A spring redesign can bring fresh life to your home, much as a weekend trip can rejuvenate you.
With this concept in mind, we turn to the aesthetics of Porto, Portugal for home decor inspiration. The colorful city is a popular European weekend getaway as well as a textile design hub. The colors, textures, and energy of Porto are the perfect jumping off point for your Spring 2023 interior design.
The Influence: Portuguese Home Decor and Fine Textiles from Porto
Portugal is known for its strong textile industry which uses traditional methods and high quality materials to produce superior linens. Fig Linens and Home stocks many brands that sources textiles from region. Portuguese textiles abound in our highly curated collection from brands like Peacock Alley and Legacy Home.
Hallmarks of Portuguese interior design style includes natural fibers, unexpected color, traditional tiles and eclectic shapes. These decor looks are inspired by the traditional architecture and fabrics of the region.
The Fig Linens and Home team will take you through our favorite stylized interior design peices inspired by the beautiful city of Porto.
1. Interior Design Trend 2023: Bedding and Accessories Inspired by Portuguese Tiles
Porto is famous for its painted blue and white tiles called "azulejos." The tiles were brought to Portugal from Seville, Spain in the 15th century. Azulejos cover everything from churches and fountains to the gorgeous São Bento Station, a hub for public transport in Porto.
The azulejos tell stories that transport us across time. They feature paintings of important moments of Portuguese history, the four seasons, and biblical events.
This spring, take interior design inspiration from the Azulejos by adding elegant blue and white design to your home decor.
Fresh touches like an intricate dual-toned bedspread from John Robshaw, a detailed table cloth from Mode Living, or blue and white Kassatex bath accessories (pictured to the right) can add visual interest. These blue and white pieces become an eye-catching focal point in a bedroom, bathroom, or living room.
For an extra Porto touch, pair the blue textiles with an unexpected shade like yellow or brick red. These shades can be incoporated using decorative pillows, tea towels, or throw blankets.
2. The Portuguese Way: Laid-Back Neutral Linens from Peacock Alley
As an Atlantic Ocean seaside town, Porto has gained the reputation of being a city for wandering. From the musicians playing beside the Douro river to the colorful city center, Porto has a quiet, understated energy.
Channel this laid back, oceanic vibe in your home with soft, neutral design styles from Peacock Alley Bedding. Peacock Alley's spring coverlets are made in Portugal from 100% cotton. These 300 thread count quilts bring a clean-lined and elegantly relaxed look to any room. Sleep beneath all natural bamboo Peacock Alley sheets for added luxury.
To style, pair these gorgeous Peacock Alley linens with statement decorative pillows in bright, unexpected shades to get the Portuguese look. One glance will transport you to the sea in La Foz and give you the relaxed feel of browsing the intricately designed volumes in Livraria Lello (named one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world!).
3. Blue, Green and Purple Decorative Pillows to Reflect the Richness of the City
A visit to Porto would be incomplete without a visit to the Crystal Palace Gardens. Ranked the "most beautiful gardens in Porto" this gorgeous historical site offers manicured plants and a stunning view of the Douro Valley. Visit in the spring and you might even get to see some of the garden's colorful wildlife (pictured to the left).
Recreate the natural richness of the Portuguese landscape in your living room with velvet pillows and decorative throws from Kevin O'Brien Studio. These pillows evoke moving color that catches the light differently from every angle. Each Kevin O'Brien Studio Pillow is hand-painted, so you will receive a one-of-a-kind piece of art with every purchase.
Even better, The Wall Street Journal named velvet one of the top trending textiles for 2023. It is impossible to talk about luxury velvet interiors without talking about Kevin O'Brien. These inimitable pillows and throws allow you to incorporate the best of Spring 2023 design in a style that will last long beyond the season.
4. Warm Textural Bedding from John Robshaw Reminds Us of Unique Portuguese Textile Design
Every artisan market in Porto is full of gorgeous hand-dyed and woven textiles. For instance, artist Maria Elisa Vale, whose work is pictured to the right, creates woven art and handmade paper from natural materials for her company Numvale Handmade.
Keep your space interesting in 2023 with textural pieces from John Robshaw bedding. Decorative pillows from the brand showcase woven and printed textiles.
These throw pillows are a happy addition to any sofa or bedroom.
5. Bold Reds Inspired by the Wines of Portugal
With Viva Magenta as the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year, deep reds are having a moment in the spotlight.
Speaking of things that are red... a staple of a trip to Porto is crossing the bridge from the city centre to the town of Vila Nova de Gaia to sample delicious port wine. Port houses such as Porto Ferreira offer port wines in every color from dark yellow (white port) to deep red (ruby port).
Interior design featuring textiles in rich, wine-inspired shades are stylish and bold. Red decorative pillows, merlot colored cashmere throw blankets, and deep burgandy tea towels make a splash anywhere in your home.
Sophie Edwards
Sophie is the head content writer at Fig Linens and Home. She is a bedding, linens, and luxury homeware expert with an interest is the intersection of interior design with fashion, travel and culture. She has a BA in creative writing and sociology from Sarah Lawrence and an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography.
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