CMK House | Marina Salles

Located in a tree-lined neighborhood of São Paulo, House CMK’s interior design project was commissioned to the Brazilian studio Marina Salles Arquitetura e Interiores. The challenge was to create a space that blended the modernity and warmth of contemporary decor with respect for the original architecture, designed by Marcos Tomanik.

The neoclassical design of the house, with its expansive garden, evokes the feeling of European countryside estates. This setting inspired the search for elements that would reflect serenity for the family’s new chapter.

Marina Salles’ approach was to integrate a palette of natural textures—such as linen, raw silk, leather, suede, wood, and stone—to create a calm, inviting atmosphere. The goal was to balance neutrality with distinctive design, allowing the architecture to "breathe," as the architect emphasized during her first visit to the site.

The entry hall, featuring a black-and-white checkered marble floor, welcomes visitors with elegance, while the walls are covered in sandy tones. The suspended Alva AP sideboard, designed by Brazilian designers Marcelo Alvarenga and Susana Bastos (Alva Design) for Etel Design, was chosen to make a welcoming statement.

In the living room, the ceramic vaulted ceilings, supported by metal beams, and the arched windows with arabesque frames seemed to fade into the background of the previous decor. The intervention sought a clean aesthetic that highlighted the rhythm of architectural elements. The reclaimed wood floor was preserved, and the walls were painted in the same sand color as the entry hall.

A grand piano, purchased by the family who appreciates and plays classical music, is one of the room’s focal points. The curated furniture, artworks, and decorative objects follows a line that blends history, design, and craftsmanship.

The pair of sofas from Dpot, in natural linen by JRJ, are arranged to promote interaction; Next to it, the Abaporu side table (existing of the residents), by Alfio Lisi, serves as a support for the Xibô lamp, by Sergio Rodrigues, both from Dpot. The coffee table, by Jacqueline Terpins, the Infinito armchair, by Lia Siqueira for Etel, and the Benjamin armchairs (from the family collection) – Sérgio Rodrigues' final creation from 2014 – add personality to the space, which is anchored by a large natural-textured rug from Phenicia. On the walls, works by important artists such as Júlio Villani, Vik Muniz, Manabu Mabe, and Hilal Sami Hilal.

The dining room, connected to the living area, separated by a sliding panel that can isolate the spaces, while on the opposite side, the wine cellar, which does not reach the ceiling, creates a visual effect that enhances the structural continuity. This element was designed to house the family’s beverage collection, featuring indirect lighting that, at night, becomes an efficient source of light without compromising the purity of the vaulted slab.

With the cozy gazebo, the breakfast room features a wooden structure roof and a ceramic mosaic floor, creating an inviting atmosphere illuminated by natural light that flows throughout the day. The custom-designed furniture by Marina Salles serves a dual purpose: as a sideboard and a compartment to hide the TV, which rises and lowers via a lift system. The dining table, also also designed and custom-made, features a rounded-edge top and bases inspired by the curved lines of the window frames. Surrounding it are Beg chairs, by Sérgio Rodrigues, while the Floatation pendant light, by German designer Ingo Maurer, adds a touch of lightness to the ensemble.

The library defined by existing custom cabinetry, including boiserie panels, framed shelves, and a grille ceiling. The contemporary decor sought to bring together handcrafted wooden elements. Near the fireplace, a pair of Stella Alta armchairs, by Sérgio Rodrigues (1956), a Pétala table by Jorge Zalszupin, and a Wo-Tum-Bu floor lamp by Dagmar Mombach (from Ingo Maurer’s team) create a comfortable lounge for for reading moments and board games.

Adjacent to the library are the offices. The work desk, made of Freijó veneer, was designed by Marina Salles. The seemingly simple design reveals refinement in its details, such as the supports for accessories.

On the upper floor, the children’s bedrooms underwent significant changes, with custom cabinetry designed by the studio and executed by Brera Marcenaria. The master bedroom is a retreat that combines the bed, nightstands, and a small seating area with a fireplace. The neutral palette, present in fabrics and finishes, creates the feeling of a hotel suite, where comfort is paramount.

On the lower floor, the former painting studio was transformed into a music studio. Here, Marina created a contrast with the rest of the house, introducing distinct colors and textures. The walls are clad with navy blue linen acoustic panels, the ceiling is acoustically treated, and the floor is covered by a striped Kilim rug, forming a unique atmosphere. The cognac leather sofa and custom-made wooden furniture visually warm the space while providing storage for musical equipment.

Next to the studio is the game room with a home theater, dedicated to moments of leisure and socializing with friends. It features a ping-pong table and a modular sofa in two colors – an invitation for easy use and fun.

 Every detail in Casa CMK reflects care, harmony, and a balance between classical architecture and contemporary design, creating a welcoming, functional, and visually inspiring home.

Project: Casa CMK
Location: São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Completion Year: 2023
Renovation Area: 1,600m²
Original Architecture: Marcos Tomanik Arquitetura
Interior Design: Marina Salles Arquitetura e Interiores
Interior Design Team: Marina Salles, Juliana Fonseca, Bruna Gonsalez
Lighting Consultancy: Lightworks (Airton Pimenta)
Landscaping: Rodrigo Oliveira
Text/Communication: Matheus Pereira
Photography: Fran Parente
Main Suppliers: Etel, Dpot, Prime Marcenaria, Brera Design, Phenicia, Jacqueline Terpins, Olho Móveis, Uniflex Anália Franco