Wonder Woman Interview: Neza Cesar

Today we are interviewing my favorite designer in the world! Some may worship a Hollywood star or a band... but for me the interior designer Neza Cesar is my all times "rock star"! There is no other artist in the world that I want to meet more than her! I dream to one day have a home with her signature and I can't put on words how honored I felt when she answered the 'wonder woman' interview!

One of the main reasons why I love her work so much is because she brings back what Brazil is really all about: colors, curves, history, religion, art, mix of different cultures, elements from the nature and lots of character! And let me tell you something: that is NOT an easy task! Despite what you may envision of a brazilian home looks like the truth is that most of the people that can afford an interior designer usually mirror their decor in the houses of "american movies". The essence of the brazilian style has been dying because so many are trying to look 'modern' and have 'clean lines'. Literally when I visit my friends house it all looks the same: all neutral colors (maybe with 1 accent wall) and furniture pieces from famous international designers. In my humble personal opinion there has a lack of personality and a lack of connection with the brazilian roots... Until Neza shows up in the picture!

Neza is the face of Brazil and she carries a huge amount of responsibility: to design unique houses for real people! She finds the personality of the home-owner and she translates that into colors, art pieces and cozy rooms! You now see how much the "Wonder Woman' concept fits her very well: she beautifully find people's individuality which led her to be a successful interior designer and she is also a mom, a wife, a home-owner of a fabulous house with stunning mountain views in Sao Paulo, the owner of 2 cute dogs, a blogger, an amazing writer and a very spiritual being!

Neza break rules, makes unmatched patterns look like a perfect match, mixes unpredictable colors, breaks all rules and she screams to the world who she is and what her design sensibility is all about! She also has an extremely love for asian elements specially India - where she visits for spiritual journeys and inspiration. Her spiritual connection has kept her centered and humble and she seems to have found the perfect balanced between designing a house for a famous celebrity and having a simple lifestyle that includes sitting outdoors by a fireplace at night, having breakfast watching the views, meditating with nature, walking the dogs or even enjoying a waterfall! Please have fun and get inspired looking at her answers, her work and her lifestyle!

1. Check the super powers that you identified yourself with it from the list below and count your blessings: 

( X ) talented

( X ) crafty

( X ) loves to write

( X ) happy marriage

( X ) beautiful kids

( X ) amazing network of another wonder women

( X ) dress to perfection

( X ) has quite a selection of fashion pieces to die for

( X ) successful business woman

( X ) super cute office

( X ) computer pro

( X ) impeccable decorated home

( X ) creative

( X ) transforms an idea into a completed project

( X ) source of inspiration for others

( X ) loves to be in communication

( X ) successful business woman

( X ) knows all the beautiful things that going on out there

( X ) other super powers not listed: "I am always in search for self-discovery and I believe that spirituality is the most important thing in my life - without it I wouldn't have peace neither mental clarity"

2. What is your secret to get so many lovely things going on in your life? I have lots of enthusiasm and I have a great faith in myself and others. I believe that we all have the power to transform the world and ourselves. I have always dealt with challenges (even the big ones!) by finding what there is to be learned and I chose rejoicing over lamentation.

3. What are some of your accomplishments that you are most proud of? I don't judge people and I quit criticizing . I started to really understand who the other person is and realize that we all search for the same thing: to be happy. Even the most arrogant people suffer. I have great belief that my biggest accomplishment is to control anger and to be patient. Be real, tell the truth with love and not coming from an anger place!

4. What do you do on your free time? To be free and not tied to any commitments. I specially enjoy being close to my husband, my kids and my lovely dogs. I like to do things spontaneously which may be sleep until late, relax, read a good book or watch silly soap operas (lol) or connect with nature, mediate and pray.

5. Does your search for beautiful things ever goes to sleep? I do take breaks but my eyes can't help to search for beautiful things - and I find them all the time!

6. Love for design is a gift or a sin? A blessing!

7. How did your blog get to be SO cute? I hired help. When I first started my son Antonio helped and after 4 months I was in need of an upgrade so Andre who created my website did an upgrade in my blog. Now I am transferring to uol.com.br and Andre is working on a new look for the brand new blog to be laucnhed soon. (Visit her blog here.)

8. My secret to manage my time to do it all is... I haven't accomplish that yet but I am trying to find a way.

9. I can't get enough of: I have so many favorite websites and I always find more.

10. How can you, as a wonder women, advice others that feel overwhelmed with their life goals? Choose to do what really inspires you!

Thank you for sharing Neza!! You are definitely a lovely super woman!

Talking about efficient use of a small space...

I used to live in a super cute studio and it was quite challenge to make that one space to work as a bedroom, an office, a kitchen, a living and dining room. I was lucky enough to have 2 walk in closets which allowed me to convert one of them into my office - otherwise it would just have been an enormous temptation to buy more clothes! So one day I decided to give a try and check if my Ikea desk would fit in the closet. i did measure and it was the exact same width. Netherless to say it was a nightmare to move this oversize table top into a space that had the exact same width. The table got stuck kinda in an angle so I hammered, I damaged the walls and I even almost gave up - but at the end it fit perfectly inside the closet - and that is what I call a 'it was meant to be'! My boyfriend could not believe how I made that work by myself and when the time came to move out of that apt it was actually tough to remove the table! lol

Well I used to be pretty proud of my office and I thought it was such a "clever idea". Little did I knew... I just watched this youtube video where this guy converts a 300 sq feet Hong Kong apt into a super modern multi use space! Ok so now I know what really is a clever use of a small space! I guess I am not proud of my closet/office anymore lol! Watch the video, it is pretty creative...

Mixing patterns...

I have a profound love for mixed patterns...either in clothing or interior design! It is unpredictable, it is fun, it is out of the box, it is funky! Of course there is a fine line between looking awesome... and a mess! But what defies that?

Ops...I don't remember where i got those images from - maybe Eugenio Recuenco? Not sure...

If you ever in Rio de Janeiro... here are the top 30 things to do in the "Marvelous City"

Rio de Janeiro is a incredible city in Brazil where I had the honor to grown up. I have to say that I keep questioning myself why I am not there and I definitely have plans to move back! Rio certainly deserves the nickname "Marvelous City" - and you will witness yourself when you go visit! Please see below tips written by my bff.

#1: Go up to the statue of Christ the Redeemer ('Cristo Redentor') atop Corcovado mountain, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
#2: Watch the sunset from the beach, a great suggestion: Ipanema Beach
#3: Great hiking at 'Pedra da Gávea'. You should go at least up to the summit, which is Rio's most spectacular viewpoint. It is recommended to hike up to the top of the mountain in case you are in great shape
#4: Go to Baixo Gávea to grab a 'chopp', a local's draft beer. This location is a bohemian quarter frequented by locals. You will also find great bars in Leblon.
#5: Chill at 'Praia do Pepe' located in Barra da Tijuca. You will have the most unbelievable coconut water and eat the famous “O Globo” biscuits
#6: Sophisticated nightlife at 'Bar do Copa', a nightclub beautifully designed by Graham Viney. It is located inside the most famous hotel in Rio called Copacabana Palace. It is a 86 years old hotel known for hosting stars such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Roberts
#7: Dinner at french restaurant 'Le Pré Catelan' renowned as one of the top 10 restaurants in the world by Hotel World Magazine. Not only the food is excellent but this spot also offers stupendous vies of Copacabana beach. Restaurant is located by the beach inside of Sofitel hotel
#8: Rent a pedal boat at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
#9: Go for a run around the lagoon 'Rodrigo de Freitas' (about 7,5 km/ 4.66 miles)
#10: Watch a soocer game at 'Maracanã'
#11:If you like Japanese food, enjoy a delightful dinnerf at 'Sushi Leblon' located in the street 'Dias Ferreira'
#12:S Go to a Music event hosted at the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain (known as Pão de Açúcar). When you go up to the 'Morro da Urca' you will enjoy the music, the ride by cable cars and the views!
#13: Check out 'Santa Teresa' artistic neighborhood. Go for a 20 minutes tram ride up to Largos das Neves. The ride crosses the old 'Arcos da Lapa' aqueduct and goes to the picturesque streets of the neighborhood. For a delightful brazilian meal go to the restaurant “Aprasível”
#14: Enjoy an unforgettable samba evening at Lapa. If you don't like samba, make sure you check others bars in this neighborhood where you will find every single type of music style you can imagine!
#15: Spend the day at the famous Ipanema Beach. Make sure you order a delicious açaí in one of the many juice stores in the neighborhood
#16: Have lunch at no Porcão Rio’s located at the Aterro do Flamengo. It is a all you can eat steakhouse with beautiful views and excellent service
#17: On the summer go for a weekend in Búzios...
#18: Or Angra dos Reis;
#19: On the winter time, make sure to visit a charming little village called Itaipava
#20: Back in Rio you can stay at a very cool hotel called 'Hotel Fasano' - designed by Philippe Starck
#21: Is you are looking for a massage ritual check the 'H. Stern Spa', they only use products from the french brand L’Occitane
#22: Visit the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Gardens)
#23: Get amazed by the views from Pedra Bonita. If you dare... go hang gliding where you get to see many of the main city attractions and you land at the sandy beach of Sao Conrado
#24: Visit the charming Joatinga beach
#25: Make sure to watch a ballet show at the Teatro Municipal, an opera house located in Downtown Rio. The beautiful building was inspired by the Paris Opera designed by Charles Garnier
#26: Visit the Sambódromo, designed by famous local architect Oscar Niemeyer
#27: If in carnaval season check out a Samba School rehearsal
#28: For surfers lovers you must visit Prainha beach
#29: Have a breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo; an elegant Victorian-inspired tearoom built in 1894
#30: If you have local friends have them take you to a 'Baile Funk'. For safety reasons do not attempt to go as your gringo self!

To be honest I haven't done some of those activities... maybe on August when I go visit my family! 

Isn't beautiful? 

^_^

For the love of unique hotel experiences... and France

So let's say there is a perfect and magical house waiting for me to move in... I surely hope it will look like this:

Needless to say that it sounds a lit bit impossible since it is a hotel in France but it does look like something that come out of my dreams! It feels like the designer Stella Cadente read my mind! She created a fairytale like universe with kitschy and stylish elements, bold colors, antique furniture and amazing views to the garden - all of it in a beautiful 19th century french architecture house! That is just too much for me to take in... Oh did I mention the house is located in an ancient medieval village less than 50 mile north of Paris?



The rooms have themes such as...

. Queen of Snow Bedroom (my personal favorite!)

"This spacious bedroom in a luminous decor is entirely adorned with 4000 Swaroski crystals stuck on the ceiling and the walls, thus creating an unique crystal cave. Bedroom of 16 square metres, double size bed, flat screen adapting to the color of the image, wifi and iPod system with a dawn simulator, DVD with Murnau's first movies and books on poetry. The curtains were designed like true haute-couture pieces. The bed is covered with a silver leather blanket as well as feather-embroidered mohair cushions. The adjacent shower room reminds of the themes of crystal and purity."

. Dunkeyskin Suite (Are you kidding me? That was my favorite movie as I was growing up!)

"This suite of 64 square metres is made of a living room and two bedrooms, including one with a double bed and one with two beds, flat-screen TV, wifi and iPod system, and a dawn simulator. A stay in this suite is an invitation to a change of scenery and a discovery of nature. The walls are silver. A stuffed peacock, hanged to the fireplace, welcomes the visitors. One of the walls was left white, in order to allow movies to be played on it. In the middle of the mauve, white and gold room, a stuffed roebuck. The four-poster bed faces a wall entirely adorned with mirrors and decoratives frames. The bathroom is covered in a mosaic of bisazza, with a distinguishing feature: it changes colors, like Donkeyskin's dresses which colour changes with the weather, from colour of the Sun, to colour of the Moon. The hammam, in which it is possible to play music, along with the silver bottom tub, mix technology and classicism. The children's bedroom is designed in navy blue and purple, with a fluorescent light. Two twin beds mix with contemporary furniture and bronze lamps from the XIXth century."

. Alice in Wonderland Bedroom and Bathroom

"The Alice bedroom takes you to Wonderland. Room of 32 square meters, double size bed, flat screem TV, wifi and iPod hifi system, and dawn simulator. This luminous room with pale pink walls, black floor and thick eiderdown is the ideal place to leave on a dream journey. The great four-poster black bed is decorated with a lapin blanket and the curtains wrap the room in a sublime way. The rabbit-shaped lamps, the contemporary chair with a heat-shaped bottom, and the bathroom suspensions topped by bowler hats are many details reminding of Lewis Carroll. Reminding of the black and white tones of the bedrooms with the draughtboard design, the bathroom is equipped with two washbasins, a shower closet, and a tub. The black toilet is lit by a red lamp."

. Moulin Rouge Bedroom and Bathroom

"Immersion in the world of Moulin Rouge, ideal for lovers. Bedroom of about 20 square metres, double bed, flat-screen TV, wifi and iPod system. Red walls, stage costumes, four-poster bed adorned with feathers, red satin curtains and a sensual rose fragrance from the "Tapageuse" perfume. The shower room also uses the red tones from the bedrooms and is made of a tropical shower and a very contemporary sink."

. Puss in Boots Room

"A bedroom-bathroom, or a bathroom-bedroom? The vintage tub located at the bottom of the bed is the touch of originality in this bedroom. Shades of colours going from green to blueish khaki, blends perfectly with the curtains adorned with feathers. Poetry, sophistication and peaceful ambiance are the key words in defining this space. Bedroom of approximately 20 square metres, double bed, flat-screen TV, wifi and iPod system."

The Stella Cadente boutique... (see legs coming from the ceiling?  I would personally skip that detail if it was my house but definitely that is what I call out of the box!

A stunning bathroom...

And to top it all of... a stairwell covered in gold leaves!

I want it! 

For reservations visit their website