Ever go somewhere for the first time and feel an immediate connection? Maybe you lived there in a past life or perhaps you have ancestry there you don’t know about yet? And then there are days you fantasize about selling all your shit, packing up with the bare minimum and moving there?

This is how I feel about Lisbon. I’ve been several times now and yet there’s always something new to discover and explore. Don’t let the old world charm fool you, the food, fashion and design scene is cutting edge. One of the things I love about Lisbon is that wonderful juxtaposition of old and new.

I recently discovered the Lisbon design firm Ark Studio, both their residential and commercial spaces have such a clean, crisp style that I love. This beautifully designed guesthouse in the Praca das Flores (Flower Square) area of Lisbon is the perfect amount of calm, clean and serene, I immediately want to stay here. This thoughtfully designed space has such a light and airy aesthetic, I love the contrast of a modern space in an old building.

This light aqua color on the cabinets is such a clean and refreshing accent, it reminds me of the nearby sea and the colorful buildings you see walking along the streets of Lisbon.

This dining area feels chic and inviting yet uncomplicated with the classic wishbone chair, a rustic wood table, neutral sisal rug, basic black metal pendants. A large over sized painting propped up on the floor off centered creates an interesting accent piece.

These simple black sconces mounted on the headboard leaves more space on the nightstands, a good design approach for a small bedroom.