The interior design by Iva Hajkova Studio is an example of a consistently realised vision, which is a fusion of inspiration from the history of the place with the needs of the contemporary investor. The flat is located in a townhouse with a functionalist pedigree dating back to the 1930s, where butchers and charcuteries used to operate. This heritage became the starting point for the entire creative process and gave the project the peculiar name ‘The Butcher’s Flat’.
A minimalist flat with a masculine character
The interior of this 127-square-metre dwelling, which is located in one of Prague’s modernist townhouses, is kept in a minimalist style, emphasised by the simplicity and high quality of the materials used. Contrasts between noble raw materials and geometric details predominate here, giving the arrangement a distinctive, masculine character. The muted colour scheme is complemented by colourful accents, which allude to the owner’s collection of modern artworks.
A flat in a 1930s townhouse.
Iva Hájková and her team used stone, terrazzo, wood and chrome in their design, a reference to the functionalist roots of the building and its location in the heart of the old town. Wood appears in various forms, from solid to root veneer, which is reminiscent of butchers’ craftsmanship, where each part finds its own use. The white-lit floor in a classic herringbone pattern reflects the daylight, while the darker wood in the furniture brings elegance and balance.
Metallic accents in chrome and stainless steel add a subtle sheen to the space and subtly allude to the tools and countertops used in the slaughterhouse. Instead, the lighting evokes the shapes of sausages and the minimalist decoration references the deli. The textiles and marble surfaces have colours and textures reminiscent of meat, while the bathroom and bedroom have been designed in colours inspired by spices.
The hidden story of a pre-war townhouse
The design of the flat has been conceived so that its history is subtly present but invisible at first glance. References to the building’s former use create a hidden layer of meaning that is only discovered by those who look carefully at the details and context of the place.
Project: Iva Hajkova Studio
Design team: Iva Hájková, Katka Šmardová, Vlaďka Rosypalková
Project location: Prague, Czech Republic
Usable area: 127 sqm.
Photos: BoysPlayNice
Read also: Czech Republic | Prague | Interiors | Apartment | Modernism
