Rio retreat of 50 m² combines white, blue and wood in the décor

Signed by architects Ricardo Melo e Rodrigo Passos, from the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro roster, the design of this apartment of 50 m², located in Jardim Botânico (RJ), was conceived as a vacation residence for a couple from Minas Gerais, with one daughter, based in São Paulo. “They came to us through the recommendation of another client”, says Ricardo.

rojeto de Ricardo Melo e Rodrigo Passos. (Raiana Medina/CASACOR)

Purchased off-plan directly from the developer, the apartment received entirely new finishes, bespoke cabinetry, and décor, always with a focus on comfort and functionality. “The furniture curation prioritized comfortable, smaller-scale pieces, such as the sofa bed and light-wood furniture, which reinforce the lightness and beachy vibe of the project”, explains architect Ricardo Melo. “The color palette — composed of white, off-white, blue, and light wood — contributes to a serene, welcoming atmosphere, typical of a home for rest”, adds partner Rodrigo.

rojeto de Ricardo Melo e Rodrigo Passos. (Raiana Medina/CASACOR)

Among the clients’ main requests were efficient storage solutions and an open yet flexible layout, capable of accommodating the daughter’s bed, occasional guests, and the main bed. To meet this brief, the architects removed the wall that separated the living room from the bedroom and, in its place, installed articulated millwork panels that allow the projects to be integrated or isolated as needed. After the renovation, the apartment now features a living room with TV, integrated dining room and kitchen, a bedroom open to the social area — with the option to be closed off — and a bathroom with two entrances.

rojeto de Ricardo Melo e Rodrigo Passos. (Raiana Medina/CASACOR)

The project’s concept is based on creating a light, unpretentious atmosphere with beachy airs and a Carioca identity, reflecting Rio de Janeiro’s spirit of leisure and informality. In the living room, the highlight is the white and navy tile panel, signed by Coletivo MUDA, which functions as the focal point of the project. The décor follows a contemporary style, aligned with the proposed seasonal use.

rojeto de Ricardo Melo e Rodrigo Passos. (Raiana Medina/CASACOR)

“The main challenge was dealing with the bureaucracy to execute the work while the building was still under construction by the developer. From design, approval, and execution — including the finishing of the décor — it took six months”, concludes architect Ricardo Melo.