In recent years, more and more Israelis dream of a second home - a place to escape to on weekends or vacations, to disconnect from routine and surrender to the landscape, the open air and a sense of freedom. The trend of vacation homes with personalized design is strengthening, especially in the summer season, when the Mediterranean sun invites us to leave the city and look for a moment of tranquility. And what if it were possible to bring the vacation atmosphere of the Hamptons... all the way home?
One of the interesting expressions of this wave of relaxed and intimate design in Israel can be seen in the projects of Guy and Ornit Buchalter for Buchalter Studio for Architecture and Interior Design.
A look at the projects they have created shows that they succeed in distilling a sense of calm, elegant simplicity and a connection to nature, and adapting it to the Israeli audience and the local landscape. Their choice of clean and effortless lines is evident: High ceilings, a light and natural color palette, warm and precise materials, and plenty of daylight that pours into the space. All of these together create a relaxed experience that lasts long after the summer ends.
"The idea is not to copy the American aesthetic, but to borrow its principles, design quiet, use of natural materials, maximum natural light and give them an interpretation that suits a summer home in Israel," explains interior designer Guy Buchalter.
"We observe light, material and atmosphere in order to design a living experience that is like a private vacation," adds architect Ornit Buchalter. In this season of the year, Israelis host more, and therefore we emphasize open spaces, a large kitchen and outdoor areas that invite spending time and resting," she notes.
"The beauty of designing a summer home lies in the ability to combine freedom with a sense of belonging," explains Buchalter.
Five tips from Buchalter Studio for designing an Israeli summer home:
- Choose a calm color palette - shades such as white, sand, gray and black form a base that is airy and pleasant to the eye.
- Blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors - wide openings, light curtains and furniture that corresponds with the local landscape create a flowing and harmonious experience.
- Prefer authentic materials that age well - natural wood, linen, exposed concrete or handmade ceramics provide a sense of life and character to the space.
- Plan the hosting experience in advance - an open kitchen, accessible dining areas and varied seating allow you to host easily and comfortably.
- Do not be afraid of emptiness - a minimalist and spacious design contributes to peace of mind and a relaxed atmosphere.