In his first participation at CASACOR São Paulo 2025, architect Felipe Carolo presents “Studio Theodoro,” a 72m² dwelling that interprets the theme of the 38th edition, “Sowing Dreams,” through a playful experience filled with symbolism. The space, divided into three core concepts — dreaming, building, and realizing —from May 27 to August 3 at Parque da Água Branca, in São Paulo, weaving emotional, historical, and artistic references into the rational and emotional language of modernist design. The name “Theodoro,” a tribute to Carolo’s dog, symbolizes the emotional bond that ties the entire narrative of the project together.
The design concept follows the principles of the Bauhaus school, which advocated for the union of art, pure forms, craftsmanship, and functionality, along with the ideals of brazilian modernism, which sought integration with nature and the recovery of an authentic cultural identity. The entire project is composed of rounded porticos, where the curves serve as an invitation to the fluidity of the narrative being constructed.
The journey begins with the dreaming core, where the first steps toward building and realizing are envisioned. Right at the entrance, visitors are welcomed by a home office with a strong modernist presence. The rug, designed in collaboration with Punto e Filo, combines earthy tones and geometric shapes—elements typical of the Bauhaus—reinforcing a timeless aesthetic. The composition is completed by a winter garden that connects to the living area, where flowing curtains frame the building’s original windows and a central shelving unit displays sentimental objects curated with care.
The living area is a tribute to the 1970s—a decade that inspired the space’s color palette and furniture selection. Shades of green, yellow, brown, and blue evoke the atmosphere of the film “’I’m Still Here”, reviving an aesthetic rich in emotional memory. The Mantas sofa in greenish-gray suede by Joaquim Tenreiro, from Etel; the rounded porticos clad in Formica® in the Ovo Top Matte finish; the PK22 armchair by Poul Kjærholm from Fritz Hansen, represented by Atec; and other design objects all reinforce the idea of a warm, uncomplicated lifestyle. Beside the sofa, a work by Higo José from Galeria Estação continues the established narrative and pays homage to Indigenous peoples. Every piece was carefully selected with attention to detail, aiming to tell a story and give deeper meaning to the space.
Next, the kitchen and dining area follow the same design concept as the rest of the project. The countertop stands out as it frames the large window, connecting the hazelnut-toned cabinetry—also by Formica®—to artworks that reflect the space’s color palette and visual language. This way, the core known as “building” comes to life, weaving together one of the project’s main concepts. The table, crafted by artisan Rossana Gobbi from Ateliê Azzurro, is paired with Palhinha chairs by Branco e Preto, the armchair version of the Cesca chair, and the Eames Walnut Stool bench—all designed to create a welcoming space that invites lingering and encourages relaxed, enjoyable interaction. Beside the dining table, slightly off-center, a sculptural light fixture by Patricia Faragone complements the pendant lamps and the 1970s-inspired orange-toned palette, connecting every area through the unique language of art and refinement.
Concluding the journey, visitors arrive at the “realizing” core—a place where dreams come to rest and ultimately take shape. This suite is designed to quiet the mind and allow new ideas to emerge, offering a more refined and balanced atmosphere. The headboard is fully clad in Formica® Steel Grey, bringing a distinctive metallic sheen and texture. The chandelier by Bomma, represented by FAS, and the rug echo the same earthy tones used in the living area, creating a sense of continuity and warmth. Watercolor paintings by Antonio Ferreira Junior, with their organic forms, reinforce the minimalist and curvilinear aesthetic, while a screen inspired by muxarabis—reinterpreted with circular perforations that filter the light and suggest visual permeability—gently separates the bedroom from the bathroom with lightness and grace.
In the bathroom, a retro-inspired bathtub takes center stage, with a sculpture underneath—the Móbile by Maciço Mobile—bringing art into moments of absolute relaxation. The space also features nostalgic-style mirrors and a countertop with an integrated garden, introducing greenery in an elegant way while preserving the sensitive and sophisticated language that permeates the entire environment.
Team:
Architects: Felipe Carolo Arquitetura
Studio Clariça Lima: Landscaping
Kawano Engenharia: Engineering, electrical and painting
Gessos Farias plaster ceiling
Manuela Figueiredo: Production
LZBR" Video and Content
Photographer: MCA Estúdio - Denilson Machado
Materials Used:
Formica® Formica
See Planejados Woodwork
Casa Picolo Quilted bedspread Bed
Punto e Filo Carpets
Normandao Estruturas Metálica Frame Restoration
Clarium Vidros Dining table
Blinkie Iluminação Technical luminaires
VFworks Camera system and network
Impactos Pisos Wooden floor restoration (wood floors)
Estudio Maciço Mobile by Eugenio Vojkovic
FAS iluminação Decorative lamps
Atec original design PK22 Armchair and Eames Walnut Stool
Studio Sabrina Najar Arte Press Kit
Doka bath works Bathtub and tray (accessory)
Severino Vidros New glass windows and mirrors
Caran Concept (Hunter Douglas) Curtains
Antonio Ferreira Júnior Works of Art
Estúdio Dentro Bedside tables, fruit and fruit bowl
Estúdio Heloisa Galvão Ceramic tableware and decorative objects
Apartamento 61 Guaruja table and 50s bedside table
Galeria Estação Works of Art
Ask The Mask Sofa cushions
Patricia Faragone (BS Gallery) Dining Chandelier and Glass Object
Dpot Objetos Decorative Objects
Verniz Bench, objects and sculptures
Etel Design Joaqueim Tenreiro Sofa, 7 Zanine Chair and Straw Chair
Conko Decorative Vases
Nie Atelier Botanical Installation and Arrangements
Trousseau Towel
Iludi Design Decorative wooden pieces
Marche Art De Vie Decorative Objects
Antiquário Maria Jovem Telephone 1960
Cristaleria nacional Glasses, Crystals and Vases
J.Boggo Shirt and Sneakers
Atelier Azzurro Dining table
AD.Studio por paloma Danemberg Support bench, and magazine rack
Casa Teo Vintage, bench and decorative objects
Alya Candlesticks and Candles
Dominici (La Lamp) Office Vintage lamp, dec. 70
Mateus Mudat Sculpture
