A’marie girl : Tina Biloglav

You don’t need much to completely fall in love with Tina Biloglav. And anyone who had the opportunity to talk to her and see her in person will tell you the same. Besides being incredibly strong and an inspiration to all of us, this charming architect simply has that something that makes you want to get to know her better. We met quite spontaneously, clicked instantly, and in a short time decided to embark on a big project together—a project for an apartment. The apartment that I had adored for years was completely destroyed in the Zagreb earthquake, and after four long years, it was time to turn it back into our home. And Tina came at just the right time—she listened to all my ideas and designed the most beautiful kitchen I could wish for, a kitchen I thought only existed in my dreams. I love spending time in her wonderful office where our meetings are filled with creativity and good energy, where, over a cup of perfect matcha, we often talk not only about work but also about other topics. As Tina has been loyal to the A’MARIE brand for years and often chooses our creations for both her professional and private outfits, she jumped into her favorite Basic pieces and showed us her spring looks.

What is your first association with A’MARIE?

Timeless design. I’ve been buying A’MARIE for years, and I’m not ready to give up any piece I’ve purchased.

Your wardrobe is full of A’MARIE creations, do you remember perhaps which piece you bought first and for what occasion?

Of course, it was a dress from the basic collection, black and white. I wore it when I left the maternity hospital after giving birth for the first time.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I would say it’s quite clean, minimalistic, and I look for innovation in details. Interesting cuts, fastening, irregular button – those things always captivate me.

What does your ideal combination look like from morning till night?

In this springtime, it’s definitely a white T-shirt, jeans, and an oversized blazer. Changing shoes easily transforms the outfit into an evening one.

Favorite from the current A’MARIE collection?

Oh, what a tough question. If I have to pick one favorite, then it’s the Set blouse that has Velcro so by changing the accessories that come with the blouse, the whole outfit’s look changes. When you want a simpler look, instead of a flower, you can put on the logo ‘lid,’ giving it a simpler, oversized look.

What is the concept of beauty for you?

To me, the most beautiful people are those whom I love to be around, smiling and positive, people who radiate happiness. Life sometimes throws difficult things at us, but if you have good people around you, every ‘impossible’ becomes achievable.

How did you fall in love with interior design and realize that it’s something you want to do for the rest of your life?

In elementary school, I spent a crazy number of hours playing The Sims, but my favorite part was always designing and furnishing houses rather than playing with them. That’s where the love was born, and it grows every day. I really love my job, and I believe it shows.

What is important to you when designing someone’s space?

It’s very important for me to immediately connect with the client, to think similarly, and to build trust. As I often work on someone’s personal space, the process is dynamic, and I love when we together come up with interesting aesthetic solutions. But there’s no good design without function, so I build the project on that.

Why do you think it’s good to hire an interior designer?

There are many reasons to hire an architect to help you in the process. Today’s pace of life is very fast, and people find it difficult to dedicate so much time to their private space, so assistance means a lot to them. Some find it difficult to visualize what they want or simply have too many ideas; their mood board is full of different styles, and they need someone to guide them and explain which ideas we can implement in the project, and which simply don’t add value to the space.

Designer furniture piece you want or already have in your home?

I’m just looking at the Le Roi bench from Norr11, which would fit perfectly in our hallway, and recently, I bought the New Works Kizu lamp with red marble, and I adore it. I love designer lighting, and if there’s anything worth investing money in when furnishing an apartment, it’s lighting.

My kitchen – how did you approach that project and what are you most looking forward to?

You came with a lot of ideas, and I really love that—when I have the opportunity to learn something from my clients. When you laid out your little mood board of materials on my table and when I saw a huge smile on your face, then I also felt a surge of happiness. I look forward to seeing the product of our little collaboration, the installation, but I believe we’ll then just move on to a new space, for example, San’s children’s room.

Your favorite addresses in Zagreb?

Since I live and work in the center, during the week, my favorite addresses are closely tied to that part of Zagreb. Having a matcha at Botaničar or Cogito, going to Dolac for fresh vegetables, and then walking to the A’MARIE store to see if there’s anything new – that’s my ideal morning. On weekends, I go with my girls to Jarun, Bundek, or simply go to 505 bar with my friend Dora.

How do you like to spend your free time? Do you have any rituals?

I’ve been wanting to get back to training for a long time, and I finally managed to arrange to go to the gym three times a week. That’s my release valve that I really needed. I love when I manage to gather female company around me so we can discuss all topics over a bottle of wine, laugh, and enjoy. And when I stay home alone, it’s time for small beauty rituals. I put on a face mask, make tea, and disconnect from the world.

And how do you like to spend time with your little girls?

When I’m with the girls and the weather forecast works for us, we go outside Zagreb to nearby excursion spots or take bikes and ride wherever we want. At some point, they start asking for ice cream, so we take a break from biking. They get ice cream, and I get matcha. I really miss the time when I’m alone with one of them, so Tonka and I started going to art workshops, and I see that she enjoys it.