A Thoughtful Apartment Renovation in the Heart of São Bento
Tucked away in the charming São Bento neighborhood, this two-bedroom apartment is a striking example of what happens when history and modernity meet with care and intention. Recently renovated by Atelier Lal, led by architects Monica Lal and Miguel Machado, this space tells a story not just of restoration, but of reverence for craft, material, and time.
From the moment you step inside, the apartment reveals its layered history. Original solid pine floors stretch across each room, lovingly refurbished to preserve their rich texture and patina. Delicate plasterwork ceilings and hand-painted frescoes whisper of the home’s past, while thoughtful design choices ensure it’s fully grounded in the present.
Atelier Lal approached the renovation with a light but precise hand. Rather than overpowering the existing architecture, they worked with it, highlighting what was already there and introducing new elements only where they served a purpose.
European oak cabinetry and raw lime-based plaster walls bring a quiet elegance, while hand-blown Murano glass lighting and brass hardware made by local artisans add tactile warmth.
The layout flows effortlessly. The living and dining areas now speak to each other with ease, thanks to carefully considered openings. What was once a closed-off bedroom has become a flexible studio space, ideal for working from home or quiet creative work.
Ceiling heights remain generous, and transitions between rooms are subtle but intentional, drawing the eye forward and inviting exploration.
The kitchen and bathroom have been completely reimagined for contemporary living. Lioz limestone underfoot, Blanco tapware, and appliances from Smeg and Liebherr in the kitchen strike a balance between function and style.
What makes this home most special is its embrace of character. The odd angle here, a timeworn surface there, these aren’t flaws, but features. Every decision in this renovation respects the building’s soul while ushering it gently into the rhythm of modern life.
In the bathroom, refined fittings from Vola and Ceramica Cielo elevate the everyday. Even the smallest details, like the THPG light switches, are chosen with care.
The apartment is listed for €720.000 at Fantastic Frank Lisbon – photography by Luis Nobre Guedes.