A mix of simplicity and coziness, where design entwines functionality; that’s how we could describe the work of Czech interior designer Martina Šandová from ti architekti studio. Her natural talent, years of experience and the secret wishes of her clients are ever present in her work.

We chatted to her about how she approaches each project, her fondness for colours, her key to combining different materials and why she fell in love with our Mix & Match option.

When did you first realise that you wanted to pursue an architectural career?

It just happened naturally with time. I always inclined towards creative, artistic fields, the ones that require using the left hemisphere of the brain. I studied graphics at secondary school and somehow moved from 2D to a fascination for 3D, to space planning and interior design and it’s something I enjoy to this day. Come to think of it though, I’d say I probably had a knack for it already in my childhood. Recently my parents recalled how when they were teaching me to ride a bike, instead of focusing on how to do this, I kept pointing out the houses I liked and the colour of their curtains! (laughing)

What is your favourite design style?

I don’t think I could pick just one. For me, it’s more about the end result, whether it radiates aesthetical harmony and has its own particular artistic or disposition qualities. No matter whether it’s designed in minimalist, eclectic or extravagant style...That’s what’s nice about this work, you get all sorts of requests and so you can add your personal touch to all sorts of different styles.

What do you most enjoy about your work at the studio ti architekti?

Each of us specialises and has an eye for something different- architecture, building engineers, or design of details. That brings with it different points of view and often very interesting results.

You work together on designs of interiors, reconstructions and newly-builds. What projects do you favour?

We never take on just decorating interiors. Our projects have a much broader span. Each interior we do is itself a reconstruction, as we change the dispositions, the flooring, walling and so on. It’s hard to say whether I prefer reconstructions in old buildings or in newly-builds. Both have their pros and cons. We sometimes come across awesome historic elements when reconstructing old spaces, and we like to restore these and combine them with something new. That’s fun. However, in old buildings, lots of unexpected factors may pop up too, and finding solutions can then become quite challenging.

When working on the family home in Prague’s Malešice, which won the Interior of the Year prize, your team decided to place a massive kitchen island in the colour pink. Do you personally like to experiment with colours?

I always thought that “my” thing was to go for neutral tones and a restricted colour palette, but when I look back on my designs, they’re actually quite colourful. (laughing) With this particular project, it was one of the client’s requests- the client likes colours and it was our task to incorporate them in the design. Using pink for the kitchen island arose from the decision to expose the concrete ceiling. The pink pleasantly contrasts with the industrial look of the ceiling. We wanted the space to look fresh and playful look rather than cold and industrious.

(Not only) For this particular project, you decided to incorporate Lejaan products. Why?

We don’t always get to choose bed linen and interior deco for our clients. Some have their own, or like to pick the “details” themselves. I was delighted, that this project also wanted my help with choosing the textiles. In particular, your Tobias' Dream and Never Too Late collections fitted our colour scheme. And also, another reason why I chose it was that my relations and friends were thrilled with how pleasant the bed linen felt.

When did you first come across Lejaan?

About two years ago, when I was looking for a birthday present and asked my friend for tips. She had just purchased Lejaan bed linen, had slept in it a week, and kept praising it. But I registered the label sometime earlier on Instagram. I remember being thrilled with your presentation, the photos and the graphic design”.

Which of our collections do you like the most?

This will sound like a prearranged answer, but honestly, I love them all! Maybe because I don’t own one myself. I keep gifting someone your products or using them in design projects, but can’t decide which of your range to get first for myself. (laughing) But it’s time I made that decision. I think I’ll go for your organic cotton neutral-tone bed linen. 

What is your approach to the use of different materials and combining them?

A chosen combination of materials and colours evokes a certain atmosphere, which brings it closer to a given style. So, it depends on what end result I’m trying to achieve. If I’m looking for a men’s luxury style look, then I’ll pick darker wood, leather, shiny metal and marble... However, I always stick to using one highlight material and adding others that don’t clash with it. It’s all a matter of combining textures and colours with sensitivity. Never having too much or too little of anything.

What main advantage do you see in our Mix & Match option, where different collection match?

My guilty pleasure is to drink coffee in bed. And, obviously, I do sometimes spill it and then have to change the whole bed. (laughing) Though it’s probably not the answer you’d expect, the fact that I can buy different coloured pillowcases and swap a white one for grey without stressing that it’s not tone-on-tone is a great advantage. Also mixing and matching different colours means the look is always slightly different and the interior gets a new vibe for a while. It can be neutral and minimalist at first and then colourful the next… Like it is in Spring right now.

Rounded shapes appear many times in the Malešice family home. Is there a reason for this?

The house is basically a functionalist-style box with two round windows. And we projected this rounded shape into the interior. Oval shapes help break coldness and feel fun and pleasant. This seemed more appropriate than keeping to strict sharp-corner minimalism for the young happy family with kids.

Do you prefer a client with a clear vision or one that lets you do more or less what you want?

I think finding certain borders and directions when being given a job helps us understand the client and tune in with his/her idea... Obviously, it’s not great having to work on precise visions, where you just draw up the ideas and the client doesn’t take your opinion or ideas into account. Such work doesn’t really make sense and doesn’t enrich either side at all.

And how was it with this project?

The cooperation was really pleasant and this was one of the projects where we could do practically whatever we wanted (with regard to possibilities and the budget).

How do you create a cosy space? Any tips for our readers?

Even during the early stages of the design, when thinking about the dispositions and technical aspects, I try to consider which place would work as a cosy, relaxing area the best. It’s the corner where a large plant can be placed later or a small lamp for intimate lighting. I wonder whether the walls around can later hold a painting, a poster or a photo…I think all these things make a home cosy never mind whether they’ll be filled right away or later on. Plus, we’re all very different in what makes us feel cosy. I, personally feel best in an uncluttered, empty space where I can breathe easily, but is filled with a plant, pillows, blankets, candles and books.

Do you have a motto/rule that you follow whenever working on a project?

That sometimes it’s good to put an idea aside and let it rest. To come back to it the next day with a clear mind.

PRODUCTS CITED:

Kid’s Illustrated Tobias' Dream Bed Linen

Kids Vintage Pink Never Too Late Bed Linen

White Organic Cloud Bed Linen

Off White Frozen Lake Bed Linen

Beige Woven Monocolour Cushion Cover

Beige Woven Monocolour Blanket