The award-winning Lisbon-based interior designer and architect founded her atelier in 2000 and has since become known for her sensitive approach to mixing both vintage and contemporary objects to create interiors that hit that oh-so-satisfying sweet spot between luxury and timelessness. Reinforcing the quality of her projects, Cristina Jorge De Carvalho designs her own furniture under the label CJC Furniture with skilled Portuguese artisans that she has selected for their fine craftmanship.
Douro41 Hotel & Spa The building balances boldly on the steep landscape
À Terra Bar & Canteen A neutral palette mixed with natural materials
Algarve House Italian marble bathroom
Algarve House Grand glass panes directed at the ocean
Algarve House Black iron is used as contrast in the key elements such as stairs
Dreamy atmospheres, refined color palettes, and ultra-rich textures
Best Hotel Interior for Europe and Best Hotel Interior in Portugal by the International Design Awards and European Hotel Awards, among others.
Her first design project was a prefabricated house for a private condominium, which landed Jorge De Carvalho her first cover in a design magazine.
Making of the furniture collection
CJC Showroom An art and design showcase
CJC Showroom Signature designs and high-end designers on display
I believe that everything and anything can inspire me, from a song to a work of art. So I would say that all my experiences influence me in a very subtle way and my style of design is the result of that combination. I like to play with opposites, either with textures or materials, with a very restricted and neutral color palette. My aim is to create timeless, elegant, and sober ambiances that cross trends. For me, it’s essential that a project stands the test of time and maintains its elegance throughout the years.
I don´t remember. I am very strong with my aesthetics concepts. But I love challenges and probably at some point, I might have made a choice that was not 100% faithful to my aesthetics because it was the best choice for the client’s requirements or any other limitation.
CJC Showroom Artworks from some of the most prestigious Portuguese artists
I don´t have a dream project. I really like to develop projects for public spaces—hotels, restaurants, spas. These types of projects are always a challenge because we have to please a much larger and diverse clientele. Since I’ve always been drawn to these spaces and have traveled the world, I try to use all this know-how when designing such a space. This know-how encompasses the definition of the concept and areas which should be privileged, the essential spaces for the clients, the services available, etc. The positioning of a public space within its market is essential and strategic for its success. Also, the fact that I have a background in management is an added value when designing these kinds of projects, because you have to consider several business and management variables during the creative process.
12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson
A jewelry store, a loft in New York, several apartments, a fashion store, the new residences of a hotel.
From the top of my mind, the Upper House Hotel in Hong Kong, YSL Museum in Marrakech, Therme Vals in Switzerland—they are all very well-designed.
Douro41 Hotel & Spa Natural materials connect the space with the surroundings
Douro41 Hotel & Spa Classic yet contemporary wood and leather furniture
Douro41 Hotel & Spa Jorge de Carvalho's elegant and timeless compositions
Douro41 Hotel & Spa Classic pieces mixed with modern
Images courtesy ALGARVE HOUSE Francisco Almeida Dias; CJC SHOWROOM Francisco Almeida Dias; DOURO41 HOTEL João Morgado