Casa étnica: Como incorporar esse estilo na sua decoração

Ethnic home: How to incorporate this style into your decor

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.

Discover the magic of passe-partout: the art of framing memories Reading Ethnic home: How to incorporate this style into your decor 8 minutes Next What does the word Ad Astra mean?

Are you looking to add a different and authentic touch to your decor? If yes, then ethnic style is the perfect choice for you! Inspired by global cultures and traditions, an ethnic home environment can completely transform any room.
Here, we will explore how to incorporate ethnic style into your decor in an authentic and stylish way. From unique decorative elements like tapestries and sculptures to handcrafted furniture and vibrant prints, there are so many ways to bring the beauty of this style into your home.
By adopting the ethnic style in your decor, you will add personality and history to your space. You can choose between different ethnic influences to create a unique and charming look.
Immerse yourself in a world of colors, textures and patterns through the cultural richness of different regions of the world and create a truly unique and enchanting space.

Image of an ethnic style room. Photo: Reproduction/ Home Stories

What is ethnic style in decoration?

The ethnic style in decoration is a trend that seeks to incorporate elements and cultural influences from different parts of the world. It's a way to honor the diversity and richness of global traditions by bringing them into the home environment. A nickname for this style would be “collected house”.
To create it in your home, it is important to understand its characteristics and key elements. From vibrant colors to natural textures and detailed prints, each ethnic aspect contributes to the unique atmosphere of this type of decor.

Color Schemes and Patterns for Decorating Ethnic Homes

Choosing the right colors and patterns is key to creating an ethnic atmosphere in your home. Here are some tips to help you choose the ideal color schemes and patterns:
  1. Vibrant colors: Opt for bright, saturated colors like red, orange, blue and green, which are often found in ethnic cultures and create a vibrant, impactful look.
  2. Ethnic patterns: Use ethnic patterns such as ikat, paisley, batik or Moroccan tiles to add a touch of authenticity to your decor.
  3. Balanced combination: Balance strong colors with neutral tones, such as white, beige or gray, to prevent the room from becoming overloaded. Neutral tones help to highlight ethnic elements and create visual balance.

Image of an environment with Moroccan style decoration. Photo: Reproduction/ Pinterest

Ethnic style elements in decoration

There are several elements that can be incorporated into the ethnic style in decoration, each bringing its own personality and history. Among these:


Tapestries and fabrics:

Tapestries are a fantastic way to add color and texture to a room. Ethnic patterns such as Indian mandalas or African tribal designs create a visually interesting focal point.

Sculptures and art:

Ethnic sculptures and traditional art are great options for adding a touch of authenticity to your space, such as hand-carved pieces in wood, stone or ceramics.

Handcrafted furniture:

Handmade furniture made with natural materials, such as rattan or bamboo, brings personality and can be found in ethnic styles, such as Moroccan or Asian.

Cushions:

Printed or colored pillows bring ethnic style more subtly to your space. Furthermore, they are easy items to reposition or exchange.

Decorative frames:

Decorative frames are great items to add to your ethnic home. Pictures with paspatur in ethnic and handmade fabric are the perfect way to bring this style in an elegant way.

Image of an Ad Astra painting with fabric paving. Photo: Reproduction/ Ad Astra

Decorative objects:

Add ethnic decor items like tribal masks, deity statues or handcrafted ceramics to add a finishing touch to your decor. These objects add layers of history and personality to the room.

Wall with ethnic style decorative objects. Photo: Reproduction/ Pinterest

    These are just a few examples of the elements that can be incorporated into the ethnic style in decoration. The key is to choose pieces that reflect your personality and that bring a connection with what you want to convey.

    How to incorporate the ethnic style of the house in different rooms .

    Now that you know the elements and tips for creating an ethnic style in your home, it's time to think about how to incorporate this style in different rooms. Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

    Living room

    The living room is the heart of the home, where you receive guests and spend much of your time. To create an ethnic atmosphere in this space, you can:
    1. Include a tapestry: Hang a tapestry with an ethnic pattern on the wall to create a visually striking centerpiece.
    2. Choose furniture with carved details: Opt for sofas, armchairs or coffee tables with carved details in wood or metal.
    3. Add cushions and throws with ethnic prints: Place cushions and throws with ethnic prints on sofas and armchairs to add color and texture.

    Living room with tapestries hanging on the wall. Photo: Reproduction/ Pinterest

    Room

    The bedroom is your personal refuge, where you relax and rest. To add an ethnic touch to your bedroom, you can:
    1. Choose a four-poster bed: Opt for a Moroccan or Indian-style four-poster bed to add drama and elegance to the room. You can also add light curtains around the bed.
    2. Incorporate ethnic prints into textiles: Choose sheets, throws and pillows with ethnic prints to add color and texture to your bed. These elements will help create a cozy and pleasant atmosphere.
    3. Add themed décor: Place ethnic décor, such as tribal sculptures or African masks, on shelves or nightstands.

    Kitchen

    The kitchen is a functional space, but it can also be decorated with ethnic elements to add charm and style:
    1. Ethnic-patterned tiles: Use ethnic-patterned tiles on walls or as a backsplash to add color and visual interest to your kitchen. These tiles are also easy to clean and durable.
    2. Handcrafted cookware: Opt for handcrafted cookware like hand-painted ceramic pans or carved wooden bowls.
    3. Add plants and herbs: Place pots with plants and herbs in your kitchen to bring a touch of nature and freshness. In addition to being decorative, these plants can be used for cooking, adding a touch of flavor to your dishes.

    Ethnic style cuisine. Photo: Reproduction/ Pinterest

    Remember that these are just a few suggestions and you can adapt the ethnic style according to your personal tastes and the needs of each environment.

    Where to find inspiration and resources for decorating ethnic homes

    If you're looking for inspiration and resources to decorate your home in ethnic style, here are some options for you to explore:

    1. Decorating magazines: Subscribe to decorating magazines that feature different ethnic styles. They provide inspiration, tips and ideas to help you create the environment you want.
    2. Social networks: Follow decoration and interior design profiles on social networks, such as Pinterest and Instagram. They are an endless source of inspiration and you can save the images you like most in organized folders.
    3. Specialty stores: Visit stores specializing in ethnic decoration, where you will find exclusive furniture, decorative objects and textiles. These stores often have a carefully curated selection of authentic products.
    4. Fairs and markets: Explore local craft fairs and markets where you can find unique and authentic pieces directly from artisans. These pieces have a story and add a special touch to your decor.

    The reason to adopt this style in your home

    Incorporating ethnic style into your decor can bring life, color and history to your space. From tapestries and sculptures to handmade furniture and vibrant prints, there are endless options for you to explore.
    Remember to choose elements that reflect your personality and that connect with your tastes and what you want to convey. Balance colors and patterns, and don't be afraid to mix different ethnic influences to create a truly unique and enchanting space.
    Create a home that tells its own story through ethnic decor. Let your creativity flow and transform it into a haven full of personality, style and charm.

    House with ethnic decoration. Photo: Reproduction/ Casa com Moda