Luxury British furniture brand Clive Christian Interiors has transformed an Art Deco townhouse in Portugal into a glamorous, Gatsby-inspired home. The exquisite renovation features extensive wine storage, monogram marquetry, a decadent games room and a walnut-panelled cigar room complete with mirrored ceiling.
A team of designers, craftspeople and installers saw the year-long project through from concept to completion, working hand-in-hand with local builders while the house was being refurbished from shell.
The result showcases Clive Christian’s exceptional craftsmanship and use of fine materials as well as numerous features that were bespoke to the client, who also has homes in London and the USA.
Familiar with the brand’s leading reputation, the client approached Clive Christian while the renovation was still at the planning stage, selecting units and materials from the Architectural, Metro Deco and Senate collections.
Catering to the client’s love of fine finishes and unique design, the Clive Christian team installed custom cabinetry, panelling and bespoke freestanding pieces throughout the house, including the entrance hall, ensuite bedrooms, dressing rooms, lounge, dining room, cigar room and games room. Detailing and materials were adapted to suit the style of the home, with bespoke marquetry adding to the highly personal finish.
Entrance hall
The striking monochrome entrance hall makes an immediate impact while honouring the Art Deco period of the house. Black walnut cabinetry with contrasting brass fittings and gold inlay bands, as well as white wall lights, complement the striking black and white mother of pearl fireplace and marble floor.
Dining room
A large central marble dining table sets a glamorous tone for the room, which is complemented by grey maple cabinetry with marble interiors. The classic colour scheme and use of geometric motifs again recall the period in which the house was built.
Clive Christian worked with luxury wine storage brand Spiral Cellars to install bespoke wine cabinets to house the client’s extensive collection. The grey maple cabinets, fitted with marble shelving and brass rails, were carefully designed to be completely in keeping with the other units in the room when the doors are closed.
On the opposite wall, concealed within a cabinet, a television rises from behind an ice machine and wine fridge, with lift technology provided by Future Automations.
Dressing rooms and ensuites
Expansive ‘his and hers’ dressing rooms continue the monochrome theme of the entrance hall, with the white (hers) of frosted maple cabinetry contrasting with the use of black walnut (his). The clients’ initials are depicted in marquetry inlay on the wardrobe doors. Soft leather interiors keep treasured clothing in pristine condition while catering to the client’s love of fine materials.
A central floor-to-ceiling unit in black walnut comprises a dressing table on one side and entertainment unit on the reverse, incorporating TV housing and large freestanding speakers.
Study
The client’s study features an elegant window seat surrounded by classic walnut cabinetry and shelving, complete with integrated lighting, to house books and mementos. Skilful marquetry inlay on the desk depicts the client’s initials.
Games room
In the inviting games room, a large, low coffee table features a marquetry backgammon board and a chess board. The room is panelled in grey maple, with cabinetry including a TV unit and a dresser that incorporates further refrigerated wine storage.
Cigar room
The cigar room includes a spectacular mirrored ceiling and floor-to-ceiling drinks station with shelving for fine spirits, wine refrigerators from Spiral Cellars and a central humidor. Classic walnut panelling with brass fittings and gold inlay bands adds to the intimate feel.
Christine Saladas, private client manager at Clive Christian Interiors, said: “It was a pleasure to work closely with our client in Portugal to complete our design vision. We were able to turn his ideas into reality by using multiple designs and different finishes to transform each room, while also keeping the integrity of the original house. A real highlight of this project was working on the cigar room, complete with a stunning mirrored ceiling. Clive Christian Interiors not only designed the fitted furniture and bespoke panelling, but we enjoyed sourcing all furniture, artwork and accessories to complete this showstopping room.”
All imagery credit: Clive Christian Interiors
