Young and laid-back apartment designed by architect Juliana Faria embraces integration and bespoke design
The project reflects the lifestyle of a modern couple in a 150 m² home conceived for entertaining, relaxing, and living without formalities.
Located in the Vila Pompéia neighborhood in São Paulo, this 150 m² apartment is a true reflection of a young, urban, and easygoing couple. Designed by architect Juliana Faria, the project prioritizes integrated spaces, everyday practicality, and a timeless aesthetic, where industrial references dialogue with signature design pieces and custom-made solutions.
From the initial briefing, the clients showed complete trust in the architect’s work, contributing to a fluid and collaborative process. “They wanted an easy-to-live-in apartment, designed to host friends, lounge on the sofa, watch movies, and enjoy the spaces without any sense of formality. This sense of freedom was essential in guiding every design decision,” explains Juliana.
The starting point of the proposal was two mandatory elements requested by the couple: polished concrete flooring and exposed brick applied to the TV wall panel. From this urban aesthetic base, the architect created a balanced and welcoming atmosphere, enhancing materials, textures, and volumes. “We harmonized these materials naturally within the overall concept, creating a space with identity that didn’t feel visually heavy,” she adds.
The color palette, initially limited to black, white, and gray, was gradually softened throughout the design process. “I introduced what I like to call ‘colored neutrals,’ always with a gray undertone, such as the blue upholstery on the dining chairs and the green used on the entry hall wall and kitchen counter stools. These tones bring life to the space without compromising its sobriety,” notes the architect.
Among the interior highlights is the Saturno dining table, designed by Fernando Jaeger, chosen for its oval shape that encourages informal gatherings and enhances the sense of togetherness. “As soon as I presented this table, the clients fell in love. It perfectly translates the spirit of the project: welcoming, versatile, and timeless,” Juliana recalls.
Another striking architectural feature is the standardization of doors in the social area. All were painted in a gray tone and designed with recessed carved handles finished in natural freijó wood veneer, creating visual unity and elegance. The door leading to the private quarters is a sliding panel embedded within the wall, discreetly positioned behind the exposed brick TV panel, reinforcing the sense of spatial continuity.
The project also stands out for its careful curation of suppliers and furnishings. The exposed brick is by Pallimanan; the custom millwork was crafted by Cubbus Marcenaria. The porcelain tile flooring is by Portobello; the chairs and sofa are by Lider Interiores; and the buffet adds to the social area with a design by Tok&Stok. The lighting design features fixtures from Yamamura, wall sconces by Lumini, and baseboards by Santa Luzia, while decorative objects from Black Angel and GP Life Decor reinforce the apartment’s youthful and relaxed personality.
With four months dedicated to the complete development of the project—from briefing to detailed construction documentation—and an additional four months of construction, the result is a contemporary, functional apartment full of character — a space designed to be lived in with freedom, comfort, and authenticity.
Team:
Architecture and Interior Design: Juliana Faria
Photography: Gustavo Awad
