Inspired by a Milan landmark, this vertical garden-inspired apartment is a breath of fresh air in bustling Dubai Marina
LOUNGE
Central to the brief was to echo a garden-like feel indoors, with greenery, a nature-inspired palette, and natural materials woven seamlessly throughout the living spaces.
“We wanted to deliver a home with soul – where style and personality effortlessly intertwine to nurture a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere“
The homeowners, originally from Italy, recently transitioned from villa living to a high-floor apartment lifestyle. As new empty nesters, the shift offered an opportunity to reclaim the ease and freedom of their pre-children years while embracing a more design-forward way of living.
Originally a three-bedroom unit, for Cinzia and Marco Tedeschi of Smart Renovation (@smartrenovationdubai) it made sense to reconfigure the space by removing the bedroom adjacent to the living room, which significantly expanded the couple’s shared social zone.
Cinzia explains: “We played smart by keeping the bathroom intact, so when it comes time to sell, it can easily revert to a three-bedroom home.” The bathroom is now discreetly concealed behind a sliding panel clad in a dramatic Van Gogh print wallpaper from Wall Art. “It’s such a strong visual; almost like an exquisite screen that doubles as an artwork,” she adds.
The design narrative takes its cues from Milan’s iconic Bosco Verticale, inspiring the apartment’s new persona: Giardino Verticale. Florals and greenery appear throughout, from botanical wallpaper to a central pillar enveloped in tiered planters crafted in a fluted brown-wood finish, housing layers of real plants. Materials echo the verdant concept: textural stone, warm tones, and statement lighting such as the Miss Lighting chandelier in the main living space, with its crystal-like form reminiscent of millennia-old stalactites.
Even the compact powder room extends the nature-inspired theme, anchored by a striking blue-grey onyx slab and a bespoke vanity accented with a bronze-rose gold basin and taps.
Executed in just three-and-a-half months, the home made for two is rooted in light, texture, and intelligent spatial planning.
“The client’s impeccable taste and eye for style made our job a dream“
LIVING AREA
Flooded with natural light from full-height, dual aspect windows, the living area is defined by its bright, uplifting persona. Many of the key furniture pieces were carried over from the client’s previous home, creating an eclectic, character-rich ambience. An inlaid lacquer-style screen, plush green velvet stools, antique rugs and a striking transverse tree-trunk coffee table anchor the room, giving depth and personality. The choice of simple polished neutral floor tiles lets the styling shine while an abundance of flourishing greenery softens the space. Carefully considered internal lighting solutions complement the natural daylight, ensuring the room feels open and inviting at any time of day. Peeking outside, the balcony perspective is enlivened with floral hanging baskets brimming over with colour.
Light was maximised through three treatments, creating a soft, indirect glow in what had once been a dark entryway.
The sliding wall shifts to also reveal a bookshelf and media unit, transforming it into a statement feature with a hidden story.
DINING AREA
A once-unused corner beside the kitchen has been transformed into a dining nook with real presence. Designed around the client’s original table, the space now features a custom crescent-shaped bench that gives both comfort and sculptural interest. A refined palette of creams and greens keeps the corner feeling elegant yet inviting, while brushed-gold pendant spotlights add intimacy and a touch of polish. Even the small corner window, once an afterthought, now plays its part – drawing in natural light that enhances the nook’s warm, considered atmosphere.
KITCHEN
An open kitchen sits beside the dining area, intentionally kept simple with clean lines, a pared-back aesthetic, and smart functionality. Abundant, well-planned storage ensures the space stays streamlined, organised, and visually unobtrusive.
MASTER BATHROOM
Strong grey onyx slabs set a refined tone, paired with a petrol-blue fluted vanity.
Cleverly used space adds generous storage through open shelving and subtle, warm lighting.
MASTER BEDROOM
“The client wanted a neutral, light, hotel-inspired retreat, so we added walnut panelling, floating bedside shelves, and a backlit wallpaper feature.”
Want to know more? Reach out to Marco and Cinzia at info@smartrenovation.ae