At Invisible Collection, we’ve been working with Olivier Garcé and Clio Dimofski for a long time. And yet, each time we look at their work we rediscover it anew with a sense of enchanted wonder. A detail strikes us, a hue catches our eye, a particular lay-out inspires us…
Touring their home in Lisbon was a true delight! The couple spent over a year to renovate this traditional apartment and make it a place that mirrors their aesthetic and sense for serene refinement. Finding the perfect balance between the historical elements of the space – original mouldings, wall embellishments and parquets- with their contemporary bespoke furniture, artworks and a few vintage pieces, Clio and Olivier offer a masterclass in taste and timeless elegance.
The Reading Room. This is one of the couple’s favorite rooms, they call it the library, although no bookshelves are in sight. Keeping the original wooden floor and moldings, they added ceramic wainscoting using traditional Portuguese tiles. The striking fireplace also features beautiful tiles paired with rough elements. The bespoke ceramic sconces and the rug add a warm counterpoint. Among the vintage furniture pieces, the rocking chair is Clio’s favorite.
The Dining Room. A warm, subdued serenity fills the space in this room where the couple’s daughter loves to spend time drawing and playing. A custom ceiling light in bamboo and fiberglass by Minjae Kim catches the eye. The New York-based Korean artist is a regular collaborator of the design duo and has also designed the sculptural chairs – crafted by a local carpenter – placed around the vintage wooden table. As we move towards the kitchen we notice the more contrasting, earthy tones of custom ceramic tiles and stone. The entire space is lined with cabinets, so that no utensils nor kitchenware are visible.
The Master Bedroom. A strikingly zen-like atmosphere permeates the space. Admittedly the couple’s favourite room, it’s a summa of their taste and curatorial eye combining historical elements with bespoke furniture pieces and artworks. The nearly ascetic bed is flanked by two vintage lamps, one French (on the left) the other Italian (on the right), surmounted by two paintings by Alexandre Mignot. Facing the bed, a minimalist display of meditative elements, including an antique vase featuring an ikebana composition. The adjacent master bathroom with its niche-like layout has been completely redesigned. Inspired by the famous bathrooms of Villa Serralves it features custom-made ceramic tiles and local stone. The striking ceiling lamp is a custom piece too.
