TOWNHOUSE, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

City Style, Tropical Elegance

Architect, João Mansur, is renowned for his beautifully designed spaces, including some highly desirable townhouses, and this is an outstanding example built in the neo-classical style in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Despite the tropical location, like New York or Miami, Sao Paulo is a bustling metropolis and the clients wanted their home to feel like a city house, but without giving up its Brazilian tropical charm. What was needed was classic interior design to imbue an air of formal elegance, yet tempered with modern functionality and retaining that laidback feel central to Brazilian life.

For a personal interior designer or home interior decorator, this was certainly a unique challenge, which is why this particular project was so appealing to top residential interior designer, Michele Safra.

The interior had to reflect the exterior, but also had to incorporate modern design with ethnic and global elements. Think classical with a modern twist. What appealed to our clients was the idea of classic for current living and an eclectic mix of vintage and traditional elements, subtly combining periods and styles. A real challenge, you’ll agree, even for a top interior designer.

Interior furnishings had to be exclusive, so all furniture, objets d’art and fabrics were sourced from outside of Brazil, mostly from New York and Europe. The eclectic style was achieved by mixing vintage, contemporary and antique furniture, accessorized with ethnic style (mainly Chinese and Asian) accents.

In the living room, the centerpiece is a large Venini vintage chandelier from the 60s above an antique Oushak rug. Other antiques include Louis XVI fauteuils and a French marble mantle reinforcing the classic look, while a large mirrored table comes replete with crystal glasses and two decorative Chinese Fu dogs.

To the rear, a sofa is upholstered in traditional French fabrics and contrasted by two salvaged, but very functional end tables. Two Louis XV chairs complete this area with Asian-influenced baskets and boxes to further underline the global feel.

In dining room, the black lacquer custom-made Parson table throne is the focal point, surrounded by Chippendales chairs upholstered in raffia. The French Louis XV Commodes here are given a modern twist with the addition of an orange patina. Note too here how the striking Vasarely lithographs contrast subtly with the antique Chinese pots below, while Barbi vintage sconces complement the gold leaf on the custom-painted wall, adding to the eclectic look. Chinoiserie wallpaper in the powder room and oriental artifacts throughout also strengthen the global interior design style. The theme continues outside, where, by the pool, the furniture reflects the style and color scheme of the interior.

If you like what you see and want to transform your vision into your ideal apartment, call us now on 212 4391818 or email Michele at Michele@michelesafra.net