Tel Aviv: 8 minimalist spaces for quiet living
Over the last few months, the buzzing Middle-Eastern city of Tel Aviv has started a slow shift towards softer, quieter living, and a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic has become increasingly visible in interiors. From cafes and eateries to spas and hotels, we round up our favourite ones.
SHOP: PRAT LIVING
Prat Living is a concept store and design gallery owned by the design duo behind Dori-Interiors. And a place I love to stop by for an inspirational browse! In my opinion, it is the only place in town with such a sharp selection of Scandinavian brands. Furniture and accessories from Nordic retailers such as Bolia, Gejst or AYTM sit next to limited-edition collections by Israeli product designers. I particularly love the handmade lights of Asaf Weinbroom, who has an ongoing collaboration with the gallery. This is also where I manage to find my copies of Cereal Mag and Syndrom.
HaHashmal Street, 4
SHOP: HIBINO
A breath of fresh air in the busy city, Hibino harmoniously combines the simplicity of Scandinavian design with the subtle elegance of Japanese culture. Everything here talks of tradition and craftsmanship, and you can’t help but fill up with peace when you walk into this quiet space. Classic Danish icons by the likes of Hans J. Wegner or Nina Ditzel are styled in a pared-back decor, alongside Japanese ceramics from master artisans. Some of the brands you can find here include House of Finn Juhl, Fredericia and Carl Hansen & Son, as well as Moderato, Gato Mikio and Miyazaki Chair Factory. A gem!
Yavne Street, 30
EAT: HOC
HOC - House of coffee, is the newest coffee spot in town, opened in November 2019. Another one with Asian influences, expect your rice milk latte to be served on a crafted wooden tray, while you sit on sleek plywood furniture. If you have time to browse the shelves, you might also find ceramics by Japanese brands Kinto and Hasami Porcelain. It goes without saying that it is exactly my cup of tea (coffee). And their pastries are as delicious as they are photogenic!
Yitskhak Elkhanan Street, 13
EAT & SLEEP : ISLA
Pod hotels are all the rage in hospitality this year. But are they just a more glamorous label for hostel or do they really bring something new to the table? ISLA is one of the new comers on the Tel Aviv design scene, and I must admit they have the prettiest dorms I have ever seen. As a local I have never actually slept there but I hear they have adjustable smart beds so already, that sounds pretty good. You can see that every detail has been carefully considered, and the minimalist Nordic design elements provide a sense of calm and balance. With its light wood furniture and clean terrazzo - without mentioning the cannelés - Isla’s cafe is set to become a favourite work station for digital nomads.
Montefiore Street, 27
Photographer: Yoav Gurin
Photographer: Yoav Gurin
EAT: OPA
Somewhere in the somewhat dirty and downright noisy neighbourhood of Levinsky Market, a pristine white facade stands out like a clean spot. Once through the door, the contrast is even more striking. Light wooden furniture on a background of white walls, a patio bathed in natural light, scents of fresh fruits and vegetables, the entire decor suggests a refreshing break. Especially since here, the cuisine is as pure and minimalist as the space. Young chef Shirel Berger only works with plant-based ingredients, and believe me, it is exquisite. Interior designers Craft & Bloom and architect Vered Kadouri have chosen this most neutral of cases so the plate could remain the star of the show, and it is a work of art. Complemented by the handmade ceramics of Merav Waldman, a dinner adventure at Opa will delight all your senses.
Ha-Khalutzim Street, 8
Photographer: Ran Golani
Photographer: Sivan Askayo
SLEEP : THE LEVEE
Another 2019 opening, The Levee is located in the pretty Neve Tzedek area, in a villa built in 1913 and part of Tel Aviv'sUNESCO World Heritage Site. Understand restored and protected Bauhaus building. More residence than hotel, The Levee houses eight spacious apartments available for short-term rental to travellers seeking quiet and comfort. The walls have been stripped of any paint and coating to expose the building’s original cement and the wabi-sabi beauty of Tel Aviv’s historic villas. And I am especially in love with the minimalist branding by local design consultancy Studio Koniak.
Yehuda HaLevi Street 16
Photographer: Amit Geron
Photographer: Amit Geron
SLEEP : THE JAFFA
Scents of lavender and jasmine meet ivory and honey-coloured hues in a haven of peace located in the historical Jaffa port, whose old stones bear witness to 4,000 years of history. Such a rich heritage deserves to be respected, and the delicate mission of transforming this former dispensary into a contemporary hotel was entrusted to British architect John Pawson, a master of minimalism. A calm and enchanting atmosphere reigns here fostering contemplation. Is it because of the cloister-like way the space is organised, which filters out the hubbub of the city, or the mesmerising grandeur of the former chapel repurposed as a bar? Either way, I felt the serenity of the space when I went to interview Pawson, before the opening. In an instant, I understood that minimalism for him was neither a style nor even a signature but a real way of life, an aspiration towards a simpler existence, which has nourished him since childhood. And dear, can I relate…
Louis Pasteur Street, 2
RELAX : YOKO KITAHARA
Located in Old Jaffa in the tiniest of streets, hidden on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean sea, this Japanese spa is an ode to Japanese hospitality. Walking through the door, you will enter a space of healing, a place that refreshes the mind, body and soul. Whether you’ve booked yourself an essential oil massage or a shiatsu treatment, an experience at Yoko Kitahara will unfailingly start with a cup of tea and a calming Ashi-Yu foot bath. Then brace yourself for 90 minutes of bliss. The shop area also stocks finely crafted products from Japan and beyond, as well as natural cosmetics to take the pampering experience home.
Kikar Kdumim, 5
