Project: Blue Bay Apartment
Architecture: Dudu Cohen
Location: Netanya, Israel
Year: 2025
Photo Credits: Oded Smadar
Blue Bay Apartment by Dudu Cohen perfectly captures the serene spirit of coastal living while celebrating the breathtaking beauty of the blue Mediterranean Sea. From the very beginning, the design team embraced the idea of creating a space that not only offers comfortable living by the sea but also formally expresses the sensation of the water, the sound of the waves, and the rhythm of the shifting sand.
Inspired by the Sea
Initially, when I visited the construction site, I continuously framed the view, thereby capturing images and feelings that resonated deeply with the surrounding environment and landscape. Consequently, I sought a formal and material expression of the sea, which is why I incorporated design elements that evoke both the sound of the waves and the gentle movement of the sand. In collaboration with Briga Real Estate, CEO Ronen Briga, and project managers Yair Kahlon and Tomer Alfasi, we created an apartment where every detail speaks to the allure of coastal life.
A Design of Calm, Warmth, and Function
The overall design is calm, pleasant, and inviting, featuring a beautiful palette of light shades that range from different tones of white to warm browns. Moreover, I enhanced the sense of warmth by integrating walnut accents and brushed brass elements throughout the apartment. In addition, all carpentry and furniture received a custom design specifically tailored for this project, which reflects our commitment to quality and aesthetic precision.
Furthermore, the kitchen, designed in collaboration with Habitat and Poliform, was specially manufactured in Italy. For example, a four-meter-long island crafted from a unique Taj Mahal stone by Fervital not only creates a practical workspace but also serves as an inviting area for both cooking and entertaining. In parallel, a tall eucalyptus bookcase with thin shelves of brushed brass occupies the corner between the living room and the hallway; behind this bookcase, I cleverly concealed a structural column, an air conditioning shaft, and the apartment’s electrical and communication panels. Thus, I was able to hide all technical systems and fully enjoy a clean, beautiful, and open design.
Clean Lines and Thoughtful Details
Additionally, the design features a clean and simple aesthetic marked by straight lines and a warm color palette. The four-meter-high ceiling, along with the towering cabinets and custom-made lighting fixtures hanging above the island, reinforces the sense of height and openness throughout the space. Notably, the lighting fixtures were created using a special blacksmithing process on glass and designed uniquely for this project. Meanwhile, for the bathrooms, I chose large tiles to achieve a beautiful, clean look that complements the movement of natural materials, and I combined walnut bathroom cabinets with clean white Corian to enhance this effect further. Moreover, warm, flattering lighting integrated into the mirrors and walls—along with carefully selected accessories—brings a personalized touch to each bathroom.
A Harmonious Collaboration
Finally, the furniture selection further attests to the apartment’s refined aesthetic. In close collaboration with Tollman’s, we ordered bespoke pieces from Italy, including a sofa by Saba and armchairs and beds by Bonaldo. Additionally, I chose soft, natural fabrics in light shades to express a feeling of silence and tranquility through textiles. In addition, every decorative pillow, bedspread, and bedding element was carefully chosen in collaboration with Ella Decor, resulting in a complete and cohesive look in each bedroom.
In conclusion, Blue Bay Apartment stands as a sophisticated seaside haven that masterfully balances modern elegance with the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. Therefore, this project not only offers comfortable and practical living but also invites its residents to experience the serenity, warmth, and artistic expression inspired by the sea.
