Studio Iva Hajkova has created am homage to heritage in their latest project, The Butcher’s Apartment. Located within an original functionalist building that once housed butchers and charcutiers, the apartment’s design draws on its historical roots to craft a unique living experience. The spirit of the former butchery is evident throughout the space, giving the project its apt name. In this thoughtful reimagining, every detail echoes the building’s past while offering a distinctly contemporary aesthetic.
The apartment has a masculine elegance, achieved through a minimalist approach that prioritizes simplicity and material quality. Key design elements incorporate a subtle austerity, with premium materials and geometric details creating a striking yet understated ambiance. The color scheme was carefully chosen to harmonize with the investor’s collection of modern artwork, allowing the pieces to shine while maintaining an inviting visual contrast throughout the space.
In keeping with the building’s functionalist history, the designers chose materials that reflect both heritage and locality. Stone, terrazzo, wood, and chrome elements pay tribute to the building’s original use while imbuing the apartment with a modern touch. Wood, in particular, plays a vital role—with variations ranging from solid to veneer and root veneer, echoing the butcher’s philosophy of making use of every part. The classic herringbone flooring, bleached to a modern light tone, invites natural light to brighten the space, while darker wooden furniture elements provide a harmonious contrast.
Metal features also play a prominent role in the design, with chrome and stainless steel touches evoking the tools of a butcher—knives, metal counters, and the cool surfaces of the trade. Even the lighting elements take on a whimsical approach, subtly referencing sausage links in their playful forms. The choice of decor and materials goes further, with elements reminiscent of delicacies like pâté and pressed meats, adding a layer of intrigue to the minimalist setting.
The designers’ attention to detail is also evident in their creative use of color and texture, drawing inspiration from the butcher’s craft. Textiles reflect the hues of fresh cuts, while marble cladding hints at similar textures. The bathroom colors are inspired by condiments essential to the culinary craft—mustard, BBQ sauce, and horseradish—adding warmth and personality to the space. Meanwhile, the bedroom’s subtle tones of pepper and paprika create an inviting and comfortable retreat.
Every element of the interior is carefully combined together to form a cohesive narrative—a story that remains concealed to the casual observer, only revealing itself to those who take the time to discover the thoughtful references throughout the space. It’s an apartment that doesn’t just offer a place to live but a connection to its own unique history.
Studio: Iva Hajkova Studio
Author: Iva Hájková
Design team: Katka Šmardová, Vlaďka Rosypalková
Project location: Prague
Project country: Czech Republic
Completion year: 2024
Gross floor area: 127 m²
Photographer: BoysPlayNice
Collaborator: Lighting supplier: ATEH Bespoke furniture: HAKO nábytek Furniture supplier: Stockist
Featured brands: DECOR WALTHER ELITE BATH+KITCHEN DECHEM studio Thonet NEMO LIGHTING JUNG Buster + Punch
wow this is such a gorgeous apartment! Beautiful work by Iva Hajkova