- London · UK & Selected International Projects
- paulo@phlondon.co.uk
A selection of interiors, renovations, landscapes and personal projects shaped by different countries, clients and ways of living. Each project reflects a careful balance between character, comfort, craftsmanship and long-term value.
Wanting to explore my Brazilian roots even further, I designed and built Casa Felina on the beautiful island of Boipeba, in Bahia, on Brazil’s north-east coast.
The house sits within the historic centre of the village, close to one of Brazil’s earliest Portuguese churches. Colonial architecture forms an important part of the area’s identity, but so does the surrounding tropical forest, and I wanted the house to respond naturally to both.
Many of the influences I had gathered throughout my journey came together in this one project.
The timber-framed structure, with its tree-trunk columns and exposed beams, reflects the safari architecture that had inspired me during my travels through Kenya and South Africa. Reclaimed windows help preserve the character of the building, while generous verandas provide shade from the tropical sun and shelter from the heavy seasonal rains.
Inside, polished concrete floors, textured rustic walls, natural fibres, timber structures, indigenous baskets and handcrafted wall lights create relaxed interiors inspired by the surrounding landscape. Hammocks stretched across the verandas invite guests to slow down, read a book and enjoy the feeling of living among the trees.
Looking back, Casa Felina feels like a meeting point between everything that has influenced me over the years: Colonial architecture, African inspiration, indigenous craftsmanship and a deep connection with nature.
Today, Casa Felina welcomes guests who want to experience the beauty of Boipeba and the Bahia coastline while staying in a home that celebrates craftsmanship, timeless design and the Brazilian landscape.
While working on luxurious residential projects, I continued experimenting in my own Victorian house in South London.
As my confidence grew, so did my willingness to use richer materials and bolder colours. Deeper shades of blue, darker timber finishes, bronze, brass and carefully layered textures gradually became part of my own design language.
It was also during this period that I discovered how naturally Art Deco details could sit alongside Victorian architecture.
Rather than competing with the original character of a building, carefully chosen Art Deco influences seemed to celebrate it. Geometric detailing, rich timbers, bronze, brass and elegant bespoke joinery brought a contemporary feel while respecting the history of the house.
That combination of classic contemporary interiors with subtle Art Deco influences has remained an important part of my design approach ever since.
More recently, my work has taken me to Portugal, where I have had the opportunity to work on two very different but equally rewarding projects.
Although I am based in London, over the years I have developed a way of managing projects internationally, working closely with trusted local teams, suppliers and craftspeople. This approach allows me to offer clients the same personal involvement and attention to detail, even when a project is outside the UK.
The first project was a beautiful palace overlooking Príncipe Real Square in the heart of Lisbon. I was commissioned to design the interiors of this six-bedroom property, while the renovation of the building itself was designed by Souto de Moura Architects.
The original architectural features provided an exceptional backdrop for classic contemporary interiors. We carefully considered each room individually, creating different colour palettes for each bedroom while ensuring that the overall property felt connected and harmonious.
We sourced many fabrics in London and combined traditional and contemporary furniture throughout the main living spaces. The result was an elegant, comfortable and timeless interior that respected the history of the building while creating a home suitable for modern living.
One of my earliest independent commissions was the renovation of a Victorian house in North London, where we embraced a bold Art Deco direction.
Dark timber joinery, geometric detailing, metal inlays and bespoke fitted furniture created elegant storage throughout the house, including a library, home office and custom-designed bar.
At the same time, we carefully restored and celebrated the original Victorian mouldings and staircase, allowing the period architecture and Art Deco detailing to complement one another beautifully.
Italian marble bathrooms and Ralph Lauren wall lights completed the scheme.
Another memorable project involved transforming two adjoining cottages in Thames Ditton into one welcoming family home.
The interiors followed a classic contemporary style with subtle Art Deco influences.
Bold colours, antique mirrors and Ralph Lauren wall lights combined to create a home that felt elegant, comfortable and designed around the everyday life of a busy family.
These are only a few examples from many projects that have been a privilege to work on.
Every home has contributed to my development as a designer because every one has been deeply personal to the people who entrusted me with it.
Together, they tell the story of how my design language has evolved over the years, and I hope you’ll enjoy exploring many more of them in my Portfolio.
