London-Paris based Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi (MHZ)’s interiors are legendary.  From the restoration of medieval houses to decorating modernist 20^th century homes; from the full refurbishment of the Royal Opera House, London to the decoration of countless country piles like Spencer and Boughton Houses; from the redecoration of the V&A and National Gallery, London to deluxe marina developments, yachts and planes, MHZ’s rolodex of prestigious clients consists of the world’s 1% elite.

And while all these interiors are fabulous for gawking, my preference is for less fussy yet comfortable and livable interiors in their more modern spaces.  Take, for example, the living room of a recent project in Rio de Janeiro (first image).  The space is ample and clean.  The white walls allow the room to radiate with light from outside.  And although a room like this could easily be a snooze, MHZ uses accessories and native woods to add the necessary punches of color to enliven this carioca living space. I’m sorry but you can’t live in Rio without color and MHZ has done it brilliantly and with such exquisite restraint.

Their elegant international taste can also be appreciated in their work on a Tokyo home completed in 2009 (second and last images).  How AMAZING are these rooms?  One does not associate Japan with effusive colors (like Brazil), so what does MHZ do?  Based on the culture, they tailor the space to the stylistic requirements of the client and put together a marvelous, marvelous modern home.  Mama mia … how glorious is the bedroom with the silk covered screen behind the headboard, elegant white bamboo inspired lamps, and funky bench?  And the living room … with its Fall-color palette, tailored sofas and a few delicious ceramic objet d’art make it a space I could move in AT ONCE.  And I’m happy not to see any pretentiousness in this meticulous place, the sign of true masters of their craft!