The chalet at Casa dos Cedros in Malveira da Serra was a unique project—and one that pushed us to our creative limits as stagers. Walking into a space dominated by pine wood on nearly every surface, we knew we were facing a significant challenge. Normally, our instinct is to create a fresh, airy atmosphere by painting walls white, but here, we were working with an overwhelming amount of dark wood. This project forced us to step outside our comfort zone and find ways to elevate the chalet’s rustic charm without erasing its character.
Living Room: Embracing (and Battling) the Pine
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The living room was by far the most challenging area, with terracotta tile and pine covering every wall and ceiling. The wood was rich and warm but heavy, and, as stagers, we’re used to lightening spaces up. Here, however, we had to make a bold choice to leave the wood as it was. This forced us to work around it in ways we usually don’t. Instead of creating a blank canvas, we had to treat the wood itself as part of the design, finding ways to complement and elevate it.
After:
To balance the heavy pine, we brought in light, organic furniture and soft, neutral decor. By incorporating organic furniture, woven textures, soft textiles, and white accents, we added contrast and a sense of freshness without losing the rustic essence of the room. It was a delicate balancing act, and honestly, we weren’t sure if it would work at first. But slowly, we saw the room transform. The pine didn’t feel so overwhelming—it felt like an intentional design choice, part of the chalet’s charm.
Bedroom Transformation: Creating Light Where There Was None
The bedrooms were another major challenge. Originally, the rooms felt closed-in and dark, with pine wood on the ceilings and heavy plaster walls.
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Here, we decided to take a risk and paint both the wood ceilings and the walls white. This was a massive change, and the transformation was so striking that it’s hard to believe it’s the same space.
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By brightening the rooms, we gave them a completely new atmosphere—light, airy, and calming. The once-heavy spaces now feel open and inviting. For a project that felt restrictive, the bedroom transformation was incredibly rewarding, and it’s one of those before-and-afters that makes the challenge worth it.
The Blue Kitchen: Finding Harmony in Bold and Rustic
Then there was the kitchen—a bold blue space that was completely unexpected in a chalet setting. While the color added personality, it clashed with the rustic wood aesthetic in a way that didn’t immediately make sense. But rather than trying to neutralize the blue, we decided to lean into it, adding farmhouse-style accents that softened the boldness and created a more harmonious look.
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With rustic decor, and a few carefully chosen accessories, we created a blend of farmhouse style and chalet charm that somehow worked. It was a surprising and, frankly, fun twist in a project that otherwise felt heavy and challenging.
The Reality of Staging a Rustic Chalet
As stagers, we’re used to creating spaces that feel light, fresh, and welcoming, often by stripping away darker elements and adding brightness. But Casa dos Cedros was different—it forced us to work with what was there, finding creative solutions rather than our usual go-to fixes. This project reminded us that not every space needs a total transformation; sometimes, it’s about enhancing the character that’s already there, even when it’s challenging.
In the end, the chalet at Casa dos Cedros became a space that honors its rustic, pine-filled charm while feeling thoughtfully updated. It’s not a space that’s been “modernized” in the typical sense, but it’s one that feels warm, welcoming, and true to its unique character. This project was a reminder of the real work that goes into staging—sometimes, the hardest projects are the most rewarding, and Casa dos Cedros will always be one we look back on as a lesson in embracing the unexpected.
How we can help:
Do you have a property that needs an update, renovation, staging, or restyling? Or are you considering a move to Portugal and looking for the perfect home to reflect its unique architectural heritage? We’d be delighted to help you bring your vision to life. Contact us to explore how we can make your property truly exceptional.