Scandinavian Style in a Seaside Tel Aviv Apartment

Not far from the Mediterranean Sea, tucked away on a small street in Tel Aviv, is a newly renovated apartment that has all the comforts and style of a first class seaside residence. The fully redone apartment, originally constructed in 1935, encompasses 105 square meters and is just steps away from the sea. It is a contemporary three-bedroom unit with Scandinavian sensibilities and a stunning water view from the terrace.

Clean lines and restrained decor keep the mood relaxed.
Clean lines and restrained decor keep the mood relaxed.

Designed by the Dori Redlich studio in Tel Aviv, the apartment reflects the designer’s fresh and modern approach to the home. The emphasis in the space is on daily functionality and comfort yet has everything that makes it the clients’ dream home.

The multifunctional space has a unified appearance.
The multifunctional space has a unified appearance.
The view in gives good perspective on the layout of the room.
The view in gives good perspective on the layout of the room.

Plentiful natural light and a neutral color palette keep the feeling of the main living space bright and airy. The living room is centered around the mauve New York Suite three-seat sofa by Saba Italia. Part of the New York collection by Sergio Bicego, the style is described as a “contemporary soul and timeless spirit.” The upholstery is tailored and the quilted style has a retro feeling that is elegant without feeling stuffy. The frame of the sofa has a hexagonal shape and legs made of steel rods.

Smaller occasional tables substitute for a larger coffee table, adding versatility.
Smaller occasional tables substitute for a larger coffee table, adding versatility.

Above the island-style dining table in the kitchen, four assorted pendants of different geometric shapes are suspended in a row. The colors and styles differ, but they are unified by the simple suspension wire on each one. The varied look is far more interesting that it would be if they were all the same.

Open plans like this are great for spending time together as well as for entertaining.
Open plans like this are great for spending time together as well as for entertaining.

The wooden dining chairs in the kitchen have a hand-crafted look and bring some natural wood into the space, highlighting the Scandinavian vibe of the room. The comfortable armchairs have a rounded back and tie in with the herringbone wood floor while keeping the dark floor in the kitchen from being too much.

One space can have several areas with different functions, as this one does.
One space can have several areas with different functions, as this one does.
The darker table and dark, high-gloss floor accent the white kitchen cabinets.
The darker table and dark, high-gloss floor accent the white kitchen cabinets.
The two white bar stools help define the area at the counter.
The two white bar stools help define the area at the counter.

A number of small details in this Tel Aviv residence help maintain an open and modern feeling. Almost all the furnishings have thin legs, creating a feeling of space. Rather than having a large armoire or wall of shelving, these framed cubes feel less weighty, and keeping the lower cabinet unit off the floor also contributes to the openness. Finally, instead of a heavy door to the hall, a unique sliding screen provides privacy and delineation.

Asymmetrical shelving adds interest to the wall, almost like art.
Asymmetrical shelving adds interest to the wall, almost like art.

In addition to the sofa, living area seating includes the Leo chair from e15 of Germany. Designed by Stefan Diez in 2011, the chair is made from wood veneer and has an abstract organic form. The wide seat is comfortable even though it is a small chair. Here it is all wood, however partially upholstered versions are also available.

Different textures and materials keep the space interesting.
Different textures and materials keep the space interesting.
The screen provides privacy but still lets in some natural light.
The screen provides privacy but still lets in some natural light.
Directly opposite the doorway is a bathroom.
Directly opposite the doorway is a bathroom.

Large sliding doors provide access to the balcony and let in plenty of natural light. Recessed lighting around the top of the wall above the sliders enhances the space and keeps the corners bright. The eye is drawn to the windows an the view beyond.

The casual space is enhanced by track lighting and other ceiling fixtures.
The casual space is enhanced by track lighting and other ceiling fixtures.
Asymmetrically placed shelving adds interest and draws attention to the window area.
Asymmetrically placed shelving adds interest and draws attention to the window area.

In an apartment residence a balcony is a big bonus, providing outdoor relaxation and entertaining space. This lovely balcony includes a built-in bench with a drainage area underneath and place for potted plants. A weather screen rolls down at the edge of the balcony to keep the sun out in the heat of the day or during severe storms.

The privacy screen can also be lowered for partial shade.
The privacy screen can also be lowered for partial shade.

The well-designed balcony offers plenty of space and privacy, being shielded from the side by trees. The wall under the windows on the side also affords privacy to the bench. The long space is roomy and bright.

There is plenty of space for outdoor furnishings.
There is plenty of space for outdoor furnishings.
The balcony has a lovely view of the harbor.
The balcony has a lovely view of the harbor.

Just off the balcony is a small study with corner windows that is extra bright and airy. The small desk is accompanied by the Troy chair by Magis, Designed by Marcel Wanders, it has a gold-coated steel frame and a polycarbonate seat. It is also available with a seat in beech plywood, polypropylene or polypropylene covered in fabric. Spare, whimsical bookshelves resembling birds in light serve as wall decor and book storage. Called the Kite Shelf, the technopolymer piece was designed by Patricia Urquiola for Kartell.

An industrial concrete beam runs through the office.
An industrial concrete beam runs through the office.
Sheer drapes filter the strong sunlight.
Sheer drapes filter the strong sunlight.

In the bedroom area of the residence, a well-lit hallway leads to the bedroom. A bright yellow door accents the hall, which is illuminated by a small sconce that casts light both upwards and downwards.

Like the rest of the apartment, the master bedroom is full of light, filtered by a wall of sheer drapes over the windows. The minimalist decor puts the focus on the headboard, which is a unique construction that suspends pillows on a metal rod. In the corner, the IC Light S1 from FLOS hangs by the bed, providing reading and diffused ambient light. The brass frame is brushed and varnished with a clear finish, topped with a blown glass opal diffuser. It is part of a collection designed by Michael Anastassiades that includes a series of lights, all of which have a basic form as a sphere balanced on the edge of a rod.

Large expanses of wall are a perfect backdrop for the modern pieces.
Large expanses of wall are a perfect backdrop for the modern pieces.
A wall of closets provides ample storage without detracting from the design.
A wall of closets provides ample storage without detracting from the design.
A small piece of art on the side adds an accent without taking center stage.
A small piece of art on the side adds an accent without taking center stage.

The bathroom in the master suite is directly attached to the bedroom, with a sliding glass door providing privacy as needed. The frosted glass allows light to filter through while affording a screen between the two rooms. A separate toilet room also has a sliding door.

The master bedroom suite flows openly from one area to the other.
The master bedroom suite flows openly from one area to the other.

The bathroom has the same Scandinavian attitude that the main living area does. Blonde wood adds a natural element and is a warm counterpoint to the otherwise white palette. A gray tile floor accents the space, anchoring the room, which is spacious enough to have room for a small table with plants.

The lack of a permanent wall by the vanity makes the bathroom seem larger.
The lack of a permanent wall by the vanity makes the bathroom seem larger.

As beautiful as the interior of the residence is, the view from the balcony is unparalleled. Sunset provides light and an artful setting that no man-made design can rival. At least the gorgeous apartment is a perfect place for enjoying the view, both from the balcony and from the inside.

Arnon patio night
The spacious balcony is perfect for watching the sunset.