Designing a Golden Nest: The Transformation of a Tel Aviv Penthouse
As they neared retirement, a couple of dedicated doctors made the heartfelt decision to move from Jerusalem to vibrant Tel Aviv, driven by a desire to be closer to their grandchildren. This pivotal life stage led them to purchase a trendy mini penthouse near Kikar HaMedina—a bustling hub in central Tel Aviv—where they could indulge their love of family while enjoying the city’s dynamic lifestyle. The couple envisioned a home that not only reflected their personal aesthetics but catered to their evolving lifestyle needs as they transitioned into this new chapter.
Collaborating with Talented Designers
To bring their vision to life, they enlisted the expertise of Michal Inditzky and Haggai Weinblum of Wid Studio. The duo was deeply committed to crafting a classic yet modern abode that married clean lines with ornate golden accents, drawing inspiration from the exquisite world of jewelry. Inditzky remarked, “Haggai manages the technical elements, like carpentry and supplier coordination, while I focus on the clients’ desires. Our work is more than just a job; it’s a passion.” Their synergy created a design partnership that thrived on interaction and close communication with the clients, ensuring every decision reflected the couple’s taste.
Flexible Beginnings
The doctors purchased the apartment while it was still under construction, which proved advantageous in achieving their dream space. Inditzky explained, “Starting at this stage allows for significant flexibility in design changes—there’s ample time to plan with less pressure.” The 140-square-meter (1,500-square-foot) apartment boasted an additional 45 square meters (485 square feet) of terraces, situated in a building that underwent urban renewal. Originally designed as a five-room apartment, it was reimagined as a spacious four-room residence.
A Serene Yet Opulent Aesthetic
The couple chose a light, airy color palette, weaving in soft shades of gray, wooden accents, and distinctive golden highlights throughout the space. “At our initial meeting, the client expressed her love for gold and marble, even if it was considered out of fashion,” Inditzky recalled, noting her excitement over their unique design preferences. This unlikely blend of materials ignited a creative challenge that the designers readily embraced.
Inditzky emphasized the importance of balance: "No material is inherently beautiful or ugly; it depends entirely on how you use it. If we can establish trust with our clients, we can bring their dream home to life."
Gold, Marble, and Functionality
Inditzky explained, “The apartment is adorned like a piece of jewelry but maintains a clean, modern aesthetic.” The design seamlessly integrated walnut wood, brass elements, and natural-stone-style tiles. The kitchen, notable for its golden Calacatta stone countertops, extended visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. Everywhere you looked, hints of gold featured in handles, light fixtures, and furniture accessories.
The bedroom was a true showcase of this gold theme, where a concrete headboard with brass inlays complemented cabinetry finished in gold-toned metallic laminate. As the sun sets on the west-facing terrace, the golden accents create an enchanting glow within the space.
The Heart of the Home
Inditzky noted that the couple savored hosting gatherings, particularly for family and grandchildren. This joy of hospitality influenced the design elements. The central living area was a challenge due to its narrow shape, necessitating creative solutions to craft a welcoming space for guests. The designers opted for a mirror effect, ensuring that internal functions were flawlessly reflected in the adjacent outdoor areas.
They designed an outdoor kitchen that mirrored the indoor cooking space, allowing for seamless transitions and a larger feeling of space when entertaining. The terrace became an extension of the home, equipped for year-round outdoor hosting, complete with ample seating areas for family gatherings.
Thoughtful Kitchen Design
The kitchen—a dazzling incorporation of dark gray, white, and wooden tones—featured a spacious square island at its center, effectively balancing practical workspace with dining opportunities. Near the kitchen, a large wooden dining table could expand to seat up to 24 guests, making the fit for family gatherings even more feasible.
A Functional Entryway
Design challenges extended beyond the kitchen. The entrance also presented an opportunity for creative thinking and functional solutions. “New apartments often lack a foyer,” said Inditzky, “but we believe every home should have a space to drop off bags or keys.” They designed a wall of carpentry that encapsulated metallic cabinets, wrapping elegantly around the entrance door, creating a designated spot for drop zones and storage.
Multi-Use Spaces and Ergonomic Design
The transformation of the small guest restroom into a utility space housing essential systems showcased their commitment to functionality. The main bathroom doubled as a guest restroom while connecting to a well-organized laundry area. This area was designed ergonomically, with features such as easily accessible storage for cleaning supplies and an ironing station that simplifies everyday chores.
A Dedicated Work Environment
Adapted for their ongoing careers, the safety room was rejuvenated into a dual home office for both spouses. With desks for writing and plenty of storage for cherished memories, this stylish workspace allowed them to hold onto keepsakes from their Jerusalem home while enjoying their new life in Tel Aviv.
Incorporating Personal Touches
Art and family history took center stage in the home. Inditzky and her team visited the couple’s previous residence to carefully select which treasured pieces would transition to their new space. To accommodate their rich collection of art, photographs, and personal mementos, the hallway near the office was reimagined into a mini-gallery—an inspiring canvas for showcasing their journey through life.
Attention to Detail in Sleep Spaces
The couple’s bedroom and guest room are positioned at the apartment’s quiet end, highlighting their energetic lifestyles while accommodating accessibility. Careful consideration was given to include wide openings and a spacious shower for ease of use. Unlike the lighter tones throughout the home, the bedroom featured dark wood parquet that provided a stunning contrast against the lighter decor and golden accents.
Floating nightstands with gold handles were installed on either side of the bed for optimal accessibility, while convenient access to both a walk-in closet and an elegantly appointed bathroom rounded out this tranquil sleeping sanctuary.
This inspiring transformation into a golden nest showcases the beauty of personalized design that considers not just aesthetic preferences, but the joys of life’s transitions and the importance of family.
