The Art of Brazilian Modernism: Mid-Century Warmth Meets Rich Textures 

This article is about the legacy of Brazilian Modernism and why it’s so popular right now. 

Brazilian modernism has a storied history that is not dissimilar to European or American mid-century design principles. Focused on clean lines and natural materials – there is a true throughline with the design language that has created inspiration all over the globe. In South America and Brazil specifically, a distinctive type of midcentury modernism emerged in the 50s and 60s as a backlash to European colonialism.

Designers like Oscar Niemeyer, Lina Bo Bardi, and Roberto Burle Marx made modernism in Brazil famous. These greats brought back midcentury ideals with a twist that suited Brazilian nationalism and locally sourced materials. While materials like plastic and stainless steel were unavailable in South America at the time, designers and architects used locally sourced materials such as wood and rattan to create a warm, highly texturized version of mid-century modernism that is specific to Brazil. 

Read on to learn more distinctive aspects of modernism in Brazil. 

Mid-Century Lines

The Brazilian modern house heavily references traditional mid-century modern design. Mid-century modern design in the 50s and 60s relied on strong, clean lines, open-plan layouts, and lots of elements that enhanced modern entertaining such as large sweeping windows, floating fireplaces, and sunken floors. The Brazilian take on the design incorporated these design elements while adding niche Brazilian touches.  

Rattan and Wicker

Natural materials like rattan and wicker were frequently used in Brazilian modern designs simply because they were more available in the environment. While many global mid-century designs featured new state-of-the-art materials like stainless steel, cement, and plastic, Brazilian designers utilized more commonly found natural materials – wood, rattan, and wicker. Wood paneling and wicker accents were ubiquitous and became a very clear throughline in modernism in Brazil, adding to the style’s richness and texture. Thus, Brazilian modern furniture was frequently made of rattan, wood, and leather. 

Chunky Forms

Chunky forms and voluptuous shapes are a quintessential element of modernism in Brazil. When looking at furniture shapes, opt for chunkier, more voluptuous shapes. Particularly with sofas, beds, or cabinetry – it appears that the chunkier, the better. The juxtaposition between clean, mid-century lines with chunkier forms feels playful and contemporary; a hallmark of Brazilian modern homes.

Wood Paneling

Using wood as an accent is a truly great element to reference Brazilian modern design. Especially in ceilings or walls, using wood paneling as an accent creates a beautiful look that is cohesive with the surrounding environment. Wood paneling blends in seamlessly with the beautiful Brazilian nature that surrounds the home and makes nature the true focal point. 

Voluminous Leather Sofas

Brazilian modern furniture design is easily recognizable by its’ sofas. Brazilian modern sofas feature voluptuous shapes and supple leather that are key to the design aesthetic. The extra cushioning in the seats and the supple leather make Brazilian sofas extremely comfortable for lounging. Iconic chairs and sofa designs by designers like Percival Lafer and Sergio Rodriguesin are still highly coveted today by collectors around the world.

Indoor Tropical Plants

With nearly 60% forest cover, Brazil has the largest rainforest and contains most of the Brazilian rainforest. Therefore, this design style commonly incorporates and appreciates the addition of tropical indoor plants. One common throughline with Brazilian modernism design is about bringing the outdoors in. Adding indoor plants to your space, will enhance the space’s connection to nature and add lively green accents that will breathe life into your Brazilian modern house. 

Curvy Shapes

As we’ve seen in furniture design, curvy shapes are quite pervasive in Brazilian modern design. However, bold curved shapes are not just exclusive to furniture. Curved shapes are often found in Brazilian modern architecture. Curved walls, staircases, or ceilings are a more Brazilian take on traditional straight lines seen in other mid-century designs. 

Leather

Leather is another ubiquitous material for a Brazilian modern home. Similar to wood or rattan – leather is also a material that can be easily sourced in Brazil. Brazil is known globally for its leather craftsmanship and therefore has become a luxe, sumptuous material that is perfect for a laid-back, loungey vibe. To this day, Brazil is amongst the top five largest leather producers in the world. Therefore, sofas in Brazil primarily used leather in their designs. Leather provides a comfortable, laid-back texture that adds depth and a rich texture to a space.

Dark Wood

The great Brazilian designers of the time took ideals from midcentury design and smartly included naturally available elements. Brazil has a plethora of dark wood varieties such as walnut, Brazilian Cherry, and Brazilian Oak that were used throughout architecture and furniture designs. A departure from the lighter woods used in European midcentury designs, Brazilian modernism leaned on darker woods that were available to create dramatic, moodier designs. 

Touches of Tropical, Cultural Elements

Brazilian modernism wouldn’t be without touches of the Brazilian culture. Brazilian accents such as textiles, vases, and art add layers and added interest to a design that differentiates it from European modernism. Brazilian art is bold and vibrantly colorful. Colorful Brazilian accents are the perfect contrast piece to a neutral midcentury palette. 

Low-Slung Lounge Chairs

Low-slung furniture and chairs are an excellent representation of Brazilian modernism. Their low-slung shape feels sophisticated yet casual and sexy – the epitome of Brazilian coolness. These elements or furniture designs are still quite coveted to this day – with vintage chairs being sold on sites like Chairish for thousands of dollars. 

Large Windows

Mid-century design appreciates nature and brings in natural elements wherever it can. Large, sweeping windows bring in all the natural light and outdoor greenery into the space, framing the beautiful tropical outdoors. Large windows and sliding glass doors pair perfectly with Brazilian modernism’s tenants in the appreciation of nature. 

Outdoor / Indoor Living

With the tropical, sun-drenched weather, having spaces that can easily be converted into indoor/outdoor spaces is key. A Brazilian modern house focuses on Brazil’s relation to the environment. Covered cabanas and retractable sliding glass doors are architectural elements that turn indoor living spaces into multi-functional outdoor spaces. Brazil’s natural beauty is undeniable, and having the flexibility to enjoy the outdoors with indoor amenities is a true luxury.

The Brazilian modernist design movement continues to leave an important legacy of Brazilian heritage and the legacy of mid-century design itself. Even contemporary designers like Lenny Kravitz are informed by the Brazilian modernist style’s blend of architectural minimalism with natural materials like wood, leather, and wicker details that bring value to nature and the environment.