You don’t need to be an aesthetics expert to see that Croatians take style seriously. We are a creative bunch here, and there is no limit to the direction that creativity will go. From Osijek to Dubrovnik via Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, and the rest, many productive folks put their innovative energies into the endless possibilities offered by design, and we’re all sorts of excited to present some of our favourites for you. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and what a mammoth iceberg it is, but these designers meld exciting ideas with elite craftsmanship to produce remarkable realities.
Prostoria
In a world of mass-produced, build-it-yourself furniture, there is something genuinely magical about an independent company where every piece is exceptional. That is precisely what you get with Prostoria, a family business located in Croatian Zagorje. Prostoria’s focus is on contemporary furniture, taking the fantastic materials found in these parts and creating homely pieces that are as stylish as they are comfortable. That is all we want from furniture, right? Prostoria is an intimate business operating on a global scale, and its products are sent all over the world to more than 1,000 stores in over 60 countries, all originating in their Zagorje facility.
Nunc
Sticking with fabulous furniture, Nunc is the brainchild of the excellent Ancona Grupa furniture factory in Đakovo, first presented at IMM Cologne in 2019. That collection was piloted by Nikola Radeljković and touched on the signature flourishes of a range of artists, creating a gorgeously minimalist style unlike any others. The traditions and heritage of the region infuse every piece, with incredible woodworking at the forefront.
Milla & Milli
Croatia is blessed with fantastic wood, and the award-winning Milla & Milli make the most of every piece. Established in 2018, the Vrbovec company takes its materials and craft very seriously, and the proof is in the pudding. In this instance, the “pudding” is a beautifully delicate design, all led by the laser-focused artistic direction of Maša Vukmanović and designers Jelena Lukac Kirš and Jakov Šrajer. Milla & Milli isn’t just a design company; this is a force of nature that lives and breathes the art. The collections showcased on the website are divine.
Grupa
If you want the most sophisticated and stylish lights going, look for Grupa. Established in Zagreb in 2006 by Ivana Pavić, Tihana Taraba, and Filip Despot, Grupa is an award-winning design studio best known for its lights, utilising innovative ideas and unbeatable materials to make the days shine a little brighter. You’ll find Grupa products worldwide, gorgeous pieces shimmering with philosophy, versatility, and fabulous attention to detail.
reGalerija
Rugs aren’t just something that pulls together, not here. Zagorje has a long and proud tradition of rug production, and that heritage continues through the fabulous reGalerija, based in Zabok. Custom-made carpets and tapestries are designed and brought to life, often in collaboration with celebrated artists, both local and international. You’ve probably come across a reGalerija piece at some point in your travels, as its magnificent works can be found in everything from hotels to commercial buildings and beyond.
Where to buy
If you’re looking to pick up a piece of sophisticated Croatian design, look no further than these tremendous groups. Head to the official websites to see collections and purchasing options, while many also have pieces available in retail locations around the country.
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