Matisse Apartment is a minimalist apartment located in São Paulo, Brazil, designed by Gurgel D’Alfonso Arquitetura. This 360-square-meter residence in Moema’s leafy neighborhood underwent complete renovation by creative duo Caio D’Alfonso and Rogério Gurgel, redefining a 1990s layout once marked by sharp angles, varying levels, and heavy compartmentalization into spatial fluidity, natural light, and integrated living. With the arrival of their first child, the residents sought more space physically and emotionally, wanting a place to host friends comfortably, surround themselves with art, and preserve the warm atmosphere that defined their previous family home.
The project began by reimagining the apartment’s social core. Originally highly compartmentalized with isolated rooms typical of formal 1990s layout, the design reinterprets the three levels rather than erasing them completely, turning former barriers into fluid transitions. The steps, once rigid and purely functional, become broadened landings with curved contours marking subtle thresholds between spaces. This gentle gesture unfolds throughout, conceptually articulating different uses and encouraging more contemporary integrated life.
The same logic applies to walls where corners once orthogonal have been redrawn into soft arcs. Floor materiality carried into walls and ceilings reinforces visual continuity through monolithic off-white Monofloor finish with no visible joints providing neutral backdrop allowing furniture and artworks taking center stage. This choice proves both aesthetic and practical, designed to withstand demands of household with young child and dog while natural light enhancement occurs through strategic openings integrating spaces and employing brightness-reflecting materials.
The entrance hall emerging from elevator features monolithic texture enveloping all surfaces with marble bench illuminated from below inviting pause to sit, remove shoes, or set down bags. Above, circular soffit alludes to skylight while just beyond main door, marble totem reaffirms project’s sculptural intent. Custom-designed for the apartment, the piece serves as surface for small personal items like keys and wallets plus lamp base, partially suspended and partially supported by lower step exploring tension between weight and lightness creating unstable balance quiet yet charged with intention.
The living room centers around circular Botteh rug guiding furniture layout toward space heart fostering intimate conversations. The Zanini de Zanine C-Curvo sofa complements José Zanine Caldas Zanine N armchair pair, Sergio Rodrigues Magrini bench, Roberta Banqueri Vale armchair, and estudiobola Triz coffee table. This curated modern and contemporary Brazilian designer selection paired with natural materials like wood, stone, leather, and textured fabric mix alongside organic shapes conveys nuanced Brazilian spirit – homage to artisanal craftsmanship and sensory memory.
