Mid-Century Coastal: A Family Vacation Retreat in Alcântara

Situated in the historic waterfront neighborhood of Alcântara, Lisbon, this 1945 apartment possessed great bones but a highly restrictive mid-century layout. Our challenge was to reconfigure the space specifically for the vacation rental market, transforming an outdated footprint into a bright, high-performance home ready to welcome families from around the world.

The original layout featured two dark, windowless interior rooms that severely limited the apartment’s potential. We completely eliminated these rooms to optimize the spatial flow, utilizing the newly reclaimed square footage to add a much-needed second bathroom and dramatically widen the living room. The result is an open, sun-drenched social area that feels instantly welcoming.

Because the property was designed as a high-occupancy holiday rental, material selection was critical. We carefully curated finishes and furniture that balance durability with aesthetic appeal—ensuring the home withstands the wear and tear of travel and requires minimal maintenance, all without sacrificing style.

Our core design objective was to keep the space simple, modern, bright, and highly functional for families on the move. Every detail was chosen to maximize comfort and ease, creating a seamless, beautiful, and low-maintenance retreat that is as practical as it is inviting.