With touches of maximalism, a 60 m² apartment becomes a vacation retreat in Rio

Located in Leblon (RJ), this apartment of 60 m² underwent a complete renovation designed by architects Ricardo Melo and Rodrigo Passos, from the cast of CASACOR Rio de Janeiro. Acquired by a couple from Minas Gerais, long-time clients of the firm who became friends of the professionals, the property — old and lacking charm — was entirely transformed to serve as a vacation and weekend retreat in Rio de Janeiro.

The new layout met the main requests of the new owners: integration of the kitchen with the living room, creation of a service area with a restroom in the space of the old balcony, and a large enough living room to accommodate a dining table for the two adult children - both married and with their own apartments in Rio de Janeiro. The project was also designed to offer generous storage solutions, accommodating everything from bed linens to sophisticated kitchen appliances. "The design was created to give the projects a joyful and casual atmosphere," summarizes Ricardo.

The neutral and light color palette, with white walls and ceilings, serves as a base for the vibrant colors of adornments, furniture, and artworks. In the entrance hall, a red painting by Osvaldo Carvalho stands out; behind the sofa, a trio of small paintings by Katia Willie; next to the dining table, circular works by Selma Andrade; and in the bedroom, a pair of paintings by Manuel Carvalho, accompanied by the Ghost pendant lights by Jader Almeida. The projects also received a low cabinet under the window, featuring a natural stone top.

In the curation of signed design furniture, the social area brings together standout pieces, such as the Icon shelf, the Jardim side table, and the Mia dining chairs by Jader Almeida; the Combak rocking chair by Patricia Urquiola for Kartell; the AP sideboard by Alva Design. The set is complemented by the black oxidized Reloaded rug and a dining table, custom-designed by the architects in natural stone, which appears to float by resting on one side on the mirrored column and, on the other, on the edge of the kitchen counter.

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In the bathrooms, the contrast between green stones - Verde Guatemala marble in the restroom and Emerald Green quartzite in the suite - and retro-inspired ceramic tiles ensures a unique identity.

With a contemporary maximalist style, the work was completed in six months, including the finishing touches on the decoration. "The biggest challenge was transforming the balcony into a service area, as it needed to be covered. There was significant resistance from the condominium, but fortunately we managed to reach an agreement," concludes Ricardo Melo.