Israeli Brands Elevate Concrete Decor and Scented Candles as Living Room Centerpieces
Israeli designers are redefining home decor by turning concrete accessories and scented candles into focal points of living rooms, moving beyond traditional upgrades like new sofas or paint. Two local brands, Santo and Candlia, showcased their approach ahead of the "Hutzot HaYotzer" festival in Jerusalem, emphasizing how these items create atmosphere and character.
Rotem Ziv Babish, founder of Santo, explained that their product lines of natural wax candles and concrete vessels share a design philosophy focused on sensory experience. Concrete pieces add architectural stability and subtle presence, while candles bring warmth, light, and fragrance that evoke memories and transform the home environment. She noted concrete’s versatility, blending naturally with wood, glass, ceramics, and natural elements, making it suitable for various interior styles from minimalist to cozy.
Babish also highlighted the growing use of these decor items beyond homes, including offices, clinics, and retail spaces, where they contribute calmness and quality. She advised layering materials and textures and avoiding clutter to create balanced, inviting compositions.
The Candlia brand founders, Hadar Ben Lulu and Yamit Armbrister, described their candles as lifestyle products designed to illuminate and enhance moods. Popular scents include soft cotton, passion, lemongrass, ocean, musk, lavender, and blueberry mint, chosen to suit different rooms or desired atmospheres. Their candles are visually striking, ranging from gel candles for bathrooms to cactus-shaped and milkshake-inspired designs.
Both brands will present their collections at the 50th anniversary of the Hutzot HaYotzer festival, running from July 30 to August 13, 2026, at Sultan’s Pool in Jerusalem. The festival theme focuses on metals as raw materials and features art exhibitions, music performances, family activities, and a central interactive art installation symbolizing unity through diversity, curated by artistic director Ronen Najjar.
