Daniella Jaeger Daniella Jaeger

Distributed Play

I set up our apartment to accommodate the mayhem of two toddlers at play who sometimes need a change of scene. Toys and activities are spread throughout the home, from living room to dining room to hallway to kids rooms. When movement is part of the design, everything feels a little less crazy.

Photo: Peled Studios \ יואב פלד צילום אדריכלות

We have an IKEA Trofast storage unit in the living room as well as by the dining table leading to the hallway. It’s easy for kids to pull out toys and for us to switch out bins with different toys from time to time to keep things fresh. I have found that removing a few bins at the top (unlike in these photos) makes for easier cleanup because you don’t need to pull out every bin to dump toys back in. Generally, having fewer toys available helps kids focus.

Photo: Peled Studios \ יואב פלד צילום אדריכלות

Photo: Peled Studios \ יואב פלד צילום אדריכלות

The kids can hop seamlessly from the living room floor to the dining room table to the play corner. Defining areas by type of activity (e.g., building, arts and crafts, make believe, reading) helps create sanity.

Photo: Peled Studios \ יואב פלד צילום אדריכלות

Immediately after putting the round rug down in Sol’s room, the kids started running around it in circles and laying dolls and stuffed animals around its periphery. It’s great to have for any activity where you want to gather around (pass the balloon, story time, etc.).

Photo: Peled Studios \ יואב פלד צילום אדריכלות

Photo: Peled Studios \ יואב פלד צילום אדריכלות

In Talia’s room, the teepee and book corner work just as well for intimate reading time as they do for going nuts with the floor mats.

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Daniella Jaeger Daniella Jaeger

Choosing My Kitchen Backsplash (a Fairy Tale)

When we made Aliyah in 2021, we moved into a newly built apartment in Modiin fresh from the kablan (contractor). Because we’d been Airbnb’ing for 6 weeks already and I was 9 months pregnant, we were eager to get the keys, so the owner rushed the final to-dos and left the kitchen without a backsplash. As you can see below, this isn’t great for the wall behind the sink or the stove.

The owner is now selling the apartment and we’ll likely get the boot within a year, but I’m taking a trip down fairy tale lane to consider how I’d tile the backsplash. If we zoom out for a second you’ll see there’s already a lot going on in the living room and the surrounding areas:

If I was to do a color, a green tone could be nice, to complement the plants and contrast the red and pink hues of the living room. I’d do a vertical or square pattern to balance the horizontal cabinetry. These mint tiles from Tile Israel could work, but I’d place them side by side rather than staggered for a more streamlined modern look. I really love these colorful green and white tiles from Balatot, but they’re too busy as pictured. Choosing just one or two of the tones could be fun. And I like these deep green squares from Milstone, but they feel too dark for this kitchen.

Here’s a test using just one of the green shades from the Balatot tile set:

If the white half of the tile is actually white and not grayish like this photo from online suggests, then I like it. This one requires some in person research, so let’s move on for now.

If I was to lay off the color and get white tiles, they should be matte, because the cabinets are already glossy, and white gloss on white gloss is overkill in this context. A plain white tile could work, but something with texture would be more interesting. I found this textured white tile from Studio Ceramica that looks wonderful:

The downside is it’s probably terrible to clean and not ideal for a grease-catching kitchen backsplash. (I’d look into this further to be certain.) If we’re back to the drawing board with whites, these Milstone and Kal Vahomer rectangles are available in a matte finish and would be a simple elegant option, stacked cleanly like at left.

So that’s a workable white solution. But it’s a bit of a yawn. And while there’s nothing wrong with a good clean yawn in a good clean kitchen (I do love a white kitchen), I keep circling back to the tiles on speed, like this blue asterisk pattern from Milstone:

Testing it….

Kind of cute, no?

If I were really getting a backsplash right now, I’d visit tile showrooms in person.

Another option is to have the Caesarstone countertop continue up the wall, not have to choose a single tile, and live happily ever after.

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Daniella Jaeger Daniella Jaeger

Notes on Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops

Quartz countertop (image source)

The variety of countertop materials and brands available will make your head spin, and the roundup of types below won’t necessarily stop the spinning. But you will start to understand what options are available and consider what your priorities are with respect to durability, affordability, and beauty.

When you purchase your countertop (shayish - שיש):

  • Talk to the supplier about how many pieces it will come in. The more pieces it comes in, the more seams you’ll see (and potentially need to maintain).

  • Ensure you are purchasing the material and brand you are seeking and not a knockoff; check for seals and certificates.

  • Ask whether your warranty is dependent on using an installer certified by the company.

Note that I’ve borrowed text liberally from the sources listed at the end of this post.

Quartz countertop (image source)

Engineered Stone

Quartz

“Quartz countertops are engineered stone products that may contain a large percentage of natural quartz but may also include other minerals. They are not slabs of quarried stone but are instead formed from stone byproducts that are ground up and formed into slabs for countertops and other products.” (The Spruce)

Leading suppliers: Caesarstone (an Israeli company with 90% of the market share), Silestone (owned by Spanish company Cosentino and has antimicrobial properties)

Pros

  • Relatively easy to maintain, no sealing required

  • Slabs are uniform, with no imperfections

  • Can be custom-fabricated in any size and shape

  • Relatively scratch and stain resistant (with consistent cleaning — spills cannot be neglected)

  • Natural appearance, stone-like feel to the touch

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Countertops are very heavy

  • Can be stained if neglected

  • Can be warped by extreme temperature changes or contact with strong chemicals or detergents

  • Affected by UV rays over long periods

Quartz cleaning solutions Facebook users swear by: Astonish scrub, Cillit Bang spray, Sano Javel

The key is to treat stains immediately. Don’t leave anything on your countertop overnight or long term (coffee spill, turmeric, a pot you washed), though you can sometimes still clean these later with a lot of effort (and nerves).

Porcelain

Porcelain is heat and stain proof, but it also has a more synthetic feel. Those who want to be able to put hot pots directly on their countertops and not worry about stain cleanup should consider this option. Those who love the luxurious feel of stone may not be satisfied with porcelain.

Leading suppliers: Caesarstone, Laminam, Dekton, Infinity, Neolith

Pros

  • Extremely heat-resistant

  • Stain proof

  • Unaffected by UV rays

  • Can be installed on top of existing countertops

Cons

  • More expensive than quartz

  • Thinner than quartz

  • Fragile upon installation and can chip easily

  • Veining often less real-looking and texture feels more synthetic than stone-like

There is hot debate in Facebook groups about Dekton’s durability. Some say Dekton is the most durable and sophisticated option and won’t chip with normal use, while others say suppliers are wary of working with the product because of chipping potential. Dekton has a higher amount of glass in it than other porcelains, so it can more easily crack when hit hard or on its edges. However, designers say the durability has improved over the past five years.

Corian countertop with integrated sink (image source)

Synthetic

Solid-Surface Material (Corian)

Corian, by DuPont, is the leading synthetic countertop brand in Israel (imported). Its main advantage is that “pieces can be glued together with a solvent so that the seams are entirely invisible. This gives the appearance of a huge, continuous slab of unseamed countertop,” for example for creating a seamless countertop–sink integration. (The Spruce)

Pros

  • Resists staining

  • Seams are virtually invisible

  • Damage can be easily sanded out

  • Large range of colors and patterns

  • Integrated sink/countertop units are available

Cons

  • Moderately expensive

  • Can be scratched by metal

  • Prone to heat damage

Granite countertop (image source)

Natural Stone

Granite

“Granite is a purely natural stone that comes directly from stone quarries and is then cut into thin slabs, polished, and fabricated into countertops.” (The Spruce) “Its natural appearance has a medium- to course-grained texture and comes mostly in medium to dark colors with a polished surface. In Israel, granite is imported mainly from Italy and South America.” (Buy It in Israel)

Pros

  • Strong, durable, and heat-resistant

  • Least absorptive of the available countertops

  • Nearly maintenance-free when treated with newer sealers

  • Every slab is unique

Cons

  • Very expensive

  • Slabs may have imperfections/variations

  • Can crack if stressed or improperly installed

  • Stone is porous and requires sealing to avoid stains

Marble countertop (image source)

Marble

The crème de la crème of natural stone, only marble has the much-prized unique veining detail running through its full depth. But it’s a nightmare to maintain in the kitchen.

Pros

  • Beautiful stone with unique veining

  • Heatproof

Cons

  • Stone is porous and stains easily (even by water left on too long)

  • Requires annual sealing

  • Expensive

  • Can be scratched; repairs are difficult

Quartzite

“Quartzite is sandstone fused with sparkly quartz crystals using heat and pressure. Quartzite looks more like marble or granite with delicate veining and usually costs a little more” than quartz. (The Spruce) It’s often white and gray but can have colorful undertones.

Pros

  • Strong and durable (more than marble)

  • One-of-a-kind natural appearance; glassy look that resembles marble

Cons

  • Stone is porous and requires annual sealing to avoid stains

  • Avoid contact with extreme heat

For extra protection, choose a honed rather than polished finish.

Stainless steel countertop (image source)

Alternatives to Stone

Stainless Steel

Consider stainless steel for a modern, industrial look. This can work well in an office, where cooking and cutting are minimal.

Pros

  • Heat- and water-resistant

  • Easiest of all countertop materials to clean

Cons

  • Noisy

  • Very expensive to fabricate

  • Can be easily scratched; not a cutting surface

  • Material can leave fingerprints

Butcher block countertop (image source)

Wood/Butcher Block

Wood countertops come in a variety of colors and finishes and give a rustic look to the kitchen. However, they require a lot of maintenance and are not as durable as the more popular stone and synthetic alternatives. (Buy It in Israel)

Pros

  • Relatively easy to clean

  • Long-lasting when properly cared for

  • Can be sanded and resealed, as needed

Cons

  • Fairly expensive

  • Surfaces can be scratched and cut by knives

  • Can be damaged by water and stains over time

  • Bacteria can be a problem if not properly maintained

  • Wood is subject to cracking if not maintained; must be oiled and sealed frequently

Glass

“Similar technology [to engineered stone] is now being used in so-called glass countertops, which consist of particles of recycled glass blended with resins and shaped into countertop slabs. Consumers keen on being on the cutting edge may want to consider glass as well as quartz countertops.” (The Spruce)

Pros

  • Non-porous

  • Sanitary

  • Heat- and stain-resistant

Cons

  • Scratches easily

  • Expensive

  • Material can leave fingerprints and water spots (not practical for families)

Laminate

“Laminate counters … are plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. Countertops are made by bonding the laminate sheets to a particleboard (MDF) core. Laminate countertops can be purchased as pre-formed segments (called ‘post-form countertops’), or custom-fabricated to specifications, either on-site or in a fabrication shop.” (The Spruce).

Popular supplier: Formica

Pros

  • Very easy to maintain

  • Thousands of options available

  • Very inexpensive

Cons

  • Seams are always visible

  • May be viewed as too average by potential home buyers

  • Surfaces can be scratched and chipped; damage is almost impossible to repair

I read on a Facebook thread that someone had trouble finding a contractor to install a laminate countertop for fear of moisture damage. It’s a less popular option in Israel.

Concrete countertop (image source)

Concrete

“If you have countertops in unusual shapes, or if you want a truly unique kitchen, concrete may be a good choice for your countertops. Due to their heavy weight, concrete countertops are usually cast in forms right in your kitchen.” (The Spruce)

Pros

  • Can be color-tinted

  • Heat- and scratch-resistant

  • Decorative textures and colors are possible

Cons

  • Cracking may occur over time

  • Costs are high due to custom work

  • Surface is porous unless regularly sealed

Tile countertop (image source)

Ceramic Tile

“Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean, and it is considerably less expensive than natural stone, quartz, or solid-surface countertops, especially for DIYers willing to do their own work. Recent innovations in porcelain tiles offer many more design options than ever before, including tiles that look like wood, marble, or even leather or cork. Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer more design options than nearly any other countertop material.” (The Spruce)

Pros

  • Easy to clean (grout aside)

  • Usually affordable

  • Immune to heat damage from hot pans (choice of tile dependent)

  • An enormous range of colors and styles available

Cons

  • Custom tiles can be very expensive

  • Tile are brittle and may crack under impact

  • Grout lines can stain and are difficult to clean

  • Edges require skilled installation for a clean look

———

Sources

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Daniella Jaeger Daniella Jaeger

Notes on Air Conditioning Systems

Shimon Alperet of Avoda Tova ran a great seminar for interior designers yesterday on types of air conditioning systems. A few notes:

Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Models aside, there are two ways an air conditioner can work:

  1. ON/OFF - Always runs at full power; when it reaches the desired temperature, it turns off, then back on again when temperature changes; makes air dry; energy bills are much higher; loud; unit is cheaper than inverter

  2. INVERTER - Compressor does not run at full power, rather keeps working at a lower intensity; maintains desired room temperature; lower energy bills (by 30-50%); at times better left on and running than constantly powered on and off; quieter; unit is more expensive

If you plan on using your AC a lot (like we do in Israel), the inverter technology may be the best investment for the long haul.

If you opt for ON/OFF, you can choose to install:

  • Individual units in every room, or

  • Central air conditioner (mini mercazi), which will send air to every room from a central unit; cannot adjust temperature per room

If you opt for an INVERTER system, you can choose between:

  • Single - One outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit (for targeted air in a single room)

  • Multi - One outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units; each indoor unit can be run independently; saves space outdoors; energy efficient; each indoor unit must be connected to the outdoor unit with cables / piping / tzinorot

  • VRF (variable refrigerant flow) - Each room’s temperature can be controlled individually and precisely, with one main unit outside; ductless — no tzinorot need to be funneled outside to the main unit, so nothing gets in the way of the air; saves space structurally; works well with long distances / large spaces; expensive

Types of Vents

Decor vents (image source)

  • Decor - Older vent model; more affordable; can come in any size you want

  • Slot - Typically two or three air passageways that create a modern, streamlined look; can result in some excess air waste, but often a go-to for designers for aesthetic reasons

Slot vents (image source)

Rona vents (image source)

  • Rona - A thin line on the ceiling, about twice the price of slots

  • Jettim - Circular jets for moving air efficiently in large, high-ceilinged spaces

Jettim vents (image source)

Tips

  • Who makes the nicest vent solutions (and most expensive, about 3x): OpenArt

  • Make sure your air conditioner technician properly accounts for avir chozer (return air); return ducts bring air that has been warmed or cooled back to your main unit (source).

    • One designer told the story of a technician who did not account for avir chozer properly and a giant gust of air prevented a door from being closed.

    • Ideally, return air ducts can be passed right underneath or next to the main air ducts within the drywall.

    • Consider leaving at least 10cm of space behind your kitchen cabinets for avir chozer to run through.

    • One designer said she always makes her 60cm-deep kitchen cabinets 80cm out to align with standard refrigerators that would otherwise stick out — those remaining 20cm in back work great for funneling out avir chozer.

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