Designist Dream

I love looking at other people’s homes, or more specifically at their decor. Sometimes it gives me ideas of things to do in my own home. And othertimes, I learn what not to do in my home. So I thought I’d share my guilty pleasure with the world and feature private homes as they are glorified for the rest of us in one of Israel’s leading home renovation and design magazines, Binyan V’Diyur (”Building and Residence”). So check out this amazing home as my first example: an eclectic design of antique and new within a modernist twist on the two family home construct.

Israeli architects Sharon Neuman and Nofi Rotem came up with a plan for two L-shaped houses that both face into a courtyard/ garden that is divided into two plots - (see photo of exterior above) - a departure from the more traditional side by side two-family house, each narrower than longer and sharing a wall between their gardens. Built for an interior designer and her family, you can see how her taste combines vintage or recycled with modern and fun. Ikea features prominently throughout the house - from chairs to the kitchen tiles above the range, yes, those are Ikea! And many antique pieces were found at the Jaffa Friday FleaMarket. Anyway, I’d like to feature photos of other people’s homes on a more regular basis. So please let me know your thoughts - is it something you also secretly love to look at? (PS. More photos on flickr.)

The entrance opens directly into the living room. Bare concrete accents the far wall. Old desk chairs compete with modern upholstered chairs for attention.

A neutral kitchen allows the textural details to show through - from actual antiques to Ikea tiles.

The patio where an old wooden worktable - found at the flea market - is repurposed as the patio table alongside newer Ikea wicker lounge chairs.

All photos courtesy of Binyan v’Diyur