250 square meters of cozy elegance: A stunning home in the Shfela region

Where: A private home in one of the villages in the Shfela region

House area: Approximately 250 square meters

For: A couple with two children

Planning and design: Architect Marina Rechter-Rubinstein, owner of ReMa Architects

Photography: Amit Gosher

It seems that a positive experience from past clients is the key to success. On the recommendation of a close friend, for whom architect Marina Rechter-Rubinstein (owner of ReMa Architects) designed a new home, the couple—residents of one of the villages in the Shephelah—approached her to plan and design their own house as well.

On the plot they purchased, the house stands as a showcase of balance between spaces and dimensions, allowing for an airy and open interior that fosters interaction between family members across floors. “The foundation of good design lies in a plan that balances space and height, connects the interior with its surroundings, and creates open views and functional relationships,” explains Rechter-Rubinstein. “These elements create exciting spaces where it's pleasant to live.”

Indeed, the design emphasizes the sense of space throughout the home, from the entrance door to the green, well-kept garden visible through the large openings on the other side. A standout feature is the sculptural staircase, composed of floating walnut steps mounted on a thin metal structure, blending seamlessly with the home’s palette of browns, chocolates, and natural wood tones.

“The staircase was created by master craftsman Aaron Cohen, who designed a light, airy handrail that appears to support the floating steps—a true work of art,” shares the architect.

This prominent staircase connects the living room to the kitchen. Unlike many homes where stairs are placed near the entrance, here the staircase is positioned close to the public space, allowing for eye contact and interaction between those on both floors.

Just beyond the bright and spacious entrance hall, Rechter-Rubinstein designed a "Mud Room" for the family—a hidden, private space where they can remove shoes, hang coats, and refresh before entering the main living area. Adjacent to this space is a home office, and on the opposite side is a future master suite designed for the couple, should they prefer not to climb the stairs daily in the future.

The guest restroom is also designed with a warm color palette. The walls are tiled halfway up with dark marble-like granite tiles, and the cabinet is made of grooved dark wood. An oval ivory ceramic sink sits atop the cabinet, with a round mirror above it, breaking the straight lines.

Further down the wide corridor lies the public area—a living room, dining area, and kitchen with exits to the garden. The style is modern and minimalist, with a monochromatic color scheme. The lush green garden, oak and walnut wood elements, and colorful accessories add warmth to the space. The double-height ceiling, soaring to six meters, is particularly impressive, as is the gallery floor floating above.

Rechter-Rubinstein chose to cover the floors of both levels with extra-large, thin porcelain tiles (1.2/1.2 meters), in a gray-brown tone with a texture resembling natural stone. The kitchen is divided into three main sections: A high unit wall containing the refrigerator and ovens, a long, low counter used for preparation and cooking, ending in a cabinet showcasing elegant tableware, and a large island serving both as a cooking space and a daily dining area, with extra seating for guests when needed.

The cabinets are made of high-quality, durable nano-finish chocolate-brown Formica, while the island facing the living room is clad in oak wood. The countertops are made of gray Dekton, and between the high cabinets and the preparation area is a door leading to an intimate seating area, perfect for a coffee break.

The living room is also designed in warm tones. Under the leather sofas is an abstract-patterned rug, and above hangs a modern, geometric stainless steel chandelier. The rest of the lighting in the public space is clean and mostly concealed.

Between the two floors, Rechter-Rubinstein designed a well-lit landing with access to the laundry room. Despite the staircase being in the core of the building, the large openings on both floors ensure it remains bright and full of natural light. The upper floor houses three well-appointed suites, each with its own bathroom and private closet—two for the children and one for the parents, which also features a private balcony.

As in the ground floor, the upper level’s design is minimalist, refined, and luxurious. The parents' en-suite bathroom is designed as two parallel spaces: One with an elegant vanity made of gray nano-finish Formica, framed by walnut wood accents, and a separate area for the toilet and shower, tiled with gray stone-like tiles.