Project: São Paulo Home Revival
Architecture: Barbara Dundes
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Area: 160 m2
Year: 2025
Photo Credits: Fran Parente
São Paulo Home Revival: A Tapestry of Textures
Architect Barbara Dundes and civil engineer Marcelo Gelschyn completely transformed their São Paulo apartment in just eight months. Moreover, they blended contrasting materials and bespoke elements into a unified family retreat. Firstly, they reconfigured the floorplan—fully integrating the kitchen with the living area and adding a luxurious master ensuite—while emphasizing textural interplay throughout.
Sculptural Living Room Accents
Upon entering, you encounter an off-white shelf by Mada Marcenaria set against Protécnica’s textured walls. Furthermore, Armarinhos Teixeira’s sculpture punctuates the corner, and Percival Lafer’s boucle MP-97 armchair alongside a merino-wool Oficina do Tapete rug invites you to linger. Meanwhile, a walnut-veneer front door and a Mestre Leno bench introduce warm wood tones. Above all, Ascânio MMM’s artwork and Quaker’s wall fabric layer colour and pattern.
Integrated Kitchen and Dining Drama
In the kitchen, oak cabinetry and Neolith stone countertops pair with a sleek Pulsar hood, creating a modern focal point. Additionally, Barbara’s glass-topped table and Jayme Bernardo’s Kalós leather sofa face the stainless-steel 3 Rings coffee table by Estúdio Alva. Then, Jader Almeida’s Bank table and Jorge Zalszupin’s Del Rey chairs anchor the dining area beneath Gino Sarfatti’s 2065 pendant, infusing mid-century flair throughout.
Bespoke Joinery and Details
Barbara elevated every surface by wrapping cabinetry in Quaker fabric and designing the TV console. In addition, she added Galo Ferragens handles and Formica stainless-steel strips for subtle shine. Meanwhile, Ranieri Mármores’ travertine grigio marble bench and a Samlux Lighting stretched canvas enrich the hallway. Finally, Casa Roca’s Lacuna Roma coat rack provides sculptural function at the entry.
Serene Bedrooms and Spa-Like Baths
In the master bath, a Deca inset sink stands atop walnut-veneer cabinetry with Pino handles from Fato Objetos. Consequently, Portobello porcelain tiles create a seamless floor, while tauari wood planks from Akafloor warm every step. Moreover, the bedroom features a Quaker-upholstered bed and Codex Home textiles beneath Meia Lua sconces by Estúdio Orth and Marlene Stamm’s watercolors—all framed by a custom walnut panel and Barbara’s designed nightstands.
Through deliberate texture mixing—off-white plaster, warm woods, luxe fabrics, stone, and metal—this São Paulo Home Revival proves that thoughtful materiality and curated accents can transform a typical apartment into a richly layered retreat.
