From optics to her own jewelry brand and concept Store, JARRYG
Jarka has always been drawn to design and architecture. A major formative experience for her was a year-long stay in Florida, where she was captivated by the local architecture and the American approach to patterns and textures in interiors. After returning home, she studied optics in her native Brno, where she enjoyed combining human anatomy with eyewear design, but the turning point came during her maternity leave.
From the first pieces of jewelry she created just for friends, the full-fledged JARRYG brand was born in 2016. And it didn’t stop at jewelry. In Mikulov, where life had taken her, Jarka opened her own JARRYG Store, which gradually expanded into a beautiful, renovated space on Husova Street.
“When it comes to jewelry, genuine Czech silver and authentic gold plating are absolutely essential to me. When it comes to the other products I select for the store—whether it’s Daniel Piršč’s porcelain, perfumes, or fashion—I look for added value, ethical production, and visual appeal. Every piece has to resonate with me on a deeper level.”
Mikulov as a vibrant center of art
Although Jarka loves trips to big cities like Vienna or Prague, she wouldn’t trade Mikulov’s tranquility for anything. Her customers—often mature women seeking quality—travel specifically to her store from all over the country and even from Slovakia. According to her, Mikulov has an incredible history and an exceptional atmosphere that lends itself to design. Proof of this can be found in the popular spring festival “Křehký Mikulov” and the summer art symposium at the castle.
Home is not a sacred museum
When it comes to furnishing her own home in a historic house with vaulted cellars and a cozy courtyard garden, Jarka is absolutely clear on what she wants.
“Appearance and aesthetics are, of course, the first consideration, but practical functionality is key. The items in our home aren’t meant to be untouchable museum exhibits—they’re for everyday life. Since I like things to be tidy but don’t like to clean, I avoid items that are high-maintenance—for example, I wouldn’t use a beaded chandelier because it’s hard to dust.”
Materials, solid craftsmanship, and the story behind an item play a major role for Jarka. She adores Scandinavian design as well as vintage pieces from the 1930s to the 1950s, which never go out of style but, on the contrary, age gracefully. Alongside a refurbished chest of drawers by Jiří Jiroutek, iconic PK22 and Wassily chairs, and travertine tables from Italy, you’ll also find a number of her favorite pieces purchased right here at DesignVille.
Pieces from DesignVille she can’t imagine her home without
Jarka recalls that one of her very first major design purchases was an order for iconic light fixtures shortly after our e-shop launched. Since then, her collection has grown to include timeless pieces that serve her family every day.
The centerpiece of the living area is the modular “Coffee Table” by Vitra, designed by Isamu Noguchi, which is no longer in production. And the iconic wooden “Eames House Bird,” also from Vitra, has shared their home with them for years.
Design also reigns in the cozy courtyard garden. From the porcelain “Drops” on the house wall by Daniel Piršč to garden pieces by local artisans to the minimalist Palissade outdoor furniture. “The furniture from HAY holds up wonderfully to Mikulov’s windy weather,” the owner praises.
Personal treasures and visions for the future
The designer pieces at home are complemented by purely personal items to which Jarka has a special connection—whether they’re books recalling her travels through Asia and trinkets from Japan, a silver vase by artist Roman Šedina, or a “Lipstick” mirror from a vintage flea market.
“I’d like to preserve the unique atmosphere and soul of this old house. I hope it remains a peaceful haven for our family, our growing daughters, and our friends. And that the natural blend of timeless, high-quality design and old vintage objects continues to thrive here.”
Jarka’s home is simply a perfect example of how a unique, harmonious space is created when respect for a place’s history, an eye for detail, and an investment in high-quality pieces come together.
