Upgraded kitchen and shoe cabinet: The transformation of a Modiin garden apartment

A 160-square-meter duplex garden apartment in Modiin received a refreshing makeover from designer Iris Peles-Azulay.

  (photo credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
(photo credit: YANIV SHMIDT)

Home: Garden DuplexLocation: ModiinSize: Approximately 160 sq. metersInterior Design: Iris Peles-AzulayPhotography: Yaniv Shmidt

The couple had experienced many phases in their 160-square-meter home in the heart of Modiin. They bought it when they were newlyweds and raised their three daughters there until they became teenagers. Seeking a fresh start, they enlisted the help of interior designer Iris Peles-Azulay.

"The residents wanted a beautifully designed and bright home with a youthful and cheerful atmosphere. They emphasized the need for ample storage, a large library, a substantial kitchen island for cooking and dining, and a special corner for the family piano," shares Peles-Azulay.

  (credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
(credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
  (credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
(credit: YANIV SHMIDT)

The color palette chosen for the home includes soft, pleasant, and romantic pastel tones. In the kitchen, light blue dominates, while in the dining area and entrance, a delicate pink was used. Refreshing mint colors were chosen for the bathrooms. The most prominent color is in the central space, the living room, where dark blue draws attention to the main wall, highlighting the unique library and staircase.

Special attention was given to the kitchen. "All the family magic happens here," says Peles-Azulay. "The parents enjoy their morning coffee together here, and when the daughters join them, everyone prepares for another day of school and work. When the girls return from school, they do their homework here while dinner is being prepared. It's a place where they not only eat together but also share secrets, gossip, and discuss important topics."

  (credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
(credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
  (credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
(credit: YANIV SHMIDT)

The kitchen wasn't replaced entirely, as it was in relatively good condition, but it was significantly upgraded. It transitioned from a dull Formica kitchen to an interesting and practical space. The handles were replaced, glass inserts and upper cabinets were added, the countertop was replaced, and special tiles were incorporated. The most significant change was the addition of a large island in the center and a substantial expansion of the kitchen space by opening up the adjacent storage room. Instead of the storage room, a large light blue pantry was built.

The designer faced a challenge in the bathroom for the teenage daughters. How do you design a large, luxurious bathroom for three teenage girls who spend long hours getting ready? The previous space, which was relatively small, was expanded by incorporating the small and enclosed laundry area, creating a previously unused and wasted space. With custom carpentry, ventilated drawers for dirty laundry and a separate closet for the Dyson vacuum were built, keeping them off the floor. A seating bench was installed in the shower, the faucets were replaced, and pink tiles were chosen. The color palette includes mint shades with powder pink, touches of black profiles, and matching terrazzo flooring.

  (credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
(credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
  (credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
(credit: YANIV SHMIDT)

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The daughters' bedrooms were designed in collaboration with them, tailored to each one's needs and desires. The chosen colors are light and gentle shades, reflecting the girls' soft nature.

Special thought was also given to the home's transitional spaces, serving the entire family. The hallway between the bedrooms features several niches with cabinets for storing items shared by all family members. The highlight is a cabinet entirely dedicated to the family's beautiful and feminine shoes, designed as an ornamental feature. The doors chosen for the different spaces are quiet-closing interior doors from Pandor, ensuring a light and unobtrusive atmosphere on one hand, and maximum privacy on the other.

The parents' bedroom underwent a complete transformation. It is romantic and beautiful, with a seating bench for reading beneath the window. A large wardrobe was chosen for the room, along with a makeup and dressing area at the entrance. A floral, delicate, and romantic wallpaper was applied to the headboard wall, and next to the comfortable bed, reading lamps create a warm and intimate atmosphere.

  (credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
(credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
  (credit: YANIV SHMIDT)
(credit: YANIV SHMIDT)

"From the beginning, I met a client who knew how to define in the most positive and optimistic way what she likes and wants. I connected with her immediately, understanding her desires and loves. Together with the rest of the family, we embarked on a journey of fulfilling dreams, and the process was fascinating and enjoyable. The result is particularly exciting," concludes Iris Peles-Azulay.