Argentine designers bring geometric shapes and a brazen color palette to the Casa FOA interiors exhibition

In a rich juxtaposition of material and color, a sea of peachy pink and teal green is peppered on marble tabletops, velvet seat cushions, a hand-tufted wall tapestry, and other furnishings and finishings in this art moderne inspired interior. ART HAUS—an installation at the 36th edition of Bueno Aires’s premier interior design exhibition Casa FOA—is the lucid Rioplatense rationalist dream conjured by a local trio: interdisciplinary studio Arenal Estudio, color specialist Marina Christe, and furniture purveyor La Feliz. Taking cues from the subconscious of Argentina’s post-war reaction to European avant-garde (an era from which European stylistic tropes traveled with those seeking refuge between both World Wars), ART HAUS features a distinct art moderne inspired flavor.

ART HAUS, interior space at Casa FOA. — The space features an overtly saturated palette featuring two colors: sea foam green and peachy pink. (Courtesy Esteban Emilio)

Referencing the aforementioned historic style, the overall aesthetic emphasizes the horizontal. Namely, the metal screening framed by an arrow-like cutout seemingly gestures itself along the wall towards the “La Feliz” neon light. This articulation of movement pushes itself further into the space with a pronounced geometry found in the exuberantly shaped furniture, the graphic patterned wall tapestry, and the symmetrical painted shapes on the walls and floors. Meanwhile, the robust palette of colors handpicked by Marina Christe was were meticulously paired all the materials and finishes to accentuate the objets d’art, built-in furniture, and the La Feliz furniture.

wall tapesty art haus casa foa — The sumptuous wall tapestry designed by Marina Christe and produced by Las Martas draws alludes to the art moderne geometric shapes and other stylistic tropes.(Esteban Emilio)

Throughout, ceramic works by Leila Cordoba and Carolina Junio add more color in the form of vases and tabletop accessories as well as absences of color with white sculptural tchotchkes. (Esteban Emilio)

Círculo Militar's interior features a paired down color palette with splashes of marble. Serving as an inspiration to inform the design, the La Feliz installation at Casa FOA emulates this play of color and texture. (Courtesy Círculo Militar)

The venue’s own history seeps into the temporary installation staged in the mansion formerly known as Paz Palace, the social club maintained by the Argentine military. An oasis of pale colors and luscious marble veining creates a play of texture between the varied surfaces—one that is also present in the marble railways and staircases at Círculo Militar.

The 36th edition of Casa FOA will be on view through October 2oth, Monday through Sunday at Círculo Militar. Some 20 thousand square feet will be dedicated to interior design installations while nearly 38 thousand square feet will be dedicated to landscape design.

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