How Sound Influences Interior Design: Lessons from Sonora
When people think about interior design, they usually think about what they can see.
Colour palettes. Furniture. Lighting. Materials. Art.
Yet one of the most influential aspects of any space remains largely invisible.
Sound.
Long before we consciously analyse a room, our brains are already processing its acoustic environment. We instinctively notice whether a space feels calm or chaotic, intimate or overwhelming, comfortable or stressful.
The way a space sounds has a profound impact on how we experience it.
It affects how long we stay, how easily we communicate, how relaxed we feel and ultimately how we remember a place.
For hospitality venues in particular, acoustics have become one of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of design.
The design of Sonora, a Brazilian-inspired audiophile café and cultural venue in Lisbon, provides an interesting case study into the relationship between sound, architecture and human experience.
10 Interior Design Secrets Designers Rarely Talk About
The most sophisticated interiors are rarely defined by one spectacular piece. They are defined by hundreds of small decisions working together.
The exact height of a pendant The distance between a sofa and a coffee table. The way two materials meet. The warmth of the lighting. The amount of curtain fabric. The acoustic quality of a room. The way a material changes as it ages. These details may not always be consciously noticed, but they influence how a space feels. At Studio Bisson, this is where we believe good interior design makes the greatest difference.
Luxury isn't necessarily about adding more. It's about making better decisions. And sometimes, the most sophisticated design choice is the one you barely notice.
10 Iconic Sofas That Shaped Interior Design
When we select a sofa for a project, we don't begin by asking whether it is iconic. We ask whether it is right.
Right for the architecture. Right for the proportions. Right for the way our clients live. Right for the atmosphere we want to create.
Sometimes that means choosing a famous design. Sometimes it means discovering a lesser-known piece from a talented designer or an exceptional artisan. The ultimate goal is not to fill a room with recognisable names. It is to create an interior where every piece has a reason to be there. Because the best furniture doesn't simply occupy a space. It changes the way we experience it.
The Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Sofa: Styles, Proportions & Design Tips
Understanding Sofa Proportions
A sofa should feel perfectly balanced within a room.
One of the most common mistakes we see is choosing a sofa that is simply too large.
An oversized sofa can make even generous living rooms feel heavy and restrict circulation.
Equally, a sofa that is too small often leaves the room feeling disconnected and under-furnished.
As a general rule, we often aim for a sofa that occupies around two-thirds of the main wall, while leaving enough breathing space around it.
Maintaining 70–90 cm (28–36 inches) of circulation around key furniture allows movement to feel natural and effortless.
Luxury interiors rarely maximise every square metre—they prioritise comfort and flow.
Designing a Home with Intention: The Art of Choosing Pieces That Last
Will This Piece Work if My Home Evolves?
Homes change. Families grow. People move. Children become teenagers. Workspaces become nurseries. A well-designed piece should be adaptable. Neutral, well-proportioned furniture often integrates into different homes more easily than highly trend-driven pieces. Flexibility is one of the most underrated qualities in good design.
Choosing the Right Bed: A Guide to the Different Types of Beds
The bed is often the largest piece of furniture in a bedroom, making it one of the most important design decisions you'll make. Beyond its obvious function, it defines the atmosphere of the room, influences circulation, and sets the tone for the entire interior.
At Studio Bisson, we see the bed as much more than a place to sleep. It is the focal point of the bedroom — a piece that combines comfort, craftsmanship, and aesthetics.
Whether you're furnishing a new home or renovating an existing one, understanding the different types of beds can help you make a more thoughtful choice.