Looking after tradition: Palaçoulo pocket-knives

From time to time I will try to talk about traditional products. They are close to my heart!

Many of these products do not have any brands and are barely known, except by insiders and locals. However, they have an huge importance. They represent the cultural heritage, the craftmanship shared from generation to generation.  Some managed to reinvent themselves and follow the pace and taste of modern times. Others will probably fade away as no younger people are willing to carry on their family’s or community’s crafts.

Five bookshelves, made in Portugal

 

Summer break is slowly coming to an end and with it, the beginning of thes chool year is fast approaching. Although I am not (yet!) directly impacted by it, I always feel an urge, at this time of the year, to get new pens and pencils, notebooks and organising boxes.

It is also the perfect excuse to empty the bookshelves, to discover some forgotten books and to give the living room (or office) a much required organisation boost and facelift.

I find bookshelves tend to be that last piece of furniture we replace from our student years. I speak for myself! Priorities went to the bed, sofa and other big buys. We ended-up with a little fade, old-looking bookshelf in the corner of the room, hidden by books and begging to be replaced.

With this in mind, I picked my five favourite bookshelves, made in Portugal.

WE WOOD, modern portuguese furniture

A friend looking to furnish her recently acquired apartment and wanting to escape the mass market furniture distributors, asked me to recommend her a Portuguese furniture brand.

I have chosen We Wood because I have been following their work for a while. Their wide range of objects make them a nice destination point if you have an empty apartment and you are looking for good quality, modern furniture. On top, I appreciate the craftsmanship, natural materials and the sort of retro look with a modern twist.

NEVOA, a touch of elegance

The first products from NEVOA that caught my eye were the trays. I am a coffee drinker and a sofa addict. The trays are pretty enough to be lying around and practical enough to keep the coffee cups, cookies and crumbles in their place.

Photos: courtesy of NEVOA.

Kith & Kin

Taking advantage of our stay in Porto during summer, I asked Mariana if I could visit their atelier in Vila Nova de Gaia. Mariana met us with a smile, showed us her work and shared more about her project.