An insider s tour through the exceptional contemporary interiors of Rio, a vibrant creative hub and one of the hottest destinations on the planet. Rio de Janeiro is an iconic city of vibrant contrasts: youthful energy and grand traditions, luxuriant vegetation and innovative architecture. Its unique lifestyle is diverse and culturally rich, and the city is home to some remarkable modernist and contemporary homes alongside historic colonial gems. The authors open the doors of an insider s Rio through a tour of over twenty-five private homes, nineteen of which are presented here for the first time. They include a colonial-era mansion in Rio s artistic quarter surrounded by lush gardens; a private apartment with stunning views and a fabulous collection of modern art; sleek contemporary houses that blur the boundaries of interior and exterior featuring warm wood-based design, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, shaded swimming pools, and furniture from Brazilian modernist designers such as Oscar Niemeyer and Sérgio Rodrigues. Traditional estates and fazendas outside the city are also featured, fitted out with tropical woods, silk drapes, and sunlight-filtering shutters. A mecca for style-conscious travelers, Rio buzzes with an unstoppable creative energy, as this up-and-coming city prepares for two major world events: the football World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016. As eyes turn toward the city, this insider s visit will be a revelation for those who already know Rio and for anyone seeking to discover its rich design heritage.