Daniel Dujsík in the living room of his apartment in Karlín. Photo: Michaela Karásek Čejková.
Like many other Praguers, Daniel came to Prague from Moravia—specifically from the industrial city of Ostrava. Manchester served as a stopover, and it was also what inspired him to settle in Prague upon his return to the Czech Republic. He’s been living in the capital for four years now. At first, he called Kobylisy home, but he eventually settled in his favorite neighborhood, Karlín.
You live in Karlín, one of Prague’s most stylish neighborhoods. Why did you decide to make this the place to call home?
After spending more than a year in Manchester, followed by living in my first Prague apartment in Kobylisy, I had a clear vision of what my future home should look like. My close connection to art, fashion, and design is complemented by a touch of perfectionism. So I’m really particular about choosing how to furnish my home. For people in the social circle I surround myself with, the most sought-after neighborhoods when looking for a new place to live are primarily Letná and Vinohrady. For me, the choice ultimately fell on Karlín. The first tour of the apartment convinced me.
The living room reflects Dan’s love for vintage pieces, design, and vinyl. Photo: LEXXUS NORTON.
Karlín is in high demand. Did it take you a long time to find an apartment to rent here?
I had a clear vision of what my future home should look like—or at least come close to the ideal. The search felt natural, not overly intense. Karlín wasn’t originally on my radar, but when this great opportunity came up, I jumped at it right away. I’m most grateful for that decision. As they say, patience pays off.
Why did you choose this particular apartment?
What convinced me was the layout and the distinctive dark-stained wooden parquet floors, which give the space a vintage feel—something I personally love. The separate sleeping nook serves as a cozy retreat. That was a problem in my previous apartment, where my bed was always in plain sight, so I couldn’t really concentrate on my work. The apartment’s south-facing orientation benefits from the reflection of daylight and sunlight from the offices across the street, as well as the beautiful, large double windows, which also block out the outside noise from the road. This surprises everyone who comes to visit. Thanks to this, after intense days, I’m able to unwind and find a moment to recharge and discover inner peace. My roots in an industrial city and my life as a skater and photographer in the middle of the street are closely reflected in my home. I believe the combination of traditional and modern furniture, complemented by decor, is the key to success. Choosing and arranging furnishings in a smaller apartment is quite a challenge, but tackling these challenges is fun. Another advantage of the apartment is its excellent access to all parts of the city, a modern and pleasant environment with spaces for relaxation, public green spaces, a view of Vítkov, a bike path along the river, and the newly built HolKa footbridge connecting Karlín and neighboring Holešovice—which is a game-changer for most residents. Karlín functions as a self-contained neighborhood that offers everything one needs for a happy life. Even though there are plenty of business complexes here, it still exudes a small-town, friendly atmosphere.
When you have some free time, where and how do you most enjoy spending it at home?
A favorite ritual is relaxing on the couch in the morning or evening while listening to my turntable. Collecting vinyl records by my favorite artists is literally an addiction. I just can’t stop. A big thank you to my friend Matěj Bujnoch, who built me a wooden record cabinet. Lately, I’ve also started collecting select books that suit my taste in fields such as photography, art, fashion, and interior design.
Daniel next to his turntable, with which he begins and ends each day. Photo: Michaela Karásek Čejková (left). The kitchen also reflects Daniel’s keen eye for detail. Photo: LEXXUS NORTON (right).
Do you often head out to spots in Karlín? Which ones would you definitely recommend visiting?
Local spots are another reason why I love Karlín. Discovering and traveling for culinary experiences is my daily bread. My favorite spot is EMA Espresso Bar on Thámova Street, where I spend most of my time because of the friendly staff and the atmosphere itself. I recommend heading to EMA for a chocolate roll or a chorizo and jalapeño sandwich, to Grounds S16 for an iced flat white, to Etapa for breakfast, to Esky for a nut cake and weekend brunch, or to Praktika for strawberry tarts and fresh bread. If you’re looking for a place for lunch or dinner, head to Kro Kitchen for a chicken combo with potato pancakes and a perfectly mixed drink; to the summer patio at Bufet Karlín and Dva Kohouti; or to the San Carlo pizzeria, which, in my opinion, serves the best Neapolitan pizza in Prague. A hundred people, a hundred tastes—but I’m confident there’s something for everyone.
For 17 years now, Dan has had a deep love for skateboarding, so a collection of stylish skateboards is a must-have in his home. Photo: LEXXUS NORTON.
Are you planning to settle down permanently in Karlín, or would you be tempted to live in another part of Prague?
For now, Karlín meets my expectations for quality living, and I have no plans to leave anytime soon.
