To begin, she enters a space and analyses it with an analytical eye. Then she brings together perspectives and decides which one corresponds to the essence of Sofia Andrez Interiors. But it hasn’t always been like this. Sofia has a degree in Business Management and it was in this field that she embarked on her career. The concept of value for money would help her when it came to optimising costs in project procedures, when she realised that her heart and mind wanted to pursue a single path: interior design. In the meantime, 13 years have passed since she founded hr studio, which currently has 32 employees and two spaces open to the public in Lisbon and the Algarve. In between plans to launch a shop in the north of the country, a commitment to the Alentejo coastline and the arrival of new projects, Sofia has taken time out from the office to talk to us about the dreams she has brought to life along the Portuguese coast. Discover luxury on every square metre and find out about the selection of colours, materials and nuances that Sofia favours in a seaside home.
Creating new environments is your mission. Thinking back to the first project you designed, do you feel that today you are a different designer or has the essence remained the same?
From the first project to the very latest, there has been a clear evolution in concept and style. Even so, the essence of the design has remained the same from the beginning, as it is something natural and reflects our way of being in life. Although each project reflects the specific requirements of each client, there is always a common theme running through all of them.
Can an interior design project change lives?
Yes, without a doubt. A house is a reflection of everyday life and our mission as designers is to go beyond what is expected by the client, fostering a deeper connection with the space where they live. The infusion of elegance and authenticity is something we always strive for in every project.
What is the greatest dilemma that an interior designer faces when working on a project?
It’s finding the best possible relation between the defined budget and the outcome of the project. Quality is directly proportional to cost, so sometimes it’s a challenge to find a good balance. On the other hand, there is a need to cross-reference all the technical specialities involved in the project to ensure that the interior design works at all levels, without the need for adjustments.
The summer season has arrived and the preference for the coast is gaining momentum. How do you bring the seaside atmosphere into a home?
Our clients often say that they recognise the spaces created by the Sofia Andrez Interiors team based on the sensations they awaken. They speak of tranquillity, harmony and charm, of a place where everything flows naturally, and the combination of colours brings the outside environment «inside».
What colours, furniture and objects do you like to integrate and how do they influence the mood of the people who live there?
Our studio’s favourite colours are neutrals, always in pastel shades. We like to have a splash of colour in the details, such as cushions, decorative pieces or pieces of art. It’s true that colours can convey very different feelings, so this fine-tuning is essential to give the space a balance.
