Croatian Designer's 'Beyond Straight Lines' Project Wins Award in Tokyo
Barbara Boban received the Silver Professional Award in the Residential Space category at the Japan International Design Pioneer Award (IDPA) competition in Tokyo.
Barbara Boban received the Silver Professional Award in the Residential Space category at the Japan International Design Pioneer Award (IDPA) competition in Tokyo.
Croatian interior designer Barbara Boban has won the Silver Professional Award in the Residential Space category at this year's Japan International Design Pioneer Award (IDPA) competition, which brings together designers from around the world in Japan. The awards ceremony was held yesterday, August 18, 2026, in Tokyo, and the news was reported today by Index.hr and Tportal.
The award-winning project, titled "Beyond Straight Lines," was designed for a Croatian family of three. Its concept goes beyond the simple arrangement of objects; it is an environment designed to facilitate and enhance everyday life. The project's name reflects a departure from rigid lines and a cold, minimalist style.
In the interior, rounded shapes and soft lines prevail over sharp edges, creating a sense of natural movement and warmth. Natural earthy tones establish a relaxing atmosphere, while artworks and subtle color accents bring character to the space without compromising its refinement.
Materials such as wood, stone, ceramics, microcement, mirrors, and wallpaper were carefully selected to achieve a variety of surfaces while maintaining overall cohesion. Each piece was chosen with durability, superior craftsmanship, and the creation of a home that withstands fleeting trends in mind.
Special attention was paid to the residents' habits. The kitchen island is designed as the main gathering spot in the home for food preparation, conversation, and shared time. It discreetly integrates an induction cooktop and an extractor fan, which remain hidden until in use, keeping the space tidy.
An area for growing fresh rosemary and basil was also planned, bringing a natural element into the interior. Art plays a key role in the design; abstract paintings are not merely decorative but encourage personal interpretation and emotional connection with the surroundings.
Barbara Boban emphasized that her goal is to create interiors that will retain their value for years to come because they are tailored to people, their habits, and their emotions.
"I never wanted to create spaces that are interesting only for a moment. My goal is to design interiors that will hold the same value years later, because they are adapted to people, their habits, and their emotions. 'Beyond Straight Lines' was born precisely from that belief, and this award confirms that timeless design still holds a special place in contemporary interior architecture," Boban told Index.hr.
