White Balance, Jaffa

The buildings in old Jaffa tell the stories of families during different generations; couples lived in first floor-apartments, and build additional floors as their children grew up. Time passed, and with changes in generation came changes in colors, materials and details of the Jaffa houses.

Israeli architect, Ilan Pivko, was aware of Jaffa’s architectural history when he designed a complex of buildings in Jaffa 14 years ago. Ilan Pivko preserved the environment’s story by keeping details, such as old windows, from the original neighborhood.

Dafna Kastiel, an Israeli industrial and interior designer, moved to this complex seven years ago. She wanted to live in Jaffa, outside of Tel Aviv, and still be part of the city life. Her apartment in Jaffa, with a view of the Jaffa port and sea, gave her a feeling of vacation which she emphasizes in her interior design – with white floors, curtains and walls. She further added a few pieces from her travels and the Jaffa market, to make the space more colorful and personal.

The apartment is quite big, divided into a bedroom and living space. It fits her needs for the moment, with the freedom to change if necessary.