She studied interior design in Florence, worked for several years for Italian high-end brands, and now focuses on professional interior design. Interior designer Katerina Kersey – an inspiring woman who imprinted her energetic personality into an apartment in nearby Poděbrady – told us about her approach to work, choice of materials, and proper color matching. 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. Several options and even foreign opportunities arose, but in the end, Poděbrady won me over, a spa town near the metropolis, yet with a calmer, even revitalizing spirit.
A perfect harmony of shades and colors.
With what intention did you approach the space?
I wanted to create a certain "well-being" atmosphere for life, but also for my creative work. I was inspired by Feng Shui teachings in the design, which I did not take dogmatically, but with a sense for my needs and the layout. Each corner of 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 rest, for gathering further inspiration and strength for the next steps, 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 one's personality. Women generally gravitate more towards warmer tones, men towards darker and cooler ones. And what complements it reflects personality or character. Sometimes we can stick to natural tones in an earthy palette, on the other hand, I like to add a subtle accent and a light provocation, I try to incorporate a tone or color, an artwork, that resonates with a person.
Never Too Late & Old Memories Collection.
Why did you choose Lejaan bedding?
It's a funny story… I usually recommend products to clients, but with Lejaan, it was the other way around. My client called me about choosing bedding for her sister-in-law and sent me a link. I really liked Lejaan's presentation, its simplicity, cleanliness, what resonates with my motto "less is more." I was also impressed by the material processing, timelessness, and warmth, and the prices seemed acceptable given the quality. Plus, I support all Czech companies. So, first I recommended Lejaan to my client, and then I chose for myself.
In the bedroom, we can see Mix & Match in practice; you used three different collections of bedding. 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 textures, tiling, textiles... And that was the case here too. Since I used lightly bleached oak with grayish elements of the carpet and curtain, 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. Old rose Old MemoriesOld Memories A white is a timeless classic that goes with everything.
Old rose accompanies you throughout the entire apartment.
On the bed, you have our favorite blanket, which initially 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; 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; I use the others for reading, or for breakfast in bed, which we occasionally treat ourselves to. According to the chosen shades, it might seem that the apartment is purely feminine… with a contemporary glamorous style. However, the truth is that by changing accessories and small furniture, we can easily balance them with a masculine element.
"Home should be about harmony."
maybe has to force themselves to stop for a moment. Do you have a favorite ritual or routine?
You're right (laughs). I don't really like routines, 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, I play music while working, and burn candles in autumn and winter. Lately, I've been trying to incorporate yoga or walks into my work schedule. When I have time, I like to paint; that's a form of meditation for me.
What is important for you during implementation?
In every project, I try to ensure that the given space precisely captures the essence of the client and that people find peace and positive energy for their everyday lives there.
What style is yours? 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 glamorous elements. A luxurious finish is close to my heart, but it doesn't always have to mean a direct correlation between questionable quality and high price. Some materials and technical procedures cannot be cheated, but many things can be made with local carpenters and companies in excellent quality at more affordable prices than certain foreign "brands". It depends on what the specific client expects from the apartment's furnishings and what their options are.
@katerina_kersey_design
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