A Single-Family Art Deco Home Is Turned Into Modern-Chic Apartments

By  Kate Santos
living room João Morgado

Linking the historic city center of Porto, Portugal to the northern (more modern) part of the coastal city is the bustling Rua de Camões, where Pedro Ferreira Architecture Studio took on the task of converting an art deco-inspired single-family home into four elegant and spacious apartments.

Looking now at the photos of the residences, it's hard to imagine what the space looked like before, which, Ferreira said, was in a "pre-ruin state." What's even more impressive is how natural Ferreira's apartments feel — as if the building was always this way. This, in part, comes from the team's decision to not drastically change the structure, keeping the floor plans mostly intact. They also wanted to maintain many of the original architectural details, and the result is a seamless combination of past and present, aided by simple, elegant furniture.

entrance João Morgado

1. Entrance

A vintage Portuguese glass pendant welcomes guests into an apartment. Wood paneling lends the tiniest rustic hint.

2. Living Room

living roomJoão Morgado

A table and chairs designed by Rute Moreda seemingly create a dining area in an open living space. The sofa, also by Rute Moreda, provides another simple division.

3. Living Room

living roomJoão Morgado

Light sage-green cabinetry lends understated modern character to the simple kitchen. Color placement is restrained and deliberate with yellow and pink chairs acting as focal points.

4. Living Room

living roomJoão Morgado

Portuguese pine wood flooring adds to the bright and airy feeling in the apartments.

5. Dining Room

living roomJoão Morgado

A simple art piece from Otchipotchi on the wall complements an interior that is elegant yet minimal. The dining table and chairs are vintage.

6. Dining Room

dining roomJoão Morgado

All the kitchens sport marble backsplashes sourced from Estremoz, a city in Portugal known for its production of gorgeous marble.

7. Kitchen

kitchenJoão Morgado

The four one-bedroom apartments define their rooms with creative touches. Here, a recessed arch creates an entryway for the kitchen.

8. Bedroom

bedroomJoão Morgado

In a bedroom defined mostly by natural textures and neutral hues, a teal clothing rack offers a pop of fun.

9. Bathroom

bathroomJoão Morgado

The bathrooms are studies in simplicity with few adornments, letting the subway tile and natural wood flooring define the look.

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