Contemporary design and vintage pieces come together in this 361 m² apartment

Designing a house for a couple with three small children was an exciting challenge for architect Flávia Gerab El Tayar from the CASACOR São Paulo team: this 361 m² apartment in Vila Mariana (SP) required a balance between aesthetic sophistication and functionality. The starting point was a clear desire: to create a welcoming and inviting space where family life could happen freely, without barriers between adults and children.

Design contemporâneo e peças vintage se unem neste apê de 361 m² (Ruy Teixeira/CASACOR)

The property was delivered in its raw state and underwent a complete renovation that lasted about nine months. The office was responsible for the structural work – walls, plumbing, and air conditioning infrastructure, carried out in partnership with the construction company – and then took charge of all the electrical, finishing, and carpentry phases.

Design contemporâneo e peças vintage se unem neste apê de 361 m² (Ruy Teixeira/CASACOR)

The floor plan had already been personalized, and since the area was generous, the layout was well defined to accommodate the family's routine. The biggest challenge was to translate the varied tastes of the residents into an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that encouraged children to freely use the projects without compromising aesthetics.

Design contemporâneo e peças vintage se unem neste apê de 361 m² (Ruy Teixeira/CASACOR)

Carpentry was one of the major protagonists of the project, appearing strategically to organize the projects and bring comfort. The ceiling, for example, was designed to be continuous and without visual disruptions, with recessed lighting between lacquered wood slats. This solution allowed for subtle illumination integrated into the project, without interrupting the flow of the projects.

Design contemporâneo e peças vintage se unem neste apê de 361 m² (Ruy Teixeira/CASACOR)

The living room reflects this concept of integration. There is no rigid separation between the adult space and the children's area – everything coexists harmoniously. The sofa, the key piece of the space, was chosen precisely to allow this freedom: an Italian model, without a rigid structure, filled with feathers, where children can jump, play, and tumble. Aesthetics and comfort meet in this balance between sophisticated design and real life.

Design contemporâneo e peças vintage se unem neste apê de 361 m² (Ruy Teixeira/CASACOR)

Another highlight is the functional shelf. Breaking away from the conventional, it incorporates illuminated niches, an embedded marble piece, and small spaces for special pieces, such as objects brought from trips. Next to it, a white parchment door hides a multifunctional nook: initially planned as a pantry, the space ended up becoming a refuge for children's play, with toys organized in a discreet piece of furniture and an embedded television for entertainment moments.

Design contemporâneo e peças vintage se unem neste apê de 361 m² (Ruy Teixeira/CASACOR)

The couple’s previous apartment had been decorated ten years before, soon after their wedding. Over time, the children came – one, then another, and then another – and the space was adapted as the family's needs grew. It no longer represented that new phase of life and ended up being sold with everything inside, which made the restart easier. For the new home, only the sentimental objects and the books were brought, which helped compose the new atmosphere.

Design contemporâneo e peças vintage se unem neste apê de 361 m² (Ruy Teixeira/CASACOR)

The choice of furniture was a true curation, mixing pieces from different eras and styles. The project includes an exclusive brass bench, designed by architect Flávia Gerab especially for the house, two Jean Gillon chairs with history – coming from an old hotel –, an Etel sofa, a robust and comfortable Italian armchair for reading, as well as a Bebeto carpet, produced by a nomadic tribe. This intentional mix, combining contemporary design and vintage pieces, reinforces the unique personality of the space.

Design contemporâneo e peças vintage se unem neste apê de 361 m² (Ruy Teixeira/CASACOR)

The round table, with a rotating center, was designed to encourage family interaction. The neutral base of the project is complemented by striking details in the carpentry, creating a sophisticated but always functional atmosphere. The marble pillar, aligned with the wall and separated by a frieze, maintains the visual continuity of the project, highlighting the care in every stroke.

Design contemporâneo e peças vintage se unem neste apê de 361 m² (Ruy Teixeira/CASACOR)

In the bedrooms, each child has their own space, designed to grow with them. The boys have similar projects, while the daughter's room stands out for the crib. The master suite draws attention with the green tones that dominate the projects – from lacquer to fabrics and paint – creating an elegant and relaxing refuge.

Design contemporâneo e peças vintage se unem neste apê de 361 m² (Ruy Teixeira/CASACOR)

The decoration of the house also features carefully chosen artworks, such as a painting by artist Germana Monte-Mór, acquired at Galeria Estação and displayed in the dining room, and a polyptych by Luiz Martins, in the master suite, purchased directly from the artist.