Family Transforms 80-Year-Old Neglected Home in Kiryat Haim into Elegant American Country-Style Residence

A couple with three young daughters purchased an 80-year-old, neglected two-family house in eastern Kiryat Haim and undertook an intensive, complex renovation to transform it into a refined, warm, and modern American country-style home. The original single-story house, spanning approximately 210 square meters with seven rooms and multiple internal level changes, had not been significantly updated since before Israel's founding and included a structurally complicated addition above it.

The homeowners aimed to create a luxurious yet cozy family space featuring natural materials like stone, wood, and iron, abundant natural light, and a resort-like atmosphere. Interior designer Liat Simchi was commissioned to realize this vision, focusing not only on aesthetics but also on daily practicality, including ample storage, child-friendly accessibility, and ease of maintenance. The home was designed to accommodate frequent hosting, with a dedicated guest room, a large central kitchen island, and a fully equipped home office.

The renovation faced tight budget constraints and a compressed timeline, with only about six weeks for planning and three months for construction. Structural challenges included working with the original silicate stone support columns, requiring precise engineering oversight from three structural engineers. The house’s uneven floor levels were leveled, ceilings raised, and dark narrow corridors expanded to enhance openness and light.

All infrastructure was replaced, including plumbing, electrical systems, and communication networks. New windows with custom stone sills were installed, and minimal gypsum ceiling drops were made to accommodate air conditioning. The design preserved a partially exposed original silicate stone column as a decorative homage to the home's history. Custom carpentry and mostly new furniture were integrated, and the garden was redesigned to connect seamlessly with the interior.

The interior features a large oak kitchen with a deep walnut finish, a spacious living room with raised ceilings and a stone accent wall, and bathrooms designed for a resort experience with spacious showers and dual showerheads. The daughters’ rooms were customized to their personalities, and the master suite includes a green olive herringbone floor and natural elements like synthetic bamboo. Some planned features, such as a barbecue area and garden furniture, were deferred due to budget limits. The designer praised the collaborative process with the clients, highlighting their trust and shared commitment to balancing design ambitions with financial realities.