Tijana Živanović

Imaginarium concept

Upholsterer

©Jelena Jojic Tomic

Reimagining the old into the new

Tijana is an art historian turned furniture designer and restorer
She runs a successful furniture business in Belgrade
Her works are the product of old and new colliding

After completing her formal education in art history, Tijana Živanović took a somewhat different professional path than she had planned. Quite by chance, she became interested in revamping old furniture, and giving it new life with her daring designs. That is how the name of her studio Imaginarium concept was born. Tijana's restoration projects include everything from delicate antique chairs and tables to ornate armoires and wardrobes. Her ability to understand the historical context of each piece of furniture allows her to make informed decisions about the materials and techniques used in the restoration and reimagining process.

Interview

©Jelena Jojic Tomic

©Jelena Jojic Tomic

How did you start working on furniture design?: The will to keep my family-owned, old pieces of furniture and the will to bring something modern into my new apartment, adapted to today's lifestyle, clashed within me. That is how Imaginarium was born, as a collision of old and new.
How would you define what you do?: I extend the life of stylised furniture by rearranging it into trendy furniture, but in the traditional way, as it was done more than 100 years ago. By doing that, I put people’s memories back into use, and I put a smile on their faces and warmth into their souls.
What are you most proud of in your journey as a furniture restorer?: I am most proud of the people I have met and befriended doing what I do. I am also proud of the fact that I serve as an example of how faith and work can create a livelihood. Although I am an art historian, I had a love for antiques that I turned into a business.
Do you have plans for the future?: I do not project plans far into the future. I want to maintain continuity in my work and continue to make my clients happy with my work. I want to be innovative and create usable, functional, and recognizable pieces and write my clients' stories on them.

Tijana Živanović is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2010