Why Do We Still “Do Everything Ourselves” in Croatia?
In the design industry, hiring professionals in Croatia is still not as common as in many European countries or the United States. Many people believe they can manage everything on their own, rely on a relative who “knows how to do it all,” or depend on contractors to “suggest solutions.” Often, we rely on kitchen retailers to design and visualize the kitchen, or tile suppliers to quickly create a rendering and recommend suitable ceramics — trusting that everything will somehow come together.
Unplanned renovations, unexpected situations, and the costly “trial and error” method — followed by corrections and repairs — are still relatively common practices.
But does it really have to be this way?
The good news is that this mindset is gradually changing.
There are no publicly available studies indicating what percentage of Croatian households or businesses hire designers during renovations, but clear signs show that the industry is growing strongly. The rise of design-focused companies, the opening of design stores, and the introduction of new materials and finishes to the Croatian market all point to positive development. However, the strongest indicator is you — the clients who read, research, ask questions, and plan ahead: “What will I do when I start my renovation?”
Growing Awareness of the Importance of Professional Design
An increasing understanding of the value of professional design is evident in practice. Experience shows that more and more small business owners and entrepreneurs are turning to designers. These include hair salons, beauty studios, butcher shops, jewelry stores, boutiques, offices, gyms, yoga centers, pilates studios, and many others.
It is clear that, as a society, we are recognizing the importance of well-designed spaces. A pleasant atmosphere, a modern and refined appearance, and a thoughtfully planned, functional layout create a powerful synergy with work quality, customer satisfaction, and overall business success.
