Vitraux Project

An essential apartment. Minimalist in its conception, yet rich in details and textures. Spaces of refined simplicity, where functionality—and timelessness—emerge as top priorities. These are, in essence, the guiding principles of this interior design project, created by architect Fernanda Marques to accommodate the dynamic daily life of a São Paulo-based family, consisting of a mother and her four teenage children.

Given that the property is an older 480 m² apartment, one of the primary steps during the renovation phase was to integrate and unify the spaces, enhance the double-height ceiling, and fully leverage natural light. “Additionally, we aimed to reduce the number of doors and walls, seeking to make transitions between the different areas more fluid and cohesive,” explains Fernanda.

In this regard, although the structural interventions were minimal, they were sufficient to completely transform the apartment’s interior. A standout feature is a pivoting glass and iron partition—a sort of semi-transparent stained glass window—designed by the architect to separate two of the apartment’s sectors. This inspired solution, with a subtle retro charm, was instrumental in making the internal circulation more expressive and airy.

“All of this introduced a new spatial dynamic and a sense of openness, allowing the various areas to engage in a dialogue,” summarizes Fernanda, who sought to establish a cohesive language throughout the project through carefully selected colors and finishes. The choice of furniture and artwork—including the striking A Presença da Ausência by Anna Guilhermina—reflects the homeowner’s desire for a more inviting and, above all, contemporary home.

The living room, for example, features a wall entirely clad in wood, embodying this vision while hosting a curated selection of furniture. Another standout element of the project is an elegant powder room, seamlessly connected to the living space. Featuring fabric-covered walls, a marble sink with sharply defined orthogonal lines, and a metal and frosted glass sconce, this compact yet exquisitely designed space exemplifies the project’s core ambition: to create environments that are both inviting and sophisticated.

“Despite the apartment’s somewhat traditional layout, with numerous partitions separating the spaces, I believe that through the coherence of materials and furniture choices, we successfully crafted a more harmonious layout—one that is undoubtedly better suited to the everyday life of a modern family,” concludes Fernanda.