In Ipanema, a 1960s apartment becomes a contemporary family retreat traduzido por: OPENROUTER

Located in the heart of Ipanema, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, this apartment of 180 m² carries the light and laid-back soul of the carioca lifestyle. Designed by PN+ | Paula Neder, from the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro roster, the property — a typical example of 1960s architecture — underwent a complete redesign to translate the identity and routine of its residents: a couple of dentists and their three sons, currently aged between 11 and 18.

Projeto de PN+ | Paula Neder. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)

The clients learned about Paula's work through a commercial project developed for a family clinic. The enchantment with the result was immediate, which led them to commission, first, the design of their own dental clinic and, subsequently, the design of their new home. Although the property had already undergone a renovation about a decade ago, it had never achieved the atmosphere desired by the family, who love hosting friends and asked for more welcoming, elegant, and connected spaces.

Projeto de PN+ | Paula Neder. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)

Without changing the original floor plan, the intervention focused on aesthetic renewal and the creation of highly functional custom-made cabinetry. To accommodate the residents' routine, the work was divided into two stages: the first covered the private wing (bedrooms and bathrooms of the suites), while the second was dedicated to the social area and the powder room — leaving the kitchen for a future moment.

Projeto de PN+ | Paula Neder. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)

In the social area, the layout was designed to fluidly accommodate multiple functions. The great challenge of integrating living, dining, reading, and home office without cluttering the visuals was solved by replacing an old, robust bookcase with a low slatted rack and a single linear shelf. The change significantly expanded the sense of space and the entry of natural light.

Projeto de PN+ | Paula Neder. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)

The color palette reflects the proximity to the sea: the light and neutral architectural base gains freshness with shades of blue and green. In the furniture, pieces from the family's sentimental collection were given new life, such as the L-shaped sofa, reupholstered in light blue twill, and the dining table. They now harmoniously dialogue with icons of contemporary Brazilian design and significant works of art, signed by names such as Mai-Britt Wolthers, Duke Capellão, Yasmin Guimarães, Carolina Martinez and Isabel Becker.

Projeto de PN+ | Paula Neder. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)

Next to the home office desk, the iconic Mole armchair by Sergio Rodrigues steals the show, while the dining chairs with cane seats reinforce the Brazilian character of the projects. The highlight of the dining room is the tile panel by Coletivo MUDA, which evokes the Rio de Janeiro skyline.

Projeto de PN+ | Paula Neder. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)

The custom woodwork acts as the guiding thread for the apartment's visual unity: in the living room, the combination of white lacquer and European oak stands out; in the master suite, the choice was off-white lacquer and oak; while in the children's bedrooms, the wood is paired with the robust presence of gray and black MDF. The original porcelain tile flooring was kept, ensuring the practicality that a beach apartment demands.

traduzido por: OPENROUTER