Duntan Design

I know not everyone can look at a blank room or a messy sketch and "see" the finished space—and honestly, why should you? That’s my job! 🖊️ ✨

I really like using AI as a "visual translator." It helps me take my early, sketched ideas and turn them into something you can better understand. It’s the perfect way to test out "what ifs"—like how a certain window treatment frames the view, or how the wall-hung storage fit into the room.

But here’s the thing: while the tech is amazing for a showing an rendered presentation, it doesn't replace the actual design work! It doesn't understand how the Algarve sun moves through an apartment, the flow of a home, or the personality of the persons living there.

That part still starts with a pen, a tape measure, and a lot of heart. ❤️

Swipe to see the evolution:
1️⃣ The refined vision
2️⃣ Working out structural details
3️⃣ The behind-the-scenes process
4️⃣ The original "brain dump" sketch
5️⃣ The blank canvas we're starting with

I’m curious—how do you feel about designers using AI to help tell the story of a space? Does it help you "see" it better, or do you prefer the old-school sketches? Does AI scare you? Let me know! 👇

When my tile selection feels like choosing between delicious ice cream flavours! 🍨🍦🍧

I'm currently working on my own apartment here in the Algarve, and honestly, picking these tiles was the best part of my day!

I might be known for my handmade lampshades, but many of you know that I've always loved the bigger picture of interior design too. Seeing this gelato palette of earthy tones come together for my kitchen reminds me why I love what I do 💕

​I can't wait to show you how these delicious "ingredients" will turn into a real home!

(Modern Organic & Sorbet Flavoured tiles from .es + )

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A little Spring update (and a new name!) 🌿

Happy Easter, everyone! 🐣🐰🌷

It’s that time of year when everything feels a bit fresher and brighter, and I’ve decided to do a little "Spring cleaning" of my own. I have some exciting news to share about a fresh start for my business!

🌸 First things first: I’m changing my name!
Moving forward, Atelier Cecilia Martin is officially becoming Duntan Design.

"Duntan" is a nickname that’s always been close to my heart, and honestly, it just feels more like "me". It also helps clear up any confusion with the lovely Atelier CM just down the road from me (I only recently found out!) - I want to make sure there are no mistaken identities!

🌼 A new home for my lampshades!
I’m also so happy to announce a new partnership with the wonderful team at Urban Fabric Studio. From now on, you’ll find my bespoke lampshades exclusively at their studio. It’s a perfect match of a "designer’s eye" and a "maker’s hand," and I couldn't be more excited to collaborate with such talented people!

💮 What’s next?
You’ll see my new tagline is Spaces. Styling. Studio. - and here’s exactly what that means for you:

Spaces: This is the "big picture" side of things. I’m taking on more structural projects, like kitchen and bathroom refreshes or full-home transformations from the ground up.

Styling: Whether you need professional home staging to get a house ready for market, or just need a hand with interior curation to make your current home shine, I’m here to help you pull it all together.

Studio: This is the creative heart of the business. It’s where I’m busy crafting one-of-a-kind bespoke lampshades and getting stuck into the "hands-on" transformations—from painting walls and kitchens to giving old furniture a whole new life.

Thank you all for the support so far—it means the world! I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing Easter weekend full of sunshine and chocolate!

See you soon,

Cecilia

Duntan Design
Spaces. Styling. Studio.