The Kitchen I Designed for Myself—And Still Love Every Day
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients bring their dream kitchens to life here in Israel. But the kitchen I come home to—the one I designed for myself—is the space that’s taught me the most.
It’s where I prepare meals for Shabbat, where our grandchildren gather on a Sunday afternoon and where everyday life unfolds. And even after all this time, I still love it. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
So I’m sharing the materials and finishes I chose for my own kitchen—what I love about them, how they’ve held up, and what I recommend to my clients today. I’ve also included a breakdown of the most common options I work with so you can make informed decisions for your own home.
What I Chose for My Kitchen
Cabinets: Painted + Veneer
I used a combination of painted MDF and natural wood veneer for my cabinets. The painted doors offer a classic, clean-lined look, while the veneer adds warmth and depth. It’s a pairing I’ve loved from the start—and I still do.
It’s beautiful, functional and timeless.
Countertops: Caesarstone
I chose Caesarstone quartz in a soft off whitel tone. It’s held up wonderfully through years of use from daily cooking to holiday prep.
It still looks and functions exactly as I hoped.
Sink: Stainless Steel
While some clients today are drawn to Silgranit, I went with a stainless steel sink—and I’m very happy with it.
It’s practical, low-maintenance, and fits any style.
Faucet: Brushed Nickel
A brushed nickel pull-down faucet was the perfect match. It’s subtle, reliable, and still works beautifully.
It’s simple, sleek, and easy to clean.
The Pros and Cons of Kitchen Material Options
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the finishes and fixtures I regularly recommend and work with:
Cabinet Finishes
| Finish | Pros | Cons | Notes from Me |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painted MDF | Elegant, custom color options, refined look | Can chip over time, especially with heavy use | I love it for upper and lower cabinets or detailed profiles. |
| Veneer | Natural wood feel, adds warmth and texture | Sensitive to moisture and heat | Gorgeous - great contrast material. |
| Formica | Very durable, affordable, lots of design choices | Less upscale look | A smart choice for rentals or high- traffic family kitchens. |
Countertops
| Material | Pros | Cons | Notes from Me |
| Caesarstone | Low maintenance, lots of styles | Not fully heat-proof | It’s what I have—and I still love it. |
| Porcelain | Heat, stain, and scratch resistant; ultra-modern appearance | Brittle edges | Beautiful for sleek designs. |
| Dekton | Extremely durable—heat and scratch, resistant | Higher cost, requires expert installation | Perfect for cooks who want to worry less. |
| Granite | Unique natural patterns, strong, heat resistant | Can feel heavy visually depending on the stone | A timeless option |
Sinks
| Material | Pros | Cons | Notes from Me |
| Stainless Steel | Classic, affordable, durable | Can show scratches and water spots | My choice—and I’ve been completely happy with it. |
| Silgranit | Matte finish, scratch and heat resistant | Limited color options | Popular with clients who want a softer, seamless look. |
Faucets
| Finish | Pros | Cons | Notes from Me |
| Brushed Nickel | Timeless, hides fingerprints, easy to match | Fewer dramatic style options | Understated and reliable—my personal pick. |
| Matte Black | Modern, bold statement | Shows mineral buildup in some areas | Beautiful in contemporary kitchens with the right balance. |
| Chrome | Bright, sleek, inexpensive | Shows fingerprints and spots easily | Best for clean, minimalist kitchens if you're OK wiping often. |
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “right” choice when designing a kitchen—it’s all about finding the balance between beauty, durability, and how you live.
The materials I chose reflect how I cook, how I host, and how I want my home to feel. After years of use, I still love walking into my kitchen each day. And I hope the same will be true for you.
If you're designing a home in Israel and want your kitchen to feel just as timeless, just as right, I’d love to help.
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