Travel will always been an important source of inspiration at Danebury. Whether exploring architecture, antiques, craftsmanship, colour or simply the atmosphere of a place, we are constantly looking to the world around us for ideas and details that influence how spaces feel and function.
Lisbon is a city full of warmth, texture and character. Elegant but relaxed, layered but unfussy, it feels both historic and creatively alive. From faded painted buildings and hand embroidered linens to beautifully curated boutiques and tiled facades, inspiration seems to appear around almost every corner.
For anyone planning a visit, below are a few places and discoveries we particularly loved.
- Hotel des Amoreiras – a small, stylish hotel in a beautiful quiet square with the loveliest staff. Try the delicious caramelised onion and bacon omelette for breakfast.
- Rua Sao Bento – a street packed with antique and vintage shops. An antique treasure hunter’s heaven! Some shops reserved for those with very deep pockets.
- The colours of all the buildings are stunning – soft pinks, burnt reds, buttery yellows, cobalt blue, bottle green and many many more. Masses of interiors inspiration around every corner.
- Tiles, tiles, tiles – not just for bathrooms and so many designs, both traditional and more contemporary.
- I can’t pick my favourite restaurant – they’ve all been delicious. Take your pick from Tapisco, Skizzo, Magnolia, Isabella and Salon de Lisboa and many more we didn’t get to try.
- No.50 – a wonderfully curated boutique which it’s impossible to leave empty handed. An absolute gem. Think handbags, scarves, jewellery, sunglasses, kaftans and plenty more.
- Lachoix – beautiful womens’ shoes made and designed in Portugal. Tucked away in a very fun part of town.
- Embai Xada – a collection of very original shops in the most beautiful old building.
- Principe Real Enxovais – hand embroidered linens of the finest quality from this fifth generation owned shop.
- Rooftop bars with a view – we went to Java to hang out with the cool crowd.
Lisbon is one of those rare cities that feels endlessly inspiring without trying too hard.
Thoughtful, creative and full of soul, it is somewhere we will certainly return to.
