“We instantly fell in love with its vibe. We found it online. We had set notifications for two-bedrooms for sale in a few neighborhoods,” Khadija writes. “In pandemic times, real estate agents got creative, posting appealing videos that allowed potential buyers to visit the properties virtually even during the lockdowns.”

“As soon as we watched the virtual tour, we called to schedule a visit … and we were the first visitors. The apartment still had the furniture and decoration of its previous owner, but I could definitely see its potential. For the first time since we had started looking at apartments, we could picture ourselves living in this one,” she continues.

Khadija explains that their apartment is located on the two top floors of a four-story building built in 1937 and was renovated in 2014. “I’ve always loved the charm of Lisbon’s old buildings,” she begins. “In this apartment, I particularly love the high ceilings and large windows, the light (extremely important to us!), and the fact that it’s a duplex with no wasted space in its layout — no corridors! I’m not a fan of corridors; I think they’re a waste of space. And the (unexpected) cherry on the cake was the amazing panoramic view of the Tagus river, which definitely sold us on the apartment. I literally cried at the end of the visit when we got to the terrace and saw the view.”

Born and raised in Morocco, Khadija explains that she has lived and worked in four countries, and “I fell in love with Lisbon and Portugal (and my Portuguese husband!),” she begins. “I’m a plant-lover. I have an Instagram account about my plants @_soilmates_, and a podcast — Soilmates. My husband, Bruno, is a musician, producer, and composer. He currently has a solo project named Beato, and he composes soundtracks for movies, TV series, and theater plays.”

But while the couple has put a lot of work into the space, there’s still a bit more left to do (there’s a second bathroom on their top level they’d like to renovate). But, Khadija explains, there’s no master plan.

“We’re taking our time. We progressively tackle each space as soon as we have an idea for it and the budget to make it happen. I feel like our home is a constant work-in-progress —there are many things that we still want to change or improve. And I must say that I really enjoy the process! I love seeing the space evolve and improve,” she writes. “My advice would be to enjoy the journey of making your home yours, by adding your personal touch rather than following trends. Decorate it with items you love. It might take some time, but it will be so rewarding when it eventually comes together and reflects your unique story and personality!”

• Nursery — Luxens “Laguna 2” (Leroy Merlin)
• Bathroom — Luxens “Trench 6” (Leroy Merlin)

• White plant stand — ​Superbotanica
• Red cabinet — IKEA IVAR system
• Shoe storage cabinet — IKEA TV stand

• Sofa — IKEA
• Beni Ourain rug — Morocco 
• Sideboard — custom-made by Baimabenda
• Klippan Yllefabrik wool blanket — ARKET
• Mon Oncle illustration — Catarina Sobral

• Table + Wishbone Chairs — ​Vintage finds from Cantinho do Vintage
• Sideboard — Morocco
• Birdie wall clock — Stelton 
• Bordallo Pinheiro swallows — A Vida Portuguesa
• Rug — area
• Elephant bookend — So-So
• Nosy planter — Manu Souza Ceramics

• Lamps — ​Vintage IKEA
• Philippe Starck citrus squeezer — Alessi

• Bed throw — ​Marimekko
• Co-sleeping crib — Babybay
• Radio/speaker — Lexon

• Flowerpot VP9 lamp — &Tradition 
• Klippan Yllefabrik blanket — Nordic Nest 
• Plant holders — Ferm Living

• Mr T roll holder — ​Monkey Business
• Crocodile Tears illustration — Mariana A Miseravel

Thanks, Khadija and Bruno!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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