“We saw great renovation potential; the space had been partitioned but we knew that by knocking down a few walls we could create a nice layout,” explains the designer. “Our intention was to transform it into a family residence with a large open living space and clear divisions between the social and private areas.”         

By demolishing the partition walls, the team created a large and airy open-plan living area. Seeking to retain aspects of the building’s traditional architecture so as to preserve the aura of rich history, they retained historic elements such as the beautiful ceiling moulding and trimmings, the original wooden flooring, and the iron balustrades as it is. “Preserving the traces of a building’s past as much as possible is a prerequisite in all our projects, as it largely contributes to the charm of the apartment,” says Beysecker. 

See also: Home Tour: The Colourful, Vintage-Inspired House of London Property Maven Naomi Heaton

To complement the existing features, the designers expertly infused contemporary elements through various furnishings and curated artworks. The living room exudes a warm and cosy ambience with a tactile combination of natural textiles and materials, complemented by an injection of colour from the deep orange rug. Adding layers to a space is Beysecker’s design signature, where she uses “colours, textures, and refined materials in a subtle balance to create a dialogue between all the elements of the interior design”. 

Considering art as a key element to help define the personality of the house, Beysecker aimed to highlight Portuguese artists such as Jorge Feijão, Daniel Blaufuks and Jorge Santos with a selection of their artworks and paintings. “We always try to create a strong connection between the pieces depending on the colours, the subject, the texture,” says the designer. “Our favourite piece is the powerful charcoal drawing in the living room, done by Jorge Feijão.” 

As the partition walls were knocked down to expand the apartment's sense of space, the team had to segment the open-plan space into different zones without disrupting the flow between the connected spaces. A divider crafted from light wood separates the dining area from the kitchen; the slats allow a subtle division between the two spaces whilst simultaneously letting natural light from the living and dining area to flow into the kitchen. 

The kitchen, composed of a mix of materials ranging from the terrazzo floor to the refined splashback made of Japanese tiles as well as the wood and lacquer for the cabinets, displays the designer’s deftness at combining materials to create a unique space. The tangerine orange cabinetry also adds a sunny touch to the space.

See also: Home Tour: A Home in Los Angeles With a Stunning Blue Dining Room

Connecting the living areas and the different rooms together is a 22m-long corridor. Transforming the lengthy passageway into a key design feature was the biggest design challenge for Beysecker and her team. “We first focused on opening it up by eliminating some of the existing walls,” says Beysecker. “We then built a few arches to create a pleasant pace, and afterward finished by a fluted curved glass door at the end.” With the arches adding drama and elegance within the interior space, the result is a hallway that establishes a memorable first impression. 

As per the living room, the ceilings of the master suite and other bedrooms were left mainly untouched for a classic look. The bathrooms, however, add a contemporary edge to the home with vibrant tiles. These colourful tiles bring to mind the sight of tangerines and avocados; fruit-inspired colour schemes that result in a fresh look for the bathroosm.