In her bedroom, Kristýna has also created a daily relaxation area, dominated by a minimalist sofa and a large Art Deco armchair from the 1930s. Photo: Michaela Karásek Čejková.
Are you originally from Prague, or did you move here from another part of the Czech Republic?
I came to Prague from a village near Zlín, where I’m from. Like many other young people, work brought me here. But my studies in marketing communications then took me back to Zlín for a while. I went through this cycle a few times, and eventually I settled in Prague.
In Prague, do you stick to one neighborhood, or have you tried living in several different areas?
The latter. I lived in Prague 1 near Malá Strana, then right in Malá Strana itself, and in Vinohrady. A few months ago, I moved back to Vinohrady, and I’m loving it here. Although Malá Strana will probably always hold a special place in my heart. That’s thanks to its proximity to Prague Castle and Kampa, where I often went for walks.
Why did you choose Vinohrady in particular?
I lived in Vinohrady a few years ago and really wanted to move back. A lot of my friends live here. Sometimes we meet up for breakfast, go for a walk, or have coffee at someone’s place. Just like that, spontaneously, without much planning. In general, I’d say Vinohrady is the ideal neighborhood for young people. For me, what’s great about it is that it can be both lively and peaceful—depending on what you need at the moment. So whether you’re in the mood for company or feeling more introverted, Vinohrady has something to offer every time. Another advantage is its proximity to the city center—no matter where I need to go from here, I can get there quickly. And last but not least, there are plenty of great places to go here.
In the bedroom, which—like the entire apartment—is decorated in neutral tones, a striking red painting by artist David Čáp stands out. You’ll also find one of Kristýna’s favorite pieces here: a vintage Lipstick Mirror from 1970. Photo top left: Michaela Karásek Čejková. Photos top right and bottom: LEXXUS NORTON
Did you move all your furnishings from your old place, or did you start completely from scratch in Vinohrady?
I moved all the furniture I had in Malá Strana to Vinohrady. I then gradually figured out what worked in the new space and what didn’t. I let some things go in a different direction, while others found their way to me. I also had an extensive list of various pieces of furniture I wanted to get for my new apartment. Over time, however, I realized that most of them either wouldn’t suit the space or wouldn’t fit because of their size.
It’s clear that you love vintage items.
Yes, that’s true. My love for vintage things found me during my teenage years. At first, I followed various fashion blogs, then came my love for secondhand designer clothing. From there, it was just a short step to vintage furniture. Its advantage over new items is often its high-quality craftsmanship and visual beauty, which has stood the test of time. As you can see, I’m not drawn to any one specific era, so my apartment is decorated in a fairly eclectic style. But this is definitely not its final look. Just as I change, I need the environment where I spend most of my time to evolve as well.
Which of your design pieces is your favorite?
Definitely the vintage Lipstick Mirror, designed in 1970 by French designer Roger Lecal. I’d been dreaming about it for a long time, and I searched for it even longer. I finally managed to find it at a flea market. I love its unique silhouette and how great it looks in the interior. Plus, I ended up getting it as a birthday gift.
Several paintings and a light fixture adorn the walls of your home. Where did you get them?
The paintings and the light fixture are by painter, tattoo artist, and visual artist David Čáp. I had originally planned to include paintings in more neutral colors in the interior, which is why I chose the painting and light fixture that hang in the kitchen and dining area. I loved the red painting that found its place in the bedroom from the very first moment, so I made room for some slightly unexpected colors as well.
The love for vintage pieces and art is also evident in the kitchen, which is connected to the dining area. Photo: LEXXUS NORTON.
Do you have a dream piece you’re planning to add to your apartment’s interior?
I have to admit that my wish list is really long. I’d love to have the Gatti side tables designed by Italian designer Mario Bellini. They’d go perfectly with the Componibili side table by Kartell that I have in my bedroom. Another piece I’ve been dreaming of for this apartment is a functionalist chandelier.
What do you like most about your home, and is there anything that annoys you about it?
The biggest plus for me is how bright it is, that it’s spacious enough for me, and that it reminds me of Parisian apartments. Of course, there are plenty of things here I’d like to change. After all, it’s an older apartment. But it’s not mine—I’m renting here—so I can’t really take on any major projects. I’m taking notes, though, and once I’m planning my own place, I’ll come back to them. That’s exactly where I see one of the advantages of living in a rental apartment. It allows me to experiment and figure out what works for me and what doesn’t. Once I have my own apartment, I can take all that knowledge and create a home that suits me perfectly.
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