Now in its 35th year, the Brazilian design mogul, Artefacto, is still taking the luxury furniture world by storm. Blending the spiciness of Brazil with the contemporary flair of northern Italy, sensual southern France and the simple nature of the Asian culture, the result is a fusion of juxtaposed styles and textures; like angular lines, glass and exotic woods softened by woven textiles, rattan and linen. Started by Albino Bacchi in 1976, the Brazil-based company has since expanded to other destinations in South Florida and the Caribbean — including a storefront in Coral Gables’ Merrick Park — and continues to shape the future of interior design.
Taking over his father’s company just this year, Paulo Bacchi made it his first act as CEO to launch his first solo collection, Arte | 5, a collection of five different lines, each inspired by five distinct lifestyles. Appropriately timed during last week’s Maison & Objet fair, Bacchi debuted his collection by furnishing the penthouse of 1 Hotel & Homes at the South Beach haunt’s “Design Showcase” event. While there, we took a moment to chat with the budding visionary to find out more about Arte | 5, what he loves most about the company, and of course, what makes Artefacto a perfect fit for Miami’s luxury clientele.
When you first started with the company, what was your role? Growing up, I was in and out of my fathers warehouse, watching the creation process unfold — whether they were selecting materials or sanding wood and applying the finishing polishes. Once I turned 18, I officially started working for Artefacto and learning all aspects of the company. I knew one day that I would further my father’s vision and bring the company to America.
What do you love most about Artefacto? I love that this has become my family’s business. We’ve made it part of the Artefacto name to create striking designs with subtle details, ultimately coming up with beautiful pieces that can be used both individually and collectively in a room. I am so proud of our company — particularly its green approach to manufacturing and its commitment to Brazilian reforestation. We only use timber that is certified sustainable, taken from tracts that require immediate reforestation as soon as trees are harvested.
What is the meaning and inspiration behind your new collection, Arte | 5? I created the Arte | 5 collection to reflect personalities, rather than design styles. Each line appeals to the senses in a unique way; engaging moods tailored to the setting they create. My inspiration stems from my country, Brazil, my houses here in Miami, and the five distinctive moods presented in the five lines.
Why is Miami the perfect market for Artefacto? Introducing my Brazilian furniture company to the states offered upscale shoppers an experience unlike any other. We have superior service, a sophisticated atmosphere and the instant gratification of getting high-quality design packages in a record amount of time. The Artefacto brand has a globalized view of design; the furniture we produce is a synergistic blend of Asian simplicity, Italian and French influences, and American comfort. We have been successful in the cultured and affluent Miami market because of all of these elements.
How does Artefacto add to the luxury lifestyle? Luxury is having the pleasure of well-being; it’s an indulgence in comforts. Artefacto adds to this by incorporating a selective use of materials, attention to detail, a globalized view of design and customizable pieces — giving our customers exactly what they want and what pleases them. Artefacto’s clients can work with their own designers, or engage the showroom’s talent to develop a floor plan and palette for any number of rooms in as quickly as 48 hours.
Artefacto has three South Florida locations: at 4440 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite 1600 (Coral Gables), at 17651 Biscayne Boulevard (Aventura) and at 3290 NW 79th Avenue (Doral).
