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:
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
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.
Hunting: Coffee & Side Tables
Favorite finds from across the Israeli web while sourcing a coffee table for a client:
(1) Betili ₪3,270 · (2) Floralis ₪430 · (3) Betili ₪1,995 · (4) Leopard Home ₪2,700 · (5) Penthouse Basic ₪861 · (6) Leopard Home ₪1,990 · (7) Casa Mia ₪3,680 · (8) Leopard Home ₪2,500 · (9) Pas Normal ₪7,245 · (10) Pas Normal ₪ 5,210 · (11) Pas Normal ₪5,650 · (12) Leopard Home ₪1,200 · (13) Pas Normal ₪10,353 · (14) Casa Mia ₪1,480 · (15) Pas Normal ₪6,300 · (16) Tollman’s Dot ₪2,116 · (17) 9 Design · (18) Tollman’s Dot ₪2,460 · (19) Tirador ₪995 · (20) IKEA ₪95 · (21) Bring It Home ₪3,250 · (22) Henshai · (23 & 24) Tollman’s Dot ₪8,855 · (25) La Ronit ₪320 · (26) Betili ₪490 (sale) · (27) Idana ₪2,454 · (28) Bromo Design ₪990 · (29) Leelou Home · (30) Take-It ₪349
Store Opening: Drom, House of Dreams in Jaffa
If you’re in the market for a luxury bed, Drom opened in Jaffa on Marzouk and Azar St. 11 with beds by Kluft, Hästens, Treca, Aireloom, and Novaluna.
With the lovely hostess Avigail Lapin Gera
And a trend lecture by The Visionary
A peek into the Hästens catalogue…
A truly luxurious bed has: horse hair.
Up to size 200x200
Photographer Alice Gao
At some point before I knew who Alice Gao was, her Instagram went viral and she approached 1M followers. Her still life and interior photography, composed and lit to perfection, are as hypnotizing as her documentary-style Instastories of the New York high life. Enjoy the ride.
Sarah Sherman Samuel’s Michigan Home
I’ve been following Sarah Sherman Samuel for nearly a decade as she designed her own homes in Los Angeles and Palm Springs. Now based in Michigan with high-profile clients across the US, she calls her style “artful modern” and has made her family this woodland retreat to call home.
IKEA Hack: Placemat Wall Decor
I’m making some affordable art for a client’s gallery wall. This ₪9 ($3) Mittbit placemat from IKEA fits her color scheme perfectly, and I framed it with the 40x50cm Hovsta for ₪49 (~$15).
She also wants basket-style wall decor mixed in. Somehow basket wall art is simultaneously ubiquitous and tough to find at a low price point. Instead we’ll use some more IKEA placemats, including one that I painted with some leftover pink paint from the samples I used on Talia’s wall.
It’s a subtle accent on the ₪9 Sluten placemat.
Talia’s Room
Earlier this year I shared Talia’s in-progress bedroom and plans for updates. Since then I’ve painted her walls pink and added a green mountain mural.
Her room before.
Testing pinks. Ended up going with Tambour’s Baked Alaska (top right).
First coat of green mountains in Tambour’s Green Maiden.
The end result.
This side of the room is still a bit rinky-dink and I may edit the scale of the mountains, but it’s fine for now.
This view I’m happy with. It has the wonderland feel I was going for.
Design Styles
Narrowing down your design style will help you define your home’s aesthetic. Take a moment to consider what you gravitate towards and which elements you like and, most importantly, dislike.
#1 - Clean & Serene
I’m calling this one Clean & Serene — minimalism with a light, bright palette. It can be modern or rustic or Mediterranean or Scandinavian; what these spaces have in common is “less is more” in white and neutral tones.
#2 - Fresh
A contemporary style with bold pops of color that feels playful, informal, and energizing. This is one of my favorites because paint is a budget-friendly way to make a big impact in a room.
#3 - Eclectic
This is my other favorite because it combines many styles. If you like mixing modern with vintage; displaying art, knick-knacks, and souvenirs from travel; and playing with pattern and texture, this is a good option. Add personality with unpredictable color combinations, like a pink kitchen counter or green and yellow in the dining room, and items used unconventionally, like a crate as a side table.
#4 - Modern Rustic
Modern Rustic blends farmhouse and cottage decor with contemporary designs. It’s semi-casual country charm, simultaneously polished and homey.
#5 - Bohemian
Also called Boho, this is your relaxed globe-trotting artist vibe. Though Bohemian and Boho are the same, the word Boho makes me think macrame, pampas grass, Moroccan poofs, and peacock chairs, while Bohemian makes me think baskets, plants, rattan, and layered Persian rugs. Both can look great but I veer towards the latter.
#6 - Maximalist
More is more! It’s not for everyone but it sure is fun.
#7 - New Traditional
Old-fashioned formality with updated comfort and sleek lines.
#8 - Contemporary
An Israeli favorite, Contemporary is modern and of the moment, “defined by simplicity, subtle sophistication, deliberate use of texture, and clean lines. Interiors tend to showcase space rather than things.” (The Spruce)
Beata Heuman, London
Beata Heuman’s rooms make me go WHAT! The combination of items are always — WHAT! Amazing. The artwork and light fixtures — amazing. The wallpaper and curtains — amazing. She makes the impossible amazing.
