A São Paulo Duplex Balances High Design With a Playful Spirit


What occurs when a trendy psychologist, a contemporary businessman, and two energetic children take over a historically traditional residence within the coronary heart of São Paulo, Brazil? You get a 3,767-square-foot duplex that manages to be each grown-up and playful – an city residence that doesn’t take itself too critically. Karina Passarelli Arquitetura was the mastermind behind the transformation, and the result’s a heat, welcoming dwelling that proves you possibly can have design-forward sophistication and the place children could be children.

This wasn’t only a weekend undertaking. The household briefly relocated to the countryside whereas the renovation was underway, absolutely ready to desert the residence altogether. However as soon as they noticed the completed house, they’d a change of coronary heart – and determined to maintain each properties. Now the duplex is their weekday abode, whereas their rural escape is for weekend downtime.

Modern living room with sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains, minimalist sofa, circular wood tables, a glass coffee table with books and a plant, and a patterned area rug.

The design problem? Take a cultured, marble-floored, classically styled residence and provides it a younger, recent, high-tech reboot. The first step: lean into distinction. That smooth white marble flooring set the stage, whereas uncooked concrete, pure wooden, and matte finishes grounded the house with simply the correct amount of texture. The end result? A house that feels curated however cozy, elegant however easygoing.

Modern living room with white sectional sofa, striped lounge chair, abstract rugs, glass tables, books, and large windows with sheer curtains, leading to an adjacent dining area.

Modern living room with marble floors, minimalist white sofas, black chairs, geometric rugs, striped accent chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows with sheer curtains.

On the coronary heart of the house lies the dramatic, light-filled, double-height front room. Centered by an enormous glass wall that frames metropolis views, the room is anchored by a sprawling modular couch that invitations every thing from solo lounging to full-on household gatherings. Holding courtroom is a curvaceous Up 5 armchair paired with its matching Up 6 ottoman, each designed in 1969 by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia and reissued in 1994. The long-lasting striped duo provides a daring sculptural second to the house, mixing postmodern pop with plush consolation.

Modern living room with wood-paneled wall, glass dining table, black chairs, white sofa, wine storage display, large window with sheer curtains, and decorative plants.

Modern dining room with a glass table, mixed wooden and black chairs, marble floor, wood-paneled walls, large windows, and a decorative green plant feature in the background.

The residence’s beneficiant proportions required equally daring furnishings – suppose infinite seating choices for bigger occasions, thick space rugs that double as play zones, and clever items that also maintain as much as messes of youngsters. A impartial base palette makes room for eye-popping accents, from geometric tiles to vibrant hues to sculptural furnishings – all that add character with out overwhelming the house.

Modern dining room with a glass table, black and wooden chairs, marble floor, wall-mounted TV, and a geometric ceiling light fixture.

A modern dining room with a glass table, black chairs, a white sofa, abstract art, and large windows with sheer curtains letting in natural light.

Modern covered outdoor kitchen and dining area with a long table, wooden bench, grill, patterned tiles, blue chairs, and city view through glass railing.

Modern kitchen with black and white geometric island, four black stools, wooden bowls on the counter, wood flooring, and large windows overlooking a cityscape.

Each room incorporates a customized lighting plan with oblique gentle that highlights architectural options, units the tone, and provides a contact of drama – with out being overbearing. Behind the scenes, all of the tech has been quietly upgraded, from plumbing and electrical to a house automation system that retains every thing working.

Modern kitchen with geometric black-and-white backsplash, wooden cabinets, black countertop, open shelves with firewood, and a blue retro-style refrigerator shaped like a van.

Modern open-plan dining and kitchen area with a black island, high bar seating by large windows, and a long table with blue chairs. Natural light fills the space.

Modern open kitchen and dining area with black countertops, blue chairs, wooden accents, and large windows overlooking a cityscape and greenery.

Modern rooftop terrace with wood-pattern floor, blue cushioned seating, geometric tables, string lights, and a green plant wall, overlooking city buildings under a partly cloudy sky.

Outside areas are often an afterthought in metropolis residences, however not right here. The upper-level terrace was reimagined with a built-in BBQ and a vivid yellow pool lining for an surprising pop of shade.

Modern rooftop terrace with glass railings, wooden flooring, blue lounge chairs, small tables, and a view of tall apartment buildings and a park area in the background.

Modern dining area with a round wooden table and four chairs, large windows, wood panel ceiling, neutral tones, and city views in the background.

Modern living room with neutral tones, a round woven rug, cushioned armchair, built-in fireplace, dining table, and large windows with blinds; glass railing borders a stairway.

Modern living and dining area with neutral-toned furniture, a round woven rug, a sculptural fireplace, wood accents, and large windows with horizontal blinds.

Modern living and dining area with a curved sofa, wooden ceiling slats, round table, indoor plants, and large windows with blinds. A coastal painting hangs on the wall near an armchair.

Modern living room with a light gray sectional sofa, small tables, decorative pillows, wall-mounted TV, and large window with blinds, featuring wood ceiling panels and minimalist decor.

Modern living room with a light gray sectional sofa, assorted blue and brown pillows, a knit throw, small side table, and neutral wall paneling with a framed abstract artwork.

A modern living room features a wall-mounted flat-screen TV, geometric patterned accent wall, white cabinets, and minimalist decor with two vases and a small plant.

Modern bedroom with a gray upholstered bed, neutral bedding, a wooden nightstand with books and a plant, and soft lighting from a recessed ceiling and wall strip.

In the primary suite, issues get a little bit moodier with a luxe, open-plan retreat outfitted in tones of grey, textured surfaces, and a resort really feel. The toilet continues the grey shade palette with graphic tiles and polished finishes that really feel edgy however smooth.

Modern bedroom with neutral tones, a large bed with patterned bedding, wall art of ocean rocks, mirrored closet doors, wooden floors, and recessed ceiling lighting.

Modern bathroom with chevron-patterned flooring, a long upholstered bench, large mirror, glass shower enclosure, and minimalist sink area.

Modern shower with gray herringbone tile pattern, black rainfall showerhead, dual wall controls, built-in shelf, and frosted windows allowing natural light.

Modern bathroom with a large marble vanity, two sinks, a round mirror, and a rectangular mirror, set against gray chevron-patterned tiles and track lighting above.

For extra info on Karina Passarelli Arquitetura, verify her out on Instagram.

Pictures by Henrique Ribeiro.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in pictures from SCAD and may often be discovered trying to find classic wares, doing New York Occasions crossword puzzles in pen, or transforming playlists on Spotify.



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