Bossa Nova: A Cozy and Elegant Residential Apartment

An Interior Design Exhibition by David Guerra

To maximize the limited space of the 55m2 apartment, the dining, living, kitchen, and bedroom areas seamlessly integrate into a single space, sharing furniture and equipment. Despite the open layout, privacy and convenience are not compromised. Sliding doors can be used to close off the kitchen, while a leather-coated wall serves as a headboard and conceals the bathroom. The innovative revolving television can face the bed, kitchen, or couch, providing entertainment options for every corner of the apartment. The interior design of Bossa Nova is characterized by a unique mix of materials and colors, complemented by breathtaking views of a native forest.

The surfaces and furniture in Bossa Nova exhibit a striking combination of textures and colors. Natural and industrial elements, such as wood and glass, are juxtaposed, while shades of grey and dark blue contrast with vibrant hues of yellow, caramel, and green. A wooden table acts as a multifunctional piece, separating the living room from the bedroom and serving as a dining table, workspace, and cabinet. Reused leather blinds allow for ventilation of electronic equipment. The headboard panel, woven from recycled leather, conceals the bathroom and closet, while translucent glass separations allow natural light to permeate the space.

The layout of Bossa Nova is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The arrangement of furniture promotes continuous circulation, creating an illusion of a larger space. The entertainment center, equipped with speakers integrated into the wooden ceiling and a revolving television, can be controlled from tablets and smartphones. The kitchen can be left open, seamlessly integrating with the social area, or closed off with sliding glass doors to maintain a clean and minimalist aesthetic.

The Bossa Nova apartment is located in Sao Sebastiao das Aguas Claras, Brazil. The project commenced in August 2014 and was completed in November 2014. Extensive research was conducted to understand the needs and preferences of the target audience, as well as to explore the potential layouts and design choices that would optimize the limited space. The selection of materials played a crucial role in the design process, with a focus on incorporating a wide range of textures. For instance, the woven recycled leather used on the headboard panel was originally intended for handbags but was repurposed exclusively for this project.

Overcoming the challenges posed by the limited space, the design team successfully created an open and fluid layout that exudes a sense of lightness. The use of furniture with multiple functions and the division of the wood ceiling into plans of different heights helped differentiate the various areas. Additionally, a metallic pillar, which became visible after a wall was removed, was cleverly coated with a P.V.C. pipe, allowing it to serve as a duct for electric wires.

David Guerra's Bossa Nova design is a testament to his expertise in creating functional and visually captivating spaces. The apartment's open layout, rich mix of textures and colors, and integration of shared surfaces exemplify Guerra's commitment to delivering exceptional design solutions. With its seamless blend of functionality and elegance, Bossa Nova offers a unique living experience for the modern executive traveler.

Image Credits: Photographer Jomar Bragança, 2014

Awards and Accolades: Bossa Nova was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2015. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, evoking positive emotions and wonder.