Wooden panel frames the kitchen of an apartment designed by Mar Arquitetura

The couple, a Brazilian man and a Portuguese woman, live in Cascais (Portugal), but visit Rio de Janeiro frequently. Therefore, the idea for the 90 m² apartment they own in Leblon was to have a cozy and functional place to stay. The modern, comfortable project, with a more contemporary design and many pieces signed by Brazilian designers, such as Guilherme Wentz, Gustavo Bittencourt and Prototype , in addition to icons such as Ingo Maurer , is signed by the Mar Arquitetura office, formed by Alexia Carvalho and Maria Juliana Galvão , from the CASACOR Rio de Janeiro cast. "From the beginning, the couple was looking for something that represented the spirit of their travels and the Brazilian style . Therefore, we prioritized elements that would bring this personal touch and, at the same time, the comfort they so desired in a home", says Maria Juliana. The apartment’s neutral base was maintained and the owners opted for porcelain flooring. “To add more charm and warmth to the space, we suggested installing a large wooden panel throughout the living area that frames the kitchen and the modern appliances with a clean design . Seeking to create a sense of continuity, we used the same wood from the living room in the kitchen and utility area cabinets,” says Alexia.

The couple really wanted to have a cozy home theater in the living room . So, the solution was to do away with the traditional rack under the TV, which ensured freer circulation between the living room and the balcony. The niche built into the panel accommodates the equipment discreetly, while the coffee table and the sofa with a knitted backrest and iron structure add charm to the space. The first bedroom was designed to serve as an office and accommodate guests and has a functional closet and a retractable sofa. In the master suite, the closet made of perforated sheet metal was designed to not reduce the space, while a moss green wall adds a youthful and sophisticated touch. In the office , the creation of a beveled countertop that integrates with the opening of the cabinet doors did not compromise circulation and created a freer area. "Our biggest challenge was dealing with the original floor plan and its irregular angles. We opted for personalized solutions, such as custom-made furniture, which not only optimizes the space but also provides a cleaner finish that is consistent with the overall aesthetics of the home," concludes Alexia.