HOJE: A word, a journey, a philosophy – Brazilian inspirations for soulful interior architecture

Journey to Brazil — A sketchbook of textures, colors & meaning

In 2023, I traveled to Brazil. Not to “see the sights,” but to slow down. To soak things in. To understand. I went alone, backpack on my shoulders, sketchbook in hand — with a simple intention: to be surprised. That journey became a turning point in my life, both personally and professionally. It was there that the name HOJE was born — “today” in Portuguese — as an obvious choice. A soft, living, meaningful word that reflects both Brazil’s spirit and my own approach to interior design.

Living in the present, simply

What struck me most in Brazil was a way of life deeply anchored in the present moment. There, people live each day as it comes, without constantly projecting into the future. This “today” philosophy is everywhere: in the way people welcome you, in their generosity, in the spaces and rhythms of daily life. People live outdoors, together, in the now. And that’s exactly what I aim to bring to the interiors I create: places that allow you to breathe, reconnect, and feel truly at home — today.

Color, texture & emotion

You can’t talk about Brazil without mentioning color. It’s everywhere — on the streets of Salvador, the weathered façades of Paraty, the curtains in windows, or the wings of a morning toucan.
Brazil vibrates with a sun-drenched palette: ochre, deep green, lagoon blue, saffron yellow, soft pink... All paired with raw materials: the dark woods of colonial homes, natural stone, hand-thrown ceramics, handwoven fabrics.
These colors and materials tell stories — warm, imperfect, beautifully human. They inspire my projects directly: an earth-toned clay wall, vibrant patterned tiles, or a pendant light in natural fibers. Brazilian design taught me that materials speak — and that a space should be lived in, not just looked at.

Sketchbook memories, creative fuel

During that trip, I drew — a lot. Facades, chairs on sidewalks, carved wood shelves, market scenes... My sketchbook became a living archive of atmospheres, a creative toolbox. I jotted down names of places, taped labels, tucked in dried flowers. These pages became emotional anchors I still return to in my work.

Craftsmanship & connection

Brazil is also a land of talented hands. Artisanal work is everywhere: carved wooden furniture, macramé curtains, handwoven hammocks, ceramics, woven fiber lights. I was captivated by the depth and freshness of this heritage — rooted in indigenous tradition, yet always being reinvented.

A few crafts that left a lasting impression:

• Macramé & weaving: perfect for a soft, bohemian touch in a living room or bedroom.

• Ceramics: colorful, irregular, full of life — great for kitchens or bathrooms.

• Hand-carved wood: brings soul and uniqueness to a space.

• Portuguese tiles: ideal as accents on backsplashes or bathroom walls.

• Woven natural fibers: to create rugs, pendants, or decorative objects.

This blend of tradition, authenticity, and reinvention makes Brazil a boundless source of inspiration.

A language, an opening

Learning Portuguese was also a way of connecting more deeply. Every new word, every exchange sharpened my awareness. That love of language led me to now offer multilingual design support — especially for international clients and expats based in France.

Curious to explore further?

This journey changed how I approach space. It gave birth to HOJE STUDIO — and to a way of designing interiors that is grounded, emotional, and full of life. If this vision speaks to you, I’d be happy to explore it with you, side by side.