Bookmark The Lisboans, A Boutique Apartment-Hotel For Your Trip To Portugal
When we look for design inspo, there are certain locales we default to — Scandinavian countries; big U.S. cities like New York and L.A.; undisputed design capitals like Paris and Rome. And while we do keep tabs on Spain, neighboring Portugal is a place we often overlook.
But we shouldn't. And The Lisboans, a 15-apartment hotel in the country's capital city, is just one of the reasons why. The decor is what co-founder and owner Isaac Almeida calls "Scandi-Med," an eclectic mix of midcentury Nordic pieces, contemporary furniture, and organic local elements culled from antique shops and flea markets. (Basically, the type of vibe and curation we're constantly seeking to bring into our own homes.) "The result is a kind of fusion that creates a stylish, distinctive, and unique atmosphere," says Almeida, "but with a real Portuguese touch."
Of course, aside from pinning these pics for personal inspo, The Lisboans is definitely a spot to bookmark for your travel list thanks to its interesting history and revival: "The Lisboans used to be an abandoned factory of candied fruit, preserves, and biscuits," Almeida explains. "The building itself was a real case of rise-from-the-ruins, a derelict 19th century edifice."
In its newest hotel incarnation, the façade features a 56-foot-high mural by well-known Portuguese street artist Akacorleone. Downstairs, there's a chic restaurant called Prado and Prado Mercearia, an upscale deli.
The hotel is located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site with strict guidelines and rules to protect the area's historic and architectural elements. "Present from the get-go was a focus on sustainability, local design, and production," says Almeida. "It was challenging but very grateful at the end."
The Lisboans
The units feel distinctively home-like, with communal areas meant for hanging out. The eclectic yet reserved mix of goods creates a look Almeida calls "Scandi-Med."
The Lisboans
Red tones in a kitchen backsplash — as well as the cherry-red vase holding cooking utensils — warm up the dining space in each room's mostly all-white interior, which also features Danish-style teak wood dining chairs. Ceramist Patrícia Lobo created custom handmade pendant and wall lamps for The Lisboans, including the one here.
The Lisboans
May we just say: We love EVERYTHING about this bedroom setup. From the crisp, white linens to the symmetry, it's the perfect not-quite-minimalist vibe.
The Lisboans
There are vintage touches throughout, like this midcentury sideboard and old-school map.
The Lisboans
Bookshelves, filled with a mix of titles, help create a home-like feeling for guests. A mustard-colored pillow on the neutral sofa, mixed with its equally neutral throw pillows adds warmth.
7. Bath
The Lisboans
The bathroom has a modern-meets-classic appeal with subway tiling juxtaposing more traditional-inspired floor tile.