Carla Barranco seated in a curved armchair before a large abstract painting, dark wood paneling and a glass stair rail beside her.

CARLA BARRANCO, WHO DESIGNED BOTH THE ARCHITECTURE AND THE INTERIORS. PHOTO MARCELO ANIELLO © HOME&DECOR.

COVER STORY · 13TH EDITION

Carla Barranco’s Lakeside Vision, From Architecture to Art

On the shores of Lake Butler in Windermere, a residence by Carla Barranco brings contemporary architecture into unusually close contact with the Florida landscape. Water, mature trees and shifting light become part of everyday life, framed by generous glazing and a fluid relationship between inside and outside.

 

 

A double-height living room with a stacked-stone fireplace, curved white sofas and full-height glass facing the lake and trees.

THE LIVING ROOM AND ITS STONE FIREPLACE, WITH LAKE BUTLER BEYOND THE GLASS.

 

Carla designed both the architecture and interiors, building a consistent language throughout the project. Dark cabinetry meets luminous stone, while sculptural furnishings from Artefacto soften the home’s scale. Artwork by Elis Amaral introduces expressive color. The pool and landscape, with contributions from Cibele Pastori, strengthen the connection between the house and the lake.

 

A kitchen island in veined stone and dark wood under glass pendants, black cabinetry across the back wall.
Carla Barranco seated in a sculptural armchair by a window onto palms and the lake.

THE KITCHEN, DARK CABINETRY AGAINST VEINED STONE. A SCULPTURAL ARMCHAIR BY THE WINDOW.

 

Across the living areas, the residence moves between dramatic volumes and intimate places to pause. A soaring stone fireplace anchors the central room, while rounded seating makes it welcoming. Upstairs, quieter corners preserve views of the trees and water. Even the kitchen, with its veined stone and dark finishes, feels part of the larger architectural composition.

 

 

Water, mature trees and shifting light become part of everyday life.

 

 

A dining table before full-height glazing that opens to the pool and the lake, a floating wood stair at right.

THE DINING ROOM, OPEN TO THE POOL AND THE LAKE.

 

Carla Barranco standing beside a large abstract canvas against dark millwork.
A dining corner beside a glass balustrade and a tall window onto trees and water.

A LARGE CANVAS AGAINST DARK MILLWORK. A QUIET CORNER BESIDE THE GLASS.

 

The house has a strong presence, yet it makes room for the shoreline, the light and the changing atmosphere of the lake to share the focus.

 

 

ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGNCARLA BARRANCO

LANDSCAPE & POOL DESIGNCIBELE PASTORI

FURNITUREARTEFACTO

ARTWORKTRIFOLD ART GALLERY AND ELIS AMARAL

PHOTOGRAPHYMARCELO ANIELLO

 

Sources: Home&Decor, 13th Edition, November 2026. Photography by Marcelo Aniello.

— The Home&Decor Editors