F.C.

Located in the iconic neighborhood of Copacabana, this 55 sq. m. apartment was designed to be the Rio “landing pad” for a French-Brazilian couple residing in Paris. Conceived through a completely remote process, the project sought to create a retreat that balances the practicality of a vacation rental with the warmth of a primary residence. The central concept, defined as Boho-tropical, celebrates the meeting of European sophistication and Rio’s sun-drenched soul. The architectural approach focused on restoring original elements—such as the Ipê hardwood parquet floors and classic plaster crown moldings—integrating them into a youthful, contemporary aesthetic rich in natural textures.

The floor plan was subtly adjusted to maximize natural light and the sense of spaciousness, highlighted by the visual integration between the living room and kitchen through a black metal-framed glass partition. In the kitchen, the technical precision of the alignments between the bespoke millwork and the brushed São Gabriel granite countertop creates a visual harmony that elevates the simplicity of the materials. In the bathroom, the layout was reconfigured to accommodate a washer-dryer, optimizing every available inch. The furniture selection blends handcrafted solid wood designer pieces with accessible online-curated finds, ensuring functionality and style within a balanced budget.

The apartment’s atmosphere is defined by a palette of greens and blues that dialogue with earthy and raw tones, evoking both freshness and coziness. The highlight of the social area is a hand-painted tropical mural by artist Luciana Willi, which eliminates the need for excessive decor while lending a unique personality to the space. In the bedroom, a wicker headboard and an open wardrobe rack reinforce the relaxed, laid-back style, while a strategically positioned mirror in the living room reflects the deep blue of the Copacabana sea. In this way, Estúdio Popa transformed a compact property into a place of memories and warmth, where smart design and respect for pre-existing elements create a genuinely Brazilian living experience.