A-List
ELLE Deco International A-List: Americas
THE ELLE DECO INTERNATIONAL A-LIST brings together the year’s most remarkable interior design projects from across the globe. Selected by the Editors-in-Chief of the 25 ELLE Decoration editions, this annual showcase celebrates not only exceptional interiors, but also the talents who shape them. Discover the outstanding European projects of 2026.
Argentina
PALERMO, BUENOS AIRES
BY ROSA BENEDIT
PHOTOS POMPI GUTNISKY PORTRAIT POMPI GUTNISKY
Private Home. “If a place calls for color, you have to give it without fear,” says interior designer Rosa Benedit, renowned for her impeccable command of color. With an artist's eye and touch, Rosa knows how to apply timeless and engaging tones to different rooms within the same house. In this case, in partnership with her client, she designed a complete renovation of a rental apartment, located in a small Art Deco building in the Palermo neighborhood, with minimal construction work. The renovation focused on a new layout: the brightest spaces were designated for everyday use, and a lounge area was created where the lighting design and a playful combination of materials and textures truly shine. The master bedroom, which previously faced the street, was moved to the back of the building, gaining privacy. The floor plan was completed with new, antique, and inherited furniture that coexist harmoniously.
ROSA BENEDIT
Rosa Benedit, born in Buenos Aires, worked in Paris as a textile maquette artist for Yves Saint Laurent and on costumes for the Paris Opera. Back in Argentina, she co-founded Benedit Bis and has developed interior design projects for nearly two decades. www.rosabenedit.com
“Rosa worked as a maquettiste textile for Yves Saint Laurent so all of her work has a strong fashion influence. This apartment is a living work of art with a rich color palette that enriches daily life and the surprising combinations of styles and textures.”
— ARLETTE BARRIONUEVO, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELLE DECORATION ARGENTINA
HOUSE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF BUENOS AIRES
BY INÉS MUZZIO
PHOTOS POMPI GUTNISKY PORTRAIT POMPI GUTNISKY
Private Home. The rural landscape was key in giving this weekend home the modern cabin aesthetic, reflecting the dreams of its inhabitants: to enjoy the simple things with loved ones and escape the stresses of the city by connecting with nature. Perfectly in tune with these desires, interior designer Inés Muzzio created a simple, linear, and effective design. On the facade, she used only two materials: charred wood and sheet metal. Inside, she employed a limited palette of colors and materials that were enough to enhance the spaciousness and create a serene atmosphere. All the rooms have the same terrazzo flooring and are connected by tall, smooth wooden doors. The ceilings and wall coverings in the living-dining room are made of the same wood, but applied in different ways to create a pleasing rhythm. This unifying theme extends to the exterior with a few native species that are repeated to create a landscape with character.
INÉS MUZZIO
Inés Muzzio’s spaces have won awards at Casa FOA. She was a partner of architect Guadalupe Diez and has been running her own studio for the past five years. She is responsible for the interior architecture of residential and corporate projects. www.instagram.com/im_estudio
“A typical country house in a 21st-century version, it is the perfect refuge to achieve that longed-for tranquility. Using traditional and noble materials, Inés Muzzio constructs her spaces with a clear, serene and modern language.”
— ARLETTE BARRIONUEVO, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELLE DECORATION ARGENTINA
Brazil
PAULISTA APARTMENT
BY STUDIO GAIBOLA
PHOTOS ANDRÉ KLOTZ PORTRAIT STUDIO GAIBOLA
Private Home. Redesigned by Studio Gaibola, the Paulista Apartment was envisioned as a home for an art collector and his impressive collection, built over 15 years. Located on Avenida Paulista in São Paulo, the 420-square-meter property showcases paintings and sculptures by artists such as Tunga, Ana Elisa Egreja, Rivane Neuenschwander, Ione Saldanha, and Francisco Brennand, among others, displayed on walls designed specifically for this purpose. Each room has its own identity — one bathroom in terracotta, another in green. The kitchen features a light pink tone with a matching granite countertop, while a green curtain runs throughout the apartment.
STUDIO GAIBOLA, FEDERICO CONCILIO
Architect Federico Concilio, founder of Studio Gaibola, was born in Bologna, Italy, and has lived in Brazil since 2010, where he completed part of his undergraduate studies. Blending his passion for the history of Brazilian design with his Italian roots, he emphasizes the dialogue between history and artisanal traditions. www.studiogaibola.com
“In this São Paulo apartment renovated by Studio Gaibola, art and design merge like in an art gallery, reflecting the city's vibrant cultural scene.”
— ANA LUIZA CARDOSO, RESPONSIBLE EDITOR ELLE DECORATION BRAZIL
BRASILIS APARTMENT
BY MELINA ROMANO
PHOTOS DENILSON MACHADO PORTRAIT LECA NOVO
Private Home. Located in São Paulo, the Brasilis apartment reflects the clients’ connection to both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Designed by architect Melina Romano, the 350-square-meter residence features elements that evoke a timeless Brazilian identity through natural materials such as wood and stone, complemented by a soft color palette. The curated selection includes pieces by Percival Lafer, Jorge Zalszupin, Lucas Recchia, Estudiobola, Ricardo Fasanello, Roberta Banqueri, and Assimply Studio. The apartment’s layout emphasizes fluidity and flexibility between social and private areas, fostering integration for different occasions.
MELINA ROMANO
Based in São Paulo, architect Melina Romano develops architecture and interior design projects in Brazil and abroad. Her work, defined by a contemporary approach, stands out for its integration of artistic elements. www.melinaromano.com
“The project is an example of how Melina Romano blends tradition and art with a contemporary sensibility.”
— ANA LUIZA CARDOSO, RESPONSIBLE EDITOR ELLE DECORATION BRAZIL
ITAMAMBUCA II
BY GUI MATTOS
PHOTOS FRAN PARENTE PORTRAIT GAL OPPIDO
Private Home. The Itamambuca II residence is located in the city of Ubatuba, in Brazil’s São Paulo state. Covering 369 square meters, the beach house was designed by architect Gui Mattos and built to offer moments of relaxation surrounded by nature. Wood is one of the main construction materials used throughout the project. Whether in the form of brise-soleils or furniture, it brings warmth and light to the interiors, which are also defined by a neutral color palette and a minimalist aesthetic. The design curation features pieces by modernists such as Sergio Rodrigues and Lina Bo Bardi, alongside creations by contemporary designers like Jader Almeida. The project also includes large glass openings that enhance the connection with the lush natural surroundings.
GUI MATTOS
São Paulo–born architect Gui Mattos, the creative lead of the firm Arquitetura Gui Mattos, began his professional journey on the coast of São Paulo. Since then, he has developed a wide range of projects, including houses, residential developments, hotels, and commercial spaces. www.guimattos.com.br
“Open and filled with light, Gui Mattos’ design reinforces the connection with the natural landscape of the state of São Paulo coastline.”
— ANA LUIZA CARDOSO, RESPONSIBLE EDITOR ELLE DECORATION BRAZIL
SETE APARTMENT
BY ARTHUR CASAS
PHOTOS FRAN PARENTE PORTRAIT BOB WOLFENSON
Private Home. A sepia-toned atmosphere envelops this 335-square-meter apartment in São Paulo, designed by Arthur Casas. The residence is located in a building also designed by him, featuring a minimalist architectural language that connects seamlessly with the urban landscape. Glass windows create a subtle boundary between interior and exterior. Inside, every inch has been carefully planned to foster a tranquil lifestyle, where enjoying art and social gatherings takes center stage. Among the materials, light-hued Santa Margherita terrazzo stands out, visually unifying the entire living area. Wood, present in panels and custom cabinetry, complements the rich array of textures.
ARTHUR CASAS
Since 1990, architect and urban planner Arthur Casas has led a studio with teams in São Paulo and New York. He oversees architecture and interior projects in Brazil and internationally, working within modernist and contemporary traditions. www.arthurcasas.com
“Arthur Casas’ practice brings together modernism and contemporary design, as demonstrated in this urban project.”
— ANA LUIZA CARDOSO, RESPONSIBLE EDITOR ELLE DECORATION BRAZIL
Canada
DEEP COVE PROJECT
BY BEN LEAVITT FOR PLAIDFOX
PHOTOS EMA PETER PORTRAIT EMA PETER
Private Home. Perched on a cliff with 180-degree views of Vancouver’s Indian Arm, the location of this home in Deep Cove, Canada, is second to none. The owners didn’t want anything to obstruct the panoramic views of the mountains. With the help of PlaidFox, they chose a mint green and a dark orange that guided the project and helped reconcile the different rooms of the house. The atmosphere is peaceful, secluded. Gaetano Pesce’s iconic La Mamma armchair, which has found its place underneath the stairs, is an experience in itself.
BEN LEAVITT
Ben Leavitt is the co-founder of Vancouver-based PlaidFox Studio, a design studio blending creativity with technical precision. Grounded in the belief that architecture and design are the greatest forms of functional art and self-expression, the studio curates inviting, distinctive spaces defined by color, warmth, and original expression. www.plaidfox.com
“The surrounding mountain views are magnificent—the house is built on the side of a cliff—but the warm and energetic interior steals the show. Every detail has been chosen with intention, and it truly shows.”
— MAROUCHKA FRANJULIEN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELLE DÉCORATION QUÉBEC & ELLE DECORATION CANADA
MEXICO
TONANA
BY ANDRES GUTIERREZ
PHOTOS LEANDRO BULZZANO PORTRAIT LEANDRO BULZZANO
Bar. The name TONANA comes from Tonantzin, a Nahuatl word meaning “Our Sacred Mother.” TONANA is a sanctuary devoted to the pre-Hispanic Mother Goddess—the feminine force that gives, devours, and renews life. A refuge where the sacred and profane intertwine, its beauty gleams through shadow and duality. Every design element honors ancient symbols: tezontle, the volcanic blood of the earth, covering floors and walls; crocodile-shaped furniture evoking Cipactli, the primordial mother; and fountains recalling Chalchiuhtlicue, whose waters nurture the land. TONANA is a rooftop bar where cocktails celebrate the earth’s memory and the wisdom of ancestral healer-women. Botanical infusions comfort the body and purify the spirit. Through every crafted detail, the Mother Goddess whispers her eternal truth: all life emerges, dissolves, and is reborn in endless rhythm. www.casahoyos.mx
ANDRES GUTIERREZ
Andrés Gutiérrez is a Mexico City–based interior and furniture designer. In 2010, he founded A–G Studio, creating commercial and residential projects defined by color, volume, and material spirituality—crafting distinctive, deeply personal narratives in contemporary Latin American design. www.andresg.mx
“The space reflects pre-Hispanic divine femininity through its materials, textures, and shapes. Extra points for the menu and cocktails, as they create a truly spiritual experience. Mexican ancestral wisdom comes to life in a contemporary ambiance.”
— CLAUDIA CÁNDANO DE LA PEZA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELLE DECORATION MEXICO
MARNE REST
BY FORMANT STUDIO
PHOTOS FABIÁN MARTÍNEZ PORTRAIT LUIS GARVÁN
Restaurant. Located in Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood, Marne Rest. (2025) is a 130 m² space designed by Formant Studio that merges architecture, gastronomy, and design. Conceived as a celebration of timeless design with a contemporary sensibility, the café embodies a brutalist aesthetic through exposed materials, raw textures, dark woods, and industrial lighting. The interior’s custom-designed furniture—chairs, tables, counter, and lighting—reflects Formant Studio’s cohesive material and spatial narrative. Divided into a café-restaurant facing the street and a wine bar at the back, the space balances functionality and atmosphere. A curated sound design, color accents, and contemporary art complement the tactile palette, creating a sensory experience that invites visitors to linger. www.instagram.com/marne.rest
FORMANT STUDIO, VERO SOJO AND ALEJANDRO VALENCIA
Formant Studio, founded by Vero Sojo and Alejandro Valencia, is a Mexico City–based architecture and interior design practice driven by a passion for art and spatial exploration. Their work blends functionality and emotion, creating unique spaces that reflect each client’s identity. www.formant.studio
“Marne Rest. is an immersive dialogue between architecture, gastronomy, and design. Raw materials, light, and sound converge to craft a space that feels both contemporary and timeless.”
— CLAUDIA CÁNDANO DE LA PEZA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELLE DECORATION MEXICO
ISSI
BY RIO ESTUDIO
PHOTOS FABIÁN MARTÍNEZ PORTRAIT MAGDALENA KMIECIK
Restaurant. Located in Mexico City’s Lomas neighborhood, ISSI is a restaurant designed by RIO Estudio made to feel as familiar and warm as visiting your uncle’s home. The project combines architecture, interior, and lighting design, creating a nostalgically domestic atmosphere with a contemporary twist. Materials such as parota wood, volcanic rock, and stainless steel coexist with custom resin and metal pieces, balancing a Mexican home sensibility with modern craft. The wall lamps, made with green resin and inspired by traditional banker lamps, and the hand-modeled cast aluminum exterior sign evoke a gesture of quiet craftsmanship from the Barragán era. Soft lighting and intimate proportions foster a sense of comfort and memory. Since opening, ISSI has become a beloved neighborhood staple, celebrated for its cozy yet elevated Mexican vibe. www.issi.rest
RIO ESTUDIO, PATRICIO ROBLEDA
RIO Estudio was founded in Mexico City five years ago by Patricio Robleda. A former civil engineer turned interior designer, the firm’s essence lies in the juxtaposition of the industrial with the artisanal, creating experimental and poetic spaces. www.rio-estudio.com
“Feeling nostalgic when entering a space is the ultimate sign of perfect design. Issi reflects the Mexican warmth and modern craftsmanship.”
— CLAUDIA CÁNDANO DE LA PEZA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELLE DECORATION MEXICO
LERET LERET
BY RIO ESTUDIO
PHOTOS NICOLAS SIERRA PORTRAIT MAGDALENA KMIECIK
Store. Located in Mexico City’s Lomas de Chapultepec, the first flagship store for the cashmere brand Leret Leret begins as a journey through time, recalling the elegance of a 20th-century train carriage and the spirit of the Grand Tour. A neoclassical façade and a fluted walnut wood ceiling ground the flagship store in the architecture of memory and travel. Custom stain less-steel plinths reinterpret vintage travel trunks, setting the stage for exploration and discovery. Inside, a palette of mustard -yellow upholstery and matching wall-lamps channels the industrial-experimental design of the 1970s. The design then propels us into the future: a satellite -inspired central lighting piece was designed to bridge past and tomorrow in one luminous gesture. Materials, bespoke hardware, and custom lighting were all made to mirror the poetic and international character of the brand. www.leret-leret.mx
RIO ESTUDIO, PATRICIO ROBLEDA
RIO Estudio was founded in Mexico City five years ago by Patricio Robleda. A former civil engineer turned interior designer, the firm’s essence lies in the juxtaposition of the industrial with the artisanal, creating experimental and poetic spaces. www.rio-estudio.com
“Every detail in the Leret flagship store reflects the brand’s global spirit and elegance, while its interior design celebrates memory and travel through unique pieces.”
— CLAUDIA CÁNDANO DE LA PEZA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELLE DECORATION MEXICO
SUTURA
BY SULKIN ASKENAZI IN COLLABORATION WITH ALTEREGO
PHOTOS RICARDO DE LA CONCHA PORTRAIT RICARDO DE LA CONCHA
Gym. Sutura challenges the boundaries between physical effort and aesthetic expression by bringing denim—a material of history and rebellion—into an unexpected setting: a gym. Each element is wrapped in denim, turning the space into a habitable sculpture. Inspired by James Turrell, Harry Nuriev, and Glenn Martens, Sutura transforms routine into ritual, effort into style, and architecture into choreography. Stainless steel, concrete, and denim define Sutura’s visual language. Indigo fabric envelops equipment and details. The deep blue tone and nuanced lighting create a meditative, tactile landscape where material, function, and art converge. Denim softens sound and light, inviting stillness and reflection. The monochromatic blue immerses the visitor in a contemplative environment. Here, movement, texture, and light merge—transforming training into an act of meaning.
SULKIN ASKENAZI
Founded by Jack Sulkin and Gabriel Askenazi, SULKIN ASKENAZI is a forward-thinking design studio redefining contemporary architecture and interiors. The studio creates immersive spaces where architecture, interior design, custom furniture, and art converge, blending functionality with bold, emotive design. Driven by innovation, each project transforms the ordinary into visually striking, meaningful experiences. www.sulkinaskenazi.com
ALTEREGO
Based in Mexico, Alterego is a design studio creating spaces, furniture, and objects that go beyond aesthetics to become memorable experiences. Every line, texture, and material expresses identity and emotion, crafting designs that are bold, distinctive, and reflective of contemporary life. www.alterego-mexico.com
“Sutura transforms the familiar into the extraordinary. Turning a gym into a poetic space where movement becomes design, effort turns into art, and denim redefines the language of architecture.”
— CLAUDIA CÁNDANO DE LA PEZA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELLE DECORATION MEXICO
USA
HARBOUR ISLAND HOME
BY ALESSANDRA BRANCA
PHOTOS SIMON UPTON PORTRAIT SIMON UPTON
Private home. Alessandra Branca’s Harbour Island build in the Bahamas blends modernity with, colorful, easy island style. Materials throughout are natural and, for the most part, neutral. “There is oak, there is travertine. Nothing sleek, maybe the glass on the table,” Branca says. A true sense of the island and what it stands for is pervasive. “You have Mother Nature to compete with, and you can’t compete,” she says. “We wanted to keep it light and fresh. You are sitting on these chairs wearing a T-shirt and a pareo here.”
ALESSANDRA BRANCA
Born in Rome, Alessandra Branca is a New York and Chicago-based designer known for floral patterns, playful Regency-inspired touches, and an expert eye for hard-to-find antiques. She also designs wallpapers, furniture, and textiles through her Casa Branca lines. www.branca.com
“Alessandra Branca’s Harbour Island beach house is filled with 1960s and 70s rattan couches and credenzas, Mod art, and custom Branca furniture. The end result is a paradise of easy seaside living with a distinctly Mediterranean bent. What sticks out most, though is Branca’s mission: this is a family home, for “children” and “grandchildren.” Detailed, but unpretentious, the perfect escape.”
— STELLENE VOLANDES, EDITORIAL AND BRAND DIRECTOR OF ELLE DECOR US
DIOR NYC FLAGSHIP
BY PETER MARINO
PHOTOS JONATHAN TAYLOR PORTRAIT MANOLO YLLERA
Boutique. Marino—working closely with Delphine Arnault—has collaborated on a new store on 57th Street in New York, which measures up, in size and grandeur, to its Parisian ancestor. “We wouldn’t have been able to do it with anyone else, because, you know, he’s been working on our shops with my father since 1994—when Peter was still wearing a suit,” Arnault says with a grin. (Her father Bernard Arnault is the chairman and CEO of LVMH.) “He modernizes the codes of our house every time, but also mixes in tradition and basically creates a lot of emotion. When you arrive at a shop, it should create emotion.” www.dior.com
PETER MARINO
New York-based Peter Marino began his practice in 1978. He’s made a career out of working with luxury fashion houses worldwide, from Barney’s New York, to Chanel Tokyo, to, most recently, Dior’s new flagship store on 5th Avenue. His spaces shine, with glass, marble, and bronze, and are often adorned with giant flower arrangements and Greek and Roman-inspired sculptures. www.petermarinoarchitect.com
