Waking up every day with spectacular views towards the sea is not a dream, it is the reality of a couple living in Recife, Brazil. A space of 405 square meters full of art and design.

Contemporary and sophisticated: these are two adjectives that perfectly define the home of a couple who needed to start a new life. Today they are the happy grandparents of several grandchildren but they live alone. From the first moment, the owners of this space were very clear to whom they would commission the reform, they knew and admired the work of the Santos & Santos Arquitetura team. They are united by a very long relationship: they had designed their beach house, their previous apartment and their children’s apartment. With such confidence, communication between designers and clients was very easy.

Telma, the owner, had a fairly clear idea of ​​what she wanted and Jaime, her husband, followed her throughout the process. However, Zezinho Santos – one of the founders of the study – assures that the couple gave them freedom to give life to the space. “We proposed things to Telma and he said yes or no”. For example, the Murano chandelier that adorns the room was a piece that the designers found at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, the couple acquired it immediately.

The structure of the building had to be reinforced in order to place this heavy piece. In addition, to accentuate the impression that it is floating, the Brazilians decided to place the lamp on a mirror surface.

The owners have a very dynamic lifestyle, so the organization of the spaces needed a comprehensive reform. To make the master bedroom more spacious, the layout of the rooms was changed. The kitchen and the service area were also transformed.

The use of Calacatta marble or the elements made to measure provide a high level of sophistication to the apartment, which becomes the ideal place to highlight exceptional pieces and works of art. “Owners like the feeling of walking without shoes on the cool marble floor,” says Zezinho Santos.

Antiques blend perfectly with contemporary furniture from international brands such as Ligne Roset and Moroso. Pastel shades, both on the walls and furniture, create a soft color palette. The owners were afraid of easily getting tired of bright colors.

Lighting, home automation – all technological elements such as the security system – and air conditioning have also been created by the Santos & Santos Arquitetura team. The lamps are by Light Design, the Bontempo locker rooms, except the one in the master bedroom that is custom made by Ornare.

Each corner of the apartment gives off energy and serenity at the same time, two sensations that characterize the new life of the owners.