Interview with Vladimir Mikić and Nataša Trbović: The creative couple behind Intera studio

Interview with Vladimir Mikić and Nataša Trbović: The creative couple behind Intera studio

Idon't remember where I was going exactly, but I remember stopping by the window. There were no neon signs or large advertisements, but something about that space made me want to take a look inside. I went in without any big expectations, and left with the feeling that I had discovered one of those places that you don't tell everyone about. A real little secret in the heart of the city. That was my first encounter with Intera.

At its new address at Kralja Držislava 8, in the very center of Zagreb, Intera has been consistently building their story for thirty years, with Nataša Trbović and Vladimir Mikić behind it.

Vladimir is an architect who gained some of his experience in Zurich, Nataša started in science and ended up in aesthetics and details. Today, the two of them, together with their nephew Lovro Vlajki and colleague Patrik Momčinović, run a showroom that doesn't look like a classic store. Everything looks thoughtful, but unobtrusive, enough to slow down your day for a second and make you want to come in. Their story begins with a pure passion for designing spaces, and today, more than two decades later, Intera has become a space where design is lived, one that lasts, communicates and has a soul.

In this exclusive interview, we talk about their beginnings, how they developed their own brand Element and why their showroom is actually an extension of their home, not a sales space.

When did you first realize that design was not a job, but a true passion, and how did that passion shape Intera?

Vladimir: While still studying architecture, I realized that interiors interested me much more than other areas of architecture. Even then, I started going to the furniture fair in Cologne, where I first encountered brands and designs that captivated me. Functional, well-thought-out, well-made. After college, I worked in Stefan Zwicky's office in Zurich, specializing in interiors, and it was there that I realized that this is what I really wanted to do.

Nataša: I graduated in chemistry but I quickly realized that this was not the path I wanted to take. At one point it was clear that I was drawn to design, between fashion and interior design. Although these may be different fields on paper, what connects them is the sense of detail, aesthetics and the emotion that a space or object can evoke. Together we built a job that we enjoy. Design is our passion.

If Intera has a soul, and we believe it does, then it is definitely their small team. From the very beginning, Nataša and Vladimir did everything themselves; from choosing brands to putting together the showroom. That close, personal level of work has never been lost, even though things have changed over time, Nataša told us.

Since 2023., their nephew Lovro has joined them in the new showroom at Kralja Držislava 8, who has been surrounded by design since he was a child, and they say his arrival modernized them. Lovro manages the entire sales and operational business as well as social networks, and last year Patrik joined them, who takes care of all logistics, from storage to deliveries, and without him everything would be much more difficult. Considering that the business continues to grow, a new member will soon join them.

“Intera is still a family story, and you can feel it. When people come to us, they don't feel like they're in a store where someone is trying to “push” something on them. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm, they stay longer than they planned, they talk, they come back.” - Vladimir Mikić

What moment in Intera's history would you mark as a turning point in your business?

Vladimir: If we had to single out one moment as a real turning point in Intera's history, it would certainly be the move to the new showroom in 2021, at Kralja Držislava 8. This space, in addition to being significantly larger and more open, finally gave us the opportunity to fully express what Intera really is – in design, in ideas, in the way we communicate with clients. We spent more than 20 years at the old location, next to Franjo Tuđman Square. Although that address is dear to us and was our home, the space was simply too small to show everything we wanted. At Kralja Držislava, everything somehow fell into place. The location, the space, and we simply knew that this was a new chapter. Here we can present the brands we represent in the way they deserve and bring the atmosphere and design thinking closer to our clients in our own way.

“Here Intera could finally be what it always wanted to be. And you can feel it as soon as you enter the space.” - Nataša Trbović

In their showroom, they consciously avoid what is often seen in classic furniture showrooms: the expected, symmetrical and often rigid layouts. That approach is simply not familiar to them. Instead, their goal is to create a space that feels like it is lived in, with dynamics, contrasts and the occasional surprise.

Your brand Element, developed in collaboration with Numen/For Use, has become recognizable. What do you think makes Element so special on the Croatian market?

Nataša: We launched Element in 2005. with Numen/For Use because we wanted to create furniture that was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also architecturally meaningful – something that naturally complements the space. The pieces are functional, made of solid wood, mostly Slavonian oak, simple but with character. Our goal was to avoid passing trends and create something calm, stable and recognizable. The element is not noisy, but it remains in the space. People recognize it because it carries something familiar and permanent, and yet special enough to leave an impression. And really, kudos to Numen for that. Without them, Element it would not have the character that makes it recognizable today.

One of the most challenging projects they worked on was the Lone Hotel in Rovinj – the first designer hotel in Croatia. They still remember this project as one of the most ambitious and complex in their portfolio. The architectural solution was signed by the Zagreb studio 3LHD, while several teams collaborated on the interior, including Numen/For Use , long-time partners of Intera.

Is there a piece of furniture or a brand in Intera that you consider a true “iconic” piece?

Nataša: At Intera, we represent many brands that have true mid-century classics in their collections, and it is difficult to single out just one piece as “the real one”. However, some are particularly close to our hearts. Artifort’s Little Tulip and Orange Slice, designed by Pierre Paulin, are timeless for us because they are pieces that look just as fresh today as when they were first introduced. They have a certain softness and sculpturality that makes them special, and yet they are completely functional. Another designer who inspires us time and time again is Eileen Gray. Her pieces for ClassiCon, such as the Bibendum armchair or the legendary E1027 coffee table, are so precise in detail and so ahead of their time that it is hard to believe that they were created almost a hundred years ago. These are works that have not lost an millimeter of relevance.

“Of course, there is USM – their modular system is already an icon in itself, not because it looks flashy, but because it quietly builds its presence in the space. It is a piece that lasts for decades, and every time it looks like it was designed just now.” - Nataša Trbović

Among the newer favorites, they highlight HEY Palissade outdoor collection, designed by the Bouroullec brothers. The design is simple, yet distinctive. Sturdy, yet light in expression. It manages to be both aesthetically strong and fully functional, a rare combination, especially in outdoor furniture.

In today's fast-paced world, what role do you think “timeless” design plays that transcends trends?

Lovro: Today, in this fast-paced and consumerist era, it is increasingly clear that it is smarter to invest in quality products with timeless design, rather than in things that are currently “in”, but of poor quality and have a short shelf life. This applies to everything, but especially to interior design.

“When you choose pieces that have long-term value, not only aesthetically, but also functionally, you create a space base that can last for years.” - Lovro Vlajki

Lovro: We at Intera strongly believe in this philosophy. Once you have a good foundation, you can easily refresh the space over the years with details, artwork, textiles or a new piece. But that foundation: a table, chairs, a lamp, an armchair, if they are chosen wisely, will not become outdated. These are not “instant” pieces, but ones that get better over time. And what’s best, they are often cheaper in the long run because you don’t have to replace them every few years. It’s more responsible, more sustainable and more meaningful both as an approach to design and as a way of life.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenge in interior design today, especially in the context of sustainability and functionality?

Vladimir: Today, more than ever, the biggest challenge is to remain authentic. In a world where interiors are increasingly shaped by what is currently popular, it is easy to lose the personality of a space. More and more often we see interiors that look almost identical, neat, beautiful, but without character. For us, that was never the idea of design.

“For us, the most important thing is that the space has its own story, that it is adapted to the context, the place, but also to a specific person, family, lifestyle. Design must not be a copy, but a response to real needs. And it is precisely in this honesty that sustainability lies, because when something makes sense and really suits the user, then it lasts, regardless of trends.” - Vladimir Mikić

At Intera, they closely follow global design trends, but they do not try to literally transfer them into their work. They are aware of the specifics of the Croatian, and especially Zagreb, context, where the audience appreciates good design, but at the same time seeks warmth, functionality and personality of the space. Sustainability and modularity are also becoming key, as solutions that last, adapt to the space and have a purpose are increasingly sought after, and they are especially pleased that Zagreb today has an audience that knows what it wants. They are not looking for copies, but authentic spaces that truly live with people.

Finally, it's hard not to mention how warm, open, honest and full of enthusiasm the meeting with the team from Intera was for what they do. There's no distance or pretentiousness, just a genuine passion for design and a desire to create a space with balance and character. And all of that with incredible ease, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. In short, people with balance, taste and great energy.

Thank you Nataša, Vladimir and Lovro for this pleasant interview!

Photos: Tatjana Bukvić, Numen