Residential SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

This project was born from the desire to rediscover what is already one’s own.

The story of this house begins with an emotional and intelligent decision: to stay. Instead of chasing the promise of a larger house, the owners chose to breathe new life into the one they already lived in. That was when Marra Interiores stepped in, approaching the project not just as a renovation, but as a complete rethinking of how to inhabit space—from its functionality to its emotional resonance. The starting point was a compact dwelling with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room opening out onto a sunny terrace. Though modest in square metres, the home held great potential. The terrace, in particular, offered a sense of visual and spatial continuity, functioning almost like a natural extension of the indoors. This seamless connection became a core element of the design strategy, amplifying the feeling of openness and flow.

"This renovation became an act of love for what has been lived—and a commitment to what is yet to come."

One of the key challenges was to reconfigure the layout without sacrificing comfort. The bedrooms, initially quite large compared to the living and kitchen areas, were slightly reduced to expand the communal zones. The kitchen and living room were opened up to create a continuous, light-filled day area. More than a spatial decision, this move reflected the owners’ desire to share time and moments together—turning the home into a place of connection. The choice to preserve the original pine flooring reflects a deep respect for the home’s memory. Marra Interiores treated the timber with water-based varnishes, ensuring both durability and aesthetic warmth. This act captures the balance that defines the entire project: the harmony between old and new, between intimacy and openness, between utility and emotion.

Customization played a pivotal role in making the most of every square centimetre. Working closely with trusted carpenters, the studio designed bespoke furniture that not only responds to practical storage needs but also structures and defines each area. In this home, every inch matters. The design doesn’t impose; it supports daily life with quiet elegance and intelligent solutions. Perhaps the boldest and most revealing design gesture is the use of colour. Rather than retreating to safe, neutral tones to counter the compact size, Marra Interiores introduced a vibrant touch of personality. The original cast iron radiators were restored and lacquered in mustard yellow, transforming them into sculptural elements within the space. Their warm, cheerful tone adds unmistakable character without overwhelming the visual balance.

"Every design decision strikes a balance between aesthetic and function, creating a home that radiates authenticity and harmony."

This use of colour not only creates a visual focal point, but also follows a deeply considered logic: in a small home, every element must justify both its presence and its aesthetic contribution. Here, colour appears purposefully—an accent that celebrates daily life and energises the environment with precision and restraint. The intervention by Marra Interiores isn’t about dramatic gestures—it’s about emotional impact. In the house, every solution is purposeful, every choice meaningful. It’s a project that proves great design is not a question of scale, but of perspective.

Natural light plays a crucial role in reinforcing this sense of openness and calm. The integration of spaces and the visual clarity of the interior enhance the sense of spatial generosity. Here, interior architecture is at the service of life, not the other way around. The atmosphere is serene and clear, where what is essential becomes self-evident: comfort, beauty, identity. This project is also a testament to a user-centred design philosophy. Marra Interiores listens, interprets, and translates the clients’ desires into tangible form—never imposing a style, but rather crafting a space that reflects personality. Instead of following trends, they propose a language of adaptability, where the tailored becomes synonymous with the authentic.

The project goes beyond the idea of renovation as a technical intervention. It is a spatial narrative about rootedness, about the desire to transform without letting go of the past, and about how a home can be reinvented to remain the same—only lighter, more open, and more aligned with its inhabitants.