A designer's showhouse in Rio de Janeiro
A mix of baroque and modern, this is the BEST showhouse I've ever seen.
Last year, I was given an invitation by my Aunt Clotilde to explore the pinnacle of Brazilian home decor — The Casacor Showhouse! This extraordinary event in Rio de Janeiro's Jardim Botânico neighborhood reignited my appreciation for Brazilian architecture and interior design. From its sheer grandeur and unique flair, it gave me plenty of ideas on how to makeover my own Nashville abode — no pink palace needed!
The Pink Palace
This home belonged to Jorge and Odaléa Brando Barbosa who met in 1945 in Copacabana beach when she was 17 and he was 25 and married eleven months later. Diving deep into Google I saw old photos of the couple and their home. It was quite impressive to say the least and she was very beautiful as well.
In 1964 the couple began construction on the Pink Palace in Jardim Botânico which is near the Botanical Gardens. Jorge gave the ultimate gift to Odaléa: a palace richly adorned with all the things she admired including Baroque architecture and vivid works of religious art.
Upon their passing, the devoted couple left behind an incredible legacy — to turn the home they had lived in together for many years into a museum. Here is a Brazilian YouTube video in Portuguese that some of you may be able to view depending on your country: Brando Barbosa Institute.
The Showhouse Entry
This jaw-dropping entryway was my favorite! A stunning blend of modern decor, pops of color, and the original baroque chandelier paired with the dark wood staircase — certainly caught my attention.
I love to study the design and find parts I could do in my own home. I’m dreaming about the gallery wall along the stairwell. I think I’ll design a series… and sell them. Any takers?
You will want to see the professional photography HERE.
More Casacor Showhouse Coming Soon
The entry in this home isn’t the only room I wanted to share so be sure to follow me to see more coming in the next few months. In the meantime, you might enjoy this post from Casacor to look at the photos. Some are from last year’s Rio de Janeiro Showhouse. It’s insanely beautiful — a designer’s dream… and mine too.
ETCETERAS
a few things I wanted to share this week.
Old Movies
THE SEARCH (1948) starring Montgomery Clift
Clift first came to the attention of movie audiences in this war drama. He plays Ralph Stevenson, an American G.I. stationed in post-war Berlin helping a young Czech boy find his mother, who lost contact with him while in Auschwitz. Clift scored his first Oscar nomination as Best Actor for the role, losing to Laurence Olivier (“Hamlet”).THE CHILDREN’S HOUR (1961) starring Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine. Adapted from the play written by Lillian Hellman. I had no idea about what this movie was about. The summary is kind of a spoiler. It’s a good one for sure.
Song
PLAYING FOR TIME, Peter Gabriel
“The future shines a sunny day
Unpacked memories stored away
All the while, the clock keeps ticking
You and I still playing for time”
Hope
Despite being a place of love and joy, Covenant Presbyterian Church and School in Nashville was shattered by an unimaginable tragedy last week. Though the world may be broken at times, we cling to hope that brighter days are on the horizon.
Psalm 30:5 – “…Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”