Elegant Parisian-Style Villa Designed for Large Religious Israeli Family
An elegant villa in central Israel has been transformed to embody the sophisticated style of Paris's Saint-Germain district, catering to a large religious Israeli family with four children. Interior designer Keren Niv Toledano, collaborating with architect Hoshéa Krop, led the renovation of the semi-detached home, which was purchased secondhand. The design aimed to create a warm, Parisian-inspired aesthetic while accommodating the family's active lifestyle, frequent entertaining, and religious observance.
The original structure underwent significant intervention, with three load-bearing columns in the kitchen becoming a central design feature. These columns are encased in a stone-clad capsule around which the approximately 70-square-meter kitchen is organized. To meet the needs of a family of six that enjoys cooking and baking, the kitchen is equipped with dual appliances, including four refrigerators, two ovens, two dishwashers, and two sinks, all while adhering to kosher dietary laws.
The living area seamlessly blends Parisian elegance with the family's needs, featuring a central fireplace, a large library for religious texts, and a dedicated space for ritual objects like the Hanukkah menorah. Adjacent to the living room, a bar area conceals a home office for the parents, which also serves as a space for Torah study. This office is accessed through elegant doors with display cabinets, maintaining a sophisticated transition between spaces.
Throughout the home, custom-made furniture, rich textiles like velvet curtains, and carefully selected lighting from 'Light In' enhance the luxurious feel. Israeli artwork from the Pieces gallery is integrated into the design, and the primary building material is 'Taj Mahal' stone, complemented by 'Emperador' stone in the kitchen capsule and mosaic flooring. The outdoor space, designed by 'Ganim Galim', mirrors the interior's elegance with a pool, multi-layered planting, pergolas, and outdoor furniture.
The family level includes a flexible space with a modular sofa that can convert into a double bed, suitable for various activities or guest accommodation. The master suite offers a serene atmosphere with custom carpentry and rich textiles, featuring a headboard designed for easy conversion between a double and a Jewish (separated) bed. The children's level comprises four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry room, and a central seating area for study and leisure. The design successfully merges high-end Parisian aesthetics with the practicalities and warmth of Israeli family life.
