Martina Zárubová in an interview with Zuzana Mach, Photo: LEXXUS NORTON.
And since we ladies are simply meant to be together, we decided to approach this interview in a slightly unconventional way. It was Zuzana who spoke with Martina about the story of her Vinohrady apartment and its transformations.
Zuzana: We’ve known each other for eighteen years, and if I remember correctly, you’ve lived in this Vinohrady apartment for most of that time.
Martina: Yes, it’s unbelievable, but my family and I have lived here since 2007. We took over the apartment from an elderly couple who hadn’t invested in it at all during their entire lives. I remember the moment when Aleš (her husband—ed.) and I first came here—I felt like crying. The apartment was in an absolutely terrible state. The doors were blocked by various pieces of furniture and covered with curtains because two of the rooms, which we now use as children’s rooms, were being rented out at the time to students from the nearby University of Economics. I thought to myself back then, “My God, what are we going to do with this place!”
Zuzana: I remember that—how you called me, completely shocked. When I saw it with my own eyes later, I wasn’t surprised at all.
Martina: On top of that, until then we’d been living in a smaller apartment in Vršovice that was perfectly tailored down to the last detail. That made the contrast all the more extreme. But we didn’t give up, because we knew the apartment had great potential. So we found a team of craftsmen who, based on our specifications, transformed the interior exactly as we envisioned.
Zuzana: But last year you decided it was time for a change…
View from the kitchen through the living room into the master bedroom, Photo: LEXXUS NORTON.
Martina: Exactly. Over those sixteen years, we’ve evolved in some ways, and so have our expectations and requirements for our living space. So far, we’ve only completed the first phase of the renovation, during which we focused on the kitchen, dining area, and living room.
Zuzana: But some things have stayed put… (laughter)
Martina: I assume you’re referring to our inherited bookcase!
Zuzana: You’re right. I really enjoy the story of how it ended up with you, and I think readers would enjoy it too.
Martina: Okay, here it is. Before this very distinctive piece of furniture found its way to us, it was part of an apartment where a certain unnamed lady used to meet her lover. But the relationship fizzled out over time, and she needed to get rid of the incriminating evidence as soon as possible—which included the furnishings of that apartment. This piece of furniture was the largest one, and since we had the biggest apartment among all our friends at the time, the bookcase ended up with us. It was supposed to be a temporary solution, but in the end, it’s been living with us for quite a few years now. I’d like to replace it in the near future with a custom-made bookcase where I can display my beloved and dreamy decorations.
Zuzana: I know your interior design wish list is long. If you had to pick just one thing from it, what would it be?
Martina:
It would definitely be the TON 33 designer dining chairs with wicker seating. I’d also like to have more artwork in my home. My dream is to own at least one original sculpture and to really make the most of the generous wall space, which I think deserves beautiful large-format paintings.
Zuzana: You share your home with your husband and two teenage children. Do they have a say in your interior design plans, or is it all up to you?
Martina: My husband and I decide these things together. Although he isn’t in our field, he has an eye for aesthetics and a family-inherited habit of constantly rearranging furniture. So he sees transforming our home as a natural thing. Our daughter has inherited this habit, too. Moving furniture around is practically a daily occurrence in our house. Take our bedroom, for example—we’ve had the bed in just about every possible spot. The result of this family quirk is that our paintings are placed in illogical spots—they’re the only things that stay put.
Zuzana: What was the last thing you treated yourself to when it comes to interior design?
Martina: Our new kitchen is my latest—and truly biggest—treat.
Zuzana: I see—you’ve transformed it into a completely different space. Before, you had a dance floor here; now you have a kitchen island.
Martina: You’re right, but it wasn’t just about changing the layout. I’m also really happy with the new floor. We had the original straight-laid parquet rearranged into a herringbone pattern and toned it down to a cooler shade.
Zuzana: That floor was quite a challenge, though.
Martina: Yes, it was. When I told the craftsman my idea for the parquet’s shade, he replied, “That’s going to look awful.” (laughter) Just to be sure, I stood behind him the whole time, checking to make sure he was really doing what I’d asked him to do. And it paid off—we’re very happy with the result. In the end, even the contractor was satisfied; as he was leaving, he said it wasn’t as bad as he’d thought it would be. And I took that as a great source of satisfaction.
Martina Zárubová (left) in conversation with Zuzana Mach, Photo: LEXXUS NORTON.
Zuzana: Is this apartment your dream home, or do you have some other “dream home”?
Martina: My husband and I were talking about this recently, and I realized that I can’t imagine a better home for myself and my family. From every window in the apartment, we have a sweeping view of Prague. Every evening, I can watch magical sunsets over St. Vitus Cathedral. That’s something I consider the biggest perk of this apartment. Thanks to our work, I’ve had the chance to visit many apartments. But I haven’t come across any yet that would surpass ours in terms of the view while also offering the other advantages of our apartment—high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and generous storage space. So I guess you could say I’m already living in my dream home.
Zuzana: Actually, I thought you’d say that. Honestly, I can’t imagine you living anywhere else. You and this Vinohrady apartment are simply meant for each other. But I hope our shared dreams of living abroad are still on the table.
View from the bedroom through the living room into the kitchen. In the foreground, the original tiled stove; in the background, Zuzana Mach. Photo: LEXXUS NORTON.
Martina: Definitely—we just need to finally decide whether it’ll be Provence or Tuscany. (laughter) In any case, as far as Prague goes, I wouldn’t change a thing. The view we have is simply one-of-a-kind. I’m just a little sad that the best view is from our bedroom, which, unfortunately, I use the least out of all the rooms. We’ll see—maybe we’ll swap it with the living room someday.
Zuzana: Where’s your favorite spot at home?
Martina: Anywhere by the window, especially at sunset.
Zuzana: And one last question. Where do you spend the most time at home when you don’t have to do anything?
Martina: Now that’s a tricky question. You know very well that I hardly ever have a moment when I don’t have to do anything. But when, on rare occasions, such a moment does arise, I relax best when I’m home alone. I put on my favorite Hana Hegerová, dance all over the apartment, let my pent-up emotions flow through me, and enjoy just being by myself.
