Apartment in Ipanema unites Tom Ford, James Bond, and Jungle Style

With jungle style décor, iconic design pieces, and total integration of the projects, this apartment in Ipanema, designed by Andrea Duarte and decorated by Anna Malta - both from the cast of CASACOR Rio de Janeiro - underwent a radical renovation. The starting point was an audacious and unusual request from the owners: to create a property that combined the refinement of Tom Ford with the laid-back sophistication of James Bond, with a hint of carioca tropicalism.

The apartment belongs to a Franco-Norwegian couple who already owns properties in different countries, such as Morocco and Portugal, all designed for short-term rentals. "The idea was for the carioca property to have a strong appeal to foreigners, but at the same time reflect Rio's vibrant identity," explains Andrea.

The property of 115 square meters underwent a complete renovation that completely reinvented its spatiality. Originally, the layout was entirely compartmentalized: a suite, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a service area with dependencies. Dark and poorly functional, it did not meet the new demands. The clients' request was for more integration, natural light, and the creation of two suites. "It was practically a new apartment; we only kept the outer structure and the original ipê flooring in the living room and bedrooms," explains Andrea.

The kitchen was integrated into the social area, and the old bathroom serving the two bedrooms was replaced by a relaxed small room, with a foosball table that gained a wood paneling from the 1970s. One of the bedrooms was painted army green and the other a soft terracotta. The result: a lighter, airier, and more versatile apartment.

In the décor, a jungle style atmosphere: green is the predominant color and interacts with striking design pieces, such as the iconic Jangada armchair by Jean Gillon, upholstered in green leather. Art pieces, lighting fixtures, and wallpaper — many of them brought from Spain and other countries by the owners — reinforce the cosmopolitan vibe. By the way, the Norwegian owner — who loves gardening — insisted on planting the planters and pots scattered throughout the projects.

“We wanted the apartment to have personality but also be welcoming and sophisticated. A place where guests would feel they were living a unique experience in Rio,” Anna says.