Apartamento Orla: A Travel-Inspired Sanctuary by INSPIRA Conceito e Design in Mata da Praia, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Apartamento Orla is a heartfelt reflection of its inhabitants designed by INSPIRA conceito e design —a couple with a passion for travel, art, and meaningful design. Created with a strong emphasis on storytelling and personal expression, this project balances contemporary aesthetics with layers of intimacy. Below, the design studio shares insights into how the space came to life and how every detail, from custom shelving to ceiling textures, contributes to a rich and resonant home experience.
photography by Caio cesar, published with bowerbird
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How did the concept for Apartamento Orla emerge, and in what ways did the family’s lifestyle—especially their love for travel—influence the design direction?
At our studio, we deeply believe that the identity of the client is the soul of the project. We always seek to thoroughly understand who they are in order to create a space that resonates with their lifestyle. In our very first meeting, the couple told us how much they loved to travel and how they dreamed of having a dedicated place in the living room to showcase the memories they’ve collected from their trips. That desire became a major guiding point in the design direction. We chose a neutral base for the finishes, allowing these colorful and eclectic travel pieces to take center stage in the decor. Since these mementos are constantly being added to over time, a neutral backdrop ensures that nothing ever competes with the items they already own or may collect in the future.
The living room features a striking shelf for travel mementos. Can you share more about how this piece was conceived and its role in shaping the visual identity of the home?
The couple wanted a standout piece in the living room to display the travel memories that had previously been tucked away, hidden in their former apartment. They envisioned a space where these keepsakes could be part of their everyday life, reminding them of all the incredible experiences they’ve had. This idea became the heart of the project—creating a central element that would frame these objects as if they were part of a playful and personal exhibition. We designed a large shelving unit with niches in various sizes to accommodate different shapes and dimensions—some tall, some wide—adding both flexibility and rhythm to the composition. A few of these niches feature woven cane doors, allowing them to store personal items they’d prefer to keep out of sight while maintaining the same visual language.
Brazilian design icons, such as the Mole armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, are subtly integrated into the space. What guided your selection of these signature pieces?
Whenever possible, we love to highlight Brazilian design in our projects. Often, this involves introducing clients to the stories and legacies behind these iconic designers to foster appreciation. But in this case, it wasn’t necessary—the Mole armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues was already a dream piece for the client. So we gave it a special place in the home, right at the entrance, paired with a rug by Henning Kunow that resembles an abstract painting. It set the tone for the rest of the apartment: authentic, artistic, and full of personality.
There’s a strong narrative thread in the use of art and custom furniture throughout the apartment. How do these elements contribute to the personality of the project?
The clients are true art and design lovers. They already owned a collection of pieces that were rich in character and deeply personal, telling the story of who they are as a couple. Our role was to create a neutral foundation that would allow these pieces to shine. Rather than competing with the art and design elements, the architecture becomes a canvas—letting their collection infuse the space with meaning and soul.
The bedrooms are rich with texture and material exploration—from terracor finishes to custom wallpaper. What was the intention behind treating the ceilings as active design surfaces?
We believe texture brings warmth and comfort, and we love using it on both walls and ceilings—especially in bedrooms. After all, we spend a lot of time lying down and looking up, so why not make the ceiling visually engaging instead of just plain white? Adding texture and materiality overhead transforms the room into a more immersive and cozy environment, where every surface contributes to the overall experience.
Apartamento Orla is both contemporary and deeply personal. How do you approach the balance between timeless design and intimate storytelling in residential projects?
To me, a timeless home is one that authentically reflects the soul of its inhabitants. Timelessness isn’t just about selecting certain materials or styles—it’s about creating a space that truly represents the people who live there. If good architecture captures the zeitgeist—the spirit of the time—then interior design should capture the spirit of the client. That’s what makes a space feel both lasting and alive.
