For decades, the most common solution was general lighting—a central ceiling fixture that spreads uniform light throughout the room. It is simple and functional, but often results in a monotonous, uninspiring environment with little character.

Today, both clients and interior design professionals in Porto are increasingly turning to accent lighting: lamps and lighting points strategically positioned to create different layers of light, highlight specific areas, and completely transform the way we experience a space.

General Lighting vs. Accent Lighting

• General lighting: This is uniform illumination that covers the entire room. It ensures basic visibility but rarely provides visual comfort or aesthetic value.
• Accent lighting: Focuses on specific areas—the dining table, kitchen island, reading corner, or the headboard of the bed. Rather than illuminating everything, it highlights only what’s essential, creating light and shadow effects that make spaces more lively and interesting.

Benefits of Accent Lighting

1. Comfort and Ergonomics

Desk Lighting

A directed light prevents unnecessary visual strain. For example, a desk lamp provides the right intensity at the workspace, while the rest of the room can remain softly lit.

2. Atmosphere and Well-Being

Different light temperatures

Warm light (2700K–3000K): creates cozy and relaxing environments, ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.

Neutral light (4000K): promotes concentration and focus, perfect for kitchens and home offices.

Cool light (5000K–6000K): less commonly used in homes, but useful in technical workspaces.

3. Aesthetics and Décor

Oorjaa Lamp

Lamps are no longer just functional—they are design pieces. A sculptural floor lamp can become the focal point of a room; a pendant over the dining table adds elegance; wall sconces create luminous texture and almost function as works of art.

4. Flexibility and Energy Efficiency

Soho Home

Multiple light sources allow you to adapt the atmosphere to the moment: soft light for relaxing on the sofa, brighter light for cooking or working. Additionally, instead of using energy to illuminate the entire room, only the necessary lights are turned on.

Practical Examples of Application

Restaurante Araya Project by Emma Maxwell Studio

• Living Room: A floor lamp next to the sofa creates a cozy reading nook. Directional ceiling spots can highlight shelves or artwork.
• Bedroom: Bedside lamps replace ceiling lights, offering a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere. Indirect lighting behind the headboard enhances the sense of coziness.
• Kitchen: Pendant lights over the island combine aesthetics and functionality. Under-cabinet recessed lighting provides direct illumination over the countertop.
• Home Office: A desk lamp with neutral light prevents eye strain and creates a focused work area without unnecessarily lighting the entire space.

Lighting is Decorating

Accent lighting is much more than a trend—it’s a smart way to experience and live in a space. By complementing or replacing general lighting with targeted light sources, we gain visual comfort, energy efficiency, and personality.

Lighting ceases to be purely technical and becomes an integral part of the décor. Lamps and fixtures help define styles, while the color temperature and intensity of light shape the feel of each room. Ultimately, good lighting is decorating with light.

Perfect Home Interiors: Your Interior Designer in Porto

At Perfect Home Interiors, we believe that every project is unique and that lighting is one of the most powerful tools to transform interiors. We develop personalized solutions that combine aesthetics, functionality, and emotion, so your home is not just a space, but a true sanctuary.

If you are looking for an interior designer in Porto who understands how light can enhance your home, get in touch with us. We would be delighted to create an interior design project in Porto that combines comfort, sophistication, and character.

Why?
Because being clean, tidy and well-located isn’t enough.
To succeed, your Airbnb must have soul, identity, and thoughtful details — and that’s where interior design comes in.

As an interior designer based in Porto, with experience decorating holiday rentals in Portugal and staying in charming Airbnb properties in Italy, I’m sharing 7 ideas to help you turn your space into a truly memorable experience — and attract more bookings.

1. Start with a clear concept

Braamcamp Project

The best spaces begin with a clear vision. Whether it’s a rustic retreat, a romantic escape, a minimalist apartment or a vintage-inspired flat, your design should follow a theme that reflects your location and audience.

For one of our Airbnb projects in Porto, the clients wanted an authentic and cozy atmosphere. We designed a bedroom with a wooden sculpture as a feature wall — adding texture, character and a striking focal point that guests loved to photograph and share.

2. Create an “Instagrammable” corner

Outdoor leisure area

It may sound cliché, but it works. A bold wallpaper, a beautiful chair by the window, or a well-lit mirror can make your Airbnb photo-worthy — and share-worthy.

In another project, we designed a romantic setting with a light and elegant canopy over the bed. It gave the room personality and helped position the apartment as a perfect choice for couples on a weekend getaway.

3. Respect the building’s architecture and story

Typical trullo in Alberobello and historical details of the place

If your property has original elements — exposed stone walls, tall ceilings, wooden beams — make the most of them.
In the Douro Valley, we decorated a traditional house where the owners preserved the original architecture. We designed custom furniture to fit the space, combining comfort and functionality without losing its heritage feel.

The result? A space that feels honest, well-balanced and full of local charm.

4. Light it up (the right way)

Lamps made with natural materials

Cozy lighting

Lighting can make or break a space. Harsh, cold lighting feels sterile; warm, layered lighting creates mood and comfort.

Choose natural materials, simple lines and warm tones that make guests feel welcome. Incorporate indirect lighting and multiple light sources to suit different moments — reading, dining, relaxing.

5. Add decorative details with local identity

Traditional details of the place

During my trip through Italy, I stayed in many different types of Airbnbs. Some stood out because of their architecture, like the Trulli houses in Apulia. Others stood out for their local decorative touches — traditional ceramics, handcrafted details, or just the way they honoured the region’s style.

In Portugal, I encourage hosts to bring in regional elements: traditional pottery, local artwork, curated books about the city. It gives the space meaning and a unique sense of place.

6. Think function — with style

Bedroom furniture

Design is not just about how things look — it’s how they work.

Choose furniture that’s resistant, beautiful and practical. Make sure the rugs are the right size, the bedside lamps are accessible, and the storage is easy to use. These things seem small, but they create ease and comfort for the guest.

And don’t forget the welcome experience. One of my favourite Airbnb hosts in Italy had everything beautifully prepared for breakfast — from local bread to colourful plates and vintage cups. It felt thoughtful and luxurious.

7. Work with a professional

Mayfair Residence by Child Studio

Gubi Flaneur Sofa

For this reason, as designers, we must understand color and its psychology in order to adapt chromatic choices to each type of environment. Warm and vibrant tones such as red, orange, and yellow evoke greater dynamism and energy, making them more suitable for social areas where interaction takes place. On the other hand, shades of blue and green convey a stronger sense of peace—unsurprising, since they are the colors of nature.

What Makes a Color Palette Work

Gubi House London

T2 Ribeira Project

There is no single “right” color palette, but some key principles can help create visual harmony and a cohesive look. Colors work best when they match the function of a space: soft, neutral tones are perfect for relaxing areas, while bolder combinations shine in creative or social spaces. Balance is essential—pair dominant colors with secondary shades to avoid one hue overpowering the room. Don’t forget lighting, both natural and artificial, as it can make a color appear warmer, cooler, or more intense. Finally, coordinating your color palette with furniture, finishes, and décor ensures a space that feels unified and pleasing to the eye.

Common Mistakes and Incorrect Palettes

Ann Lowengart Interiors Project

While personal taste plays an important role, there are common mistakes that can compromise a space’s harmony and comfort. One of the most frequent is the excessive use of vibrant colors without a balancing element—for example, walls, furniture, and accessories all in bold shades competing for attention. Another common slip is ignoring the impact of lighting: a color that looks soft in a sample may become too intense in direct natural light, or too dull under inadequate artificial lighting.

It’s also common to mix too many different tones without a clear color logic, creating visual clutter and a sense of disorder. Similarly, using dark colors in small, poorly lit spaces can make them feel cramped and uncomfortable. These mistakes don’t mean that such colors are “forbidden,” but rather that they should be used thoughtfully and strategically, respecting the function and proportions of the space.

Practical Tips for Creating a Balanced Color Palette

Creating a balanced color palette requires attention to aesthetic, functional, and even emotional factors. Here are some guidelines to help achieve a harmonious result:

1. Define a Base Color
Start by choosing a dominant color that will serve as the backdrop. It should reflect the intended function and atmosphere of the space.

2. Apply the 60-30-10 Rule

• 60% dominant color (walls and large surfaces)

• 30% secondary color (furniture and curtains)

• 10% accent color (accessories, cushions, and decorative pieces)

3. Consider Lighting
Test your colors under both natural and artificial light before making a final decision. A shade can look drastically different depending on light intensity and temperature.

4. Use Neutrals as a Bridge
Colors like white, beige, gray, or taupe work as transitional elements and prevent the palette from feeling visually overloaded.

5. Limit the Number of Colors
Generally, three to five colors are enough to maintain coherence without losing visual interest.

6. Test Combinations with Digital Tools
Platforms like Adobe Color or Coolors allow you to simulate combinations before applying them to the real space.

7. Draw Inspiration from the Environment
Use existing elements—such as a rug, artwork, or finish—as a starting point to build your palette.

Nicola Harding & Co. Project

Choosing a color palette goes far beyond personal preferences: it’s an exercise in balancing aesthetics, functionality, and well-being. A well-chosen combination of colors can transform a space, making it more welcoming, stimulating, or relaxing, depending on its purpose. In contrast, a poorly planned palette can create visual discomfort, a sense of disorder, or even negatively affect the mood.

By understanding principles such as color harmony, the impact of lighting, and the proportion of color use, it’s possible to design spaces that not only please the eye but also evoke positive feelings and reflect the personality of those who inhabit them. In interior design, colors are not just a detail — they are one of the most powerful elements for bringing life and character to any space.

If you want to create spaces that truly reflect your personality and harness the full power of color, our studio can help. With expertise in decoration and color selection, we transform each room into an enjoyable, practical, and harmonious area. Explore our work in the portfolio section and find inspiration to create environments that are truly yours.

As an interior decorator and designer based in Porto, I believe that every project should reflect the lifestyle of those who live in it. In this case, we created an eclectic atmosphere with diverse aesthetic and cultural references, always paying close attention to balance and visual coherence — a trend that continues to gain ground in the world of interior design in 2025.

Decorating An Entrance with Impact and Intention

Right at the entrance, we’re welcomed by a space designed to create visual impact and convey the identity of the project. The standout feature is the ikat-patterned wallpaper in shades of blue and beige — a bold choice that brings dynamism and depth to the reception area.

Entrance hall featuring ikat-patterned wallpaper in blue tones

This element establishes a harmonious dialogue with the round mirror, the wood-and-iron console, and the carefully selected decorative objects. Each piece was chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for the role it plays in the apartment’s visual narrative.

Social Area: Coherence, Comfort, and Sophistication

When designing apartment interiors in Porto, coherence between the different areas is essential. In this project, the living and dining spaces unfold as a natural extension of the entrance hall, maintaining the same aesthetic and color language.

The wall adorned with subtly textured blue wallpaper adds depth and sophistication. The space is enhanced by characterful pieces: the oval walnut dining table with a sculptural black base takes center stage, surrounded by grey upholstered chairs with comfortable backs and natural wood legs.

A minimalist pendant lamp provides direct lighting over the table, creating a more intimate atmosphere for social gatherings. The light rug, featuring an organic pattern, adds texture and warmth, defining the dining area. The gold-framed mirrors, inspired by classic design, reflect natural light and visually expand the space.

Each choice was made with purpose — an approach that defines the work of our interior design studio in Porto. You can see the before and after of the room in the reel shared on our Instagram.

Bedrooms Designed with Cohesive Style and Natural Elements

Blue Bedroom

In the bedrooms, we maintained consistency in color and materials — essential for ensuring both visual and sensory comfort. The upholstered headboard adds comfort and elegance, creating a contrast with the textured vinyl wallpaper that mimics natural cane — a durable and visually appealing solution.

The walnut nightstands and other elements reinforce material continuity and highlight the importance of detail in the work of an interior decorator in Porto. These rooms were designed to offer a serene and immersive atmosphere, ideal for rest, while also incorporating practical and elegant solutions for everyday living.

Meaningful Interior Design in Porto

This project reflects what drives us in our design studio: creating spaces with soul, where every element has a purpose and every detail is thoughtfully considered. As an interior designer in Porto, I believe that good design begins with truly listening to the client — and grows from trust, refined taste, and careful attention to every decision.

Living Room

If you’re looking for a personalized interior design project in Porto or Northern Portugal, we would be delighted to guide you through the transformation of your home. You can explore more of our work at perfecthomeinteriors.com, under the Portfolio section.

At our studio, we don’t follow ready-made formulas. We create spaces that tell stories — yours.

As the days get longer and warmer, the urge to refresh our interiors becomes almost inevitable. For those looking for a personalised interior design project in Porto or Northern Portugal, this summer’s trends are the perfect starting point. And the inspiration? It comes straight from nature.

1. The Return of Natural Materials

Project Inês Veiga – Perfect Home Interiors

https://design-anthology.com/story/soil-and-sand

Wood, rattan, stone and ceramics remain top choices for creating warm, elegant interiors. Linen joins the list — perfect for cushions, curtains or bedding. These natural materials aren’t just trending — they reflect what we stand for at Perfect Home Interiors: authenticity, comfort and sustainability. As an interior designer in Northern Portugal, I believe nature-inspired materials bring soul and purpose to every space.

2. Colours That Bring Calm

Aibee house Portland

https://pierceandward.com/pages/malibu

Shades of green, blue, ochre and earthy browns are taking centre stage this season. Inspired by the natural world, these tones help create stylish, serene environments. If you’re considering renovating your home with the help of an interior designer, this colour palette is the ideal place to start. From there, the possibilities in design are endless: painted walls, subtle wallpapers, or rich textiles tailored to the look you envision.

We often aim for spaces that are warm and timeless — reflecting current trends, yet not tied to one specific moment in time. Because the goal is to create interiors that still feel fresh and meaningful two or three years from now.

3. Warm and Inviting Lighting

link

link

Soft lighting, handcrafted fixtures and natural finishes are essential for creating cosy, enveloping atmospheres. These are not just trends — they are timeless principles of good design. After all, without proper lighting, there’s no effective interior design.

At Perfect Home, we always recommend lighting solutions that highlight architectural features, add intimacy and contribute to a cohesive design experience. Thoughtful lighting choices make all the difference in turning a house into a home.

4. Textured Walls: The New Statement

link

link

Textured walls — from stucco to plaster or decorative mouldings — bring visual and tactile depth to a space. In any well-designed interior project, these elements offer character and sophistication.

That’s why we love starting our design work during the construction or renovation phase. It allows us to plan every detail in advance and choose the best finishing options before the space is completed. Texture, when applied with intention, can be a game-changer.

5. The Power of Style Mixing

Full project by Perfect Home Interiors

Combining vintage with modern, or art déco with clean lines — everything is possible when a space has identity. At Perfect Home, this is exactly what we strive for: interiors that are personalised and elegant, where the mix of styles feels effortless.

People increasingly seek unique homes that reflect who they are. Is this a trend? Maybe. But in our work, we see it as an ongoing desire — the pursuit of interiors that feel like no other.

6. Bringing Nature Indoors

Sneak peek of a current Perfect Home project

Plants continue to play a vital role in interior design. They are beautiful, healthy and enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor living. Whether in a spacious living room or a narrow hallway, they are a must for any natural and sophisticated design concept.

Sometimes I finish a project and feel something’s missing — a splash of green often completes the space. That’s why I always include plants and flowers in my designs. Without them, the space simply feels unfinished.

And since it’s summer, remember: some plants are more drought-resistant than others. So choose wisely — especially if you’re not the best at remembering to water them! 😉

This summer, the keyword is balance. And if you’re looking for a professional interior design service in Porto or Northern Portugal, count on us to create a space where comfort, style and personality live in perfect harmony.

Do you want to make a special Valentine’s day dinner at home but you don’t have a lot of time? Don’t worry, this super easy Valentine’s day cheese board will make an impact and only takes a few minutes. It is romantic enough to show that you care, and also super delicious. Any way, who wouldn’t feel happy to see this cheese board when you arrive at the table? Further, as it looks very beautiful, it will help you with your table decor, as you don’t need to add much, besides the cheese board itself. (see the last pictures.

1st Choose the Plate for the Cheese Board

I have chosen a round cheese board or cheese tray  from Bordalo Pinheiro. As the plate itself is so lovely (check their website for other beautiful options – I also love the one with the cheese and the mice). Considering this shape I’d rather start with the round one in the middle, I have chosen camembert.

If you have a cookie heart shaped cutter, you may use it to cut a small heart in the center of the cheese. If you don’t, just imitate what I have done, with a paper and knife, and your cheese board will look as lovely as you want for Valentine’s day. Fill the heart shape in the cheese with you favorite jam. I have used a strawberry jam, as a red color one looks good.

2nd Don’t forget to add color to the cheese board

To add some color use fruit. I have added some strawberries, cutted in heart shape to keep up with Valetine’s day cheese plate theme. See the cheese plate_3 video so see how I have done it.

3rd think about adding texture to you cheese board with some different types of food.

Next to the strawberries add small slices of a dryer cheese you like and next to it so small cookies or toats, so that you balance the cheese plate in color and texture.

Now it is time to make the ‘chorizo’ flowers. Use a glass and work your way round the slices of sausage, overlapping them. When you’ve gone round one of them 3-4 times, remove it and carefully turn it over on the cheese board so that it doesn’t fall apart. I have placed on in each side of the board.

Further, I have also added some raspberries, as they have that lovely shape themselves and we keep with the the color palette. Keep adding different types of toasts and cheese until you end up with a pretty cheese board, with all the spaces filled in. It is easier if you use samll pieces of cheese, fruit and toasts, as it makes it easier to keep filling the empty spaces.

Just a few minutes are enough to parere this lovely cheese board and, as I can assure you it is as tasty as beautiful. Set a nice table, with some candles and flowers and a beautiful tablecloth. You don’t need a lot because, as I told you in the beginning, this cheese board is so cute it will decorate the table by itself.

I just added some flowers and salad  and my golden cutlery which I simply adore. So to match with it a just used some gold vases with dry flowers I already add at home. It is always goos to keep some sry flowers so that you can add them so a simple, informal, table setting when you came from the office and you don’t have time to buy fresh ones. 😉

This table is really simple and infomral, but if you are searching for ideas to prepare your party at home, you can read the blog post I have written and for inspiration for an Easter table I have also written a post about it.

What do you think? Are you willing to try?

Inês

Cold weather arrives and we tend to spend more time indoors. Creating fall decor in our homes can be a challenge. Check out some tips I use to decorate the house and make it more comfortable.

As we change the way we dress, decorating in the fall can also require changes. The temperature and light of the days influence our mood and our home decor should reflect all of that. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a decorator and live in Porto (sometimes it’s quite cool) that I like these small changes, but I feel I need this comfort.

One of the things I like to do when I start to change some decoration is to change the wreath at the entrance. I love to use wreaths at the Door, not just at Christmas. So I replace the one with more spring colors with an option with dried leaves and warmer, earthy tones. The fact that we mark this change right at the entrance makes you start to expect a warmer home decor.

I also try to make the entrance hall follow the same logic as the door. The connected spaces make the whole decoration more harmonious. So I tend to use common elements from the crown molding and in the console arrangements. Dried leaves and earthy tones were the ones chosen for this fall decoration. It doesn’t have to be too complicated. I buy the branches and place them in the vases myself.

Another element that can’t be missed are candles. I love using candles all year round, that’s for sure. I don’t finish an interior design project without putting flowers or plants and candles. In autumn I feel they are even more needed in decoration, so I use and abuse candles and t-lights. Because lighting is fundamental in decoration and these options make the environment very special, lanterns are also a good option. (Want to know a secret? I’m going to have a wonderful candle collection that will look beautiful not only in fall decor, but also at Christmas and in the warmer seasons. I can’t wait to show you).

Sometimes I also change a few things in the decoration of the coffee table. A new arrangement, more candles. I don’t really like super themed decorations, but this year I thought the mini pumpkins I put on the console were cute, so I ended up buying them and loved the effect.

The fabrics also make a huge difference. Cushions in velvet, wool, chenille or, a big trend, bouclé are very nice textures for this time of year. Dry, earthy tones are my favorites for this time of year. I love this velvet in a shade between a light rust and a dark gold placed in one of the last interior design projects I finished here in Porto. Combined with the embroidered fabric that the client loved so much it was wonderful. I think it is the representation of this era in a fabric. On Instagram I have already posted more details of this project.

But the options don’t stop there, after the fabric combinations I made, I can’t decide which one I like best to make new pillows. They are all beautiful and will add a lot of sparkle to any space, I shared in this post other fabric combinations that I think you will like.  These fabrics and wallpapers follow some of the trends I shared with you in my post from my visit to Intergift 2021 in Madrid like the use of textures and natural elements and ethnic patterns. Do you want to help me? Which ones are your favorites?

I hope you enjoyed this post about fall decorating and can be inspired to use some ideas and liven up your home. On Instagram this week we celebrated the new season and I shared a reels, if you click on the link you will see the changes I made in my home.

Kiss

Inês

BE HAPPY, BE PERFECT!

Beginning of the school year, change of cycle and reorganizing children’s rooms are worries that pile up. Many times, clients come to me asking for help to design their teenagers’ rooms. In these cases, the problem gets worse (or not) because what they had as children no longer fits and they don’t always want what their parents want. How can we solve the problem and create the ideal teenage bedroom decor?

I really enjoy decorating teenagers’ rooms. I love getting to know them and trying to analyze their personality. The role of the decorator is often to find the balance point between what they like and what fits in with the decorating style of the rest of the house (which reflects the parents’ taste). Don’t forget that I have teenagers at home and I also know that it’s easier for them to listen to outsiders, so it’s always easier for them to listen to me (the decorator knows best 🙂 ) than to the parents, because they know I know what I’m talking about, what works best or worst. So no panic.

A good way to start is to understand the colors they like, the style they prefer, what pictures they have seen and like. In this case B. wanted aqua and pink. It’s a color combination that appeals to her, and so we look for alternatives in that palette.

Another very important issue is textures. Soft but durable materials are always a must-have. Kids reject ‘stinging’ fabrics right away (sometimes it can be a 100% wool and they reject it). Look at this bed headboard from it looks so warm and comfortable (it’s not just airy, it’s really fluffy soft).

So through the concept board, I like to show them the options and see if they approve, the colors, the textures, the patterns. Yes, the patterns. They already have their own tastes, some like florals, others are fans of geometrics, some like more discreet options, others more striking. This wallpaper, for example, was a way to introduce chevron without getting tired of it. And this ends up being my role as a decorator, to respect their tastes and make everything work.

What is fundamental in a teenager’s room is to understand their needs. They like to listen to music, sometimes it’s the space where they are with their friends, or it’s the place where they study too. All of this must be taken into account. In B.’s room, which is of an unusual size, we were able to put everything and anything else. The living area even has a vintage sofa that was recovered with one of the chosen fabrics.  In the case of this house in Porto, there is a space dedicated to study, so there was no need for a desk in the bedroom. However, there were other situations where I had to design my own desks to make the most of the space, as in the two cases I show in these posts about kids’ rooms, teenagers’ rooms with little space and even more versatile and romantic options.

Everything is possible in a teenager’s room. We have to remember that they are no longer children, but have different needs than adults. Thinking about a transitional room is fundamental and if everything is thought out with time and with their involvement, they will feel much happier at home.

I hope I was able to demystify this ‘problem’ and that your children will have the room they have always dreamed of. If you are looking for more inspiration, check out the projects in my portfolio.

Kisses,

Inês

BE HAPPY, BE PERFECT!

Last weekend we went to Madrid to Intergift 2021, an exhibition where we can see several of the decoration trends, which is always a pleasure for a decorator (from Porto to Madrid is fast). We took the opportunity for a walk for two around the city, to relax and see some places that I love.

The decision was made at the last minute. Due to the fact that decoration fairs have been cancelled in recent years I was already missing making one of these visits. In fact, I couldn’t go to Maison et Objet in Paris, or even Milan to the Salone del Mobile, because I had projects to finish and appointments with clients. When I realized that I had the weekend free I decided that going to Intergift was a good idea, because I had never been. Despite being a much smaller decoration fair (and this year it was even smaller due to the context) it is always good to see new products, understand what is being the focus of some suppliers, meet new ones and support the usual suppliers. As a decorator and since there was no exhibition in Porto, I believe that we have to be more and more aware of this. Who participates in the fairs makes a financial and personal investment (because it is very exhausting) and I like to support whenever I can.

The stands that I liked the most were the ones that had opted for boho, kinfolk or tropical style decorations (if you haven’t seen my reels on Instagram with these examples go there to understand what I’m talking about), with natural textures and ethnic elements. The stands that were looking for mid century modern or classic luxury were not sophisticated enough or had the luxurious look that I like to see.

Intergift 2021

I had to score everything. Problem? I couldn’t get a flight for Friday morning anymore. To go Friday night was not worth it, as it would waste the day. The solution was to go by car and Zé Alberto (dear husband) said he would go with me, so we could use the weekend in Madrid to date. Problem 1 solved.

Second issue: Hotel and restaurants. I decided to ask on Instagram for tips on Hotels and restaurants in Madrid. I received several suggestions that included the Urban Hotel, the Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid, One shot fortuny, VP Jardin de recoletos, The principal Small luxury Hotels, the NH chain, the Vincci Soho or the Four seasons. All very interesting with different characteristics and prices. I suggest that anyone who is thinking of going to Madrid should check out these options, as there are very cute ones for all tastes. We ended up choosing another of your suggestions, the Intur Palacio San Martin. The location is very central, the room good for a city center hotel, which we only really use for sleeping and showering, and a very good breakfast. The fact that it has several decoration details that have been kept from the palace such as walls and ceilings, the elevator, a very cute common area and a room in light tones, helped in my choice.

Where to have dinner? Once again the suggestions I was given were great. The only problems were: as I had booked everything on the top, several options were already sold out. Options like the Amazon, Rosi La Loca and Lateral had no availability. Platea was closed and would only open in October. So we chose Ten con Ten a super cool restaurant in the Salamanca neighborhood with super fast and friendly service, good food and beautiful people. A good mix of locals and some tourists (like us).

Restaurante Ten Con Ten

The other dinner was at La Fonda Gironda. A ‘fashionable’ restaurant as the Spanish say. Very cute decoration, with a DJ and making for a super lively night.  The food was not as good as the one at Ten con Ten, but it was worth it for the cheerful and relaxed atmosphere to the sound of music louder than usual for a restaurant, but which we were already missing.

La Fonda Gironda is right next to Habanera, which was also suggested to me. Although we didn’t have dinner there (we only had 2 dinners) the restaurant is super cute and a very cool place to have a drink.

Restaurant La Fonda Girona – Madrid

Restaurant Habanera – Madrid

Friday was spent at Intergift, so Saturday would be the day of the tour. Since we have been to Madrid several times before, though we always like to revisit some places. Leave from the Puerta del Sol through Calle Arenal to the Teatro Real. Pass the Royal Palace, the Cathedral (it has some beautiful and super inspiring ceilings for decoration and color combination) and go to the Plaza de España. (The Plaza de España is under construction (all dismantled), so for first time visitors I don’t think it’s the best time. I would wait for the end of the works).

Madrid Cathedral

. .

Then we headed to the temple of Dedod. We went back to Gran Via and took the Metro to Cibeles Square and decided to go visit the Prado Museum. Definitely the hours we spent in the museum were not enough. The museum has wonderful works, by painters that I admire and love. I don’t have a single picture because I was so overwhelmed with the amount of wonderful artwork there. I definitely have to go back.

We then went for a walk to the Barrio de Salamanca. My favorite in Madrid. I still looked for some ateliers of decorators that I love, but they were closed because it was a Saturday. The decoration stores I saw didn’t charm me, to be honest, but I couldn’t see everything or walk around the whole neighborhood. However, the decoration of the griffe stores are always a delight and excellent sources of inspiration (and the collections too, but let’s move on to that part). Sunday, the day we returned, we still had time to walk around Gran Via, very close to the Hotel. It was very crowded, even though it was early and that was one of the things I found in Madrid: too many people.

Hermès storefront

I think you have already noticed that only on Saturday we must have walked about 20km, but we loved it. It was a weekend full of decoration inspiration, I found new suppliers, reviewed some, met a new fair that I had never visited before. We went through areas we didn’t know so well and from a childless perspective, which is always different. A good lovers’ weekend.

I hope you enjoyed following our weekend in Madrid and that the tips can help you on a future trip. Thanks to everyone who responded on Instagram, they were great suggestions.

Kisses,

Inês

BE HAPPY, BE PERFECT!