Clinton Hill

 

A Brooklyn designer used the layering prowess she’d honed over time to transform a “stark white box” into a sanctuary of serenity and warmth.

 

For interior designer Lexi Brandfon, a student of history, refurbishing historic homes is second nature. After all, the native of Tuxedo Park, New York, grew up in one herself.
Lexi knows their storied details bring lived-in comfort, an aesthetic she desired as she pivoted to a new client’s just-built townhome on a historic Clinton Hill street.

Lexi’s design approach to the empty canvas involved creating layers of texture, fabric, and wood anchored by beautiful, curated furniture. “To transform the stripped-down space and create a dynamic environment, I used a variety of elements, like drapery, lime wash, sculptural furnishings, and big chandeliers. I brought in earth tones, greens, greys, and blues, using natural materials and textured pieces,” Lexi told us of the project for an international family of four with two teenagers and dogs.

Lexi’s vision for a warm yet modern space inspired the selections her design partner, Renata Luigi, made for the dining area – a narrow, family-centric space off the foyer adjacent to a glass panel that opens to an outdoor deck and barbecue.

Renata grew up in Brazil, studying architecture and design. With an eye for the skill it takes to create structurally pleasing pieces with clean lines, Renata sourced a dinner table, then curated chairs to complement it. In her search, she thought of the well-crafted Giulia chair by Aristeu Pires she’d seen in Sossego’s NYC showroom. “Brazilian design can be minimalistic, but Sossego furniture transitions beautifully between modern and layered.”

Renata’s choice of dark walnut Brazilian jequitiba wood for the dining chair added warmth, and the black faux leather seat lends durability. “I love the structure and exquisite craftsmanship; its smooth, wide, slightly angled back pitches away from the table, offering a gentle recline,” Renata says. The Giulia has personality. It embodies warmth and modernity, adding a lovely layer to the family’s new dining space.”

A perfectly imagined space for a busy family to gather, share stories, and write the next chapter in their history.

 

For each Giulia chair delivered, Sossego funds the planting of a tree in Brazil to replenish the resources and ensure the long-term well-being of the planet.

One River North

Tapped to furnish a Denver high-rise that boldly pays homage to its surroundings, Rhiannon Roberson sought elevated pieces that complemented a modern yet earthy aesthetic.


Denver’s RiNo district is located north of the Platte River, adjacent to downtown and with views of the mountains. It’s a cool-kid neighborhood where old warehouses give way to wine bars, art galleries, and striking high-rises such as One River North, a spectacular residential tower that showcases a landscaped rift inspired by the canyons formed by the Colorado River.

When Beijing-born architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects designed it, he integrated nature and architecture within its indoor and outdoor spaces. The smooth-edged cracks and curves cutting through it teem with drought-tolerant plants adaptable to Colorado. Residents adventure up and across the canyon, passing from foothill to trail to alpine plateau.

Enter Rhiannon Roberson of Davis Partnership Architects, expanding on Yansong’s natural aesthetic. “I grew up hiking these mountains, whose variety of textures and tones, woods and waters influenced and inspired me as I contemplated the project,” she said. A past visit to the Sossego Design showroom also shaped her plan. “I was smitten by Aristeu Pires’ beautifully crafted Brazilian-modern furniture and knew one day his Duda chairs and stools would be perfect for a project. This was it,” she said.

Rhiannon’s selections reflect a mix of woods and color tones encountered in a forest or on a trail, pairing beautifully with the building’s landscaped canyon and curvy, plaster-finished design features. For seating at the sleek, quartz-topped counter where residents gather, she chose the Duda counter stool in sustainably harvested Jequitibá wood with Belgian Meadow upholstery. At round tables throughout the space and in the nearby conference room, the Duda chair in Jequitibá with upholstery in chocolate Maiori paired well. “The Duda has an attractive price point, and that curve in the chair’s back flows like water,” said Rhiannon.

To create an impactful lobby, there were practical and aesthetic considerations: residents coming and going and the desire for a clear and harmonious view of the outdoors. With its body-hugging contour hand formed of baked-in-the-sun cardboard, the Leiras chair by Domingos Totora was a stunning choice. “It’s comfortable, insanely proportionate for anyone I’ve seen in it, and as with all Sossego pieces, the story behind the chair is fascinating,” the furniture specialist told us.

Pires’ Ylla bench in sleek Jequitibá beckons just across the lobby. Though rarely empty, up to four individuals can enjoy its satiny ripples and curves that evoke a mountain stream at once. Like the other Sossego pieces and the Fitwel-certified building they’re part of, the light and airy Ylla brings the outdoors in. “My client, who has excellent taste, is quite pleased with the project. I am, too. Bringing good design to the place I’ve lived since I was two years old is incredibly honoring.”

 

Predalina Restaurant

 

Predalina, a Michelin-recognized, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, honors the life and legacy of Predalina Oliviera. This labor of love celebrates a life well-lived, blending old-world charm with contemporary elegance.

 

On a bustling corner of Water Street Tampa, a new story unfolded. Blake Casper and Allison Adams, restaurateurs with a vision, dreamed of a place that would honor their great-grandmother, a woman whose 101-year journey spanned from the shores of Brazil to the coasts of Portugal and Rhode Island, fostering a resilient spirit and love for the waterfront. 

The story of Predalina is woven into every detail, with each element chosen to create a sense of authenticity and comfort in a space that feels both modern and timeless, sophisticated yet welcoming.  The design team envisioned an airy, light-filled atmosphere, where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors blurred. 

Choosing to forgo excessive layering and art, the designers opted for materials and furnishings to do the talking. The team knew each element needed to be rich in form, quality, and detail for a visually compelling space. They selected pieces from Sossego, starting with the Laura Barstool–its mix of materials, soft curves, and comfortable seat made it the perfect choice.  Julieta Armchairs, with their rich finish and elegant design,  complement the overall aesthetic and invite guests to linger over long meals and deep conversation. 

Rich hand-troweled plaster walls, authentic terra-cotta tiles, graceful arches, and natural reclaimed stone ground the space, giving it a sense of history. Old-world lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow, while the modern furnishings provide a striking contrast, telling a story of its own. The result is a space that ADAC Designer of the Year judges remarked “feels comfortable in its own skin.”

Beyond the dining area, Predalina’s retail section offers a shoppable lifestyle experience, beckoning guests to take a piece of the restaurant’s essence home. From custom home fragrances to cookbooks and Moroccan ceramic bowls, every item was curated to embody the Mediterranean-inspired culture the restaurant celebrates.

Located in Tampa’s Channel District, Predalina contributes to the forward-thinking architecture and vibrant landscape of the neighborhood, bringing  a robust narrative to life through thoughtful design and material selection that respects the legacy of a remarkable woman.

Westchester Condo

 

When a couple decided to make a lifestyle change for easy, low-maintenance living and move to a new condo in the heart of the vibrant town center of Rye, New York, they turned to Barbra Fordyce of Ginger Lemon Indigo – Interior Design (GLI) to design a home for gathering and deepening family relationships.

 

The aim was to create a modern, family-centric home for all types of casual gatherings and celebrations. The client’s requests were simple. The space had to be livable, comfortable, and grandkid-proof, feature natural wood, and be equal parts beautiful and practical.

To achieve these goals, realize the client’s love for natural wood grain, and incorporate beautiful, handcrafted, sustainably-sourced furniture, the designer selected Sossego furniture for the dining room.

The first selection was the ZYV Table. The Jequitiba wood tone brings warmth, and the surprising angles of the table’s legs provide a sophisticated feature at the center of this bright, expansive space. The designer placed a light fixture of vivid, handblown multi-colored glass spheres mounted on a brass stem above the table for a whimsical touch.

A great deal of forethought went into the dining chairs, which had multiple requirements. In addition to complementing the table, they needed to provide significant comfort to encourage long stretches of conversation throughout and after meals. The Lily Chair met all objectives. Its lightweight frame allows the chairs to easily be moved to accommodate family activities. The back features unusual twin concave and convex supports, which ensure the chair remains sturdy and secure with significant use by children and adults alike. And lastly, high-quality faux leather was selected for its luxurious appearance, while making it easy to clean.

The clients connected with the story of the Lily Chair, which designer Aristeu Pires created with his own mother in mind, inspired by the folding of lily leaves. The comfortable back features upholstery that folds over the frame but does not obscure its beautiful structure.

There is extra seating at the island to accommodate additional guests or to enjoy a cup of coffee. The curvy Duda Counter Stools lend visual interest and complement the large quartzite island. Small children can easily clamber upon the stool, and its ergonomic backrest is perfectly angled for people of all sizes. The stool was designed to be relatively tip-proof; it cannot easily be rocked when accommodating a wiggly occupant.

To ensure the dining table, chairs, and light fixture take center stage, the walls were painted in an off-white color and the custom credenza and display cabinet were kept neutral, matching the stain on the white oak floor. For the seating area, GLI design ensured fabrics were high performance and there were no sharp edges on the custom coffee table, which has drawers for storing kids’ toys. A rug in the same hue as the kitchen was selected for the dining area to re-introduce blue to this side of the space. Deep orange fabric on the swivel chairs adds depth, all resulting in a relaxed modern space with clean lines designed for comfort.

My design ethos lends itself to creating interiors that incorporate nature, embrace sustainability, and have a European touch. Moving between Amsterdam, London, and New York inspired my vision of home—a comfortable place that emphasizes both where the client has been and where they are going. It’s a careful balance of new and vintage furniture, fabrics, lighting, and art to enforce a look that is gathered and personal. Sossego’s pieces honor my search for sustainable design.
-Barbra Fordyce, Designer

Research Plaza

 

 

A high energy architecture firm deconstructs, then elevates, a 1980s suburban office building by creating dynamic spaces designed to attract more distinguished tenants.

 

Melanie and Chris Tantillo have teamed up on more than their marriage. The architect and his wife, who works in commercial furnishings, joined forces to bring keen vision and sophisticated taste to the Research Plaza project, which had them literally thinking outside the box of a dated office space.

For starters, the architect completely transformed the space by stripping out many of the old trappings such as numerous fake columns that stood eight feet apart, opening up the environment with design features by raising the ceiling and putting in a soffited light fixture; dropping down the second-floor windows for a more light-filled first floor that offered a better view on the plaza; and installing a glass railing in place of an old one.

While elevating the property they were careful not to overpower it. True to form they layered with texture and materiality, using elegant furnishings that were durable and looked good from afar, yet held up to close scrutiny through excellent craftsmanship. From their place of prominence inside the glass overlooking the plaza, the Sossego upholstered Gisele armchairs by Aristeu Pirès welcome visitors to come in and have a seat.

“Our client of 17 years, Rubenstein Partners, has high standards, which we always try to exceed,” Chris Tantillo told us. “When the job was finished after 8 months, they said, ‘This project is transformative. We’re very happy with the results,’ and Melanie and I agree. We’d love to keep using Sossego products on all our projects, quite frankly.”

Mister Jiu’s

 

 

In 2016 Chef Brandon Jew launched contemporary Chinese restaurant Mister Jiu’s in San Francisco. In Chicago, Jonathan Durling was opening his Sossego showroom to introduce modern Brazilian design to North America. For both men, it was the start of something big.

 

In a four-story Chinatown building constructed in the 1850s, up-and-coming chef Brandon Jew envisioned a modern restaurant that would celebrate the legacy of traditional Chinese food, In the planning and reconstructing of the enormous space, designer Michael Soelter went on the hunt for beautiful pieces that fit his imagining of the building they had taken down to the studs.

In his search, Soelter became enamored with the artistry of Aristeu Pires, designer of modern Brazilian furniture just then on display at the newly opened Sossego showroom at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. The designer could picture Mister Jiu diners relaxing over sea urchin, barbequed pork, or tea-smoked duck in chairs of buttery smooth Jequitibá or Louro Freijó wood as they conversed around tables set beneath gold lotus chandeliers. When they placed an order for the chairs, he gave Sossego its first big sale.

If Brandon Jew was reimagining the Cantonese cuisine of his youth in an exquisitely designed setting when he gave birth to Mister Jiu’s, so, too, had Sossego’s Durling drawn on memories of his early years – those spent swaying to sleep in the comfort of a hammock that hung above his parents’ bed – when he pondered bringing modern Brazilian design and craftsmanship north.

In doing so, Durling introduced a way for diners in restaurants like Mister Jiu’s to enjoy their dining experience surrounded by beauty, comfort, and a bit of sossego, which in Portuguese means “a uniquely Brazilian way of being marked by calmness and tranquility.”

Sur Club

 

A multi-family apartment building in Florida breaks all the rules for what common areas should look like when its architect-design team, who are husband and wife, take a holistic approach.

 

Iconic mid-century architect Gene Leedy provided major inspiration for Jessie Shell’s love of modern design. Her husband Fadi Garcia, a Cuban immigrant whose primary influence for becoming an architect was Havana’s modern movement, shares her ideals of the built environment. Together they’ve embraced holistic design, which is to connect architecture and design.

Their philosophy is to make architecture “of its place”: influenced by the building’s site, climate, and environment. At Sur Club that meant creating functional, comfortable gathering places in expansive, light-filled spaces. In true mid-century style, finding good synergy between the amenity spaces and the courtyard itself.

Working within the developer’s standard project budget, the team looked for timeless, beautiful furniture. “With all that light, we didn’t want to ground the floor too much,” Shell reflected. “That’s when we came across Sossego. One of the great things about the pieces is they are very light. And they offered a broad range of furniture to help create inviting spaces.”

The couple was also sold on the selection and authentic materials Sossego offered: real leather and warm Brazilian wood that contrasted with the space itself. A curvy Domingos Tortorà Frisos Disk that undulates with light. The ropes on the Giselle chair that mimic vertical design features the couple created. And the Ylla bench, with curves that suggest a canoe moving through water. “Our client was just blown away,” Shell recalls. “People come into the building just to look at the amenity spaces, and the apartments have filled up fast. We hope to keep raising the bar. Good design really sells.”

West Village II

 

A West Village pied-à-terre in the trendy Manhattan neighborhood gave Tina Ramchandani the chance to show off her chops for designing small clusters around her clients’ desire to entertain and make the most of New York’s cultural scene.

 

Designer Tina Ramchandani took inspiration from the undulating, angular design of the new building her clients moved into when she chose the furniture for her client’s residence. She brought in her “soulful minimalism” design ethos when choosing warm and modern pieces that reflected the personalities of the couple, whose primary residence is in Puerto Rico.

Entertaining at their city home was high on the couple’s list of intentions for the space, so Ramchandani designed separate areas for cocktails, dining, and conversation while taking in city views, creating flow between areas by integrating a neutral backdrop with deep, rich wood tones rather than bright colors.

With space at a premium, the designer chose furniture that was stylish but smaller in scale, such as swivel chairs that took up less space than traditional versions. With clean and curvy lines, the Duda stool sold itself when Ramchandani brought one to her initial meeting with the clients, who sat in it throughout the meeting and found it was not only comfortable, but cast a sculptural silhouette they loved.

“The warmth of the hand-hewn jequitibà wood sourced in the rain forest reflect the craftsmanship of the maker,” reflected the designer. “With many comfortable, good-looking stools on the market, the Duda comes with a story I love sharing with my clients, and they can tell it to their friends.”

Helios Education Foundation

 

A designer channels the natural geology of Arizona to create an extraordinary urban space to advance post-secondary educational opportunities for the underserved. What could be more inspiring?

 

The Helios Education Foundation had a clear vision for its new unified campus: create a building that will last at least 100 years that is so thrilling, our partners can’t wait to come inside and exchange ideas. The architect and design teams created an atmosphere of wellness that evokes the features and colors of the nearby mountains and desert.

Visitors decompress from the moment they enter the “car park”, where works by Latin artists hang amid natural features: healing plants, native trees; a two-story cascading curtain of greenery; a rain chain; benches carved from Eucalyptus trees removed during construction then dried for a year.

The client’s emphasis on sustainability and comfort led the designer to Sossego. “So much of the other furniture looked alike,” they reflected. “The care, design, details, and human touch that went into the craftsmanship sold us. When creating indoor and outdoor spaces that invite spirited conversation, we chose materials for the Sossego pieces that play off and connect with features we incorporated, like the greenery that runs in patterns like water down angular mountain-like walls.

In this way, the raw cotton roping on the Giselle rocker draws the eye to the rope chain that’s visible from several different places in the building. “We were able to keep the same “language” from space to space. We didn’t just pick out a bunch of furniture, we chose pieces that reinforce the interior and the architecture.”

Two Drydock

 

For Workflow, curating an eclectic blend of moveable furniture for amenity spaces with a singular view of the Boston seaport meant finding pieces whose scale and silhouette let the view come through.

 

The team at Workflow was well-suited to furnish multiple public environments at the mixed-use building in Boston’s seaport. As designers and architects themselves, the team embraced its role selecting and procuring furnishings, storage, and accessories that complimented the architecture while the building was still under construction.

With competition for big tenants fierce, Workflow sought furniture that would evoke high-end hospitality, so they looked for pieces made with rich, natural materials like leather and wood that were interesting to look at from different angles. For the bar, the backs of Sossego’s Duda stools were beautiful without blocking the design of the bar itself.

Workflow was blending airy, modern pieces with a variety of wood tones from 40 different manufacturers. They loved how the scale and design of Sossego’s Angela armchair played well with the other pieces – a solid, high-style silhouette yet light on its feet. Important because tenants may rent the spaces for events, so furniture must be easy to move.

It turns out eclectic, modern, and unfussy go well with playful and fun, for an overall vibe that’s sophisticated but still attractive to tenants with a young workforce. And there’s always that gorgeous, unobstructed view of the harbor; from out on the terrace and from the interior spaces. A marriage of good design and careful curation of just the right pieces.