In just 29m², this apartment in Brooklin, São Paulo, demonstrates how color can take center stage in shaping a space. Designed by Carolina Castilho and Marianna Teixeira of the Brazilian studio Freijó Arquitetura, the project was conceived for short-term rentals, with blue as the central element connecting aesthetics, functionality and experience.

From the outset, the goal was to create an atmosphere that blends the comfort of a boutique hotel with the practicality of a home. The clients, a couple who had previously worked with the architects, granted full creative freedom, with only a few requests: a full-size refrigerator, a washing machine and a design that would leave a lasting impression on guests. This is how blue emerged as the guiding thread of the project, flowing through every space to build an identity that is both emotional and visual.
The apartment, newly delivered by the developer, came with a layout that required a complete rethink. The solution was to maintain the door separating the balcony from the interior, relocating the kitchen and living area to that space, while the interior was dedicated to the private zone, comprising the entryway, bathroom and bedroom. This reconfiguration ensures fluidity, good circulation and independence between spaces, essential for accommodating up to three guests.

The experience begins upon arrival. The entryway, conceived as a "cocoon", guides visitors toward the light, creating a transition that enhances the perception of space and reinforces a sense of welcome, further amplified by the continuity of blue throughout the apartment.
Cabinetry plays a key role in the project, enabling efficient storage solutions while reinforcing the visual language. On the balcony, the blue arch stands out as the project's defining feature. With integrated lighting, it wraps around the sofa designed by the architects themselves, creating a setting that combines comfort with a strong visual identity.
In the bathroom, blue takes on a transformative role. Applied throughout the entire space, the blue paint completely redefines the original developer finish. Combined with new lighting and custom cabinetry, the intervention transforms the environment without requiring major structural work.

To balance the intensity of the palette, the project incorporates oak MDF in a natural finish, adding warmth and contrast while enhancing the sense of comfort.
According to the architects, the main challenge was to accommodate all functions within a compact footprint without compromising comfort or flow. In this context, blue is not merely an aesthetic choice, but a design strategy, unifying spaces, enhancing spatial perception and creating a distinctive identity. Among all elements, the blue arch on the balcony best encapsulates this approach, a focal point that introduces a playful and romantic character while dialoguing with the predominantly straight lines found throughout the rest of the apartment.

Team:

Architects: Freijó Arquitetura

Photographer: Mariana Camargo 

Materials Used:

Cabinetry: ProForma Marcenaria 
Paint: Coral 
Flooring: Eliane
Mirror: Casavee
Kitchen Table: Meu marido Marceneiro  
Artwork: TokStok 
Cork Board: Freijó Arquitetura   
Décor: Casa FJÓ and personal items from the owners