WAS THE NEWSLETTER #116

I’m Paige Wassel. WAS the Newsletter is your weekly dose of design inspiration, where of course I’m tweaking the floorplan.

Mediterranean Modern, Pt. 2

How I’d Actually Design It (Springs Interiors)

Last week we talked about why Mediterranean Modern works, and why Springs in Vilamoura actually feels like it’s meant to be there. This week, we’re going inside! 

I think we all know I can’t look at a space without mentally rearranging it. What I love about the interiors here is that they’re neutral in a way that’s helpful, not boring. That’s a massive difference.

The Floors Are Doing the Heavy Lifting

The first thing I noticed is the stone/terracotta flooring running from the interior straight out to the terrace. OMG, pink puffy heart love. When the same flooring extends outside, it enlarges the whole space. There’s such an intentionality (is that a word?) when the indoor/outdoor living is cohesive.

Would I keep it as-is? Yes.

Would I immediately throw down a giant rug? Also yes.

Stone floors are gorg, but I feel like everyone wants a little softness, especially in a living room and bedroom. And you know I’m not talking about a tiny rug floating in the middle of the room. Please. I mean something oversized that will ground the furniture and warm up the palette.

The architecture’s already strong, but a big ol’ rug will make it even more livable.

Two Sofas, Always Facing the View

If I moved into one of these units tomorrow, the first thing I’d do is re-orient the living room around the terrace, not the television. You’re not in the Algarve to watch Love Island; you’re there for the breathtaking views.

I’d do two sofas facing each other, angling both toward the wall-to-wall windows. That way, no matter where you’re sitting, you’re connected to the outside. That’s the entire point of getting away to someplace like this.

If there’s a second bedroom, that becomes the TV den. (I love a den.) Give that room its own vibe. Close it off. Make it moody by painting it a deep olive or terracotta. Add a massive cozy sofa. Because let’s be honest, we are going to watch Love Island and we do want to be able to lounge.

Plus, this way, the main space stays open and airy.

The Kitchen Is a Perfect “Old Meets New” Example

One thing I appreciate about these interiors is the mix of modern cabinetry with floors that feel sort of… historic. That tension works, ya know? I’m all about the sleek countertops and the gorgeous cabinetry. And I’ve already expressed my deep and abiding affection for the floors.

Would I swap the pendant lights? Maybe. I’d probably go softer. Top of mind, I’m thinking woven, plaster, something that echoes the region.

What I wouldn’t touch is the neutrality. It would be so fun to walk into this kitchen and layer it. Like, I’d want to go into town and find ceramics from a local market. I’d stack bowls on open shelving. I’d add a small lamp on the counter (I will die on the hill of kitchen lamps). Obvi, I’d put a vintage runner by the sink.

This place is a blank canvas in the very best way.

The Bedroom Is Already 80% There

The bedrooms are simple and clean, which I prefer. You don’t want your bedroom to look like it’s throwing a rave because that’s not restful.

What’s nice is that there’s electricity already centered for a fixture. That’s huge. If you don’t like the shade, swap it. You don’t need to call an electrician or anything. There’s also this architectural detail where the curtain tracks are recessed into the ceiling. I live for that kind of quality. A tiny, intentional move like that makes everything feel cleaner and more modern. No bulky rods, no intentional clutter. Nice.

Obviously I’m putting a plush rug under the bed. In a warm and sunny place like this, you want the cool floors 98% of the time, except when you get up in the middle of the night. I’d also use layered bedding, pulling in deeper terracotta tones or a muted green, but it doesn’t have to be all matchy-matchy. I’d do a pair of sculptural bedside lamps, plus local art. And… that’s it. There’s no need to over-design a space that’s already so good.

Bathrooms: Keep ‘Em Sleek

For as much as I love vintage, I’m never, ever mad about a modern bathroom. These definitely lean into that vibe. The standout detail is the large window in the shower, constructed in a way that lets in light without sacrificing privacy. It has an outdoor shower feel. That’s ultra Med Mod. This bath is all about light, but it’s also about restraint.

I wouldn’t mess with the bones here, but I might add a small stool, towels in warmer tones, and like, one sculptural object. Boom. Done. Now let’s go to the lazy river.

Why Neutral Is Actually Perfect

Here’s what I keep coming back to: these interiors are the ultimate base layer. They’re not overly styled or hyper-branded like some luxury properties that never stop reminding you where you are. A place like this lets you project your own vision into it, kind of like Marcellus Wallace’s briefcase. (Is a Pulp Fiction reference too esoteric here? No. It’s a classic, so educate yourself if you’re unfamiliar.)

My point is that when you’re designing a space that might be a second home or a seasonal escape (or even a rental), you want that flexibility. I love the idea of being able to personalize without having to undo anything.

So, next week, we’re shifting gears. The Springs feels community-driven and resort-forward, but there’s another side of Mediterranean Modern that’s quieter.

I’m talking cliffside.
I’m talking minimal.
I’m talking more private.

I’m talking, of course, about Palmares.

See you there.

xx,
P