Working with carefully selected materials and revisited production processes, Formaminima transforms craftsmanship into sculptural objects where texture, proportion and atmosphere become central elements. Each piece is developed within the local workshops and ateliers that have preserved their expertise across generations, creating a dialogue between the past and a more experimental design language. For Caterina Vrabec, design is not only about function, but about preserving stories, places and the human touch behind every object.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
The place I love to call home is the city I grew up in Trieste. Once the melting point of European cultures, cross-point of fortunate maritime commercial routes and thriving trades under the Habsburg Empire. Now a revamped Mitteleuropean city, part of an off-beat path that rewards the travellers with its collected beauty and quiet atmosphere. A gem set in the northern Adriatic wind-whipped by the cold east wind Bora during winter, surrounded by flourishing nature, with cliffs dropping straight down to the sea during spring. I can not imagine working on design projects away from a place like this.
Where is your studio located & how does it look?
Formaminima studio is located in the heart of Trieste, a couple of hundred meters from the city’s crowded coastline, perched on a steep quite old street facing the deep blue of the gulf.
Originally built in 1908, the historical building was once the residence of high-ranking fascists during the dictatorship, then converted to residential building on the rise of the city’s downtown nightlife and attractions.
Handed down to the third-generation owners, the original residence apartment is now home to Formaminima studio and its founder Caterina. Here the grandmother’s memories coloured a great part of her childhood memories, turning it into a place of the heart.
© Courtesy of the artist
Are there any projects that are personally important to you—whether recently completed or currently in progress?
As far as recently completed projects I am proud of having successfully premiered a new Furniture and Décor Collection at Collectible Brussels (Belgium, March 2026) and Salone del Mobile Milano (Italy, April 2026). At the moment I am thrilled for the upcoming release of a bespoke collection for Studio Fenice which will be live in the coming weeks. This November Formaminima will be travelling to Dubai for the Design Week, presenting an exclusive selection of décor creations for the first time in the UAE.
© Courtesy of the artist
© Courtesy of the artist
© Courtesy of the artist
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
My favourite place to relax and unwind is Miramare Castle with its incredible scenographic 22 hectares park. A remarkable heritage of our territory, thanks to the passion of Maximilian of Habsburg, Archduke of Austria, Emperor of Mexico. It was initially founded (1857) as an experimental station for forestation and acclimatisation of rare botanical species. A natural and artificial whole where even today it is possible to breathe a unique atmosphere.
© Filippo Biasiolo, Unsplash
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
From my personal perspective the governance of the region I have the privilege to live and work in does not seem to have urgent political issues different from the ones already addressed, which will be increasingly faced, hopefully strategically and effectively, such as infrastructure and mobility.
Secondly, the ecological transition and climate emergency, the theme of sustainability and the protection of coasts and lagoons are central to regional policies since recurring droughts and extreme weather events are anything but rare.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?
In the last 5 years the promotion of our territory from a travelling and cultural perspective has been notably effective, drawing international audience attention from Europe, USA and Asia, encouraging the discovery not only of the major cities and cultural attractions but also of the rural areas and natural beauties of the hinterland. Promoting the centenary faceted heritage from the coastal and lagunar landscapes to the finest vineyards to the breathtaking Alps.
© Daniel Seßler on Unsplash
© Tommaso Urli, Unsplash
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
The nearby area of Formaminima studio, in the heart of Trieste, is rich in quality and diversity when it comes to crafts, food and cultural local gems. Starting from the close coffeeshop MUG the natural ice-cream and chocolaterie CHOCOLAT together with the aperitivo-time must visit SET, both located on Cavana street. The Osterie Cemut and Trattoria Mara offer a selection of regional specialities. On the haunt of interesting discoveries the antiquarian bookshop Drogheria 28 is located in the same building of Formaminima Studio, in the close neighborhood the boutique of herbs and perfumes Le Medichesse the contemporary jewellery shop Giada and the wood crafts shop VUD complete the unforgettable visit to the city.
© GIADA
© MUG Bakery
© Chocolat
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
My region offers an incredible variety of landscapes, literally merging mountains (Friulian Dolomites Park: Campanile di Val Montanaia), lakes Fusine Lakes Natural Park, lagunar Valle Cavanata Nature Reserve, and coastal seaside – Duino Cliffs Regional Nature Reserve within less than 2 hours drive. A breathtaking territory where the mind can easily unwind practicing several outdoor activities throughout the entire year. A collected beauty that does not ask for attention but gently invites discovery.
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
Casa e Bottega is a delicious bakery and pasta traditional recipes shop. Featuring ancient pastry creations such as Macaron triestino and Dobos cake. The local brand The Officinalis is an artisanal herbal workshop which employs exclusively herbs and natural products of our territory, typical of Carso’s heath for the wellness of the body and home.
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
My relationship with apps and technology in general is quite conflictual, I would strive for an almost device-free life if this would be possible.
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
Since staying in the know might be crucial sometimes, from time to time my politics and cultural insights come from La Repubblica, in particular its Design magazine Door (which I have the great pleasure to be featured in), Limes, Wired.
© Daniel Seßler, Unsplash
Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?
Design Weeks count endless annual events in our calendars, Trieste could have its own.
One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constraints—which one would you choose?
My mother’s family is originally from the Istria region of Croatia, where an old country house and its agricultural lands are still owned by the family for 6 generations, witnessing different, sometimes even turbulent, cultural and political changes. From Austro-Hungarian Empire to Fascist occupation, the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, to the current Republic of Croatia.
Definitely a place that knows how to hold on despite everything happening. I often think about it as my safe place, I would love to grow old there farming and gardening in the quiet countryside.
