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The Kitchen I Designed for Myself—And Still Love Every Day

Posted on 29 July 2025

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

FinishProsConsNotes from Me
 Painted   MDFElegant, custom color options, refined lookCan chip over time, especially with heavy useI love it for upper and lower cabinets or detailed profiles.
 VeneerNatural wood feel, adds warmth and textureSensitive to moisture and heatGorgeous - great contrast material.
 FormicaVery durable, affordable, lots of design choicesLess upscale lookA smart choice for rentals or high-  traffic family kitchens.

Countertops

MaterialProsConsNotes from Me
CaesarstoneLow maintenance, lots of stylesNot fully heat-proofIt’s what I have—and I still love it.
PorcelainHeat, stain, and scratch resistant; ultra-modern appearanceBrittle edgesBeautiful for sleek designs.
DektonExtremely durable—heat and scratch, resistantHigher cost, requires expert installationPerfect for cooks who want to worry less.
GraniteUnique natural patterns, strong, heat resistantCan feel heavy visually depending on the stoneA timeless option

Sinks

MaterialProsConsNotes from Me
Stainless SteelClassic, affordable, durableCan show scratches and water spotsMy choice—and I’ve been completely happy with it.
SilgranitMatte finish, scratch and heat resistantLimited color optionsPopular with clients who want a softer, seamless look.

Faucets

FinishProsConsNotes from Me
Brushed NickelTimeless, hides fingerprints, easy to matchFewer dramatic style optionsUnderstated and reliable—my personal pick.
Matte BlackModern, bold statementShows mineral buildup in some areasBeautiful in contemporary kitchens with the right balance.
ChromeBright, sleek, inexpensiveShows fingerprints and spots easilyBest 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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