Project: Ricardo Home
Architecture: StudioVA Arquitetos
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Area: 120 m2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: João Paulo Prado
Bringing urban aesthetics indoors and fostering integrated spaces ideal for hosting friends and family were the main goals for Ricardo Home. Located in São Paulo, this 120-square-meter apartment underwent a thoughtful renovation led by architect Vinicius Almeida, principal at StudioVA Arquitetos.
A Personal Sanctuary for a Frequent Traveler
The owner, a young professional with a demanding travel schedule, sought a home that would serve as an anchor amidst his frequent comings and goings. Therefore, the design prioritizes warmth, functionality, and a seamless connection between spaces.
An Open and Integrated Social Area
A major transformation involved removing the wall that once separated the living room from the kitchen. As a result, the social area gained a sense of fluidity. The exposed concrete beam, retained and restored, adds an industrial touch while preserving the apartment’s history. Additionally, the differentiation between the two areas is subtly marked by flooring choices: the living room retains its original wooden flooring, while the kitchen features gray porcelain tiles, reflecting the concrete structure’s aesthetic.
The living room extends onto the balcony through the original, restored window frames, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Moreover, a custom-designed zigzag bookshelf spans the entire length of the wall, symbolizing the resident’s movement and housing books and keepsakes from his travels. Opposite, a suspended wooden unit enhances the space’s openness, providing storage while maintaining a light and airy feel.
Thoughtfully Curated Interiors
The living area features a modular sofa with flexible configurations, paired with two Astor armchairs by Brazilian designer Fernando Jaeger and the Torre bench—a custom design by Vinicius Almeida in 2024, crafted using CNC wood cuts. Furthermore, a rug from Punto e Filo, featuring organic patterns, ties the elements together harmoniously.
In the entrance hall, a custom bar unit with a frosted glass base and internal illumination elevates the ambiance. Likewise, the dining room features a wooden panel that contrasts with the surrounding white walls, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. A painting by Brazilian visual artist Heway Verçosa adorns this space, adding character and depth.
A Sleek and Functional Kitchen
The kitchen, fully integrated into the living areas, is designed with lower cabinets in wood and upper cabinets in a refined bluish-green Formica. The porcelain sink countertop (Bleu de Savoie, Portobello) extends seamlessly into the backsplash, emphasizing the material’s stone-like veining. On the opposite side, concealed panels hide appliances, maintaining a sleek and uncluttered look. Consequently, the kitchen remains both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
A Cozy and Cohesive Private Wing
The original wooden flooring continues into the private quarters, reinforcing the apartment’s visual continuity. Similarly, the bedroom features a wood-paneled headboard and matching closet finishes, emphasizing comfort and tranquility.
In the bathroom, grayish porcelain surfaces extend across the countertop and the newly installed shower bench. Additionally, a mid-height protrusion in the shower wall serves as a shelf for bath products, combining style and practicality. The floor-mounted sink, custom-designed by the architect and crafted from São Gabriel granite, serves as a striking focal point.
A Harmonious Blend of Comfort and Urban Aesthetics
Ricardo Home by StudioVA Arquitetos perfectly balances contemporary design with personal expression. Ultimately, through carefully curated materials, integrated spaces, and bespoke details, this apartment becomes both a retreat and a reflection of its owner’s dynamic lifestyle.
