The Biker Life of Versatile Designer Samir Šećerkadić

It is not at all unusual for versatile designer Samir Šećerkadić that home decoration series are very popular both here and around the world. He found himself in such a project quite by accident, at the suggestion of a friend. Namely, he became a new television face and co-host with Renata Končić Minea in the humanitarian series ‘Dream Home’, which aired in the second half of last year on Nova TV, where homes were decorated for families facing life challenges.

We all love a pleasant environment in our homes, he explains, because it is a space where we spend a lot of time, so it is normal to want to refresh and decorate it. Even better is when this is made possible for those who need it the most. Watching these shows, after all, gives new ideas for decorating apartments and weekend homes by the sea or in the countryside, which Šećerkadić also connects with culinary shows that are also very popular, as everyone loves good food and wants to try new dishes. And design, he asserted, is very interesting; every project is something new, and it delights and intrigues him every time.

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A Warm Family Home

In ‘Dream Home’, through ten episodes, viewers became acquainted with the sad stories of ten families who were helped through home decoration to face challenges and give them encouragement to turn a new page in their lives. In just a few days, the team led by Šećerkadić transformed cramped and outdated homes into dream homes that, he says, everyone in the world should have. The goal was to create a warm home and a healthy living environment, he adds, so wherever space allowed, they always tried to create intimacy for each family member and provide parents and children with a separate corner. If there were more children in the family, they always tried to provide them with a room, and since these were modest families, it was sometimes, Samir said, truly difficult to witness such poverty and scarcity.

Although they were on the construction site in rain and sun, from early morning until late at night, Samir recalls, the hardest part of the project was the stories of the people they were helping. When they met for the first time and saw how people were living in poor housing conditions, there was only a desire, he emphasizes, to do everything in his power to beautify their home and life.

– Perhaps the hardest story is that of the Škvorc family with three lovely daughters who unfortunately lost two children at a very young age. They lost the battle for life, and that is a sadness that I cannot even imagine… God forbid anyone to experience something like that, Samir said.

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Mixing Styles

According to him, when decorating a home, the most important thing is to create a functional space and utilize every square meter, every corner, as often a large family lives in a small apartment or house. Therefore, one should look at what is most needed for the family, and children should certainly have rooms with appropriate beds and a study table.

For the kitchen and dining room, he advises ensuring enough space because a lot of time is spent there, so, for example, if possible, part of the bathroom can be taken to increase it. In the bathroom, more space is always gained by installing a shower instead of a bathtub.

– Now, industrially decorated spaces are in demand, open, with walls made of real or decorative brick. Materials like concrete and metal are mixed, modern furniture is harmonized with retro style, or decorated old furniture is placed. That style is my favorite, so I decorated my living space that way, but one should not always follow the current style; rather, listen to the client’s wishes and enable them to feel comfortable in their home, Samir advises.

He has always leaned towards creativity, which is why he decided on the School of Applied Arts and Design in Zagreb, where he completed the architecture course and learned the first steps in interior design. He continued his design studies at the Faculty of Architecture, product design department, and has never regretted it.

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Collaboration with Ivica Propadala

He finds it interesting that he can engage in various fields, so one day he works on scenography, the next day on some element for that scenography, and the third day on a poster for that event. In one project, a lot comes together, and all of it falls under design, and since he does not refuse jobs, over the years he has accumulated various projects and experts he has collaborated with.

– These are professors from the faculty, colleagues who are now renowned designers or those who have been in the field for years. In my second year, I started working in Ivica Propadala’s studio. A lot of scenography was done for various events such as Dora, Porin, the Croatian Radio Festival, and others, so for me, it was an introduction to scenography, and it was also interesting to attend such entertainment events. I have done the most projects with Ivica Propadala. I would come to the studio after lectures, and he guided me in my first jobs related to product design, scenography, graphic design, and here we are still working now that I have my studio. The collaboration has evolved from employee to collaborator. Now it is already a friendly relationship in which we continue to collaborate, says Samir.

He considers collaborations useful because they introduce him to different opinions, and from the fusion of different creatives, new ideas are born, opening up new directions. He believes that outside opinions are positive, especially those of older and more experienced individuals, and should be accepted and utilized for good solutions.

The Biker Life

Before appearing on screen, Samir attracted media attention with his relationships with actresses Jelena Veljača and Nataša Janjić. He somehow accepted all of this, although it was strange for him, especially at the beginning.

– Well, I think they attracted more attention than I did… ha, ha, ha… I tolerated my private life being displayed in public. I soon came to terms with it. I know I am not doing anything wrong, so it doesn’t really bother me. You smile when they want to take your picture and move on, says Samir.

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In addition to design, he has a great love for motorcycles, so whenever he can, he rides his Harley Davidson and will continue to do so in old age as long as he can. Motorcycles have attracted him his whole life, but he didn’t ride much in his youth. However, when he treated himself to a Harley a few years ago and sat on it for the first time, it was love at first ride. He quickly realized that it was his style and why it attracted him.

– For someone who has never tried it, it is hard to describe that feeling. It is about freedom, relaxation, and travels that are indescribably more exciting than any other means of transport. You either love it or you don’t. Bikers are very connected, they socialize and travel, they wave to each other on the road when they meet, and they are the first to rush to help. Unfortunately, we are a somewhat unprotected species; we have to take care of ourselves, hence that sense of community. In such a lifestyle, I simply feel good. I also engage in sports, from watching to going out with the guys to play football, I love traveling, and for years my greatest wish has been to attend a riding school, and I hope to fulfill that wish soon, said Samir.