Vivienda Sur in Spain Given Nature-Inspired Revamp by María Acha

The Vivienda Sur house, designed by María Acha, underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2022. Acha aimed to infuse each floor with a unique personality while maintaining a cohesive, nature-inspired aesthetic.

Previously, the property featured a clean-lined modern interior with minimal ornamentation. In contrast, Acha’s updates created distinct atmospheres across the home while preserving an overall sense of harmony. “The starting point of the project was the creation of a home inspired by nature,” said Acha.

On the ground floor, Acha maintained a largely unified living space aligned with the natural theme. At the center of the open-plan kitchen and living area is a long Altholz wood dining table paired with colorful Arper stools. A seating area in the same room features bright red armchairs flanked by coffee tables with thick cylindrical legs.

The room’s focal point is a sculptural ceiling with soft curves, which subtly separates areas and introduces warmth. Beneath, a blue-edged carpet defines a cozy area, centered around a rounded, wood-and-wicker two-seater by Seung Jin Lee for Kalon. Acha extended the curved ceiling and natural clay wall coverings partially down the walls, “giving continuity and movement to the space.”

“To provide dynamism and personality to the open rectangular layout, the ceiling, with its large curves, defines and highlights different zones,” she explained.

A sliding wooden door with a geometric handle leads to a bedroom with two single beds. In the outdoor lounge, a turquoise dining table is encircled by red chairs, reinforcing the home’s vibrant palette.

The upper floor features a more playful design with sculptural patterns and textures in pastel shades. Here, a larger outdoor area includes a circular seating nook with bright pink cushions around a green clay firepit, plus a “raised nest” seating area with sage-green cushions.

“A wider color range was introduced on the first floor of the home, while natural materials like clay, oak wood, and organic wall coverings unify the two levels,” Acha noted. Richer hues, like terracotta, blue, and deep green, evoke natural variations, creating a calm ambiance across both floors.

In a semi-outdoor lounge, a curved pink sofa wrapped in rattan sits beneath a large eucalyptus-inspired mirror, with a mesh-like lamp overhead. The room leads to a skylit corridor, which opens into a snug with earthy green sofas and circular tables.

The furnishings include pieces by Kalon—such as a crescent sofa, tables, and stools—and additions from artisans like Isabel Escudero and brands like Ziglam & Tischler. Fabric-covered drums throughout the home provide storage and serve as a visual statement.

Both bathrooms feature emerald and jade mosaic tiles, with sculptural sinks in colors like gold and ocean blue.

“The newly renovated home stands as a testament to thoughtful design,” said Acha, expressing her hope that the updates “enhance the time and quality of [her clients’] stay at Vivienda Sur.”