In a world where daily routines can sometimes feel suffocating, and the search for moments of freedom has become almost a mission, more and more Israelis dream of a second home—a small or large place that allows them to escape the city, slow down, and breathe.
This trend of personalized vacation homes is growing, especially in the summer, when the Mediterranean sun and warm air invite us to step out of the routine and seek tranquility. But what if it were possible to enjoy this vacation atmosphere without traveling far, and without leaving home?
This is where inspiration from the United States comes in: The Hamptons. The beaches, white houses, soft light, and natural connection to the landscape have made this place a global symbol of the perfect summer. In Israel, some people are taking this design language and adapting it to the local climate, landscape, and culture, proving that it is possible to design an Israeli summer house that captures all the advantages of an international vacation while keeping the warmth of home.
Among them are Guy and Oranit Buchhalter, architects and interior designers leading the Buchhalter Studio. Their expertise is in distilling the essence of the Hamptons—the calm, elegant simplicity, natural light—and adapting it to life in Israel. “We don’t copy,” explains Guy. “We take principles such as design tranquility, use of natural materials, maximum light, etc., and then give them an interpretation suited to a local summer home.”
Oranit adds: “We focus on light, materials, and atmosphere to create a living experience that feels like a private vacation. Israelis entertain much more in the summer—family, friends, large meals—so it’s important for us to emphasize open spaces, a large kitchen, and outdoor corners that invite people to stay.”
The studio’s design line is characterized by clean, effortless lines, high ceilings that create a sense of space, a light and natural color palette, use of wood, stone, and authentic materials, and plenty of daylight pouring in. The atmosphere is of a living, breathing, flexible space that remains pleasant even after summer ends.
From Inspiration to Practice
But how do you translate this inspiration into practice? At Buchhalter Studio, they offer five key tips for anyone who wants to bring the Hamptons home:
First, choose a calm color palette. White, sand, gray, and subtle touches of black create an airy base that evokes a sense of cleanliness and tranquility. Light colors also make it easy to introduce seasonal elements without changing the overall look.
Second, blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Wide openings, glass doors, light curtains, and furniture that dialogues with the local landscape create a flowing, harmonious experience. Sitting on the terrace becomes a natural extension of the living room, and the entire home feels larger and brighter.
Third, prefer materials that age well. Natural wood that develops character over time, soft linen, exposed concrete, or handmade ceramics all add depth and authenticity to the space. Here, the beauty is not in perfection, but in the naturalness and life conveyed by raw materials.
Fourth, plan the entertaining experience in advance. A successful summer home is also measured by its ability to host comfortably. An open kitchen, accessible dining areas, versatile seating, and smart separation between hosting and relaxing areas will ensure that both you and your guests enjoy the stay.
Finally, don’t be afraid of empty space. Leave areas to breathe. Not every corner of the house needs to be filled. Minimalism, spacing between items, and visual simplicity create a sense of calm and allow light and the view to stand out.
Beyond the aesthetic side, there is a deeper idea here: A true summer home is one that provides a sense of freedom and belonging simultaneously. It allows you to disconnect from the daily rush, but also embraces you every time you return. It looks like a dream destination but feels completely like home.
This approach, combining the quiet elegance of the Hamptons with the warm simplicity of Israel, creates a new style that offers the vacation experience every day of the year. And perhaps this is exactly what we need now: Not another chase for the next destination, but the creation of a personal destination—a home that gives the same sense of calm every morning when we open the shutters.
After all, the Hamptons are not a place—they are a state of mind. And it can begin here, within your walls.