She studied interior design in Florence, worked for several years for high-end Italian brands, and now focuses on professional interior design. Interior designer Kateřina Kersey shared with us her approach to work, material choices, and proper color tuning. She is an inspiring woman who has imprinted her energetic personality into an apartment in nearby Poděbrady. How did she design the space for her dreams and in what combination of bedding does she fall asleep?
Why did you choose an apartment in Poděbrady?
After returning from Florence, where I studied interior design, I started working in a studio in Prague and was looking for my own place to live. There were more options and even foreign opportunities, but in the end, Poděbrady won me over, a spa town not far from the metropolis, yet with a calmer, almost revitalizing spirit.
A perfect blend of shades and colors.
What was your intention when approaching the space?
I wanted to create a certain "well-being" atmosphere for life, but also for my creative work. In the design, I was inspired by Feng Shui teachings, which I did not take dogmatically, but with a sense of my own needs and the layout. Every corner in the apartment thus has its purpose.
How did you choose the materials?
Generally, I like earthy tones; that's always the foundation, regardless of trends. Home should be about harmony, a place where we find refuge. I perceive it as a whole that should serve for relaxation, to gather further inspiration and strength for the next steps and days.
Do you have any rules for choosing shades that you can recommend to our readers?
The choice of cool and warm shades depends on the personality and type of person. Women generally tend to prefer warmer tones, men prefer darker and cooler ones. And what complements it reflects personality or character. Sometimes we can stick to natural tones in an earthy palette, but on the other hand, I like to add a subtle accent and a slight provocation, trying to incorporate a tone or color, a piece of art that resonates with the person.
Never Too Late & Old Memories collections.
Why did you choose Lejaan bedding?
That's a funny story... usually I recommend products to clients, but with Lejaan, it was the other way around. A client called me about choosing bedding for her sister-in-law and sent me a link. I really liked Lejaan's presentation, the simplicity, purity, what resonates with my motto "less is more." I was also impressed by the material processing, timelessness and warmth, and the prices seemed acceptable considering the quality. Plus, I support all Czech companies. So first I recommended Lejaan to my client, and then I chose it for myself.
In the bedroom, we can see Mix & Match in practice; you’ve combined three different bedding collections. Why did you choose these shades?
In every interior, I try to ensure that certain connecting elements work throughout the entire apartment. This could be something that repeats in structures, tiles, textiles… And that was the case here. Since I used lightly bleached oak with gray carpet and curtain elements, I was looking for something that would be tone-on-tone. At the same time, I wanted to incorporate the season or a color that I have everywhere in the apartment. I have two intertwining shades here, turquoise and old rose, so there wasn't much to think about. The old rose Never Too Late is enlivened by a light stripe of Old Memories, and it all works beautifully together. And white is a timeless classic that goes with everything.
Old rose guides you through the entire apartment.
On the bed, you have our favorite cascade of pillows...
I admit that at first, it had more of a decorative effect for me. I like it when I make the bed in the morning and it stays tidy all day, and when I go to bed in the evening, I feel like everything is fluffy. So it's more about harmony and relaxation. I prefer to sleep on the largest pillow (laughs). I like big flat pillows, and sometimes a smaller one under my head, then I use the others for reading, or for breakfast in bed, which we sometimes treat ourselves to.
Based on the chosen shades, it might seem that the apartment is purely feminine...
It's true that at first glance, the apartment might appear fragile and feminine, with a touch of contemporary glamour. However, the truth is that by changing accessories and small furniture, we can easily balance it with a masculine element.
"Home should be about harmony."
You come across as an energetic person who loves her job and perhaps has to force herself to stop for a moment. Do you have any favorite rituals or routines?
You're right (laughs). I'm not big on routine, but I need a certain organization and system. So, a few favorite things in daily life, like warm water with lemon and herbal tea in the morning, listening to music while I work, burning candles in autumn and winter. Lately, I've been trying to incorporate yoga or walks into my work schedule. When I have time, I enjoy painting; that's a form of meditation for me.
What is important to you during implementation?
In every project, I strive for the given space to accurately reflect the client's essence and for people to find peace and positive energy in it during their everyday lives.
What style do you feel close to?
I studied interior design in Florence, which still influences my work. I was fortunate enough to work in a team of talented designers, where I gained the feeling that anything is achievable if you have the motivation. I enjoy playing with different styles and combining them, merging modern style with industrial, Scandinavian, and glamour elements. Luxury execution is close to my heart, but it doesn't always have to mean a direct correlation between questionable quality and high prices. Some materials and technical procedures cannot be compromised in any way, however, many things can be produced with local carpenters and companies in excellent quality at more affordable prices than certain foreign "brands". It depends on what the client specifically expects from the apartment furnishings and what their possibilities are.
KATERINA KERSEY DESIGN
She lived and studied interior design in Florence for two years, then worked for several years for Italian high-end luxury home furnishings brands in Prague. In her studio, she focuses on creating professional interior designs and residential design. She likes a clean, elegant style using natural materials, lacquered elements, and ingeniously elaborated details. "In every interior, I strive to capture the authentic essence, character, and needs of the specific client. What delights me most is when I can materialize shared visions with clients and create timeless spaces that exude positive energy."
Sdílet:
Visiting Kateřina Pavlíček
Autumn Hygge by Lejaan