A Havaianas Designer's 800 sq. ft. Home in Brazil: Inspired by Mexico's Hotels

Inspired by the stylish hotels of Tulum, Mexico, architect Letícia Marchizelli designed a warm and inviting duplex penthouse in São Paulo, Brazil, for a Havaianas fashion designer.

Located in the Perdizes region, this 800-square-foot retreat is a serene oasis. A calming color palette and natural elements come together to create a peaceful ambiance. This thoughtful design reflects the designer's personal style and fuels her creative inspiration.

The project's genesis is a testament to the power of social media. The architect shared her experience of a visit to a São Paulo furniture store on Instagram. By chance, the client, who followed her on the platform, stumbled upon the post and began to explore her page further. What started as a casual social media post blossomed into a professional opportunity and a lasting friendship.

The duplex presented a complex challenge. The previous owner had merged the apartment below to create a triplex, resulting in a convoluted layout. A comprehensive renovation was long overdue to address the structural and closure issues. A crucial first step was to restore the staircase to its original position, which involved reinforcing the access slab. Additionally, the architect reduced the excessive lining to a more reasonable size, paving the way for a transformed space.

On the first floor was a peculiar "tooth"-like step installed by the previous resident that reduced the ceiling height. Letícia removed it to make the home feel more spacious and level the spaces. To create a sense of warmth and cohesion, a single flooring material - the Battuto SGR Nat porcelain tile from Portinari - now covers the entire space. This unifying element extends to the pool area, replacing the original wooden deck, uniting the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The cramped and enclosed kitchen underwent a transformation, resulting in a more open and seamless layout. A built-in dining bench adjacent to the island table encouraged increased interaction in various corners of the space.

To infuse a burst of colour into the room, the client kept her mustard sofa. A noteworthy feature in this home is a painting by Shepard Fairey, a renowned contemporary street artist in the United States. Signed by the artist himself, the client received this artwork as a gift from her brother. Another sentimental piece is an armchair custom made by the client's father, a curious engineer with a penchant for taking risks.

The architect crafted a multifunctional workspace that fits a sewing machine, a dedicated drawing table, a computer desk, with ample room for extra elements like mannequins. To capitalise on the stunning city and pool views, the worktable is placed in front of the window.

In addition to her profession as a stylist, the client is an avid surfer, and she desired her apartment to embody a beach-inspired aesthetic that reflects her passion for the sport. As a thoughtful finishing touch, a surfboard was mounted on the staircase wall, capturing her dual passions.