Lebrillo bowls elevate the faded grandeur of this seaside Portuguese home
Antique lebrillo bowls decorate a display wall in this seaside home of Olhão, Davide Lovatti
Of course the first thing we notice about this Portuguese house is the soft blue exterior of this two-storey home. It recalls the vibrant lime-washed buildings of 18th century southern Europe.
“Texture has been a major theme of 2020s interiors, so it’s little wonder that limewash paints have gained popularity,” says AD journalist Dayla Benor.
Besides the pastel tones, pigmented limewash has seduced us with its velvety texture and imperfections laid bare. As the day goes on, changes in the light pull out subtle undertones in the color, reminding us of the passage of time, of all the history these buildings hold.
According to architect María Doroles Robador , limewash fell out of favor in the 19th century. But today, the harshness of the times seems to be feeding a craving for the past and the best things humans have done to make their homes amenable.
In keeping with the desire to respect the integrity of this historical home, the owners have restored the original shutters, kept the cornices and distressed green door at the entrance.
Walls are bathed in pastel tones that match the tone of the exterior.
A dusky pink blush in the hallway reminds us of Lisbon’s Palacio Foz, soft greens in bedrooms set a calming mood. Elsewhere, white-washed walls alleviate the heat of summer months.
Perhaps another decorative element here is the geography itself. Though sat on an urban street corner, the low height of the buildings in this seaside town means there is plenty of light streaming through those wide shutters. Everything here glitters in the morning. And, as the day stretches on, the shifting light pulls subtle nuances out of this warm palette.
A modern kitchen filled with functional and decorative pottery
The kitchen, stocked with all the usual utilities, doesn’t feel like a showroom. It looks like a place where one might actually make cataplana de mariscos without fear of knocking some precious thing over.
Lebrillo serving bowls used as either decor or in a traditional role as fruit bowls, filled with ripe tomatoes or lemons add character to this modern space.
Above, two lebrillo serving bowls sit on a shelf, ready for use. And below, a Sevilla-style lebrillo in bright and yellow hangs above the stove in the kitchen on the ground floor.
Spanish lebrillos grace the long hallway
A well-traveled couple, the owners brought their clever eye to the furnishings. A blend of modern, vintage and antique items, collected gradually over the years, blend together to present a curated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Suzanis with patterns in shades of red add an accent to the guest rooms while Art Deco prints by Paule Marrot decorate the walls. Fluffy 1950s Ikea ‘Åke’ chairs and sleek lamps brings a contemporary feel to the living room and dining area.
We see murmurations of the joint legacy that the Arab conquest left across Iberia and the Maghreb.
A rug from the Atlas Mountains and gorgeous lebrillo bowls from Andalusia are at home here with Portuguese terracotta tiles. Vintage floral Portuguese tiles in cream and faded ochre pair up to cover the long passageway in a checkered pattern.
The display of Andalusian lebrillo bowls in the hallway is arresting.
Set in an asymmetrical wall display, these green bowls bring contrast to the blushing pink wall behind. All the lebrillos feature the traditional Rama or Ramita design but the arrangement plays with size to achieve balance.
An antique flower vase atop a gilded table completes the look.
We have 30+ lebrillo designs available ranging in size from 35cm to 80cm. If you need a custom fit, do let us know. We also offer custom-made wall mounts.
