Loft Three Marias by AVA Architects // Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon-based architecture studio AVA renovated the interior of this eye-catching apartment in Portugal’s capital city. Situated on the first floor of a 1893 building, the loft is occupied by a married couple (both engineers – dear lord!) with two small children. The designers chose to keep as much of the existing space as possible, preserving the apartment’s old timber floor and the existing layout of the rooms, with the added extension of two bathrooms. Harmoniously combining contemporary elements with the property’s history, including the elaborate stucco decorations on the ceilings, the designers have created an airy and calm living space that displays a sense of playfulness and humour.

The predominantly white spaces was animated with intensely bright design elements, such as the crimson red carpet in the entry hall and the striking pendant light designed by AVA architect Carlos Veloso, made of polyurethane foam suspended on a metal structure. More stucco decorations can be found in the library/ playroom area, where the shelves have were placed in the middle of the room, in order to not obstruct the beautiful ceiling and natural light coming in through the tall windows.

[Images courtesy of AVA Architects. Photography by José Campos.]