In love with all that is different, Sofia Henriques is a collector of old objects who resells them to the public, making people rediscover this ancient world. A woman of heart and word who gives us back the lost beauty and preciousness of these unique objects, more special than ever in her eyes.
1 — What's your favorite corner of your home, and why?
"It depends on the seasons of the year, because I really like the backyard in the summer, but I also really like the old cellar which was the place where wine and olive oil were made at home, which here on the edge is called a "shop".
It's located under the houses, in fact my house is a typical Beira house. The floor is made of beaten earth with openings that allow air to circulate. Curiously these "stores" keep the temperature constant, there's an interesting synergy between the beaten earth and the air circulation that makes the place dry, which was great for storing cereals. I kept that "shop" as it was until very late and a few years ago I did some work and whitewashed everything, now it's the place where I have music, television, I really like being there, because it brings back good memories. I also really like the kitchen that appears many times on my instagram. I like my whole house itself actually, for different reasons, but the only place I don't really see myself in is the bathroom, which dates back to the 1970s, it was added in a hurry when my father came here to live with my mother, because this house belonged to my grandparents. My father asked my grandfather to build a bathroom for it and this resulted in a very ugly patch, devoid of soul that still has very little intervention on my part, but I'll get there one day."
It's located under the houses, in fact my house is a typical Beira house. The floor is made of beaten earth with openings that allow air to circulate. Curiously these "stores" keep the temperature constant, there's an interesting synergy between the beaten earth and the air circulation that makes the place dry, which was great for storing cereals. I kept that "shop" as it was until very late and a few years ago I did some work and whitewashed everything, now it's the place where I have music, television, I really like being there, because it brings back good memories. I also really like the kitchen that appears many times on my instagram. I like my whole house itself actually, for different reasons, but the only place I don't really see myself in is the bathroom, which dates back to the 1970s, it was added in a hurry when my father came here to live with my mother, because this house belonged to my grandparents. My father asked my grandfather to build a bathroom for it and this resulted in a very ugly patch, devoid of soul that still has very little intervention on my part, but I'll get there one day."
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2 — Is there anything precious you keep for its meaning?
"My god, so many! As I said, my house was built by my grandfather, on my father's side, a farmer who had pine forests and land. He used to live from it together with my grandmother, because it used to be common here in the area. They were two farmers who were already somewhat wealthy, with some land, namely pine forests, so the house was built with all the wood from those pine forests where the oak and chestnut beams still stand today. This house at the bottom is full of objects that I inherited and that I accumulated, because I've always been very curious. I've always loved genuine African tribal art, and not those tourist things. I've always liked fairs and antique shops. I have a special affection for everything around me and I don't have any object in particular."
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3 — Any favorite books that inspire you?
"My favorite books are always those that teach me something, it varies. Now on my desk I have A Arte Tribal da África Negra; I have an equally funny title which is The Maverick Soul, a book about eccentric, eclectic houses of bohemian spirits; then I have a book on antiques; and a really cool one here too about The Revival of an English House, St Giles House. So I love everything to do with country houses, my favorite decorations will always have something from Tuscany or French Provence, from English country houses… there's always a bit out there. The books I have vary, always inspiring me."
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4 — What about your favorite place to eat?
"My favorite place to eat is where there's sea water, preferably and where you can eat fish, just with a few pebbles of very fresh salt, this is my favorite place to eat."
5 — Any favorite Portuguese song or poem?
"This one is tough. Honestly, I look at my bookshelf and CDs and there's very little Portuguese stuff; or maybe some but not necessarily very inspiring that deserve to be highlighted — maybe I'll get slaughtered for saying so, haha, but suddenly I don't have any in mind."
6 — If you had to offer a Luz Editions product to someone, what would it be and why?
"About Luz products, I like everything in general. I think you managed to associate the typical and nostalgic with everyday and current things with an appetizing look. I really like the cloths with the printed figures of the fishermen, that would be my choice without hesitation."
TEA TOWELS "SAUDADE" AND "TERRA", LUZ EDITIONS
7 — And finally, a word to define your home?
"The right word is eclectic. My house has a lot of objects and currently with my activity, even more. As I don't have a space dedicated solely to the objects that I sell, I mix them in the decoration of the house. The eclecticism is due to the fact that I combine things that I inherited and that I like very much with what I sell like Persian rugs, lamps from the 50s, Regency period lamps, neoclassical with contemporary painting - a lot of it done by my mum who is a visual artist (and whom I adore!). There are lots of things and that's how I feel good. I try to stand out from trends and fashions. The other day someone told me that people -in general- like what I offer, that it's a little different. I answered precisely that I do my best so that my articles look like they could stand the test of time and fit in a 50 year old or 100 year old house. If I walk into a store and they say "this piece is selling very well" I put it down and I'm leaving, haha. So it's eclecticism that prevails, yes, that's how I feel good".
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