Interview with Markéta Klenorová

I combined my two passions. That’s how Unlikely was born.

Meet Markéta Klenorová, owner of Unlikely. In the interview, you will learn what her life motto is and where she gets her inspiration.

Hello Markéta, looking around the shop Unlikely, it is clear that you choose vintage pieces with love.
How did you get into vintage design?

I have actually been interested in design all my life and even had a period when I was directly interested in the production of furniture. I got into vintage furniture through traveling and frequent stays abroad. There, they use vintage furniture and decorations much more, not only in homes, but also in hotels and restaurants.

Do you have a favorite place you like to return to?

Yes, for example my favorite hotel The Beekman Hotel in NY, which is not far from the Brooklyn Bridge. Its interior combines 19th-century design with 21st-century decadence. It’s a wonderful, elegant place in the middle of bustling New York. I recommend his visit. Even if you were to stop only at their restaurant – they cook excellently there.

Speaking of favorite places, where do you usually get your inspiration from?

I like an elegant style that is not subject to fashion trends. It must be playful and have something interesting about it. I’ve been subscribed to Architectural Digest for many years. Now in the age of social media, apart from the aforementioned Architectural Digest, I follow Vogue Living and I get a lot of inspiration from Kelly Hoppen,  Annette English and Nina Maya . At the moment I am excited about the designer Tamsin Johnson, I really love her. She is one of the top contemporary designers, designing stunning interiors and also selling vintage furniture.

Did she inspire you to found Unlikely? Or can we look for another reason behind it?

Maybe so, but mainly I missed this kind of furniture and decoration store, where the beauty of world design is combined with the vintage spirit. That’s also why I wanted Unlikely to be not only a virtual studio, but also a brick-and-mortar store where customers can view the goods.

What about your free time, do you have other hobbies besides design?

I really like to travel, I like good food and especially beautiful things. In Unlikely, I actually combined my two passions. My motto is “When you have beautiful things around you, the world is more beautiful.”

So your work is actually a hobby. How do you select and purchase products for Unlikely?

I buy instinctively. I often make decisions based on whether I like the subject or not. For Unlikely, I choose only what I myself would like to have at home. I shop and travel all over Europe. Some pieces are from various auctions and fairs. And then I love flea markets. Sometimes I buy a finished piece and sometimes the thing needs to be repaired, reupholstered, buy a new lampshade,… it’s very much a game.

Markéta, will you finally tell us what made you the happiest in the last year?

Opening Unlikely. I’m not a very brave person, and by deciding to open Unlikely, I outdid myself. I am really happy about that.

Thank you.

Come and meet Markéta Klenorová in person at Osadní ulice 10 in Prague’s Holešovice. She would love to chat with you not only about travel, but also the fate of furniture and accessories that you can only find at Unlikely.