Playing with the past: in conversation with Alja Horvat

We must admit, the patterns we can see both in your home and on your apparel are really distinctive and beautiful. Could you tell us about your journey as a textile designer?

When I began my art journey, I focused on creating repeating patterns, mostly floral designs. After some time, I needed a new challenge, so I shifted to illustrating women. While I’ve become best known for my portraits, my true passion has always been repeat patterns.

I dream of seeing my art on home decor and furniture, like the works of Josef Frank and William Morris. They’re also the ones who inspired me to embark on this journey of creating repeating designs. I admire their work deeply and look up to them as designers, which is why seeing my art on home decor and furniture would be a dream come true.

What are the main sources of your inspiration, and how are these influences reflected in your designs?

My main source of inspiration comes from nature, especially the flowers in my grandma's garden. I often take photos of them and use them as references for my paintings. I'm also influenced by the aesthetics of the seventies, which brings a nostalgic vibe to my work.

The building you live in dates back to the late 19th century. Have you discovered any fascinating facts about your apartment’s past? What do you do to preserve its spirit?

We recently learned that the floors in our living room, office, and bedroom are the original ones from 1896—128 years old, and they’re still in incredible condition. We restored them ourselves, and they look so loved, well taken care of now. The windows also appear to be original, though they've been restored over the years; they add so much character to the space. While the apartment has undergone smaller renovations (with previous owners), it's hard to know the whole history. There’s something magical about preserving these old details!

We've been following your home renovation journey on Instagram. What are your plans for future improvements? Are there any specific changes or additions you're excited about?

We're in the middle of renovating our bedroom, which means the bed has temporarily taken over my office, and my office has become a dining table in the kitchen ( I don't really mind it though, as I have a wonderful view out of the balcony).

After that, we’ll dive into the hallways and kitchen renovations, and I’m absolutely thrilled about the kitchen. It’s my favorite spot in the apartment, although I haven’t started planning it yet.

noo.ma's timeless forms match the character of your home just impeccably. Could you offer any tips for those who want to add some contemporary spirit to more traditional surroundings?

I recommend starting with smaller modern pieces like side tables, stools, lamps, vases, etc. to subtly infuse contemporary spirit into a classic interior without overwhelming the space. 

For instance, I absolutely adore my noo.ma Nokk stool; it complements our traditional bookshelf beautifully and adds a fresh touch. The Rull bench is another favorite of mine—originally intended for the hallway, but we love it in our living room as a stylish display for artwork.