Inspired by the stylish hotels of Tulum, Mexico, architect Letícia Marchizelli designed a warm and inviting duplex penthouse in São Paulo, Brazil, for a Havaianas fashion designer.
![A Havaianas Designer's 800 sq. ft. Home in Brazil: Inspired by Mexico's Hotels](http://img.homejournal.com/202405/665453434b2d1.jpg)
Located in the Perdizes region, this 800-square-foot retreat is a serene oasis. A calming color palette and natural elements come together to create a peaceful ambiance. This thoughtful design reflects the designer's personal style and fuels her creative inspiration.
![A Havaianas Designer's 800 sq. ft. Home in Brazil: Inspired by Mexico's Hotels](http://img.homejournal.com/202405/665454e192e10.jpg)
The project's genesis is a testament to the power of social media. The architect shared her experience of a visit to a São Paulo furniture store on Instagram. By chance, the client, who followed her on the platform, stumbled upon the post and began to explore her page further. What started as a casual social media post blossomed into a professional opportunity and a lasting friendship.
![A Havaianas Designer's 800 sq. ft. Home in Brazil: Inspired by Mexico's Hotels](http://img.homejournal.com/202405/6654564326c07.jpg)
The duplex presented a complex challenge. The previous owner had merged the apartment below to create a triplex, resulting in a convoluted layout. A comprehensive renovation was long overdue to address the structural and closure issues. A crucial first step was to restore the staircase to its original position, which involved reinforcing the access slab. Additionally, the architect reduced the excessive lining to a more reasonable size, paving the way for a transformed space.
![A Havaianas Designer's 800 sq. ft. Home in Brazil: Inspired by Mexico's Hotels](http://img.homejournal.com/202405/66545657dbac2.jpg)
On the first floor was a peculiar "tooth"-like step installed by the previous resident that reduced the ceiling height. Letícia removed it to make the home feel more spacious and level the spaces. To create a sense of warmth and cohesion, a single flooring material - the Battuto SGR Nat porcelain tile from Portinari - now covers the entire space. This unifying element extends to the pool area, replacing the original wooden deck, uniting the indoor and outdoor spaces.
![A Havaianas Designer's 800 sq. ft. Home in Brazil: Inspired by Mexico's Hotels](http://img.homejournal.com/202405/665456c66a4a2.jpg)
The cramped and enclosed kitchen underwent a transformation, resulting in a more open and seamless layout. A built-in dining bench adjacent to the island table encouraged increased interaction in various corners of the space.
To infuse a burst of colour into the room, the client kept her mustard sofa. A noteworthy feature in this home is a painting by Shepard Fairey, a renowned contemporary street artist in the United States. Signed by the artist himself, the client received this artwork as a gift from her brother. Another sentimental piece is an armchair custom made by the client's father, a curious engineer with a penchant for taking risks.
![A Havaianas Designer's 800 sq. ft. Home in Brazil: Inspired by Mexico's Hotels](http://img.homejournal.com/202405/665459cc653cb.jpg)
The architect crafted a multifunctional workspace that fits a sewing machine, a dedicated drawing table, a computer desk, with ample room for extra elements like mannequins. To capitalise on the stunning city and pool views, the worktable is placed in front of the window.
![A Havaianas Designer's 800 sq. ft. Home in Brazil: Inspired by Mexico's Hotels](http://img.homejournal.com/202405/66545b2c9ab3c.jpg)
In addition to her profession as a stylist, the client is an avid surfer, and she desired her apartment to embody a beach-inspired aesthetic that reflects her passion for the sport. As a thoughtful finishing touch, a surfboard was mounted on the staircase wall, capturing her dual passions.