From a Light Refresh to a Full Renovation
Tola Studio completed a renovation in Rehovot, Israel, blending rustic and modern styles. Originally meant as a light refresh, the project evolved into a full renovation, including the creation of a reading nook, the addition of parquet flooring, and a redesign of the kitchen and master suite. The designers focused on warmth and functionality, with key features such as an exposed brick column and botanical wallpaper enhancing the home’s character. Custom carpentry and playful elements add a personal touch to the family space.
Modern Rustic Style
A decade ago, the family renovated their home in Rehovot, Israel, which at the time had a rustic style. With their daughters now grown, the family sought to refresh the uninviting and unused living room. They enlisted Tola Studio, led by designers Liat Kedem-Hadad and Tal Gal, initially aiming for a light refresh that evolved into a full-scale renovation.
The couple wanted to maintain a rustic style but desired a modern twist. The living room lacked warmth, feeling unwelcoming for the family. The renovation commenced with changes to the public areas, replacing furniture, selecting ottomans and a bookcase, and applying decorative finishes to the walls. One wall was transformed into a wallpaper feature, while another received decorative moldings made of cornices.
Old drywall niches that previously housed irrelevant art pieces were closed off, replaced with latticework known as mashrabiyas, hinting at a modern rustic style. The living room features a light, airy floating bookcase framed with decorative molding, adding a design twist, complemented by playful ottomans underneath.
Recognizing the family’s love for reading, the designers transformed an unused area into a cozy reading corner. This nook boasts a comfortable armchair, garden views, targeted lighting, and a side table for coffee, offering a peaceful retreat within the shared living space.
The shared living space was covered with parquet flooring, bringing warmth into the home. Upon entry, a prominent exposed brick column immediately captures attention. Instead of concealing it, the designers chose to highlight it with adjacent woven pendant lights, explaining that they intended to celebrate rather than hide it.
Despite the scenic garden outside, a relatively subtle botanical wallpaper was chosen for the back wall of the living room. Nearby stands a freestanding fireplace, a relic from the previous renovation. To the left, wood slats were added, echoing the tone of the opposing wall.
The dining table remained in place, but new chairs were added to complement it. The pendant lights above the kitchen island were retained at the homeowner’s request. The kitchen’s redesigned facades and reduced visual clutter allowed the existing lights to shine and regain their rightful prominence.
Kitchen and Master Suite
The kitchen layout remained unchanged, but the upper cabinets were replaced with closed cabinetry. Modern green-gray tiles were used for the backsplash, extending all the way to the ceiling. Cabinet fronts were revamped in a creamy off-white tone, contributing to the kitchen’s fresh and modern aesthetic.
In the master suite, the designers eliminated the walk-in closet, replacing it with a large, luxurious wardrobe and a blue-toned storage island. The bed features a soft light pink headboard, framed with decorative moldings, enhancing the suite’s warm and romantic atmosphere. The remodeled bathroom now resembles a spa, featuring puzzle-shaped tiles on the walls that extend a tropical vibe and coordinate with the bedroom’s color palette.
Teen Bedrooms and Family Lounge
Upstairs, between the bedrooms, a landing area was transformed into a family lounge, characterized by a celebration of color. This space includes a lounging nook that can unfold into a sofa or bed, and is even mobile, allowing it to be wheeled into the bedrooms when guests stay over.
The eldest daughter’s room was designed as a boutique clothing store, showcasing her shoe collection, trendy fashion, and favorite posters, turning them into a personal display window. A metal shelf was installed for hanging clothes, set against a black wall. Above her bed, posters featuring her favorite music albums were designed as a tapestry for the wall, adding a personalized touch to her space.
Another teenage daughter desired a very calm room, for which a blue wall was chosen to create a pleasant and soothing vibe, providing a tranquil retreat for relaxation and study.
Photography by Maor Moyal
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