The story of this home is particularly fascinating.
A delightful couple, with refined European taste, first came to me eight years ago for a consultation on designing an investment apartment for their future relocation to Israel. At the end of our meeting, the wife turned to me and said: “When I move to Israel, you will be the only one to design my home. I want a house that is truly special.”
When they finally immigrated and settled in Jerusalem, they found their dream—an impressive new apartment on a single level, offering extraordinary potential with its generous ceiling height, spacious layout, and beautifully proportioned windows. It was a perfect match for the European style they were accustomed to.
The challenges were not simple: a sharp angle, a long narrow corridor, and the placement of the large windows. Yet I encouraged them, confident that with determination and thoughtful design, we would bring their dream to life.
From the outset, the homeowner’s priorities guided the entire process: a spacious kitchen and living room to host large family celebrations, the integration of their cherished antique European furniture, and the creation of a self-contained guest unit with its own entrance—one that could serve both as a daily rental and, when needed, as a comfortable extension for family.
We began by reviewing design references the couple admired, ultimately choosing to pursue a Louis-inspired aesthetic: rounded spaces, ornate cornices, detailed profiles, and marble finishes.
The first step was to transform the apartment’s endless corridor into open, well-proportioned spaces that would gracefully accommodate the European furnishings without obstructing circulation. The finalized plan introduced a striking and elegant entryway—revealing just enough while maintaining privacy, something the couple still consider one of the design’s greatest strengths. The entrance features a custom-built coat closet and a refined console, while the opposite side houses the dual-purpose guest suite: connected internally to the home when needed, or accessible directly from the stairwell as a private rental unit.
The expansive living room—large enough to host 40 guests for family celebrations—flows naturally into a generous kitchen with a charming dining nook. A bonus family room, born from clever planning, leads to two additional guest bedrooms and a bathroom that can be closed off to form a private suite. On the other side of the apartment, a sumptuous master suite features a grand ensuite with dual sinks and an oversized shower, complemented by a stately study for the head of the family.
Material selection began with flooring. When the homeowner chose the Versace pattern, we immediately knew it would set the design’s tone, weaving its motif elegantly throughout the apartment. The layout of the tiles was both challenging and exhilarating: the entrance and curved space that softened the corridor received a “diamond kiss” (four diagonal tiles framed in the Versace design); the living room was defined by a striking white border; and the kitchen was finished with a practical yet beautiful mosaic.
The elegance was further enhanced with intricate gypsum work, detailed polyurethane profiles, bespoke black-and-gold cabinetry, and a magnificent granite countertop. From that point onward, the couple joyfully sought out every Versace-inspired furnishing and accessory, and we found the perfect place for each piece.
I still recall the moment I stood at the entrance, watching the noble silhouette of the homeowner framed by her richly styled surroundings. She appeared like a queen—an image so befitting her personality and the home we created together.
To my wonderful clients, thank you for granting me the privilege of designing your home. It was an inspiring and rare opportunity for true creative joy—an experience I will always treasure.
