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From Outdated to Modern: A 72-Hour Lisbon Apartment Makeover

A Three-Day Makeover Journey on Rua da Glória: Breathing New Life into a Classic Lisbon Gem

Welcome to Rua da Glória, a street steeped in the charm and history of Lisbon. Nestled in the Santo



António district and running parallel to the famed Avenida da Liberdade, Rua da Glória is a hidden gem. Walking down this street, you’re immersed in Lisbon’s timeless elegance, with each building showcasing traditional Portuguese windows framed with thick wooden shutters—designed to protect interiors from Lisbon’s bright sunlight while allowing cool air to flow. This apartment preserves these architectural details, enhancing its historic charm and creating an ideal canvas for a transformation.


The Project: A Modern Makeover with Classic Charm

Our challenge began with a call from the Australian property manager who was struggling to rent out the apartment due to its outdated, heavy furnishings. The prospective tenant loved the location but couldn’t connect with the style, so she asked us to take on the project with a tight 72-hour deadline to create a look she’d love upon arrival. Our mission? Remove the bulky pieces, introduce a fresh design, and get the apartment tenant-ready—all in three days, using our Transformation Package.


The Transformation: From Bulky to Balanced, Classic to Contemporary

Our approach was simple yet transformative: we cleared the heavy furniture and brought in clean, modern pieces that would open up and brighten the space. We chose a neutral color palette and layered in contemporary elements, balancing wood, marble, and gold accents to bring warmth and a touch of luxury.


Living & Dining Area: We introduced a sleek wooden console and dining table that created warmth without overwhelming the room. For a touch of sophistication, we added a marble and gold coffee table, lending an airy yet elegant feel to the space. The glass wall beautifully reflected the table lamps positioned on the console and above the dining table, enhancing the light and adding depth. This balanced approach allowed the room to feel both grounded and luminous.


Before & After Living Room



Bedroom: The bedroom was styled with crisp white linens and finished with a striped bed runner to add texture and character. Neutral bed linens are crucial to creating a fresh, inviting atmosphere, and white linen, in particular, gives a clean, timeless look that’s easy to maintain with a little bleach. In contrast, grey bedding tends to look tired and overused—something we wanted to avoid entirely.


Before & After Primary Bedroom


Before & After Guest Room



The Result: A Stunning Transformation and Rave Reviews


The results spoke for themselves. When the tenant walked in, she was amazed at the difference and could hardly believe it was the same apartment. She immediately agreed to rent the property, and the property manager, delighted with the transformation, called us “superstars.” So impressed by the staging, the property manager chose to purchase all the staged furniture to keep the apartment looking just as it did on move-in day.


This transformation showcases our approach to blending classic Lisbon architecture with modern elegance, making every detail work to elevate the space. At Home Staging Portugal, we create spaces that feel fresh, functional, and timeless, turning outdated or tired apartments into homes that invite tenants to settle in and enjoy Lisbon to its fullest.


If you’re ready to experience a similar transformation, see how our expertise can bring your property to life.

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