to a minimalist palette on the walls, allowing the rich materials and fabrics to shine.

She incorporated a mix of contemporary elements through custom-designed pieces, such as a soft brown sofa upholstered in velvet, marble side tables, and table lamps with polished steel structures. Consoles purchased from an antique store as well as deep purple vintage armchairs bring a soulful touch, whilst injecting vibrance in the space alongside the full-length curtains in mint green silk. 

See also: Home Tour: A Pink Gucci Wallpaper Is The Focal Point Of This Travel-Themed Apartment

Tatler Asia
The dining room makes a strong statement with the statement-making ceiling in black
Above The dining room makes a strong statement with the statement-making ceiling in black

The impactful use of colour is further highlighted in the dining room; Jorge de Carvalho painted the ceiling black to make a bold statement. “I didn´t like the previous ceiling. The easiest way to change it was by painting it, and black was the obvious colour for me.” The ceiling formed the starting point for the decor. A marble table with polished stainless steel legs from the designer’s furnishings brand CJC Furniture Collection sits under a dazzling Murano glass chandelier from Parisian lighting atelier Veronese.

The team also produced custom dining chairs that feature black-and-white geometric prints. “I truly love the contrasting design and textures between the dining table and the chairs,” Jorge de Carvalho enthuses.

Tatler Asia
Icons Miami from Cole & Son line the walls of the kitchen, where a vintage glass lamp hang above the Saarinen "Tulip" table and chairs from Knoll, creating a cosy breakfast nook
Above Icons Miami wallpaper from Cole & Son line the walls of the kitchen, where a vintage glass lamp hang above the Saarinen "Tulip" table and chairs from Knoll, creating a cosy breakfast nook

The kitchen is a visual extension of the colour and pattern play that continues throughout the rest of the abode. The checkered flooring in the kitchen is reflected in the tropical-themed monochromatic wallpaper from Cole & Son.

To “bring a sense of the garden into the house” and add colour into the space, the kitchen cabinetry is saturated with a pistachio green shade while the dining bench in the breakfast nook is upholstered in dark green leather. The creation of the nook by the bow window was a specific request from the client, which formed a space where “the family could share small meals”.  

See also: Home Tour: A Glamorous Apartment With A Peacock-Inspired Colour Scheme

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 The son's bedroom features the gold version of the Trianon wallpaper, accompanied by a custom-designed bed and the Piston bedside table by Diesel Creative Team
Photo 2 of 2 The children's bedroom features a red variation of the Trianon wallpaper from Manuel Canovas, which creates a comforting setting for the Grashoppa floor lamp from Gubi and the twin beds from Homes in Heaven

Bold personality continues to permeate the rest of the abode with colourful and textural wallpaper that lines the walls. The children’s bedroom suites are designed to invoke a sense of adventure with tropical-themed motifs of animals, while the guest bedroom and bathroom feature striking prints that are vividly lively and eye-catching. 

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 The Caspia fabric wallpaper from Jim Thompson lines the walls of the master bedroom, where the All Day bed from CJC Furniture Collection forms the focal point
Photo 2 of 2 A work by Portugese artist André Príncipe hangs above a reflective vintage Italian chest of drawers

On the other hand, the master bedroom is a sanctuary of tranquility with a textured wall covering in neutral hues. The relaxed atmosphere is further amplified with pale pink curtains and cosy furnishings that soften the room. 

See also: Home Tour: A Calming Apartment in London With a Peaceful White Living Room

Tatler Asia
The powder room features the bold Oculaire wallpaper from Arte Internacional, and is furnished with a vintage Venetian mirror and the Bari wall light by Astro Lighting
Above The powder room features the bold Oculaire wallpaper from Arte Internacional, and is furnished with a vintage Venetian mirror and Astro Lighting Bari wall light
Tatler Asia
The guest bedroom features a monochromatic scheme with the Aragon wallpaper from Jim Thompson, alongside the custom-designed bed that's upholstered in leather
Above The guest bedroom features a monochromatic scheme with the Aragon wallpaper from Jim Thompson, alongside the custom bed upholstered in leather

“I aim to create timeless, elegant, and refined spaces that transcend current trends—for me, it’s essential that a project stands the test of time and maintains its elegance throughout the years,” says Jorge de Carvalho. “Trends come and go, so staying true to what we are and idealizing this ‘self’ in a space is a task even more difficult and satisfying than following a rule or a trend.” 

The project, which took a year and a half to complete, was a delightful surprise for the family as well. “They loved it! They didn´t expect the changes that could be made in the house. They loved the entire house, and for me, this is what matters,” adds the designer.

Tatler Asia
Lisbon-based interior designer and architect Cristina Jorge de Carvalho
Above Lisbon-based interior designer and architect Cristina Jorge de Carvalho

Credits

Photography  

Francisco de Almeida Dias

Topics