Inside an Eclectic Jaffa Penthouse Blending Parisian Flair and Local Roots

An eclectic penthouse in Jaffa, designed by interior architect Merav Cohen Kanias, reflects the cosmopolitan life of its owner—a retired pharmacist, journalist, and artist who has lived across Israel, Paris, and Korea. Spanning 97 square meters with 120 square meters of wrap-around terraces, the apartment bridges urban renewal with local history. Three cats were also factored into the design process as permanent residents.

The interior serves as a personal gallery, showcasing the owner's artwork alongside pieces by her late mentor, Georges Faget-Bénard. A standout painting, awarded a silver medal at the prestigious Salon des Artistes Français in February, holds pride of place above the piano. The apartment also features art nouveau furniture by Louis Majorelle, Lalique wall sconces, and Pierre Paulin's Pumpkin armchairs originally designed for the Élysée Palace.

Cohen Kanias integrated sand-colored terrazzo tiles with wood parquet to mimic a sandy seashore, while blue and green accents throughout the rooms evoke the Mediterranean landscape. Traditional mashrabiya screens filter the bright Tel Aviv sunlight, successfully blending Parisian elegance with Jaffa's authentic coastal heritage.