Shirly Zaken sitting on the lit staircase at the centre of a private home in Jerusalem, above herringbone parquet

02Private Home in Jerusalem

I built this home around a lit staircase. The steps float at the centre, each with a line of light beneath it, and connect the living room, dining area and kitchen. Herringbone parquet runs along the floor, and walls with cream vertical cladding and strips of mirror add depth without weight. In the living room there are soft white sofas and coffee tables in rounded forms.

The kitchen is warm and restrained: cabinets in a soft blush tone, a niche in dark wood and a long island with a veined surface, with a looping light fixture above it. The bedroom has a sloped ceiling, and the bathroom has bronze-toned glass, a freestanding bath and a softly shaped mirror.

Planning your home? I would love to hear about it.