This May, Found Collectibles had the opportunity to fully stage a remarkable residence at 50 Orchard Street in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Defined by contemporary architecture and modern finishes, the apartment provided the ideal setting to explore the relationship between historical Brazilian modernist furniture and contemporary urban living.
Street view of 50 Orchard Street.
Furnished and curated by Found Collectibles, the project was conceived as an immersive expression of our approach to interiors — one rooted in the belief that exceptional mid-century design can feel entirely relevant within a modern home. Rather than presenting these works as static collectibles or period pieces, the intention was to create spaces that feel warm, livable, and deeply connected to contemporary life.
View from the apartment entryway, looking in from the Entryway. Visible in the center of the Image is "Bench with drawer in Rosewood, Fabric & Metal, Geraldo de Barros, 1950s''
Bench with drawer in Rosewood, Fabric & Metal, Geraldo de Barros, 1950s - Lot 359B
Throughout the apartment, sculptural forms, richly grained woods, and tactile materials soften the clean architectural lines of the residence. The result is an interior that feels layered and sophisticated without ever becoming overly formal or nostalgic. Each piece was selected not only for its historical significance, but for its ability to contribute to a cohesive contemporary atmosphere.
View of the kitchen, dining, and living areas at 50 Orchard Street.
3 in 1 Extendable Dining Table in Caviuna Wood by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, Brazil, 1950s
Upon entering the apartment, one is immediately welcomed by a striking telephone bench by Geraldo de Barros, setting the tone for the residence’s balance of sculptural presence and restraint. Beyond, an elegant extendable dining table by Carlo Hauner anchors the dining area, accompanied by a set of six caviúna wood dining chairs upholstered in deep green suede.
Set of Six Dining Chairs in Caviuna Hardwood and Suede by Angelini, Brazil, 1950s - Lot 562
Opposite the table sits a refined 1950s caviúna credenza by Joaquim Tenreiro, while a carefully curated selection of contemporary artworks presented by Found Collectibles creates a dialogue between historical design and contemporary culture.
3 in 1 Extendable Dining Table in Caviuna Wood by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, Brazil, 1950s --- Set of Six Dining Chairs in Caviuna Hardwood and Suede by Angelini, Brazil, 1950s
Credenza in Cherry Wood, Joaquim Tenreiro for Laubitch & Hirth, 1942
Adjacent to the dining space, the living room brings together some of the most iconic names in Brazilian modernism. Joaquim Tenreiro’s celebrated “L” Chair sits alongside Sergio Rodrigues’ “Millor” sofa, recently reupholstered in a soft off-white chenille that introduces warmth and texture to the room.
Sofa "Millor" in Rosewood, Fabric & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
Complementing these landmark designs is a green and white armchair with a matching ottoman by Carlo Hauner. Together, the pieces establish a strong visual identity while maintaining the openness and fluidity of the apartment’s architecture.
Pair of “L” Lounge Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro shown alongside the Sergio Rodrigues "Millor" Sofa, a Coffee Table in Rosewood and Marble by Cimo, an “Arimelo” Side Table by Sergio Rodrigues, a Green leather Armchair & Ottoman by Carlo Hauner, & italian Mid-Century Brass Floor Lamp with Integrated Glass Shelf
Sergio Rodrigues “Millor” Sofa and a rosewood and marble coffee table by Cimo, presented alongside contemporary shelving and accessories not offered by Found Collectibles.
The bedroom continues this quieter, more intimate interpretation of Brazilian modernism. A rosewood nightstand by Jorge Zalszupin, distinguished by its chromed handles and understated geometery, sits beside the bed.
Right to left: Side Table with drawers in Rosewood 1960s, Jorge Zalszupin, 1960s, “Senior” Armchair in Rosewood, Jorge Zalszupin, and Sideboard in Rosewood & Formica, Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor 1950s. Additional furnishings provided by the seller.
Near the doorway is Zalszupin’s “Senior” chair from the 1960s, featuring elegantly rounded rosewood legs and white chenille upholstery. Accompanying the "Senior" is a rosewood and Formica dresser and cabinet by Geraldo de Barros, whose restrained geometry and tonal palette further reinforce the room’s minimalistic aesthetic.
Detail view of a pair of “Senior” armchairs in rosewood by Jorge Zalszupin, 1960s.
Through the doorway a Pair of “L” Lounge Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1958 is visible to the right of this can be seen the Sideboard in Rosewood & Formica, Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, Brazil, 1950s
Situated on Orchard Street — recently recognized by Time Out Worldwide as one of the most influential and dynamic streets in the world — the project also reflects the creative energy of the surrounding neighborhood. The Lower East Side continues to attract a community deeply engaged with art, fashion, and contemporary culture, making it a natural setting for the renewed appreciation of Brazilian Mid-Century Modern design seen throughout today’s interiors.
Street view at the corner of Orchard and Grand Streets, moments from the staged residence at 50 Orchard Street.
Ultimately, the project demonstrates how collectible furniture from the 1950s and 1960s can exist naturally within a contemporary New York residence. By pairing iconic Brazilian modernist works with a modern downtown apartment, Found Collectibles created an interior that feels timeless rather than nostalgic — one where historical craftsmanship and contemporary living coexist seamlessly.
the Kitchen Island of the apartment, to the left a Geraldo de Barros Bench with drawer in Rosewood, Fabric & Metal, 1950s
