Jennifer Pupillo is a German interior designer, with Spanish and Italian roots, and she fell in love with Croatia thanks to her husband Denis Mrmić. For twenty years now, this has been her second home, a place where she feels connected, calm, and inspired for her many projects. Together with her husband and their two sons, Tiago and Marlo, she often spends time in Seget Vranjica, an idyllic coastal town that exudes Mediterranean spirit, where she opened the doors of her "summer home" to us.
- The country and culture are very important to us, it is a great connection because of which our houses, symbolically named Casa Mare and Casa Laguna, have a special significance. They are the result of a desire to create a personal space where you can enjoy the beauty of the Adriatic and a relaxed lifestyle at the same time - Jennifer tells us.
Casa Mare and the soon-to-be Casa Laguna are only 15 minutes from Split Airport. The Seget Vranjica area is known for its crystal-clear sea, Mediterranean way of life, and stunning views of the nearby islands.
- It is a place full of charm and authenticity, ideal for slow summer days and barefoot living - Jennifer emphasizes and reveals to us how the decorating process went, which began with the strong desire of the whole family to create something of their own.
- With Casa Mare, I had a clear vision from the very beginning, I wanted to combine Mediterranean warmth with a clean, timeless design. Some details developed during the process, but the essence remained the same. Today, the house looks exactly as we imagined it, maybe even better - says this designer. The second property, Casa Laguna, which will soon begin construction, actually represents the continuation of their shared wish, but this time to share the story with others.
- Our idea was to create a boutique residence by the sea, where everyday life always feels like a holiday. It will have a total of six units facing the sea, some will have private pools, some gardens, and all together will offer their future guests and owners a slice of Mediterranean paradise without the stress that often comes with building or furnishing. That is why Jennifer developed the entire interior and exterior, where the design is harmonious, warm, and ready for living.
The style Jennifer chose she describes as "warm minimalism, strongly inspired by her Mediterranean roots and love for natural materials and timeless simplicity." To achieve this, she combined calm, neutral tones with functional elegance.
- I am inspired by Scandinavian clarity and the groundedness of the Southern European way of life. My goal is always to create spaces that feel unobtrusive, authentic, and emotionally warm - says the designer and owner of one of the most charmingly decorated houses in Seget Vranjica.
- As for colors, I used white, beige, sand, olive green, and warm gray. These colors reflect the surrounding landscape, sea, stone, and sky, and bring a sense of calm and continuity throughout the house - Jennifer explains.
For Casa Laguna, in the conceptual solutions, she builds on this foundation with somewhat deeper tones and rawer textures, so that each unit has its own character while remaining true to the overall atmosphere.
The adaptation of their summer residence lasted about eight months. Jennifer admits that managing the project from Germany was a big challenge.
- We had an excellent local team, and the whole process taught me about trust, communication, and the importance of clear planning. Functionality and emotional flow were at the center of the design. I wanted every space to feel intuitive, calm, and easy to live in. Natural light, thoughtful transitions between rooms, built-in wardrobes, and a strong connection with outdoor spaces were key. The goal was not to impress with design, but to allow the space to breathe - Jennifer explains.
When it comes to furniture, she used a carefully chosen combination of custom-made wardrobes, pieces from European designer brands, and timeless classics.
- Everything was chosen intentionally, for its beauty and durability - she says, emphasizing that she is especially attached to the large linen sofa in the living room. It is the heart of the room and the place where the family spends most of their time. After long days at the beach, they relax there, read, and enjoy togetherness.
- It may look like an ordinary piece of furniture, but for us, it is a symbol of peace, connection, and ease - says the designer.
Sustainability is a very important element in her approach, so in her summer home she focused on natural, long-lasting materials such as wood, stone, linen, and lime-based paints. She avoids fleeting trends and strives for timelessness, creating homes that grow with their owners.
- For me, sustainability means buying less, but more carefully - she explains.
Kitchens and bathrooms are designed to be a natural extension of the living spaces. Microcement, wood, and soft lighting were used to create a calm and harmonious impression. The rooms are very functional, but not at all cold or "technical."
Bedrooms are designed as peaceful sanctuaries, with layered textures and soothing colors, while living rooms have cozy corners that do not disturb the openness of the space. Built-in elements and reduced "visual noise" contribute to a sense of calm and groundedness. The exterior of the house is adorned with a beautiful terrace that seamlessly connects to the interior and maintains the same aesthetic atmosphere.
From a house with a barn, they made one of the most beautiful oases in the interior of Istria
Jennifer herself developed the complete concept for both properties, from the floor plan and materials to the furniture and final styling. And for all those just embarking on the adventure of decorating, she has one valuable piece of advice.
- Don‘t rush and don‘t make decisions just to finish quickly. Let the space speak to you and trust your taste. The most important thing is to design according to how you want to feel in your home, not just how you want it to look - Jennifer advises, adding that in their house, nothing would have been possible without the skilled local craftsmen and builders in Croatia, who successfully turned her vision into reality.
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