Similar Yet Different: Two Apartments, One Above the Other

It wasn't only a single apartment that had to get furnished and decorated by Pesach — but two.

These are two close family friends, both the nicest of people, who purchased apartments directly above one another and got me on board. They were actually fine with me decorating their apartments exactly the same. But because there were differences in the elements already installed ahead of time, it took me to different colour choices. And besides — how fun is it to do the identical job twice?

What I was given

Grey tile with a slight vein, dark grey kitchen, grey bathroom. So the fact that grey was the given 80% colour theme was a no-brainer. Moving away from depressing, boring grey was the task at hand.

Here's how: colour, colour, colour. Bold blue against burnt orange — you can't get a sharper contrast.

Some pointers to notice: the exterior AC units are gone, exchanged for a mini central AC. AC units in bedrooms are okay-ish depending on the visual style you're going for, but they really are an eyesore and a nuisance in living rooms.

Texture, always

This is the advice I give clients and readers alike: regardless of the room we're designing, always dedicate some time to introducing a slew of texture. Layering materials will not only look visually appealing — a cosy throw and velvety pillows are inviting to snuggle up with when temperatures drop in the evenings.

Drapery can really help to soften a room and provides opportunities to use different textures and patterns, all the more so when it gets reflected.

So what is that ceiling made of? This is a splendid element called a stretched ceiling, and it gives instant glamour and aura to a space. The stunning chandelier gives a central wow moment, especially as it reflects itself, lending a magical glow to the room.

The bathroom

When I saw this bathroom I wanted to throw up my hands in despair, not knowing how I could possibly enhance a dull, boring grey prison bathroom. (I hope I'm not offending anyone.)

So I started thinking what colour I could add to the solid grey. Then I came across a retro green glass pendant light and knew I had my answer.

How many elements in a room for an accent colour? At least three — well done, you're reading my posts.

I added green glass shelves at the foot of the bath for decorative green ornaments. How? Did you know glass can be painted any colour from the colour catalogue? I matched a colour close to the green pendant. My final green addition was a modern art piece at the bathroom entrance. It's untypical to find bathroom artwork, but space permitting it adds a lot.

And did you know how much a change of lighting does to a room? Instead of the standard expected centre light, we added groups of three spotlights above the areas we wanted to stand out, creating halos of light and a dramatic, intimate bathroom.

The master bedroom

This master was born from a unique turquoise and grey pendant lighting set that pulled at my heartstrings, begging me to buy it. And I did. That docile, calming light teal and grey make the perfect combination for the sedative look I was after.

The same headboard fabric sits behind the glass in the sliding closets, giving a custom, high-end feel — as does the magnificent floor-to-ceiling headboard.

I was passionate about the blind fabric and the throw pillows, and how nicely they tie the colours together.

The kids' room

I had a vision of something gender neutral, striking and sophisticated. I had already designed bunk beds to sleep five for the apartment below, so I used a similar idea here with a twist: because the floor was a solid grey, I brought the grey up into the steps and drawers and in a strip onto the wall.

Again, each bed has its own geometric nightlight giving fantastic rays of light, and I had an LED strip installed behind the top bunk for a gentle wall-washer glow.

What the clients said

"Living in America, we were concerned how we were going to design and decorate our apartment without making trips to Israel. After Chani was recommended by someone, we had a phone conversation. After our first call I knew we made an excellent choice. She had a vision and focused on every single detail — from lighting, paint, furniture and carpentry work, Chani's talent shines in each aspect. She used bold colours but kept it modern and classy. She made the apartment, which felt small at first, feel roomy and large. Chani was a pleasure to work with and easily accessible throughout the entire project. She put so much time into making sure we were happy; her dedication and talent to design is something I have never experienced. I highly recommend using Chani for all design projects, big or small." — Michael & Cara Shapiro, Cleveland

Credits

Window treatments and living room pillows: Home D Design · Furniture and pillows: Twin Concept · Console table: Kibbutz HaShlosha · Mouldings and wall stencil: Best Decor · Dining room chandelier: Barami Lighting · Accessories: Dcity · Wallpapers: Miller · Photography: Cheved Kleinbart, Vingette Photography