In a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood of São Paulo, House CMK takes shape — a residence born from the encounter between the neoclassical elegance of the original architecture and the refinement of a contemporary interior design project by Marina Salles.
The intervention unfolds with full respect for the original structure, enhancing its distinctive architectural features through a restrained language based on natural textures and a palette of neutral tones. The studio designed the interiors, distributed across three levels, with the goal of bringing harmony, light, and lightness back into the villa’s spaces.

The entrance immediately immerses visitors in an elegant atmosphere of warmth, with sand-colored walls and a black-and-white checkerboard marble floor. The measured arrangement of the furnishings allows natural light to flow freely throughout the interiors, letting the architecture lead the spatial narrative.

In the living room, the intervention preserved the original elements — the ceramic vaults, the arabesque window frames, and the reclaimed wooden floors — integrating them into a cohesive setting defined by warm, earthy tones. The grand piano, a curated selection of works by Brazilian artists on the walls, the furnishings, and decorative elements shape a space with a clean aesthetic that merges history, design, and craftsmanship.

A large sliding wooden panel extends the living area into the dining room. Positioned between the two spaces is a wine cabinet that stops short of the ceiling, acting almost like a theatrical backdrop: a functional element that also serves as a visual filter, enhancing the spatial continuity.

The dining room opens onto a gazebo flooded with natural light, featuring custom-made furnishings that incorporate concealed solutions. The curved lines of the tables and seating echo the arched profiles of the openings, creating a sense of visual coherence throughout the space.

In the library, adapted into a study, wood takes center stage — from the existing custom furnishings such as the boiserie, shelving, and coffered ceiling, to the new elements like the elegant solid wood desk designed by Marina Salles, which features refined details including integrated accessory holders. Here too, the space maintains chromatic consistency, with furnishings that echo the natural tones of the wood.

On the upper floor, the sleeping area reflects the same attention to detail and stylistic coherence. The children's bedrooms are accented with touches of color through fabrics, while maintaining the understated tone that defines the project. The master suite is conceived as an intimate retreat; a reading corner and soft lighting contribute to a relaxed, sheltered atmosphere.

The basement level, dedicated to entertainment, intentionally departs from the aesthetic of the other spaces. It houses a music studio and a playroom with a home theater. Bolder colors and technical materials define an informal setting designed for sharing and creativity.

In line with the studio’s design principles that blend functionality and beauty, House CMK is the result of a measured and sensitive intervention, where classical architecture and contemporary design come together in a refined and timeless setting.
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Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Total Area: 1600 m²
Client: Private
Architect: Marina Salles Arquitetura e Interiores
Consultants
Lighting: Airton Pimenta
Landscaping: Rodrigo Oliveira
Photography by Fran Parente, courtesy of Marina Salles Arquitetura e Interiores