In Goiânia, Ana Kília, founder of Abaru, transforms the interiors of a 316-square-meter home into a contemporary, welcoming space deeply connected to its residents’ daily lives
Casa Tempo was born from an unexpected opportunity: the possibility of transforming a residence that was still under construction into a truly personal home. Located in the Nova Suíça neighborhood of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, the 316-square-meter house was purchased by a couple in their 60s, who saw in the property an opportunity to finally create a space that reflected their current stage of life, their habits, and the way they wanted to welcome family and friends.
The architectural project was designed by André Luiz Nogueira. The interiors, customization of the residence, and furniture curation were developed by Ana Kília, architect and founder of Abaru, an architecture, interiors, and curation studio.
Because the house was still in the early stages of construction when it was purchased, Abaru was able to take an active role in the decisions that shaped the personality of the spaces. The work included redefining the interior layout, selecting finishes, designing countertops, developing the lighting plan, the gourmet area, custom cabinetry, furniture selection, and object curation.
“Our work was to look at an architectural project that was already underway and transform it into a home that reflected the residents’ identity. The intention was to create interiors that were welcoming and timeless and, above all, that made sense for their daily lives. A home to live in slowly and to be together.”
— Ana Kília, architect and founder of Abaru
Interiors Designed Around Daily Life
The original layout delivered by the contractor was reorganized to respond to the couple’s needs. In the social area, the living room, dining room, and kitchen form a spacious, integrated environment designed to encourage togetherness.
A natural cumaru wood slatted panel marks the entrance to the house while concealing a more private TV room, accompanied by a bathroom. The solution creates a subtle transition between the social areas and the more intimate spaces.
In the backyard, the swimming pool, gathering areas, and gourmet space are seamlessly connected. The annex, which had not yet been built when the residents purchased the property, was also developed as part of the project’s customization scope.
The landscaping was designed by Júlia Zveiter, a member of Abaru’s multidisciplinary team, reinforcing the connection between the interiors and the outdoor areas.
Contemporary Materiality
In the interiors, the selection of materials was guided by the desire to create a neutral, elegant, and welcoming foundation. The same 90 x 90 cm satin-finish Decortiles porcelain tile, by Eliane, was used throughout the house, ensuring continuity between the spaces.
In the open-plan kitchen, the countertops and high backsplash were executed in brushed Biancatto dolomitic marble. In the gourmet area, brushed Black São Gabriel granite adds durability and a deeper tone to the space.
The custom cabinetry combines Duratex’s Cumaru Raiz MDF with Beige Matt. At the entrance, the natural cumaru wood slatted panel adds texture and warmth to the space, while the travertine TV panel reinforces the presence of natural stone throughout the project.
The result is a contemporary interior that avoids excess and instead relies on the combination of wood, stone, neutral tones, and design pieces.
A Home Also Shaped by Objects
Curation played a particularly important role in the project. Throughout the process, the resident herself discovered that she had become a collector of design pieces and began selecting objects that are now part of the home’s identity.
In the living room, the Chuva Mirror by Leo Romano shares the spotlight with Sérgio Rodrigues’ Mole Armchair, which belongs to the client’s personal collection. The pendant lights in the dining room and open-plan kitchen were designed by Waldir Júnior.
The presence of these objects makes the interiors feel less like a finished composition and more like a home built over time — with pieces chosen by the people who actually live there.
“The curation of the objects happened in a very organic way. The client discovered design throughout the process and began building her own collection. To me, that is very special, because the project stops being only what the studio proposes and begins to incorporate the discoveries and choices of the person who lives in the house as well.”
— Ana Kília, architect and founder of Abaru
Details Designed for Everyday Life
The residents’ personalities also emerge through small, thoughtful solutions. On the staircase, glass doors were installed to restrict the dogs’ access when necessary, whether during cleaning or when they are hosting visitors who are afraid of animals.
At the entrance, the residents also chose to install an elevator, designed for use in emergency situations. It is a discreet feature that considers not only the present, but also the family’s future.
With three months dedicated to developing the interiors and customization and seven months of construction until completion, Casa Tempo embodies the idea expressed in its very name: a residence designed to embrace time, gatherings, and a new chapter in life.
More than simply creating rooms, the interior design project sought to build an atmosphere capable of accompanying the residents’ daily lives and welcoming what they value most — children, grandchildren, friends, dogs, and, above all, time to be together.
