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Design Désir opened at the end of June 2022 in Brasília with a focus on the sale of furniture from different decades, with an emphasis on modernist production from the 50s to the 70s.

The gallery brings together a set of iconic pieces manufactured in Brazil and in different European countries, signed by well-known names in design alongside others, no less interesting, by unknown authors. Names such as Sergio Rodrigues, Geraldo de Barros, Jorge Zalszupin, Oscar Niemeyer, Percival Lafer, Mies van der Rohe, Gerrit Rietveld, Gaetano Sciolari, are part of the current collection.

In addition to mid-century furniture, the space also brings together works of contemporary art and design, popular and indigenous art, including; design objects, sculptures, photographs, paintings, ceramics and decorative objects.

Eclecticism thus sets the tone for the collection gathered in a space of around 60m2, located in the Lago Sul area of Brasília. Lisbon and Brussels continue to be two cities where the Gallery is established, bringing together a variety of furnitures from multiple European countries.

 

Founder Helga Carvalho studied Fashion Design at the Faculty of Architecture of Lisbon and worked as a fashion stylist for more than 15 years. Helga lived in different countries and had the idea of developing a project linked to design after moving to Belgium. Her passion for interior design and architecture has always been present since the beginning of her studies with the modernist period as a main reference. “All the furniture and objects designed and created during this period have a special soul and unique character.”

The business idea took a few years to materialize. Initially, the project planned for a physical store in Lisbon. However, with the pandemic, the project shifted to an online gallery instead.

At the end of 2021, Helga moved to Brasília with her family. She quickly fell in love with the city and its people; prompting her to evolve the project from its online form to a physical space. Indeed, the contact with the public would add depth to her business.

Brasília is the capital of modernism par excellence. It could not be more inspiring to be able to create a meeting point between the product and the consumer, while seeking to value and preserve the historical past. Not to mention the proximity to Brazilian design created by the great master architects of the time who left an unparalleled legacy.

 

Embrace the past, respect the future

Embracing the past, respecting the future, sustainability and inclusion coupled with sophistication and refinement. These are values that Design Désir is proud to share. It is no coincidence that the motto “Embrace the past / Respect the Future” has emerged. Respect for the environment, abandoning the rhythm of industrial production in favor of reusing and valuing objects over time, is part of the project's maxims.

The use of restorers and upholsterers means the revaluation of these professions, which are so important to the culture, art and memory of a people.