Art curation and integration set the tone for this 380 m² apartment

Designed by architect Cristina Côrtes, from the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro roster, the renovation of this apartment of 380 m², located in Barra da Tijuca, in Rio de Janeiro, encompassed the entire social area — including the powder room — and the primary suite, totaling 153 m² renovated. The project started from the need to align the projects with the residents’ routine and profile: the art producer Deborah Montenegro, her husband, Paulo Amorim, and the couple’s daughter, who is currently studying in Paris.

Projeto de Cristina Cortes. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Although the family already lived in the property, the original layout of the social area did not reflect how the spaces were used, especially when hosting friends — a recurring practice, driven by the resident’s love of cooking.

Projeto de Cristina Cortes. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

As a central element of conviviality, the reclaimed-wood dining table had an ergonomics issue that compromised comfort. The solution came with a precise redesign: the leg height was adjusted, making it more pleasant to use. In the new arrangement, the table — now paired with the Anna chairs by Jader Almeida — was moved to the balcony, which was integrated into the living room. The space also received a serving counter with a pizza oven, reinforcing its vocation for hosting.

Projeto de Cristina Cortes. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

For everyday meals, a more intimate and functional area was created near the kitchen, with a round table by StudioSette7, Tião chairs by Sergio Rodrigues, and the Random Light II pendant by Moooi, designed by Bertjan Pot. A suspended bar by Paulo Alves and a sideboard by Gisela Simas complete the composition. “With this reorganization, the entire social area began to function in an integrated, fluid way, while the TV room was moved to the former dining room space, ensuring more tranquility for those who want to watch television,” the architect explains.

Projeto de Cristina Cortes. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

The gray porcelain floor was preserved, as was the existing bookcase, which received a new gray lacquer finish. To bring warmth and highlight the residents’ art collection — with works by Gonçalo Ivo, Luiz Áquila, Marcelo Catalano, and a lithograph by Salvador Dalí — the walls were clad with natural freijó wood veneer panels, creating a neutral, elegant backdrop.

Projeto de Cristina Cortes. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Two iconic pieces by Sergio Rodrigues, already part of the home’s collection, were incorporated into the new layout: the Mole armchair gained the company of an ottoman from the same line, the Mocho stool, and the Memory floor lamp by Jader Almeida, creating a cozy reading nook by the bookcase, while the Diz armchair received a second piece to form a pair and complete the composition of the seating area.

Projeto de Cristina Cortes. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

In this same space, the Sampa sofa by Roberta Banqueri — acquired especially for the project — stands out for its comfort and elegant design, as well as the multifunctional backrest, which can be used as extra seating on party days. The Fit coffee tables by Fabio Stal complement the set. The project also repurposed two existing sofas, which were reupholstered and relocated to the former balcony space (now flanked by two Taguaiba armchairs by Carlos Motta) and to the TV room, reinforcing a sustainable approach to the project.

Projeto de Cristina Cortes. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

In the primary suite, the balcony was integrated into the bedroom to create a workspace aligned with the resident’s professional routine. The project houses a Saarinen table — which was about to be discarded and was restored — as well as a shelf with books and travel mementos, the backdrop for frequent online meetings with her team. The bathroom underwent a complete renovation and gained a vanity corner, designed for daily care with comfort and practicality.

Projeto de Cristina Cortes. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Another project that deserves attention is the powder room, which gained personality with the choice of a red wallpaper, responsible for bringing color and breaking with the neutrality of the previous decor.