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These classic design pieces reinvent themselves in contemporary projects

In contemporary projects, classic pieces add layers of meaning, enrich the visual narrative, and reaffirm the value of memory.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jul 31, 2025, 5:56 PM

08 min de leitura
Maurício Arruda - Coral House - Colors of the Park. CASACOR São Paulo 2025 project.

Maurício Arruda - Coral House - Colors of the Park. CASACOR São Paulo 2025 project. (Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio)

With their iconic shapes and remarkable stories, classic design pieces maintain a prestigious place even in projects dominated by minimalist lines, neutral colors, and cutting-edge technologies. They carry not only a distinctive aesthetic but also a creative legacy that inspires and provides identity to the spaces. In contemporary projects, these creations act as connection points between the past and the present, tradition and innovation.
Room Suna Reveev - Osvaldo Segundo & Associated Architects. Project of CASACOR Santa Catarina 2021.

Quarto Suna Reveev - Osvaldo Segundo & Arquitetos Associados. Projeto da CASACOR Santa Catarina 2021. (Fabio Jr. Severo/CASACOR)

Whether a chair signed by renowned names or a reissued vintage lamp, these pieces cross decades with versatility and remain relevant due to their functionality, comfort, and visual appeal. The secret lies in integrating them naturally, respecting contrasts, and highlighting their presence as protagonists or silent supporting actors, depending on the project's context.

Effects of classic pieces on decoration

Incorporating classic design pieces into decoration goes beyond aesthetic appreciation: it is a curatorial gesture. By choosing a piece of furniture or an object with history, the resident reveals intentions, values, and preferences that contribute to giving identity to the space. This decision has the power to impart depth to the project, even in projects with contemporary language or minimalist design.
Tufi Mousse Architecture - Casa Rumo. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

Tufi Mousse Arquitetura - Casa Rumo. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)

Moreover, these pieces serve as bridges between generations. They evoke memories, interact with different styles, and help build visual narratives that are not limited to the present. The effect is always more than visual: it is emotional, symbolic, and often affective.

Ideas for using classic design pieces naturally


Below, we have gathered some ways to incorporate these creations in a fluid and harmonious manner. Instead of "forced protagonisms", the proposal is to allow each piece to integrate into the space with lightness, personality, and intention.

Mix styles with balance


Combining classic design pieces with contemporary furniture can create interesting and sophisticated contrasts. Instead of creating a fully thematic project, opting for a mix of styles allows for freer and more expressive compositions. The key is to find a balance between proportions, textures, and colors.
casacor rio de janeiro 2021 rj projects decoration architecture exhibitions gisele taranto living mutante

Gisele Taranto Arquitetura – Living Mutante. Ambiente da CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2021. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

Create highlights


Positioning a classic piece in a strategic location — such as the entrance hall, the headboard of the bed, or the center of the room — can transform it into the focal point of the project. In these cases, less is more: just a single well-placed element to attract attention and create impact. This resource works especially well in neutral projects, where the piece stands out even more.
Round dining table; floor lamp; bookshelf in the background

Rosa May Sampaio - Vivendo o Infinito. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2022. (Renato Navarro/CASACOR)

Value the architectural context


Adapting the classic piece to the architectural context of the space is essential to ensure that it dialogues with the project. Taking into account the volumetry, natural lighting, and color palette of the space is a good starting point. Thus, the insertion of the piece occurs naturally, without appearing out of place or overly decorative.
Gabriel Fernandes - House of Novela. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

Gabriel Fernandes - Casa de Novela. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)

Use with purpose and affection


Classic design pieces have a strong presence, but that doesn't mean they need to be displayed as trophies. They can and should serve a function: a chair that embraces, a lamp that invites reading, a table that brings people together. When chosen with affection or inherited from someone dear, these pieces also carry symbolic layers that go beyond aesthetics.
320 m2 penthouse breathtaking view Pão de Açúcar Studio Layout Architecture decoration living room joinery armchair chaise oscar niemeyer sofa

Projeto de Studio Plano Arquitetura. (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estudio / Produção: Rodolfo Consoli/CASACOR)

Balance with art and personal objects


Integrating classic design pieces into a composition with works of art, photographs, or meaningful objects is a way to soften their presence and humanize the projects. The result is a space with more layers, revealing nuances and avoiding a showroom look.
Renzo Cerqueira - Hall Roots. CASACOR São Paulo 2025 Project.

Renzo Cerqueira - Hall Raízes. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Camila Santos/CASACOR)

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho. [abril-veja-tambem]W3siaWQiOjIwNDI2OCwidGl0bGUiOiJNaXggZGUgbHVtaW4mI3hFMTtyaWFzOiBwZW5kZW50ZXMsIGFiYWp1cmVzIGUgYXJhbmRlbGFzIG5vIG1lc21vIGFtYmllbnRlISJ9LHsiaWQiOjIwNDA0NCwidGl0bGUiOiIxMCBkaWNhcyBwYXJhIGVzY29saGVyIGEgY2FtYSBpZGVhbCBwYXJhIG8gc2V1IHF1YXJ0byJ9LHsiaWQiOjE4ODA0NCwidGl0bGUiOiIzNCB0YXBldGVzIHBhcmEgc2UgaW5zcGlyYXIgZSB1c2FyIGVtIGRpZmVyZW50ZXMgYW1iaWVudGVzIn1d