Arte minimalista x Arte maximalista: Qual estilo combina mais com você?

Minimalist art x Maximalist art: Which style suits you best?

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.

Art is a universal language that has the power to transform any environment, making it more pleasant and expressive. It allows us to express our emotions, personality and lifestyle. But have you ever stopped to think about which style of art best suits you and your space? In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a deep dive into two styles that are at opposite extremes: minimalist art and maximalist art. Let's explore their characteristics, influences and understand who they are best suited for. In the end, you will have the tools you need to choose the style that truly reflects your personality and transform your space into an authentic reflection of who you are.

Minimalist Art: The Beauty of Simplicity

Minimalism is an artistic movement that emerged in the late 1950s as a reaction to abstract expressionism. It is characterized by simplicity, with few elements and neutral colors. Minimalist works of art seek to convey an idea or feeling with as few resources as possible.

Characteristics of Minimalism:

  • Simplicity: Minimalism is marked by a “less is more” approach. The works contain only the essentials, without unnecessary elements.
  • Neutral Colors: The minimalism color palette generally focuses on neutral tones such as white, black, gray and soft earth tones.
  • White Space: Negative space plays a crucial role in minimalist works, creating a feeling of calm and balance.
  • Focus on Form and Composition: Geometric shapes and careful composition are key elements of minimalist art.
 

Who is minimalism suitable for?

Minimalism for Calm and Reserved People:

If you are a person who values ​​tranquility and simplicity, minimalist art could be the perfect choice for you. It brings a feeling of calm and order, ideal for those who like cleaner and more organized environments.

Minimalism for People with Small Space:

Additionally, minimalist art is a great option for those with a small space. As the works are simple and do not have many elements, they do not overload the environment and help to create a feeling of spaciousness.

Ideas and Inspirations for Minimalist Art: 

Explore the beauty of simplicity with frames that feature geometric shapes, such as circles, rectangles and lines.

Choose neutral, soft colors that blend perfectly into the color palette of your space. 

Try creating an accent wall with a single piece of minimalist art, drawing the eye to the focus of your decor.

At Ad Astra, there is the option of paintings from the Classic line , which are recommended for those who prefer minimalist decoration and art. The paintings are traditionally framed and you can choose from a wide range of photographs from different countries and cultures.

Maximalist Art: The Celebration of Excess 

On the other hand, maximalism is a style that is not afraid to exaggerate. It is characterized by an excess of colors, textures, shapes and patterns. Maximalist works of art are vibrant, full of life and personality and can transform any room into a unique and energetic space.

Characteristics of Maximalism:

  • Exuberance : Maximalism is a celebration of exuberance. It embraces the diversity of colors, shapes and decorative elements.
  • Abundant Patterns and Textures: Maximalist works often feature a bold mix of patterns and textures, creating a captivating look.
  • Energy and Personality: Maximalism is ideal for those who want to express their personality in a vibrant and authentic way.
  • Rich and Complex Composition: Maximalist works are often rich in details and visual elements, inviting the viewer to explore every corner of the work.

Who is maximalism suitable for?

Maximalism for extroverted and exuberant people:

If you are a person who loves colors and shapes, and is not afraid to be bold, maximalist art is the ideal choice. It allows you to express your personality in a vibrant and authentic way, transforming your space into a reflection of who you are.

Maximalism for people with large space:

For those who have a large space, maximalist art can be an excellent choice. Maximalist artwork fills the space with life and energy, making it more welcoming and interesting. 

Ideas and Inspirations for maximalist art:

Mix and match bold colors and eye-catching patterns to create a burst of visual energy in your space.

Explore works by contemporary maximalist artists that incorporate complex elements and rich details.

Create a maximalist art gallery with multiple works stacked or arranged eclectically on an accent wall.

At Ad Astra, there is the option of paintings from the Some of a kind line , which are perfect for those who prefer maximalist decoration, full of charm, with color and a mix of prints and textures. The paintings are made from fine art photographs superimposed on unique fabrics, made by local artisans around the globe.

Which art style suits you best?

Whether minimalist or maximalist, the important thing is to choose an art style that suits you and your space. At Ad Astra , you will find decorative frames for all tastes and styles. Visit our website and check out a wide selection of works that may meet your preferences.

Remember that decor is a way to express your personality and create spaces that make you feel good. So choose carefully, consider your preferences and let your creativity flow. Decorative paintings can be more than just aesthetic elements; they can be windows into your inner world and sources of constant inspiration in your daily life. Don't be afraid to be bold and create spaces that truly represent who you are. Your home will become an even more special place with the addition of carefully chosen frames. So, what's your style: minimalist or maximalist? It's your choice.