I receive requests often from Interior Designers looking for that special piece that will finish off their plan for someones home, office or a public building.
Their brief in this particular case, was Glamour with an Art Noveau feel for the ground floor rooms of a hign cellinged, period, London Townhouse. The finishing touches would be some fabulous door handles that evoke the spirit of the era, and could be admired as a stylish design touch themselves.
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| Antique Crystal Door Knobs |
I knew from visiting the beautiful Lisbon (Lisboa) previously that the place to find these gorgeous items, was amongst the azulejos (beautiful pollished tiles) decorated streets of the Portugese capital. Many of the buildings there, have this kind of finishing touch to their interiors and so would be the perfect place to search. Success would not be guaranteed however any excuse I have to visit Lisbon is welcome.
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| Azulejos covered Lisbon Buildings |
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| Fantastic 60's design piece at MUDE |
The FEIRA DA LADRA market in Alfalma, on Tuesdays and Saturdays is well worth a visit and has a variety of stalls selling all the flea you would expect both new and old, and has the added attaraction of being in one of my favourite citys. Whilst meandering around the Barrio Alto's alternative art and design stores in the day (don't forget to go back late at night for the party!) you can pick up some special, unique items and gain some inspiration at MUDE, Lisbon's Museum of Design and Fashion, such as the fab retro piece above.
I try never to leave without at least an evening spent in the fantastic museum like Pavilhão Chinês a cocktail lovers dream (over 100!), where the visitors wander, taking in 5 rooms with floor to celling glass cabinates full of militaria, majolica and collectibles. I perch at the bar in the velvet curtained back room and pretend I'm in a 1920's novel. By the time I have sampled 3 or 4 cocktails and listened to some jazz, I vow never again to de-clutter.
Once sober and back at Fiera da Ladra I manage to find and negotiate on 6 of the stunning double sided vintage crystal door handles which became the interior designers' Pièce de résistance and they now reside in a gorgeous London home, having been rescued from building being demolished in Portugal. Bring something beautiful home, I always do!
Have you been to Lisboa? What did you find?
