Israeli Family Transforms Neglected Basement Into Vibrant Hangout for Three Sisters
In a unique renovation project in Israel, a neglected 60-square-meter basement was transformed from a storage space into a lively, independent hangout area for three sisters. The parents wanted to provide their daughters, especially the eldest who had just turned 18, with a dedicated space to socialize and feel independent while remaining close to home. The basement, accessible directly from the yard, was renovated by interior designers Liat Kedem Hadad and Tal Gal from Studio Tula, who had previously designed the family’s home.
With a budget of approximately 400,000 shekels, the renovation included infrastructure upgrades such as raising the floor, reinforcing steel structures, and installing air conditioning with concrete drilling. The designers embraced the basement’s raw features like exposed concrete and rough ceilings, integrating them into the design language alongside soft, feminine colors without resorting to stereotypical pink hues.
A standout feature is the purple kitchen area equipped with a sink, storage, wine and drink refrigerators, and an adjacent bar with wooden and iron elements. The space was designed to avoid a single focal point, instead offering multiple activity zones including two distinct seating areas with a rotating TV to serve both. A six-meter-long carpentry wall conceals electrical and plumbing systems while providing ample storage, keeping the space tidy for social gatherings.
The design balances rough industrial elements with pastel tones and vintage lighting, creating a colorful yet relaxed atmosphere. The basement is not intended as an additional apartment or bedroom but as a "Women Cave" where the sisters and their friends can comfortably gather. This project reflects a modern solution for teenagers seeking social spaces outside the home by bringing the social hub inside.
The renovation highlights the importance of creating versatile, welcoming environments for youth within family homes, combining practical infrastructure work with thoughtful, non-stereotypical aesthetics.
