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A Neoclassical Apartment Goes Contemporary

The 500 square meter (approx. 5381 square foot) AQH apartment in São Paulo, Brazil was designed by Coletivo Architects who were tasked with transforming a neoclassical apartment into a contemporary space. To achieve the result, they knocked walls down and reconfigured the layout so that the interior would have better flow.

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The homeowners wanted to live in a space where they could be living with art and nature, so the rooms are filled with designer pieces and artwork, as well as natural elements.

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Throughout the design, exposed concrete, limestone, stainless steel, and oak wood were used to create a cohesive and modern interior, just like the owners requested.

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A TV room can be closed off to watch movies while freeing up the larger living room when needed. A sliding wall disappears when they want the entire space opened up.

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The balcony was filled with greenery, including fruit trees and various plants giving the feeling of nature in the city.

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Photos by Rui Teixeira.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.