There is no easy way to identify the Portuguese people: discover their soul, know their customs or ways of life. Understand how this vast cultural heritage is embodied in one Decoration style It is not so easy task. What must be, after all, a Portuguese house? In this article written for The Idealist/News, home staging expert Katarina Diniz presents several tips for decorating spaces in the purest way. Portuguese style.
There are simple tasks such as identification related to symbols, objects and traditions Portuguese decorative arts. However, tourist icons such as the “fantastic world of sardines” or the “yellow tram 28” that invade local residences in no way translate the spirit of the Portuguese home. We do not intend to do a complete job Portuguese decorative style (because there are many). Just a reflection of our lifestyle and how we express it through the doors, as using home staging to make the space more Portuguese can help you when selling a home. The strategy involves reviving the collective memory and recalling the vast decorative heritage made up of patterns, materials and objects that immediately take us back to the Portuguese home, as The staging factory.
A Portuguese house Changes with climate and nature of soil:
- It has only one floor in the south, is whitewashed and the baseboards and window frames of the house are embroidered in blue, ocher or red.
- In the north, like the climate, it is more rugged and rocky in granite or shale.
However, there are common features: the soul of the house is almost always in the kitchen and there is always room for one more (just add another cutting board to the table); “Rabo-de-Bacalhau” or “Heart” chairs embrace those who come, and curtains, with “Tibaldinho” embroidery, protect the interior from the most indiscreet eyes.
On the wall, white as lime, is often a saint who protects us; The sideboard has fruits of any season Cabbage It’s always fresh. Finally, the elegant Vista Alegre invites us to sit down. As we expand, we notice that the rooster is predicting the weather and reminds us of Barcelós colorful cousin. Alentejo Furniture of our childhood
Outside, a chair invites us to sunbathe and greet passers-by. Vases with sardine hyrus decorate the windows and decorate the trellises the vine Like wisteria Bougainvillea Or virgin vines frame the scene.
common Portuguese decorations It’s lively and cheerful. We have rugs and blankets with colorful embroidery; you Textiles and Porcelains rare birds, flowers, fruits, human figures or cornucopias of all kinds; wood and natural fibers; Tiles and cork. A fertile combination of colors, patterns and textures that reflect cultural heritage The country’s aesthetic translates into an inviting atmosphere that reflects a mix of Mediterranean, African and Arab influences. Portuguese style, known for its attractive features and full of inspiration.
What can not be missing in a house with a Portuguese heart and soul
- Tiles: For more than five centuries, tile has been a fundamental element of national artistic expression, making Portugal the tile capital of the world. Iconic tiles help create a historic legacy and impressive patterns that have won over decorators around the world.
- cork: Portugal is one of the world’s exporters of cork, a product that in recent years has come to live in almost every room in our homes, be it as a coating, thermal insulation or in combination with furniture, handicrafts or decorative items. .
- Textiles: Portuguese textiles are known for their high quality, variety and richness. Only through textiles we could go through the cultural diversity of the country. Araiolos carpet, Alentejo blanket, Burrell from Serra da Estrella, Cheetah from Alcobaca; Crochet blankets, Viana embroidery or bobbin lace exemplify the richness of colors and patterns inspired by the country’s history.
- Ceramics: Saramenha ceramics (which are the best examples of earthenware and chorizo roasters), black clay from Bisalhães to Alentejo and Algarve pottery adorn the typical chimneys of the region.
- Porcelain: Vista Alegre is one of Portugal’s brand ambassadors. Traditionally, Portuguese porcelain features micro designs inspired by nature. Flowers, birds, branches and leaves add elegance and classic romanticism to the general theme and atmosphere.
- Furniture: Furniture is usually made from dark woods such as mahogany, walnut and cherry and features carvings and details. Alentejo chairs are famous; Chairs “coração”, “rabo-de-bacalhau”, Gonçalo or “Caravela” are examples of a part of the legendary brand Olaio.
- Light: Lighting fixtures are often made of metal, such as brass or wrought iron; of cane or straw; Ceramic or glass like the Marinha Grande.
- Finally, we could not fail to highlight the official symbol of Portugal: Barcellos Rooster Antonio Salazar was immortalized after he was chosen as the representative of Portuguese folklore at the International Tourism Fair. Undoubtedly, where Barcelos has a rooster, there is definitely a Portuguese soul.
It is important to remember that, although rich and varied, Dev Portuguese styleAnd to be welcoming and elegant, therefore, one cannot exaggerate and must maintain a balance between elements. The focus is on creating a light and fluid environment flooded by natural light.
And yet, add that there is a new generation of designers who bet on simple environments with straight lines that reflect the other side of being Portuguese: humility, simplicity and functionality. With a very Alentejo spirit, this minimalist style is reflected in the architecture and elegant, refined furniture pieces that have won fans around the world.