In a moshav in the Shfela, a spacious residential home was designed for an elderly couple who wanted to create a warm and inviting space for frequent family gatherings. The house, designed by the “Sarah and Nirit Frenkel” studio, spans approximately 400 square meters on a two-dunam plot, and combines inspiration from a French brasserie with a contemporary Farm House design language.
One of the main challenges in the planning process was the height of the ceilings in the public spaces, reaching about 7.5 meters. This height, which creates a striking sense of volume, required solutions that would balance architectural drama with a feeling of warmth and intimacy.
Light Layers Instead of a Single Fixture
The lighting design, carried out in collaboration with lighting consultant Tal Hazan from Light In, is based on the principle of creating layers of light. Instead of relying on a single central lighting source, different lighting fixtures were integrated, each serving a complementary role.
Ceiling spotlights provide general, even illumination, while decorative pendant fixtures create visual focal points and help “lower” the perceived height of the space. This approach creates intimate corners within a large open area.
The Kitchen as the Heart of the Home
In the kitchen, designed with brasserie inspiration, graphite-toned lighting fixtures with brass mesh were incorporated, highlighting the central island measuring about 5 meters in length. In the dining area as well, lighting fixtures with a strong presence were chosen - semi-spherical lamps made of darkened brass - which create a clear focal point and continue the elegant design language.
Lighting That Adapts to the Moment
One of the key principles of the project was flexibility in lighting scenarios. All fixtures are dimmable, allowing a transition between strong lighting suitable for entertaining and softer, more intimate lighting for evening hours.
In addition, downward-facing fixtures were used, enhancing a sense of closeness and balancing the height of the space.
Even the Small Details Take the Stage
Attention to lighting is also evident in secondary spaces: In the walk-in closet, an alabaster light fixture was integrated above a central island, serving also as a design element, while in the guest bathroom a Victorian-style fixture was chosen to complement a bold wallpaper and enhance the eclectic character of the space.
According to Tal Hazan, lighting in this project does not take center stage but rather serves the architecture: “The goal was to enhance the materials and proportions, and to create a large space that feels pleasant, inviting, and dynamic.”
The result is a home in which lighting is not merely a functional tool but an inseparable part of the experience - one that defines the atmosphere and changes throughout the day according to the needs.