Visiting Rachel Smékalová

@racheldejapris

Rachel Smékalová, the founder of Qurated, a concept store with a curated selection of vintage furniture and accessories, is above all a mother to the magical Siddhartha. When she's not with her son, she's likely searching, varnishing, or sanding a unique piece of furniture.

In her apartment in New Town, we find seemingly disparate combinations of accessories, furniture, and colors that work together harmoniously. Rachel moved here pregnant with her boyfriend Sahil, from a small apartment to a more spacious one, where there's room for baby clothes and the realization of their dreams.

Colour Melange throw & upcoming Mum’s Kingdom.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA TO FOUND QURATED?

Originally, I saw Qurated as a side hustle and a small project I'd work on during maternity leave, but it gradually led me to something bigger that fulfills me. We collaborate with a carpenter and a glassmaker, and we try not to just sell things, but a whole approach to life. Sometimes I think I should slow down and just be a mom, but I guess this happens when you start doing something you love, it excites and consumes you.

WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION?

I'm inspired by what comes into my life. Exhibitions, concerts, travel, how life is in Australia, in London, by the sea…

Quiet Jungle & Flat White in Rachel's bedroom.

YOU HAVE AN ORIGINAL AESTHETIC THAT DEFIES TRENDS...

I believe that the place where we live shapes our personality on a daily basis. More than aesthetics, I would say it's about feeling and flow. It's a certain life perspective that develops and changes very organically. I love colors, contrasts, textures – that's paramount. When you walk around a room, you engage both your eyes and your hands. And you perceive if you feel anything. The structure of veneer, wood, the softness or coarseness of fabrics, the coolness of marble and chrome, how the floor creaks and what it evokes in you. How the light moves through the day – how it plays with the space. And then how you live, what you need. What you don't need, on the other hand. Only then do I look for some visual balance so that I don't go crazy from all the sensations.

HOME IS WHERE?

Where I have Siddy and Sahil.

Tobias' Dream & Colour Melange.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE RITUAL?

I don't have many rituals, but every morning I have my favorite instant coffee with a mountain of milk. I can't do it any other way, it's my guilty pleasure.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN THE APARTMENT?

That's a tough question… I like the whole apartment as an entity that evolves and lives, so my favorite place shifts, but of course, the bed is nice.

A place for ideas and dreams.

WHAT IS YOUR LEJAAN FAVORITE?

I'll tell you right away, all your crispy pillows from the Comfort collection, like feathers, you sink into them and crunch your way to the sweetest sleep.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE HOME HACK?

Constantly tidying up and having Mrs. Naďa.

WHAT DOES HOME SMELL LIKE?

Like my son's sweaty head, that's the best smell in the world.

HOW HAS YOUR HOUSEHOLD CHANGED SINCE YOUR SON WAS BORN?

A lot of things are up high now. Before, I had books, candles, vases on the floor. I thought I'd miss it, but somehow I learned to live with it and accept it as it is.

Harmonious combination of shades and textures.

WHAT SHOULD EVERYONE HAVE AT HOME?

Something from Qurated… and from Lejaan.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HOME ACCESSORIES?

Vases, lights, candlesticks, marble.

DO YOU HAVE INTERIOR DESIGN PRINCIPLES YOU ADHERE TO?

Combining different materials and textures and not sticking to a template when furnishing.

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR MAKING A SPACE COZIER?

With light, try to illuminate all dark corners; light, to me, creates a home. In general, I like fabrics. It's nice to combine different materials and keep them in one tone, and then perhaps experiment with art. I try to perceive the apartment as a whole, because our gaze doesn't stop at one place but moves through the space. It's not static, and I think about that when furnishing. It requires looking at the apartment from different angles and creating a story based on how your eyes travel.