Leandro Garcia Designs a Sociable Family Apartment on the Coast of Brazil

What makes an apartment a true getaway? For Leandro Garcia’s flat in Matinhos, just off the Paraná State coast in Brazil, the answer was embracing space. “We decided to integrate and expand the social areas,” of the 1,700-square-foot home, says Garcia, creating an emphasis on those areas the family shares.

 The team replaced entrance hall walls with an elegant bookcase featuring voids so light can penetrate between private rooms and laundry areas on one side and the living area on the other. The kitchen is signified only by a counter, to make room for socializing. The palette, largely white, is warmed by materials that remind one of the home’s location: Brazilian hardwoods including freijó and jequitibá, and furniture by local legends including Bernardo Figueiredo, Nicole Toldi, and Ana Penso.

“We wanted to be able to accommodate the whole family during their holidays,” says Garcia, “and at moments of celebration, leisure, and rest.” A pack of Girafa stools by Brazilian icon Lina Bo Bardi with Marcelo Ferraz and Marcelo Suzuki welcomes them, whatever the occasion.

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