POSLOVNI ĐIR Monica Michela Zucco

Guest Monika Michela ZuccoHosted by Mojdana KoharevićMay 3, 2026

Monika Michela Zucco

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

A single hand-painted wall in a showroom can generate more buzz than a full marketing campaign. That's the lesson from Italian designer Monika Michela Zucco, who recently captivated the Croatian market with an unexpected mural. With roots in Dalmatia and a career spanning both Italy and Croatia, Zucco brings a distinct perspective on interior design – one that champions natural materials, ecological awareness, and an authentic approach over fleeting trends. She argues that while Italy has a long-standing appreciation for refined home decoration, Croatia often overlooks its own natural resources, opting for imported solutions and prioritizing cost over health and long-term quality. Her work, centered around materials like lime, offers a compelling counter-narrative, urging a return to what she calls 'the house as our nest.' You'll walk away from this conversation with a fresh lens on what truly constitutes value and authenticity in our living spaces.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

The hand-painted jungle on a showroom wall wasn't a standard commission; it was a deliberate choice to create something unique, not 'a cold wall tapestry that everyone could have,' as Zucco puts it. The unexpected, handcrafted detail sparks curiosity and opens new perspectives for customers, proving that bespoke artistry can be a powerful business move.

Zucco observes that while opportunities exist in the Croatian decoration market, there's a scarcity of professionals who combine quality and attention to detail. Beyond technical skill, consistent punctuality and respect for the client's time are foundational to building a reputation in artisanal trades.

Her primary material, lime, is a centuries-old building block for a reason: 'With lime, a house breathes better,' she notes. Prioritizing natural, ecological materials not only avoids the unpleasant flaking of synthetic paints but also contributes to a healthier living environment, a long-term investment often overlooked for cheaper, less sustainable options.

Many homeowners invest heavily in designer furniture, yet neglect their walls, which are the most visible and tactile part of a living space. Zucco points out the irony: 'You will touch them every day and live with them,' suggesting that a quality finish on walls is as crucial, if not more, than any purchased item.

Italy's inherent 'love for decoration' and refinement in homes has a long history, but Zucco sees a growing desire for beauty in Croatia too. The challenge, she explains, is for Croatian designers to develop their own authentic style, rather than merely copying international images: 'you must find what is important to you.'

Zucco laments that 'in Croatia, we have forgotten natural materials, especially in Dalmatia — stone, wood — while importing marble from distant countries.' This highlights a missed opportunity for local businesses to champion and utilize indigenous resources that are both authentic to the region and ecologically sound.

The success of her jungle mural project hinged on finding 'two similar minds, two similar souls' with the client. For bespoke creative work, Zucco argues that alignment on vision and values is more crucial than location or background, allowing for true collaboration that transcends geographical or cultural divides.

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