A arte de decorar: Quadros decorativos para cada ambiente da casa sua casa

The art of decorating: Decorative paintings for every room in your home

Rio de Janeiro

Rio is a city we love. We don’t visit as often as we’d like, but each trip leaves us with bright, happy memories. In this guide, we’ve gathered some of our favorite things to do there, along with a collection of tips from our carioca friends, who shared what they love most about the city!

The Hotel

Every time I visit Rio, I stay somewhere different—it all depends on the purpose of the trip and the group I’m with. Below are my favorite hotels in the city, plus one in Santa Teresa that I haven’t had the chance to visit yet but is definitely on my list!

Hotel Arpoador – Right by the sea, offering stunning views of Arpoador Beach and a laid-back atmosphere. With great value for money, it’s perfect for those looking to stay close to nature while embracing the effortless barefoot luxury of Rio.

Janeiro Hotel – A contemporary stay in the best part of Leblon, with excellent service.

Fasano – Impeccable service and a stunning pool.

Emiliano – Located in Copacabana, featuring a fantastic rooftop pool, outstanding service, and beautifully designed rooms.

Fairmont – Also in Copacabana, a larger hotel with great value, ideal for bigger groups.

Copacabana Palace – A true classic, offering flawless service, an incredible breakfast, and supremely comfortable rooms. When I stay here, I find myself enjoying the hotel just as much—if not more—than the city itself.

Santa Teresa MGallery – A hidden gem in the charming Santa Teresa neighborhood, set in a former coffee plantation. With its rustic-chic design and breathtaking city views, it’s the perfect spot for a more intimate and secluded stay.

To-Do List: Must-See Spots in Rio

Landmarks & Attractions

  • Cristo Redentor – One of the world’s most iconic monuments, this 38-meter-tall statue offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro.
  • Pão de açúcar – A famous postcard-perfect landmark, this hilltop complex provides stunning views of the city and Guanabara Bay, accessible via cable cars connecting Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf.
  • Parque Lage – A lush green oasis in the heart of the city, featuring beautiful gardens and trails leading up to Corcovado. It also houses the School of Visual Arts and a charming café inside a historic mansion.
  • Lapa Arches – This colonial aqueduct is a symbol of the bohemian Lapa neighborhood. Today, it serves as a viaduct for the Santa Teresa tram and is located in an area known for its vibrant nightlife and lively bars.
  • Escadaria Selarón – Famous for their colorful mosaic tiles, these steps were created by artist Jorge Selarón and serve as a striking piece of urban art connecting Santa Teresa and Lapa.
  • Jardim Botânico – One of the most beautiful and well-preserved gardens in Brazil, featuring an extensive collection of tropical plants, rare species, imperial palm trees, and serene ponds filled with giant water lilies.

Museums

  • Museu do Amanhã – Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this science museum focuses on sustainability and the future, offering immersive exhibits on technology, ecology, and humanity’s impact on the planet.
  • Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) – Located in Praça Mauá, MAR showcases Brazilian and international art, with exhibitions that explore Rio’s history, culture, and identity, blending art, education, and urban reflection.

Nature & Beaches

  • Floresta da Tijuca – A national park known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and incredible viewpoints, offering a true nature and adventure experience within Rio.
  • Prainha – A secluded paradise surrounded by mountains and native vegetation, this beach is a favorite among surfers due to its strong waves and pristine waters. Less crowded and well-preserved, it’s perfect for a peaceful escape.
  • São Conrado (Right Side) – A quiet and relaxing beach spot. We love staying on the right side, but keep in mind that there aren’t as many vendors or rental stands for chairs and umbrellas compared to other beaches.
  • Leblon (Posto 12) – Our favorite part of Leblon Beach, especially around Vanda’s beach stand.
  • Joatinga – A hidden gem between São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca, accessible via trails. This small, exclusive beach is surrounded by cliffs, making it ideal for those seeking a more secluded and scenic spot.
  • Pedra da Gávea, Pedra do Telégrafo & Mirante – For these hikes, we recommend hiring a guide. A great contact is Thales Wil: +55 (21) 99933-9960.

To Eat: Where to Dine in Rio

Restaurants

  • Absurda Confeitaria – A modern bakery known for its creative and colorful sweets.
  • Academia da Cachaça – A bar specializing in cachaça and traditional Brazilian dishes, famous for its feijoada and caipirinhas.
  • Aprazível – A charming restaurant in Santa Teresa serving contemporary Brazilian cuisine with stunning city views.
  • Arp – The beachfront restaurant at Hotel Arpoador, offering a fresh and varied menu with a focus on healthy ingredients.
  • BB Lanches – A classic carioca snack bar, well-known for its fresh juices and quick sandwiches.
  • Braseiro da Gávea – A traditional churrascaria famous for its filé à Oswaldo Aranha and relaxed atmosphere.
  • Celeiro – A healthy-eating spot in Leblon, offering a diverse buffet of fresh salads and light dishes.
  • Clan BBQ – A modern steakhouse serving premium cuts, grilled specialties, and vegetarian options.
  • Confeitaria Colombo – A cultural landmark in Rio, known for its historic ambiance and delicious pastries and snacks.
  • Delamare – A contemporary restaurant focusing on seafood and signature dishes with a creative twist.
  • Elena Horto – A cozy restaurant blending Brazilian flavors with contemporary influences.
  • Gajos D’Ouro – A traditional Portuguese restaurant specializing in bacalhau and other classic dishes.
  • Guimas – A charming bistro with a bohemian vibe, offering a mix of French and Brazilian cuisine.
  • Haru – A Japanese restaurant serving fresh sushi and sashimi in a tranquil and traditional setting.
  • Jojo – A trendy bistro with a diverse menu and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a casual dinner.
  • Ktaz Su – A sophisticated Asian cuisine spot with authentic and refined flavors.
  • Lasai – A Michelin-starred restaurant serving high-end cuisine with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Malta – An elegant bistro with international fusion dishes and a laid-back ambiance, ideal for light meals.
  • Maska – A stylish restaurant featuring innovative dishes that mix global culinary influences.
  • Mocellin – A churrascaria offering premium cuts and an extensive buffet, delivering the full rodízio experience.
  • Oteque – A high-end dining experience by chef Alberto Landgraf, known for refined contemporary cuisine.
  • Padella – An inviting Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta and comforting classics.
  • San Izakaya – A Japanese-style bar offering small plates and traditional drinks in a relaxed setting.
  • Satyricon – Renowned for its fresh seafood and elegant atmosphere, one of Rio’s most classic dining spots.
  • So_lo café – A modern coffee shop with a menu featuring specialty coffee, brunch options, and light bites.
  • Sud, o Pássaro Verde – A contemporary restaurant with a creative menu highlighting local and organic ingredients.
  • Sult – A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant known for its fresh, light dishes, perfect for healthy dining.
  • Talho Capixaba – A beloved bakery and delicatessen in Leblon, famous for its artisanal bread, sandwiches, and quality brunches.

Ice Cream Shops

  • Mil Frutas – A classic Rio ice cream shop—we love the Garcia D’Ávila location!
  • Momo – Delicious Italian-style gelato.

To Buy: Shopping in Rio

  • Galeria Ipanema 2000 – Located on Visconde de Pirajá, this gallery features a mix of local carioca brands and emerging designers.
  • Ka Store – A multi-brand boutique in Ipanema, offering a curated selection of cool labels from all over Brazil.
  • Nk Store – Set in a beautiful house on Garcia D’Ávila, this boutique blends a selection of imported favorites with its own brand, all with a relaxed carioca touch.
  • Pitanga – A stylish multi-brand store with a great curation, featuring its own charming label, Pitta.
  • Shopping Leblon – A shopping mall in the heart of Leblon, known for its solid mix of national brands.
  • Totta Acessórios – A go-to spot for colorful and charming accessories, with two locations in Rio.
  • Village Mall – Located in Barra da Tijuca, this is the city’s luxury shopping destination, home to major international brands alongside a great selection of national labels.

Memorable Houses: the iconic Stahl House decor in the 60s Reading The art of decorating: Decorative paintings for every room in your home 11 minutes Next Discover the magic of passe-partout: the art of framing memories
Are you thinking about making your home more beautiful and cozy?
A great way to do this is through decorative frames. Regardless of the room you want to add a special touch to, there are a multitude of options available for every room in your home. From the living room to the bedroom, the kitchen and even the bathroom, decorative paintings can transform any space.
Decorative paintings are a versatile and affordable way to add personality and style to any room. With a wide range of styles, themes and sizes available, you're sure to find something that suits your taste. You can opt for abstract paintings, landscapes, portraits, drawings or even photographs that reflect your interests and hobbies.
In this article, we'll explore the world of decorating with pictures and offer tips and ideas to help you choose the best options for each room in your home. Get ready to be inspired, transform your spaces and create a welcoming and charming atmosphere in your home.
Photo Campaign Collections Laos and Cambodia - Photo: Reproduction/ Ad Astra

What are decorative frames?

Decorative paintings are pieces of art used to decorate the walls of a home. They come in a variety of styles, themes and sizes, and are a versatile and affordable way to add personality and style to any room.
Decorative paintings can be photographs, abstract paintings, landscapes, portraits, drawings and much more. They are usually purchased ready-made and with so many options available, you are sure to find something that fits in with your home's existing decor.
In addition to adding aesthetic beauty to a room, decorative paintings can also convey emotion, tell a story or evoke a specific feeling. They can be used to create a relaxing, energizing atmosphere or even to add a touch of humor to a room. They are a form of artistic expression that can transform any space in your home.

Photo Campaign Collections Laos and Cambodia - Photo: Reproduction/ Ad Astra

Why use decorative paintings in home decor?

There are several reasons why you should consider using decorative paintings in your home decor. Here are some of them:
  1. Add Personality: Decorative frames are a way to add your personality and style to your home decor. They can reflect your interests, passions and even your memories. You can choose decorative paintings that are meaningful to you and your family, creating a warm and personal environment.
  2. Transform empty spaces: Bare walls can often make a room feel cold and impersonal. Paintings fill these empty spaces, adding color, texture and life to the walls, making a room feel more complete and cozy.
  3. Create focal points: Decorative frames can be used to create focal points in a room. They can draw attention to a specific wall, a piece of furniture, or even a window with a beautiful view.
  4. Complement existing decor: Decorative frames can be used to complement the existing decor in your home, adding colors that match an existing color scheme or adding a touch of contrast and drama to a neutral room. Decorative frames can become the starting point for choosing other decorative elements, such as cushions, curtains or rugs.

Types of decorative paintings for different rooms

Certainly, the choice of decorative paintings can vary according to the style of each room and personal taste. Here are some suggestions for types of frames for different areas of the home:

Living room:

  • Abstract art for a contemporary feel.

  • Family portraits or artistic photographs.

  • Framed objects.

Photo Campaign Collections Laos and Cambodia - Photo: Reproduction/ Ad Astra

Room:

  • Soft, relaxing paintings that create a peaceful environment.

  • Nature art.

  • Paintings that reflect the personality of their owner.

Room - Photo: Reproduction/ Ad Astra

Kitchen:

  • Food or drink illustrations.

  • Pictures with recipes or kitchen utensils.

  • Vintage images related to cooking.

Bathroom:

  • Photographs of water landscapes or beaches.

  • Minimalist art to keep it feeling clean.

Home Office:

  • Maps or works that inspire creativity.

  • Abstract paintings that stimulate the mind.

Children's Room:

  • Colorful and playful illustrations.

  • Characters from cartoons or fairy tales.

Corridors and Entrances:

  • Collages of photos from trips or special moments.

  • Abstract and modern art.

  • Handcrafted decorative frames.

Photo Campaign Collections Laos and Cambodia - Photo: Reproduction/ Ad Astra

Dining Area:

  • Photographs of special moments with friends and family.

  • Frames that reflect the color palette of the space’s decoration.

Keep in mind that these are just general suggestions. The most important thing is to choose pieces that resonate with your personal style and contribute to the desired atmosphere in each space in your home.

Layout and composition of decorative frames

The layout and composition of decorative frames are essential to creating a visually appealing gallery wall. Here are some tips to help you create effective layout and composition:
  • Choose the location: Before you start hanging the pictures, choose the location where you want to create the gallery wall. It could be an empty wall in the living room, hallway or even on the stairs. Make sure the location is suitable for the number of pictures you want to hang.
  • Plan the layout: Before you start hanging the pictures, plan the layout on the floor. Place the paintings on the floor and try different combinations until you find the arrangement that suits you best. This will allow you to see how the pictures will look together before hanging them on the wall.
  • Consider visual balance: When planning the layout, consider visual balance. Try to distribute the paintings evenly on the wall, taking into account the size, shape and color of each painting. This will help create a harmonious and visually pleasing wall.
  • Use frames of different sizes: To add visual interest to the gallery wall, use frames of different sizes. This will help create a dynamic and interesting composition. You can group larger frames in the center and smaller frames on the sides, or create an asymmetrical composition.
  • Use spacers: When hanging pictures, use spacers to ensure they are level and the same distance apart. This will help create a tidy and professional look, spacers can be small pieces of cardboard or plastic that are placed between the frames.

Frame Composition - Photo: Reproduction/ Ad Astra

Trends in decorative paintings

  • Framed objects

Framed objects have gained a prominent place in decoration trends, providing an elegant and personalized way to adorn spaces. This creative approach goes beyond conventional boundaries, transforming everyday items into artistic pieces. From old utensils, such as silver spoons, to retired musical instruments, the idea is to give new life to objects with sentimental or aesthetic value.

  • Mosaic frames

Mosaic paintings refer to works of art or decoration that are composed of a set of paintings, which arranged together form a larger image or pattern. It's a different option but one that suits different styles.

  • Pictures with paspatur (passe-partout) in fabric

Pictures with fabric paspatur are works of art or photographs that are framed in a specific way, using a passe-partout (paspatur) covered with fabric. The paspatur is a flat, wide frame made of paper or cardboard that surrounds the artwork, creating a visible border between the image and the outer frame. This technique is often used to highlight and beautify the piece, providing an elegant finish.

In the case of paintings with fabric paste, the passe-partout is covered with a fabric chosen to complement or contrast with the work in question. The fabric adds a tactile texture and an extra layer of sophistication to the ensemble, creating an eye-catching visual effect.

  • Art with weaves

Weaved artwork generally refers to pieces that incorporate interlocking patterns, complex textures, or weaving elements into their composition. This artistic approach can be expressed through different forms, such as paintings, sculptures, tapestries or even photography.

Where to buy decorative paintings

When it comes to purchasing decorative paintings, there are several options available. Home decor stores, art galleries, online stores (marketplaces, galleries offer a wide selection of paintings to choose from. When selecting a place to buy your paintings, it is important to take into consideration the quality of the work, the price and the guarantee of authenticity. Opt for original artwork or limited editions that can add an exclusive touch to your decor.

A popular option for purchasing decorative paintings is to explore the work of local artists. These artists often have a unique style and can create custom works based on your preferences. Furthermore, supporting local artists is a way of valuing the art and culture of your region. Be sure to visit art fairs or exhibitions to discover emerging talent and purchase original works.

  1. Boobam : Boobam is a curation marketplace, where only selected artists and designers exhibit their work. Recently, they launched an “arm” called Boobam Arte, in which works of art using different techniques are exhibited and sold, such as photographs, paintings, mixed media, etc.
  2. . Theodora Home : Theodora Home is an online home decor and lifestyle platform that sells decorative objects, including works of art and photographs of different formats and styles.
  3. Ad Astra : following the trend of decorative paintings with fabric passe-partout, Ad Astra is a brand of original photographs superimposed on unique fabrics made by local artisans from where the photographs are taken around the globe. The brand offers a wide variety of photographs, as each collection belongs to a different destination.
  4. Galeria Livia Doblas : Galeria Livia Doblas is an art gallery that aims to share the passion for art by presenting its collection, as well as stories and experiences. The gallery features different pieces by leading artists, with the items sold being original works with a limited edition.
  5. Opano : Opano is a brand that sells works of art, such as paintings, cushions, decorative boxes and sculptures, which carry meanings beyond their decorative function. The brand has an e-commerce and a physical store located in Rio de Janeiro.

How to care for and maintain decorative paintings

Just like any work of art, decorative paintings require care to keep them in good condition over time. Exposure to direct sunlight can fade the colors of paintings, therefore it is recommended to avoid hanging paintings in places where they receive intense light. Furthermore, it is important to regularly clean the frames to remove dust and dirt that may accumulate.

To clean a decorative frame, you can use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust from the surface. Avoid using cleaning products as they may damage the paint or frame. If the painting is very dirty, it is recommended that you consult a professional specializing in art restoration to carry out proper cleaning.

The impact of decorative paintings on home decor

Decorative paintings have a significant impact on the decor of a home. In addition to adding color and style to environments, they can also convey emotion and tell stories. When choosing paintings for each room in your home, take into account the theme and style you want to convey.

In addition to choosing the right paintings, it is also important to consider how they are hung. The height and alignment of the frames can make a big difference in the final look.

The art of decorating with decorative paintings is a fun and creative way to transform your home into a unique and personalized space. By choosing paintings that reflect your personality and interests, you will be creating a warm and inviting environment for you and your guests to enjoy.

This article explored the world of decorating with pictures and offered tips and ideas to help you choose the best options for each room in your home. We hope you have been inspired to transform your space and create a welcoming atmosphere in your home. Remember that decor is a form of personal expression, so choose paintings that reflect your personality and interests. Have fun decorating and enjoy the process of making your home more beautiful and cozy!