“I remember as if it were yesterday,” says Jussara Mallmann, “the day we went to visit this apartment for the first time, it was a sunny Sunday, and we were sure that was where we wanted to live with our family.” Mallmann had always dreamed of decorating a home in a French style, since she’s passionate about French culture and has studied the language since she was a child. When her daughter moved abroad, she decided to renovate the home to create a space that was 100 percent true to her style.

Mallmann sought the help of Estúdio Dozi, founded by Olga Dornelles and Mariana Ziede, which is an architectural firm that has “innovative solutions and functional design in its DNA.” They believe that spaces are made for people, so their specialty is understanding them and translating their needs into spaces that provide well-being. Luckily, the renovation wrapped before the pandemic, so Mallmann was able to isolate in a place that she says makes her feel comfortable and happy. “The apartment is cozy and refreshing at the same time,” she says, “it suits summer and winter and especially suits us. I love my home and it’s certainly my favorite place in the world.”

Homeowner’s Style: Parisian

Homeowner’s Inspiration: Classic style, the French aesthetic, cozy spaces

Design professional’s Inspiration: Classic style, minimalism, the Parisian aesthetic

Homeowner’s Favorite Element: My favorite hobbies are reading and being in bright spaces, so I think the living room is my favorite place, because I can enjoy the view of the garden and read a book at the same time.

Design professional’s Favorite Element: We loved the whole apartment, but maybe the fireplace, because it was our biggest challenge and resulted in a beautiful renovation.

Design professional’s Biggest Challenge: The owners were living in the apartment during the renovation, so we had to make design decisions that were non-invasive and at the same time show significant changes to the space. The fireplace was very old and didn’t match the style that the owners wanted, so we had the idea of ​​wrapping it with a metal plate that would bring more lightness and contemporaneity to the living room.

Design professional: Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? In the south of Brazil it’s very common for apartments to have an area with a barbecue inside the house. However, this couple did not use this space and wanted to turn it into a multifunctional art studio.

Design professional: What’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Honestly, I think the secret to having good decoration is to get to know the people who will live in the house and understand their history and what conjures happy memories. In this case, it was the owner’s passion for Paris and everything French culture.

• Zephyr Sofa — Designer: Luan Del Salvio — Casa De Alessa
• Vira-Vira Armchair — Useche
• Straw Rugs — Artezan
• Soddy Chair — Artefama

• Pending Tool — Wentz Design
• Dining Table — Nativa
• Maragogy Chair — CGS
• Pivot Sconce — Goldenart

• Industrial Stool — Coisasdcasa

Thanks Jussara, Olga, Mariana, and Marcelo!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity. Share Your Style: House Tour & House Call Submission Form