- Client Portrait Series - Hugo Le Floch
A warm and cosy Mid-century Apartment
Our client Hugo was invested in crafting his own happy place - a cozy and functional home where he can recharge and host friends and family.
In this portrait, we discuss his inspirations and his passion for mid-century modern interiors—pieces with enduring elegance and a story behind them. The apartment was designed with flexibility and flow at its core, allowing it to adapt when guests are coming while remaining comfortable day after day.
Our client Hugo - Photo courtesy of Studio Bisson
1. Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Hugo, I am 32 years old. I am French and I have lived in Lisbon for 3.5 years.
I love to travel, discover new cities and new cultures. I like to cook, organise dinners and brunch with friends. I also like to surf and spend my weekend at the beach.
I work as a Communication strategist and Transformation manager for a Pharma company.
2. What brought you to Lisbon?
After seven years in Paris, I felt it was time to open a new chapter abroad. As someone who grew up in Brittany, I missed being close to the sea, to nature, and the sense of calm that comes with it. Lisbon struck the perfect balance: it offers the ocean, surf spots, and sunsets that remind me of my childhood, while also being a dynamic and creative city, rich in culture, diversity, and amazing food—similar to what I loved about Paris. It felt like the best of both worlds.
3. Can you describe the vision or goals you had for your home before starting this project?
The apartment was perfectly livable, but I knew I wanted it to better reflect my personality and lifestyle. I envisioned something calm and natural, with character—a space filled with light, warm tones, and thoughtful details. I wanted it to feel like my happy place: somewhere I could recharge, work from home comfortably, host friends and family, and enjoy peaceful moments on my own. It was important that the space be both cozy and functional—perfectly adapted to everyday living and entertaining.
The bedroom - Photo courtesy of Studio Bisson
4. How did you envision your ideal living space, and how did that evolve throughout the design process?
From the beginning, I was drawn to a mix of natural materials—wood, stone, textured fabrics—and to pieces with a story, whether vintage finds or handmade furniture. I’ve always loved mid-century modern interiors for their timeless elegance, and I wanted the space to reflect that style while still feeling personal. I came into the project with a clear idea of layout and function, but the collaboration with the Studio really helped push things further. Their suggestions challenged some of my assumptions and added depth to the design. The result feels more complete and refined than I could have imagined on my own.
5. What specific challenges or requirements did you have for the design of your home?
One of the biggest challenges was creating a space that felt open and uncluttered for my daily life, but could also expand easily to host larger groups of friends or family. That meant thinking smart about flexibility and flow—like choosing a modular sofa, a bench with vinyl storage, or side tables that are easy to move around. We also optimized storage in hidden ways, such as under the bed, and even made space for my surfboard as a design element. Every corner has been thought through to serve a purpose while keeping things visually light
The living room - Photos courtesy of Studio Bisson
6. Can you share any memorable moments or highlights from the design and implementation phases?
Honestly, the whole process was a highlight. From our very first discussions, I felt like Ines truly understood how I lived and what I wanted to create. There was a natural alignment between her design sensibility and my vision. I really appreciated her focus on using local suppliers, craftsmen, and sustainable materials—from the natural paint and light wood floors to custom-made furniture and beautiful vintage pieces with history. It wasn’t just a decoration project—it felt meaningful and thoughtful every step of the way.
Details - Photo courtesy of Studio Bisson
7. Can you share a bit about your lifestyle and how that influenced the design choices for your home?
My lifestyle definitely shaped the direction we took. I see my home as both a social space and a personal sanctuary. I love hosting friends for long dinners or Sunday brunches, but I also need it to be a peaceful place to unwind—read a book, listen to music, or just relax. I’m also passionate about design, fashion, and art, so being involved in the decision-making process was important to me. Choosing between fabrics, visualizing setups, and imagining how it would all come together—it was as exciting as it was rewarding.
8. Are there any specific design choices or details that hold special significance for you?
It’s hard to choose just one, but I really love the color palette we went with—earthy greens, warm browns, terracotta tones. The limewash paint gives a beautiful texture to the walls and instantly adds character to the space. It changes with the light throughout the day, which gives the apartment a living, breathing feel. It’s subtle but incredibly impactful.
The office - Photos courtesy of Studio Bisson
9. What advice would you give to others considering a similar home renovation or design project?
Expect the unexpected—there will always be little surprises along the way. The key is having someone by your side who can guide you through the process and offer both practical advice and creative direction.
10. Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently or any lessons learned from the experience?
Honestly, I’m really happy with the way everything turned out. The final result captures exactly what I was hoping for—and even more. It’s functional, warm, and filled with personality. I feel good every time I walk through the door.
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