Located in Moema, São Paulo, this apartment underwent a complete renovation guided by three main principles: enhancing the sense of spaciousness, integrating the living areas, and modernizing the residence while preserving as many of the original elements as possible that still offered quality and value to the project.
The design sought to transform an outdated apartment into a contemporary, brighter, better-ventilated, and more welcoming home. To achieve this, light-colored walls, light-toned wood flooring, and warm yet subtle wood finishes in the custom millwork were selected, creating an elegant and timeless atmosphere. At the same time, the renovation embraced the apartment's existing character by restoring elements such as the kitchen flooring and several original cabinets, which were retrofitted rather than replaced, reducing waste while preserving the property's identity.
The most significant transformation took place in the social area. The balcony was integrated into the living room by removing the original window and door system that separated the two spaces, allowing the wood flooring and ceiling finishes to continue seamlessly throughout the area. The addition of frameless glazing further reinforced this integration, significantly enhancing the perception of space, maximizing natural daylight, and strengthening the connection between the interior and the outdoors.
Designed around the homeowners' lifestyle, a built-in bar with a wine cooler and dedicated beverage storage was incorporated into the living area, creating a welcoming gathering space for entertaining family and friends. One of the building's main constraints was the prohibition of installing the air-conditioning condensers on the exterior façade. To address this challenge, a custom millwork enclosure was designed to discreetly accommodate the equipment while efficiently serving every room in the apartment without compromising the overall aesthetic composition.
The dining area was also redesigned to strengthen the connection between the social spaces. While the kitchen remains visually integrated with the living area, it can be completely concealed behind a sliding slatted wood panel, providing flexibility while maintaining a cohesive architectural language. Completing the composition, a custom display cabinet featuring integrated LED lighting and reflective glass doors becomes a sculptural focal point within the dining room.
A separate television lounge was designed as a dedicated space for comfort and relaxation. Responding to the homeowners' desire for a more private environment for watching films, the room features a darker color palette that enhances light control. A slatted wood panel organizes the audiovisual equipment while concealing several flush doors that provide access to the private wing, the powder room, and even a window, which remains fully functional for natural light and ventilation whenever needed. This solution reinforces the minimalist character of the design while maintaining visual continuity throughout the space.
The private area was organized into three bedrooms, each serving a distinct purpose. The first was conceived as a hybrid guest room and home office, featuring a queen-size sofa bed, a generous work desk, and a restored original wardrobe, reflecting the project's commitment to preserving existing elements whenever possible.
The second suite was designed for guests and conceived as a multifunctional space, featuring a double bed, television, and a vanity thoughtfully integrated into the custom millwork, offering both comfort and practicality for different uses.
More than a cosmetic renovation, the project redefined the way the apartment is experienced, balancing memory and contemporary design in an architecture that responds to present-day living without sacrificing the property's original identity. The result is a home that prioritizes social interaction, spatial flexibility, and the overall quality of life of its residents.
