How does an architect choose furniture styling instead?
When training as an architect, I was especially interested in the rehabilitation of old buildings and seeing the before and after stages. I feel that same emotion with the furniture pieces I work on and somehow the smaller scale and endless transformation possibilities appealed to me more.
What different techniques do you use in your work?
It depends on the piece. I use decorative arts techniques such as découpage, marbling, faux tortoise, stenciling, gilding and other decorative painting methods. I also like to integrate fabric, wallpaper and napkin découpage in some of my pieces.
Is it possible to innovate when restyling an old piece of furniture?
Yes, when I restore Portuguese furniture pieces, the form of the furniture as well as some fabrics and prints may be traditional as are the decorative art techniques, but I innovate by mixing materials in an original and unexpected way.
What was a particularly memorable piece you refurbished?
That would have to be the grand piano for a boutique hotel lobby. It had to be dismantled for me to work on separate parts due to its size and weight. I only saw the final piece when it was assembled on site. It is much loved and photographed by the guests.