A FRANK CHAT WITH JULIANA CAVALCANTI

Crafting Spaces Through Sensory Design

The sun is shining here in Lisbon, where we meet for a slow morning coffee with Juliana Cavalcanti. Sitting in a café by Príncipe Real, we chat about what sensory design is and how to create spaces that naturally foster a sense of calm. Juliana Cavalcanti, a Lisbon designer with roots in Brazil and experience designing for trendy spots like Casa Reia, takes us through her world—where senses shape our experience, home is a special feeling, and design serves to make us feel more present in the every-day.

Juliana, your design style is truly distinctive. What would you say defines your approach?

For me, it’s all about evoking a sensation—a feeling that my designs bring to people. My primary goal is to create spaces where people feel embraced and comfortable. I want every element in a room to contribute to a warm, cosy atmosphere that allows individuals to truly relax.

I believe experiencing beauty goes beyond visual appreciation; it involves engaging all our senses. A well-designed space should stimulate more than just sight. 

I like to consider how textures, materials, and even scents contribute to the overall experience. In essence, my goal is to create environments that resonate with people on multiple sensory levels. It's not just about what the eye sees but also how the body feels and embraces the space.

How do you reflect that approach in the design process?

I pay a lot of attention to shapes and materials. I often use rounded, bulky pieces that convey a sense of presence and solidity. These shapes, combined with a thoughtful palette of colours and textures, help to nourish the senses and build that enveloping feeling.

Colours and textures play a key role, too. I prefer to work with earthy tones and subtle hues—colours like olive greens, mustard yellows, terracotta, and beige. I often use different textures of the same material to emphasise their natural patina. For example, a single material might be presented in various finishes to highlight its unique texture and depth.

The play of textures is really prominent in the Helena apartment that you designed. What was the intention behind crafting this apartment?

The main goal behind our design approach for Helena was exactly to create a space that exudes warmth and texture. From the beginning, we wanted to infuse the interior with a sense of cosiness.

It was the first time I used lime-wash, and this was before it became trendy. I remember ordering five different tones of beige lime-wash paint from Germany—one of the very few lime-wash paint makers at that time—and mixing and matching until I arrived at the perfect shade. 

It was a fun process guided by creativity and intuition.

Even the cabinets in the apartment are painted in the same tone, creating a cosy, cocoon-like atmosphere…

Exactly. The goal here was to harmonise the ceiling, walls, and even the carpentry, creating a seamless, enveloping atmosphere. This integration was key to achieving a sense of unity and comfort in the space - that cocoon-like feeling.

Do you have a favourite thing about the apartment?

I love the layout—everything is designed in such a way that it flows beautifully. It allows for the creation of intimate corners, whether for dining or cosy relaxation. One of my favourite things is also the view. It’s absolutely stunning—overlooking the river and the historic Alfama district. It’s a breathtaking sight that adds a special dimension to the space.

Additionally, the condominium itself is a remarkable project. I know the developers—they have a special connection with Alfama, with one of them having lived there for more than 20 years. This special connection to the neighbourhood, its historical significance, and charm is very much reflected in how the condominium was preserved. At the back, there was a palace—you are in the middle of a historic area. This area is amazing for people who love the character of Lisbon.

What do you think of Alfama as a place to live?

I spent a lot of time working in Alfama when designing the apartment and continue to have many projects there. I love stopping by Feira da Ladra—the famous flea market that happens every Tuesday in the area—and spending time in nearby cafés.

Alfama is very popular among investors nowadays, too. A beautiful hotel and restaurant by SLOW is opening in the area, and Standard Hotel is opening in the former Military Hospital building, with a magnificent rooftop restaurant.

What’s your dream project to design or build? Or have you already done it?

My dream project would be designing the interior of a hotel that embodies our slow and caring identity—more intimate, close to nature, and with a soul.

Follow over to see the full listing and contact us to learn about Helena.