Lightness combined with coziness, aesthetics intertwined with functionality. This is how we would define the work of interior designer Martina Šandová from the studio ti architekti, who allows her natural talent, years of acquired skill, and even the deepest desires of her clients to permeate her projects.
We found out how she approaches projects, when she realized her fondness for colors, what she believes is the key to a perfectly executed combination of materials, and why she is so passionate about our Mix & Match system.
When did you first realize that construction was what you wanted to pursue professionally?
Over time, it just evolved naturally. I was always drawn to art, aesthetics, and generally areas where the right side of the brain is more dominant. In high school, I studied graphic design, and somehow I transitioned from 2D to 3D, focusing on space solutions and interior design, which I enjoyed and still do today. But now that I think about it, it was probably in me since childhood. Recently, my parents recounted again how they were teaching me to ride a bike when I was little, and instead of focusing on riding, I was constantly evaluating houses I liked and commenting on the colors of their curtains. (laughs)
What style is closest to your heart?
I probably couldn't pick just one. What's most important to me is the final design and whether it has an aesthetic harmony and its own artistic or spatial qualities. After that, it doesn't matter much to me whether it leans more towards minimalism, eclecticism, extravagance... That's actually what's beautiful about this work, that different assignments come in, and you can try out even more styles in your own distinctive interpretation.
The house in Malešice is complemented by artworks by Michaela Červená, David Krňanský, and Richard Konvička.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating with the ti architekti studio, of which you are an integral part?
Each of us has a slightly different focus; some are more architects, builders, others are more detail-oriented. This brings multiple perspectives and often more interesting results.
You collectively work on interiors, renovations, and new constructions. Which projects are your favorites?
We don't just do interior decoration. We always take on projects as larger wholes, so essentially every interior we work on is a renovation where we change the layout and surfaces. So, it's hard to say whether I prefer renovations or new constructions. Both have their pros and cons. In the case of renovations, charming historical elements might emerge, which we then gladly preserve, uncover, and combine with something contemporary. We enjoy that. At the same time, many unexpected factors can arise, which are more challenging for us to handle.
For the family house project in Malešice, which, among other things, won first place in the Interior of the Year competition, you and your team opted for a rather massive kitchen island in a distinctive pink shade. Do you personally enjoy experimenting with colors?
I always thought "my style" was more neutral tones and a limited color palette, but when I look at my finished projects, they are quite colorful. (laughs) However, for this particular project, it was also one of the client's requirements – they like colors, so our task was to incorporate them into the design. The decision to use pink for the island came from the choice to expose the concrete ceiling. Pink pleasantly contrasts with the industrial character of the ceiling, which we wanted to tone down so that the space wouldn't feel cold, but rather fresh and playful.
The highlight of the room became the unique pink island, which both delights and brings a smile to one's face.
You decided to incorporate Lejaan products into this (and other) projects. Why?
It's not always a rule that we choose bedding or decorations for clients. Some either have their own or want to handle these "details" themselves. For this project, I was very happy to help with the textile selection. Specifically, the Tobias' Dream and Never Too Late collections wonderfully complemented our color palette. Another criterion was the recommendations I had received at the time from relatives and friends who were enthusiastic about how pleasant they were.
Where did you first come across Lejaan?
It was about two years ago when I was looking for a birthday gift and consulted a friend about the purchase. She had just bought their bedding at the time, had been sleeping in it for a week, and raved about it. But I had noticed the brand even before that, through Instagram. I remember being impressed by its beautiful presentation, photos, and graphics.
Which of our collections do you like the most?
Now this might sound like a pre-arranged answer, but actually all of them. Maybe that's why I don't own any myself yet. I'm always just gifting them or using them in projects, and I can't decide which bedding to get for myself first. (laughs) But it's time to decide, and for a start, it'll probably be a neutral color in organic cotton.
Refresh your interior with bedding that combines unique design with unforgettable quality.
How do you approach materials and their combinations?
The chosen combination of materials and colors already creates a certain atmosphere and leans towards a particular style category. So it depends on what I want to achieve. Do I want a masculine, luxurious style? I would use darker wood, leather, nice metal, marble, for example... But I always stick to the principle that one material should be the highlight and shouldn't clash with three others. It's all about a sensitive combination of textures, structures, and colors so that nothing is too much or too little.
What are the main advantages you see in our Mix & Match system, which allows collections to be combined?
My guilty pleasure is having coffee and something good in bed. And of course, I often spill coffee on myself, and then I have to change the entire bed. (laughs) That's probably not the answer you expected, but for me, a big advantage is being able to buy different colors and replace a stained pillow with a gray one instead of a white one, without stressing that everything isn't tone-on-tone. At the same time, combining different colors allows the bedroom to feel a little different each time, giving the interior a new vibe. One time it can be neutrally minimalist, another time more colorful... Like now with the arrival of summer.
The family house in Malešice features many rounded shapes, among other things. Is there a specific intention behind that?
The house is essentially a functionalism-inspired cube complemented by two round windows. We somewhat echoed these shapes within the interior space. At the same time, the curves help the interior feel more playful, welcoming, and break up its austerity. It felt more fitting for a young, cheerful family with children than strict minimalism and sharp corners.
A fresh and colorful space that perfectly emphasizes the future owners with its playfulness.
Do you prefer it when a client comes with a clear vision, or do you appreciate having free rein?
I think some boundaries and direction are always good within an assignment and help us understand each other with the client, to be on the same page... It's certainly not pleasant to work on something where you're just redrawing someone else's vision and your opinions and ideas aren't heard. Such cooperation then makes no sense and doesn't enrich either side.
And how was it with this particular project?
The collaboration here was very pleasant, and it was one of those projects where we essentially had free rein. Of course, within the possibilities and considering the budget.
How do you best achieve a cozy space? Can you advise our readers?
Even during the design phase, I try to think not only about the layout and technical aspects but also about where the best place is for cozy nooks, whether a larger plant will fit into "this" corner, where the future owners will place a smaller lamp for intimate lighting, whether there's a free wall for a painting, poster, or photo... All these things, in my opinion, make a home cozy, and it doesn't matter if they are filled immediately or over time. At the same time, each of us is different. Personally, I feel best in a space that isn't too cluttered, where I can breathe, but at the same time, it must not lack flowers, pillows, throws, candles, and books.
Do you have a motto/rule that guides you across all your projects?
That sometimes it's good to let things settle and rest, to look at them with a clear head the next day.
PRODUCTS FROM THE ARTICLE:
Tobias' Dream illustrated children's bedding
Never Too Late children's old pink bedding
Frozen Lake grey-white bedding
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