Case study: designing a calm & refined home in Polanco, Mexico City
When Sofia and Bastien reached out to me, they had just moved into a beautiful 90m² apartment in Polanco, one of Mexico City’s most elegant and vibrant neighborhoods. Nestled on the 7th floor of a classic building with marble-lined common areas and two separate entrances (a charming architectural detail of older constructions), their new home had fantastic potential… and a few challenges.
They wanted a space that felt elegant, warm, minimalist and functional. A refined cocoon for two busy professionals who love hosting, cooking, reading… This is the story of how we transformed their apartment into a thoughtful, serene, and beautifully structured home.
1. The brief
A refined, organized home with soul
Sofia and Bastien are a French–Mexican couple in their mid-30s with active professional lives and a shared love for beautifully curated spaces.
They asked me to re-design and decorate several key rooms:
the kitchen
the “petit salon” (a multifunctional space for work, reading, and TV)
the primary bedroom
the guest bedroom
the two ensuite bathrooms
Their aesthetic inspirations blended Japandi calm, neo-Victorian elegance, and a touch of Art Deco. They wanted natural tones, refined materials, thoughtful storage, and pieces that feel timeless rather than trendy.
In short:
Beauty and order, without ever feeling cold.
2. Existing layout
Strengths & constraints
The apartment had many assets:
great natural light
generous volumes
two independent entrances
a long balcony with views
plenty of built-in storage
But of course, no project comes without its challenges:
the guest bedroom sits right on a busy avenue — hello noise considerations
the two bathrooms are compact, leaving little room to play with the layout
the kitchen can’t be extended, so every centimetre needs to work hard
several walls are structural, which limits major reconfigurations
3. My process
From brief to final design
As with all my projects, we followed a clear and collaborative process:
Step 1: Understanding the lifestyle
A deep-dive into habits: where they work, eat, host, relax… what they love and dislike in their current space… what feels naturally comfortable for them.
Step 2: Existing plan analysis
I studied circulation, natural light, focal points, architectural balances, and constraints.
This step is essential before proposing any layout.
Step 3: Space planning - 3 layout options
For each key room, I created three different spatial strategies, exploring:
furniture placement
circulation
storage optimization
This is where the magic begins: seeing the same room with three completely different potentials.
Step 4: Moodboards
Once the preferred layout was chosen, I created detailed moodboards blending:
soft sage green
beige & warm neutrals
touches of black and brushed gold
caning
natural woods
Japandi-inspired simplicity
Neo-victorian charm
The goal: serenity with character.
Step 5: 3D colored perspectives
To bring the project to life, I created 3D perspectives that I then hand-colored on my graphic tablet. This technique gives each view a soft, marker-style finish, much closer to the final atmosphere of the space.
4. Room by room - Key design directions
The Kitchen: minimal & functional
Both Sofia and Bastien love cooking, so this space had to be efficient and visually uncluttured.
Key decisions:
fully redesign the kitchen layout
integrate the fridge so it disappears behind cabinetry
switch from freestanding range to built-in appliances
keep counters visually clear with smart storage
allow for two dining options: kitchen table + main dining area
A beautiful, functional space where cooking feels easy.
The “petit salon”: a multifunctional jewel box
This room had to be:
a cozy TV room
a work-from-home spot
a reading nook
a guest room
Easy, right? 😅
The design centered on:
a desk for remote work
a comfortable sofa-bed
a TV hidden TV corner
warm wooden bookshelves
optimized lighting for work and relaxation
discreet storage for admin tasks
soft, calm colors
A small room with a big personality and big flexibility.
Sofia & Bastien’s bedroom: calm & elegant
A peaceful retreat with:
a Queen bed
a low chest of drawers with mirror
a large walk-in wardrobe
The ensuite bathroom is being redesigned to explore:
a better layout
a towel warmer
updated finishes
The objective: a soothing morning-and-evening ritual space.
The guest bedroom: comfort & quiet
Since this room faces a busy avenue, we prioritized:
noise insulation strategies
elegant, warm finishes
a layout that feels hotel-like
a refined ensuite bathroom with updated flooring
A welcoming space for family and friends.
5. Style & color palette
The entire project revolves around:
sage green
warm wood
natural textures
black & gold accents
soft beiges
subtle Japandi lines
neo-Victorian touches
a few Art Deco details
An interior meant to last, not to follow algorithms or trends.
6. Final deliverables
Sofia & Bastien received:
the existing layout plan scale 1:100 with dimensions
three layout options scale 1:100
the final layout scale 1:100 with dimensions
detailed moodboards
3D colored perspectives for each room
material & color suggestions
tips for the renovation phase
A complete, clear roadmap to bring their dream apartment to life.
7. The result
What I love most about this project is how it blends:
elegance with warmth
minimalism with comfort
storage intelligence with aesthetic clarity
structure with softness
A home that feels intentional, serene, and deeply personal, the perfect balance for two people who love beauty, order, and the simple joy of being at home.
My warmest thanks to Sofia and Bastien for trusting me with their beautiful home.
And for those of you considering a redesign of your own, I’d be thrilled to help you shape a space that truly feels like home to you.