In this edition of our journal, we’re sharing a conversation with Katra Špacapan, known on Instagram as @hey.katra. Some years ago, Katra and her husband made the quiet move to the Slovenian countryside, where they began the careful restoration of a traditional rural home. Through her online presence, she shares gentle glimpses into their life, a rhythm shaped by slow mornings, honest renovation work, and raising three daughters with intention. Her words and images reflect a deep respect for simplicity, thoughtful choices, and a life built slowly, one meaningful step at a time. Katra’s approach to home, family, and creativity resonates with the values we hold dear: conscious living, mindful making, and beauty that lasts. Enjoy the interview:

1. What led you to study architecture in the first place? Was it something you always felt drawn to?

Architecture has always seemed interesting to me. I’ve always noticed beautiful spaces, even as a child, I liked imagining how I would arrange or rearrange a room. I remember that even when I was visiting someone and sitting on the toilet, I would think about how I would design such a bathroom myself – it felt fun and natural to me. One day, as a high school student, I was browsing architectural books and magazines in the Vale Novak bookstore (back then it was on Wolfova Street in Ljubljana). I picked up a small book about Le Corbusier. When I opened it to the page with the sketch of Villa Savoye, I felt something. I bought the book and from that moment, there was no more question about what I would study. I still have that little book today.

The selected bag from Katra: Ada Bag in Dark Caramel.

2. Do you think your time studying architecture influenced how you live today or did that way of life come later?

Of course.Just like new friendships and the vibrant (and at times confusing) student life, studying architecture also left a deep mark. All of it slowly shaped me into who I am today. But a slower and more intentional way of living definitely began with the arrival of our children.

3. Were there any specific people, places, or experiences during your studies that really stuck with you or shaped your outlook?

A particularly strong impression was definitely left by the time I spent in Paris during a study exchange. Of course, I visited Villa Savoye while I was there. The memories of Parisian streets, sunsets on Montmartre, walks along the Seine, little bookstores, cafés with views of the street... and sitting in parks, sometimes even with a bottle of wine wrapped in paper, at the Trocadéro, with the sparkling Eiffel Tower in the background. Parisian women always fascinated me, there’s just something about their style, truly. I admired them.

4. How did the idea of renovating a countryside home come about? Was it a dream you and your husband shared from early on?

My husband and I never had a clear picture of what our life was supposed to look like.
You could say we simply went with the flow. The third pregnancy caught us a bit by surprise, and that’s when we decided to trade our small rented studio apartment for something more spacious. Primož felt drawn to the mountains, and I’m originally from Gorenjska (the region where live now) so the move felt natural. But what exactly we would find there for ourselves... we truly couldn’t imagine at the beginning.

5. What was the process like, did you both dive into it together, or did you naturally take the lead with your background in design?

When we came across the little house we now live in (we’re renting it), we were both completely taken by it. The nature, the views, the sense of peace... At that time, the most important thing for us was to find a safe and solid home where we could stay for a while and build a foundation. I didn’t put too much thought into decorating yet. It was right around the time our third daughter was born, everything happened at once, so we really took it slow. Step by step. Very slowly.

6. Were there any challenges during the renovation that ended up teaching you something valuable?

Old houses are full of surprises and this one was no exception. There was no shortage of challenges. But probably the biggest one was finding a balance between work, working on the house, time for family, and moments for ourselves… Primož definitely forgot to rest far too often. And that was one of the biggest lessons for me: without balance, it just doesn’t work. Even a beautiful home doesn’t mean much if there’s no space in it to breathe.

7. What part of your home makes you feel most grounded or at peace?

Two places ground me the most: the garden and the bedroom. Nature and rest. The garden is a sacred space for me. The feeling of working a piece of land with your own hands, then watching everything grow, bloom, and bear fruit... And then harvesting it and bringing it into the kitchen, where the creativity simply continues – that gives me a really deep sense of purpose. By late afternoon, I often look forward to the thought of lying down and opening a book. Sometimes I manage it, sometimes I don’t, but even the thought itself calms me. Recently, I finally treated myself to linen bedding – and since then, those moments have become even more special.

8. What does a typical day in your home look like with three daughters around?

If we focus on the weekend: When the girls wake up, they usually start playing right away in their room… sometimes they even prepare breakfast by themselves, that’s the charm of slow growing up. Sometimes they also fight and literally throw me out of bed. Fortunately, I can then calm down in the garden. Primož and I have a mini “meeting” over morning coffee where we discuss what we might do that day. Then we go with the flow. The girls have lots of free play and really love being creative. After lunch, we have a mandatory half-hour of reading – which often stretches longer, and Primož likes to take a little nap. We spend a lot of time around the house too. There’s always some chore to do. If nothing else, we light a fire and roast a sausage, corn, or apple. Lately, the girls have been spending a lot of time on their bikes, riding up and down the street and sometimes across the fields. It sounds very idyllic (and in many ways it is) but let me be honest: there’s also quite a bit of bickering, teasing, and sometimes lost patience. That’s all part of life.

9. Are there any family routines or rituals that help you all slow down and stay connected?

After dinner, the girls help me with tidying up, and meanwhile they line up for the bathroom. When everything is sorted out (the kitchen and them) Primož escorts them to their room. He takes turns each evening and lies down with one of them. This moment is incredibly precious to them. They chat a little more and then slowly fall asleep. Now that they are older, we can take time for a short evening walk. This is becoming our little ritual, a peaceful way to end the day.

10.  What values do you try to bring into your home life, both in how you raise your girls and how you live day to day?

For my daughters, I most want them to stay authentic and true to themselves, to build connections among each other, learn to solve problems, and to be kind – both to others and to themselves. By kindness, I don’t mean adapting or yielding to others’ wishes, but a respectful attitude, even when you don’t like something, you can express it in a nice way. Above all, I want them to be aware of their own worth and to believe in themselves. Of course, Primož and I are the first examples for all of this which is sometimes anything but easy. In fact, it’s one big ongoing effort.

The bag: Ivana in Dark Caramel

11. Has your idea of “a good life” changed over the years? What matters most to you now?

Sometimes I imagined things a bit differently. I even had the idea that I would someday move back to Paris. In my mind, I had that classic image of success: a good job, a business career, pace, and dynamics. Today, I work as a self-employed entrepreneur part-time, spend most of my time at home – and I am content. Now that the girls truly need me (and us), I can be there for them. Everything else will come – but they will never be this small again, never want our closeness so much again. It seems to me that this is one of the best investments for the future.

12. When it comes to what you bring into your home; furniture, objects, even habits — what do you look for or avoid?

Quality is becoming increasingly important to me – in everything. In relationships, in energy, in materials. In furniture, clothing, objects. I prefer less, but more thoughtful. And more durable. I adore all our inherited pieces of furniture that we have breathed new life into.

13. How would you describe your approach to clothing? Is it more about comfort, timelessness, practicality, or something else entirely?

For me, the most important things are comfort and material. I prefer linen and cotton the most. Over the years, I’ve noticed that I increasingly reach for basic pieces in neutral colors, which I then combine with a special accessory: playful sunglasses, a beautiful leather bag, handmade jewelry, colorful sneakers. I also really like supporting local creators because I appreciate work that comes from the heart.

14. Do you shop with intention, or is it more intuitive for you? What guides your choices when buying things for yourself or your family or your home?

When it comes to children’s clothes, each season I review what they have and make a list of what they need. If the older one has grown and needs bigger sizes, I create a capsule wardrobe – fewer pieces, but they combine nicely with each other. I usually even make a mood board to better visualize the combinations. I always look for quality over quantity and in the long run, it pays off because the clothes last through all three girls, sometimes even more. For myself, I also like simple, wearable pieces that I then spice up with something special. Recently, Primož really made me happy when he said that my Viva’s working bag completes my entire styling. (And of course, he’s right.) Even happier was I when he bought it for me. When it comes to furniture, I’m more intuitive. I have to feel the pieces and it almost always turns out to be a good decision. One of my favorites is, for example, the Kave Home sideboard, the only thing I bought last year on Black Friday. It still makes me happy every time I walk by it.

15.  As an architect, have your daughters started to notice or ask questions about design, whether in clothing, buildings, or objects? How do you talk to them about where things come from, and how do you introduce ideas of style, values, and beauty in both architecture and everyday life?

At our home, we talk about everything very openly. The girls ask a lot of questions and they also think a lot. We always answer them honestly and sincerely. They know very well what is important to us, where we like to invest, and also what we won’t buy for them. For example, they’ve noticed on their own that they feel comfortable in Petit Bateau clothes and they often say so. They immediately noticed my Viva’s Ivana bag, which they love to borrow. I had to promise them I would keep it for them which, of course, I will gladly do. We also talk a lot about waste, environmental impact, and material choices. They understand where my “no” comes from. They don’t ask me for plastic toys anymore. In general, they don’t have many things and that’s why they play a lot. Together, since they were little. They really don’t need much.