A Cut above the Rest

Photography by Oded Smadar

Interior Designer Nitzan Horowitz unveils the design of a 210m² penthouse duplex apartment: a composition of clean straight lines, optimal use of height and space, and a perfect balance of materials and color in the Sharon region, Israel.

Nitzan Horowitz is known for his ability to work wonders when it comes to creating dynamic living spaces with a limited palette of colors and materials. This new duplex apartment planned and designed for a couple in their 40s’ and their two teenage daughters is no different. According to Horowitz, the property is characterized by impressive architectural features, but the original layout didn't meet the family’s needs. The designer decided to change the floor plan completely to emphasize the dimensions of the double headroom on the first level. The uniqueness of the duplex lies in the fact that one can truly absorb both levels in one glance, and, according to the designer, his wish was to create this powerful experience. Thus, the sloping ceiling, at six and a half meters high, as well as the other high elements, were all an integral part of the concept enabling a holistic view of the entire space.

The owners come from the world of construction and entrepreneurship. They live the industry and value quality and detail. I loved the clients from the get-go, and we quickly developed a strong rapport that resulted in very fruitful discussions. After we outlined the program, their needs, and their wishes, they gave me a free hand to create a property that ticked all their boxes. The process was based on trust and mutual inspiration and the results reflect this beautifully.

The entrance level includes an open family space with a lounge, a spacious kitchen, and a separate 60m² master suite that includes a master bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe, a lounging area, a bathroom, and an office. The design is modern, minimalist, and breathtaking and it is evident that Horowitz was meticulous in his choice of materials throughout the property used in various compositions. These create a design continuum with a focus on gray porcelain, a white color palette that runs through the carpentry pieces and frames, and light oak veneer that adds warmth. The designer used the entrance and lounge walls to create vertical pieces that emphasize the double headroom. The original entrance door was replaced with a 2.8m high door that is embedded into the wall. The wall was tiled with 1.2x2.8m gray porcelain slabs that emphasize its height and run up to the ceiling of the gallery level. The lounge library is undoubtedly one of the most interesting features in that space, emphasizing the height of the dynamic sloping ceiling: it creates a sense of proportion between an individual and the space itself and beautifully brings together the variety of materials.

All the materials in the lounge run on the same color palette. The idea was not to create a colorful space but rather a serene and harmonious one. A modular sofa system was placed in its center, which can turn into an exceptionally cozy family lounging area in addition to the spacious family area located on the second level. An original wool vintage rug was placed under the sofa, and the curtains, which add another layer of softness to the space, were custom-made on-site due to the challenging ceiling shape & height. The theme doesn't stop there. Horowitz masterfully designed a kitchen element that emphasizes its height, a floor-to-ceiling unit that creates a semi-corridor that separates the kitchen from the guest toilets and the entrance to the master bedroom. This element serves as a focal point for the second level that seems to be floating above it. Horowitz used three of the unit’s sides - the first as a storage cupboard for crockery and utensils, a second used as a utility and storage cupboard that serves the master bedroom, and the lounge-facing third side was fitted with a wine refrigerator. The kitchen was divided into areas: along the length of the space, Horowitz designed a white storage unit for all that a modern kitchen needs, with the door to the master bedroom planned further along. A 3.5x1.2m kitchen island abundant in storage was positioned in the center and is used by the family for casual dining. When entertaining guests, the family usually does so on the well-kept balcony. The island is wrapped in a porcelain surface and includes three integral fridges, a professional oven, a warming drawer, and additional functions.

The artwork displayed around the property and created by local artists was curated to perfectly match each and every space and room in the duplex, all in organic shades of terracotta and Corten steel that blend with the blacks, the whites and the wooden floors.

From the kitchen, the wooden staircase that leads to the bedroom level was fitted with a glass banister and embedded into the floor creating openness and transparency between the levels. The level includes three bedrooms: one of them serves as a suite, and another as a guest room. The pièce de résistance on this floor is a family area that overlooks the first level and enjoys the lounge library that extends all the way up. The family corner includes a very comfortable lounging area in a shade of green that livens the space and creates a conceptual balcony on the level. Aluminum coffee tables were placed by the sofa, and the tall library that is erected from the first level is present in this space too, creating movement and interest.

The duplex’s story is told from every corner, and each corner is a reminder of a different chapter.

The master bedroom is designed in a more dramatic, intimate and sensual style. Horowitz combined orange and rust elements that can be seen in the artwork, the rug and the sofa. The cupboard, with a mirrored facade, was positioned across from the bed and creates reflection and depth. The walk-in wardrobe was broken down into components, in the same manner as molecular cooking. it embraces the walls and is transparent in parts, thus doubling the space visually. An enclosed area was created where a mirror and tv screen were positioned, and further along, there is a corridor that leads to the office. The light distressed oak parquet in the master bedroom runs through to the ensuite bathroom, which was even more dramatically designed. The designer used a monochrome color palette in shades such as a black veneer cabinet, powerful granite porcelain countertops, and a dark Caesarstone sink.