Renovation by Juliana Miranda Embraces Integration, Comfort, and Green as a Symbol of Harmony with Nature. Located in São Paulo, Brazil, this 170-square-meter apartment underwent a partial renovation designed by architect Juliana Miranda. What began as a simple plan to remove the bathtub from the primary bathroom — and later, to update the office bathroom — organically evolved into a comprehensive redesign of the social areas, including the living and dining rooms, balcony, guest bathroom, entrance hall, and all bathrooms. Photography by Renan Soares.

.

With a focus on openness and enhancing the apartment’s generous proportions, the project centered on integrating the living areas and balcony. The existing sliding doors were removed, and the balcony floor was leveled, creating a seamless flow between indoors and out. Custom-designed millwork and new furniture completed the vision, resulting in a contemporary yet welcoming atmosphere.

In the entrance hall, Juliana introduced a warm and distinctive character by changing the wall color and adding a decorative muxarabi ceiling — a nod to traditional craftsmanship. The newly integrated living and dining rooms now feel even more expansive and bright, with wooden finishes that add warmth, balanced by a gray palette — the homeowners’ favorite hue. Meanwhile, the updated office bathroom features a more refined combination of gray, deep green, and black.

The material selection prioritized neutral and timeless finishes, while the introduction of green played a key role in the new concept. Suggested by the architect, the color was brought into the interiors to create a soothing, revitalizing ambiance and a stronger connection to nature. Shades of green appear throughout the apartment — from the balcony and living room to the entryway, bathrooms, and powder room.

Though the residents weren’t initially drawn to bold colors, they quickly embraced this calming shade of green, which eventually replaced the touches of blue previously found in the apartment. Gray was maintained in moderation, respecting the original palette while giving it a refreshed distribution. The balcony also received patterned cement tiles for the flooring, harmonizing beautifully with the vinyl wood-effect ceiling.

Lighting design played an essential role in creating a comfortable home tailored to both residents. While the wife prefers brighter spaces, the husband enjoys soft, ambient lighting. The solution was a flexible lighting grid, divided into multiple circuits to allow for diverse lighting scenarios. All fixtures emit warm light, enhancing the cozy and inviting feel of the space.

The clients were deeply involved throughout the renovation process, contributing to a smooth execution with minimal surprises. For Juliana Miranda, the biggest challenge was transforming an already beautiful apartment into an even more captivating version of itself — one that reflects the couple’s lifestyle and evolving needs.