Transforming Your Algarve Property ~ Designing for Beauty, Comfort & Everyday Life

Owning a home in the Algarve is a dream for many – but making it truly work for

modern living can take a little vision (and a lot of local know-how). After years of

working with homes here, I’ve noticed certain quirks in Portuguese properties that

can hold them back from reaching their full potential. The good news? With

thoughtful design and the right team, you can turn those quirks into standout

features.

Light & Layout: opening up your space

Many Algarve homes are built with small windows to keep interiors cool during the

summer heat. While practical in July and August, this can leave interiors feeling dark

for much of the year. By increasing window size or introducing glass doors, we can

bring in more natural light and connect your home to the outdoors – something that

makes a huge difference in both comfort and value.

Another common feature here is the lack of open-plan living. Many homes are

divided into smaller rooms, which can make spaces feel cramped. Removing non-

structural walls, widening doorways, or creating sightlines between kitchen, dining,

and living areas can transform the flow of your home and make it far more sociable –

especially for holiday rentals or family living.

Comfort year-round

A lot of properties here were built with summer holidays in mind, not year-round

living. That means heating and damp protection can be an afterthought. Adding

proper insulation, underfloor heating, or efficient fireplaces makes a home far more

inviting in the cooler months. It’s not the glamorous side of design, but it’s what

makes a home truly liveable.

Making it work for modern families - hello 2025!

Family living has changed, and many traditional Algarve layouts don’t take this into

account – like placing bedrooms at opposite ends of the house or giving a child’s

room direct access to the pool. Simple changes to floorplans can make a big

difference in safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

Bringing the outdoors in!

Here in the Algarve, outdoor spaces are just as important as the interiors. Creating

shaded areas, adding planting for privacy, and designing outdoor kitchens or lounge

areas can expand your usable living space and make the most of the region’s

climate.

Look at the light difference!

Sourcing & timelines...

Something many new homeowners are surprised by is how long it can take to source

materials and furniture. Tiles can require up to a 10-week lead time, windows 10–16

weeks, and walk-in-and-buy furniture is almost non-existent. That’s where working

with a designer really pays off – we know the best suppliers, the realistic timelines,

and how to keep a project moving forward without delays.

Why work with a local designer?

Beyond style, a local designer brings connections. I work with trusted tradespeople

who take pride in their work and deliver on time. I also pass on trade discounts

directly to my clients, often covering the cost of my design fee entirely. Plus, I can

source high-quality pieces from reliable online vendors you might not otherwise find.

Turning your Algarve house into a home

Whether it’s opening up a floorplan, sourcing the perfect tiles, or rethinking a damp-

prone corner, my goal is always the same – to create a space that feels both

beautiful and truly yours. With the right design choices, your Algarve property can be

more than just a holiday home. It can be your sanctuary.

If you’d like to explore how we can transform your Algarve property, get in touch here

- I’d love to help bring your vision to life!