Dvořáčková: Renovation With a Story
76 ǀ POSITIV WOMAN
Renovaon With a Story
A Woman Who Breathes New Life Into
Furniture With the Power to Transform
Spaces and Emoons
Architect and founder of Vesbul Interier, Kateřina Dvořáčková, is building an original concept
in Ostrava that combines renovaon, design and furniture rental — all with a story. In this interview,
she talks about how her passion for old pieces was born, the challenges she faced at the start
of her business, and why she believes that sustainability makes sense – even if it’s the harder path.
Why did you start focusing on furniture renovation
and design? Do you remember a specific piece that
sparked your passion?
As an architect, I’ve always felt a natural connection
to furniture, but my true passion for vintage pieces
was awakened at Stará kavárna on Masaryk Square
in Ostrava. A single Halabala armchair with a side table
and a historic lamp created the entire atmosphere
of the place – and that’s when I realised how powerful
quality furniture can be, and why it’s worth giving
it a new life.
What were the biggest challenges that you faced
while building Vestibul Interier?
The toughest part was combining the creation
of a sustainable business in a city and at a time when
people weren’t yet open to the concept of refurbished
and rental furniture, while also navigating the birth
of my first daughter – just two days after the showroom
opened. That was in 2018, and the next few years were
very difficult.
As the founder, do you see changes in yourself that
have shaped you as an entrepreneur?
A major shift came with my participation in the
AWE – Academy for Women Entrepreneurs
programme in 2023, when I began to educate myself
in a focused, systematic way so that Vestibul wouldn’t
end up as merely an interesting project with potential.
How do you balance creativity, craftsmanship
and the business aspects – such as budgeting,
logistics or marketing?
Like every owner and CEO of a small or medium-
sized company, I have to wear many hats at once –
including roles that require completely different skills,
knowledge and mindsets. Personally, I see that as one
of the greatest challenges of running a business.
Vestibul Interier combines renovation, interior
design, furniture rental and workshops. How do you
decide which direction to prioritise at any given
time?
After seven years of operation, we already have plenty
of data to help us decide what deserves attention
and priority at each moment. The core of Vestibul
Interier lies in furniture renovation and renting our
pieces for various events. My own domain also includes
interior design and projects, mainly for family homes.
However, I always choose new commissions based
on my time capacity.
What role does the “furniture with a story” rental
play? Why do you think people choose to rent old
furniture instead of buying new pieces or using
the usual folding, mostly plastic ones?
Old furniture adds a cosy atmosphere to any event
and makes people feel comfortable, almost like
Kateřina Dvořáčková is an architect, a mother, and has
spent seven years specialising in furniture renovaon
and rental. Aer studying at FA VUT in Brno and gaining
experience abroad, she found her place in Ostrava,
where she combines architecture with respect for
cra and history. She believes that old furniture carries
stories and values that are worth preserving.
It is, without doubt, the harder
business route — miles away
from the “churn-it-out” approach.