However, 2024 has brought change with her own studio, called Fitore Syla, focusing on interiors and products. “I see design as a way to live harmoniously and authentically. My journey with design has taught me valuable lessons and led to personal growth, making it an ongoing part of my life. Design allows for the expression of emotions, passions, and personality without the need for words,” Fitore explains. “Designing my own apartment was an exciting new adventure.” 

When Fitore and her partner, CEO and cofounder of software company Kutia, Arianit Fazliu, bought this 936-square-foot apartment in Prishtinë, Kosovo, it was still under construction, “so we could customize the layout as we wanted,” she begins. “We focused on improving specific areas to match our needs and preferences. We renovated the entire apartment at once but prioritized the most important areas.”

“We planned everything using 3D software, then budgeted and ordered furniture. The construction process started with defining walls, then installing electricity and plumbing, followed by plastering and adding gypsum where needed. After that, we laid down natural parquet flooring and began bringing in furniture, doors, and final decorations. The whole process took three months before we could move in,” Fitore describes.

While the couple has lived in the home for one year, they’ve actually owned it for longer than that. “We originally bought the apartment in 2016 with plans to move in by 2017, but the delay ended up being five years long!” Fitore admits. “During those five years, I revised the design three times.” The delay actually allowed them to save more money for the renovation.

“Despite the difficulty of waiting to move in, we still had many memorable moments in our rented apartment. We got engaged, married, and celebrated our son Ben’s 3rd birthday. In the midst of these five years, the pandemic hit and gave us time to reflect and grow,” Fitore explains. “It changed me in a positive way, allowing me to discover new opportunities within myself. It’s true what they say — some things happen for a reason. The final design of our apartment truly reflects who we are.”

“Reflecting on our lives, we feel deep gratitude,” Fitore explains. “Arianit and I experienced war as children, shaping our perspectives and choices. Our parents’ struggles during those times inspired us to be our best selves. This duality of war and freedom gave us strength and influenced my career choice. Many homes were damaged in the war, and now, 23 years later, we’re part of renewing them, creating spaces with history and stories. This opportunity to do good for our people, sharing a story of resilience and appreciation for better days, is profound. In interior design, we communicate without words, evoking emotions through spaces. We’re always learning, evolving, and honoring our past, bridging the worlds of then and now.”

• Hallway — Vernilac “Chardonnay, S 1030-y”
• Living Area — Vernilac, “White, S 0500-N”
• Ben’s Room — Vernilac “Chardonnay, S 1030-y”
• Bedroom, Bathroom, Balcony — Vernilac “White, S 0500-N”

• Coat and Shoe Storage — Kolos Interior
• Checkered Mirror —  Kolos Interior
• Sculpture —  Unknown

• Date Chaise Lounge Sofa — Solos
• Smile at Me Rug — Muza Rugs
• Metal Tube Armchair  — Alban Rexha
• Roly Poly Armchair  — 2nd Floor
• Coffee Table, TV Cabinet — Kolos Interior
• Pillows and Blanket — H&M Home 
• Curtains — Boston Group
• Wall Decorations — Lufti Zenuni, Private Contractor 
• “The Old Man with Plis” Sculpture — HayAtelier
• Painting — Vala Blakcori

• Pendant Lights — Fitore Syla
• Window Bar Curtains — Boston Group
• Dining Chairs — Yari Home

• Kitchen — Kolos Interior
• Wood Panel, Wood Bar and Stools, Dining Table — Kolos Interior
• Backsplash Tiles — Fortesa Home
• Appliances — Neptun

• Bench with Storage, Coffee Table — Kolos Interior
• Checkered Tiles — Fortesa Home
• High Stools — Antique Shop 
• Paintings — Veli and Vala Blakcori
• Pendant Lamp — IKEA

• Wardrobe, Bed, Side Tables, Mirror — Kolos Interior
• Wallpaper “Otono” — Boston Group
• Curtains — Boston Group
• The Old Stool – Antique Shop
• “Skenderbeu and Donika” Painting — Veli Blakcori
• “Goblen Flower” — Tevide Syla (Mom)

• Wardrobe, Bed, Table, Toys Storage, Curtain Slat, Ben Letters — Kolos Interior
• Wallpaper “Change is Good” by Michalsky — Boston Group
• Curtains — Boston Group
• “Love Me” Rug — Muza Rugs
• Solar System — Etsy
• Donut Wall Lamp — IKEA
• Armchair — Antique Shop
• Chairs — Zara Home

• Concrete Sink — Konkret
• Tiles, WC — Fortesa Home
• Bathroom Sink Cabinet, Storage Shelves, Mirror, Toilet Paper Holder — Kolos Interior
• Bathroom Sink and Shower Faucet — Amazon
• Towel Rack and Rug — Jysk

• Stone Sink — Local Stone Worker
• Tiles, WC — Fortesa Home
• Mirror, Laundry Wiggle Frame, Toilet Paper Holder — Kolos Interior
• Bathroom Sink Faucet — Amazon
• Water Resistant Curtain — Nuka Home
• Wallpaper “Floral Impression” — Boston Group
• Washer and Dryer — Neptun

• Inside Doors — Ciao Berto
• Parquet Floor — Ontexi Mont
• Electricity Installation — Elektro Bejta
• Smart Home Installation — Smartech Systems
• Blue Ceiling Spotlights — Adria 7
• Wall Plaster and paint, Concrete Ceiling — Lufti Zenuni, Private Contractor

Thanks Fitore and Arianit!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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Correction: An earlier version of this article mistakenly reported that the couple have lived in the home for three years; they have actually only lived in it for one year.