This past couple of months have been CRAZY. I moved to Oakland (I will post images soon!!), went to ICFF in NYC for the first time, opened my very own STUDIO and ended with a bang by going to BRAZIL! My trip was motivated mostly by the 2014 World Cup or in portuguese, Cupo do Mundo but I myself am half brazilian-portuguese and have been wanting to go visit my family there for some time. It was a wonderful experience and I was so happy to have gone. Stressing about work yes (I was gone for TWO weeks!), but how much of that can you actually do when you are surrounded by luscious plants and the lovely beach? Not much.

I was surprised by the amazing design scene that I saw there. I was in Rio de Janeiro which Ive heard was lacking next to its metropolitan city sister, São Paulo. But with the help of my two Tias (aunts), who had been keeping an eye out for me, we found some pretty awesome studios and boutique shops. Mostly in the Jardim Botanico and Impanema, a couple of them being Dona Coisa, Denise Stewart Ceramicas, and Arkana Arte e Decoração . Below is a brief visual story of the trip. You can also catch a glimpse through my instagram, @melaneiabrantesdesign. I hashtagged it #melxbrazil. Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!

XO mel

Rick and Erin in the forest of Jardim Botanico

Sugar Loafs and the beautiful view of Rio

USA vs Germany game! On the beaches of Copacabana!

Buzios, a beach town three hours out of Rio. LOVED the Hammocks!

Lobby in my Hotel, all furniture made in brazil