Predicted Trend for Home Decor: Embracing the 'Portuguese Girl Aesthetic' Instead of French Chic in 20XX
In the world of interior design, a new trend has emerged, capturing the essence of the lively and warm culture of Portugal, particularly Lisbon. Known as the Portuguese girl aesthetic, this maximalist style is all about bold colours, rich patterns, and a playful mix of traditional and modern elements.
Graduating from the London College of Fashion with a bachelor's degree in fashion journalism in 2016, Sara Hesikova has become a key figure in this movement. Currently serving as a Content Editor at a leading platform since June 2024, having started as a News Writer in July 2023, Sara has worked with niche fashion and lifestyle magazines, interiors publications, and luxury bed linen brands.
Key Elements ------------
The Portuguese girl aesthetic is characterised by bold colours, incorporating vivid, saturated hues such as sunny yellows, deep blues, warm oranges, and terracotta tones. Rich patterns and textures are essential, with a mix of traditional Portuguese tiles (azulejos), florals, and geometric prints. The style encourages the creation of inviting and creative spaces that evoke the relaxed yet artistic vibe of Portuguese culture.
To achieve this look, it's important to blend vintage Portuguese design elements with contemporary accents. Embrace eclectic styling and avoid minimalism, expressing individuality and joy through personal collections, quirky decor, and layered arrangements.
Tips for Achieving the Look -----------------------------
Personalise your space by including items that have meaning to you, such as travel souvenirs, family heirlooms, or handmade crafts. Support local or independent Portuguese brands and artisans, which offer unique, high-quality homewares. Layer patterns and textures without fear, combining tiled tabletops with embroidered throws and patterned cushions for a dynamic effect.
Choose furniture and decor that stand out, whether it's a brightly painted cupboard or a gallery wall of vibrant art. Blend indoors and outdoors by bringing in plenty of natural light and adding plants or fresh flowers to connect your space with the sunny, Mediterranean lifestyle. The Portuguese girl aesthetic embraces a lived-in, imperfect look, so avoid striving for a polished, uniform appearance—quirks and irregularities add charm.
Popular Homeware Picks ----------------------
M&S homeware is back online, allowing for the purchase of items like the embroidered floral cushion reminiscent of traditional Portuguese tile designs. A blue and white jug with a decorative scalloped design from Habitat is popular and looks expensive despite its £42 price tag. Dunelm lampshades are a good way to incorporate gingham into a home, while wavy-edge patchwork bedspreads from Amazon fit well with the quirky Portuguese decorating and styling approach.
Key accessories for the trend include coasters, vases, tea towels, and cushions in primary colours or with bold fruit and sea-inspired motifs. Assouline's destination photography coffee table books are popular for bringing a fun pop of colour into interiors. Bordallo Pinheiro is a Portuguese brand behind the cult favourite cabbage leaf tableware. Investing in art prints with Portuguese sardine designs on a striped backdrop is a great way to bring fun motifs, colour, and pattern into a home.
By following these guidelines, you can capture the essence of the Portuguese girl aesthetic—creating a home that is vibrant, expressive, and full of life.
Sara Hesikova, a Content Editor at a leading platform, has become a notable figure in the fashion-and-beauty industry with a focus on maximalist lifestyles, such as the Portuguese girl aesthetic. To create spaces that embody this style at home, she suggests blending traditional Portuguese elements like azulejos with contemporary accents, avoiding minimalism, and layering prints and textures to achieve a dynamic, inviting atmosphere that reflects the rich culture of Lisbon in the realm of home-and-garden design.
