Explore a new take on warm minimalism, infused with the serene beauty of eco-desert modernism.
I’m excited to share a project that has deeply inspired me recently, which well represents one of the Trend Stories we just presented in our last Trend Atlas – eco-desert modernism.
With a modern design that feels both grounding and forward-thinking, The Vault is a residential project located in Lisbon and designed by Studio Gameiro.
Located in the historic Rua de São Bento in Lisbon, this 157m² space is an harmonious blend of serendipity, creativity, and contrasting styles—giving a fresh interpretation on the warm minimalism design trend. The project draws heavily from Lisbon’s rich historical tapestry while integrating forward-thinking design principles.
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The Context: Mixing History with Modern design
Rua de São Bento has always been a key part of Lisbon’s history. Located near the National Parliament, the street has a unique energy, mixing old charm with the city’s lively atmosphere. It was in this historic setting that the design team was asked to create a space that stood out—one that connected with its surroundings while breaking away from traditional design ideas.
The clients of The Vault, a forward-thinking couple who wanted to make a lasting impact on the city, gave the challenge of creating a home that went beyond the usual. The goal was to mix history with modern design in a way that felt fresh but still connected to the past.
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The Vault: A Warm Minimalist Twist on History
A key element of The Vault project is its connection to the Arch of São Bento. While the arch once marked this historic street, it now stands in a different square in Lisbon, with only remnants left there. Actually, its absence created a subtle but important gap in the street’s appearance. This “uncoupling” of the arch became a significant reference for the design, inspiring the team to reinterpret it in a modern way.
The interior of The Vault mirrors the elegant curve of the arch, reimagined through a fresh, modernist lens. The space flows naturally, embracing smooth, organic curves while paying homage to Lisbon’s historic architecture. This creates a distinctive blend of past and present, all within a warm, minimalist ambiance.
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Eco-Desert Modernism: Sustainability Meets Serenity
This design immediately brought to mind a new trend we recently explored in our Trend Atlas, which we’ve named eco-desert modernism. This aesthetic seamlessly blends natural materials, earthy tones, and minimalist design with modernist influences.
At its heart, in fact, eco-desert modernism is about creating spaces that are both sustainable and tranquil, drawing inspiration from the raw beauty of the desert. The aesthetic emphasizes the use of natural materials like reclaimed wood, stone, and sustainable fabrics, combined with warm, earthy hues and a minimalist approach to design.
For those seeking to push the boundaries of modern design, eco-desert modernism offers endless inspiration. With its focus on natural elements, minimalist forms, and a deep connection to the environment, this style encourages a new way of thinking and design our spaces.
This fresh take on warm minimalism, a key trend we first predicted back in 2020 in this post, remains strong and shows no signs of fading.
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