Kitchen sinks and antiquities: Showroom in Zichron Ya’akov preserves its rich architectural history

Interior designer Rebecca Citrin has the utmost respect for the 19th-century pioneers Zikhron Ya'akov. As she explains, in December 1882, 100 immigrants from Romania bought land in Zichron Ya'akov. They wanted to become farmers – but struggled against food shortages and malaria. In 1883, Baron Edmond James de Rothschild stepped in to help, and Zichron Ya'akov was named in memory of his father.

He planted trees, particularly eucalyptus, to soak up the swamps that attracted mosquitoes, and brought in professional planners and engineers to create the floor plan and landscape the main street with Southern European, French-inspired arched windows, houses with tiled roofs, and courtyards.

He also founded the vineyard and winery, which is why Zichron, like Binyamina next door (named after Rothchild's son), is known for its wines today.

Outside the exhibition space, barrels for olive trees are a nod to the winery opposite. (Photo: Zichron Ya'akov archive)

The area is becoming increasingly popular with home buyers from England, says Citrin. “I think it’s because of the history and small-town charm that the city has managed to maintain despite its growth and proximity to some of Israel’s most beautiful beaches.”

Citrin Design's project may not have involved clearing swamps – although they did have to evict the previous tenants and a huge flock of birds. But there were still challenges.

The brief was to convert a historic former olive oil press and grain mill in a building once owned by Baron Rothschild into Roni's Ceramics' new showroom.

Arched mirrors reflect the architectural curves of the building. (Photo: Zichron Ya'akov archive)

“We had to showcase this store's wide selection of kitchen and bathroom products while respecting the historic character of the preserved building, such as its unique oil press machine and the original roof and windows,” says Citrin, whose husband Ilan joined the company In 2022, responsible for topics such as solar and smart home technology as well as project management. “The design concept focused on the harmony between the fun, modern and colorful bathroom designs and the rich history of the building and surrounding area.

“It was a real challenge to beautifully display toilets with antiques!” she jokes.

The roof and walls of the building were protected, as were the window glass and the old oil press itself, leaving them untouched.

The original blue color of the window frames was retained, as were the colorful window grilles. “Imperfections add to the charm of the building. We added the wooden window sills because [the originals] were so damaged,” says Citrin. The carpenter for the project was Rafi Mizrahi.

A new floor was approved. However, the flooring did not go smoothly.

“There is a large stone in the middle of the ground. We don’t really know what it was,” Citrin says. The stone had to be left in place and after some consideration it was decided not to use it as a display base but to leave its natural beauty unvarnished.

Counter sides work well for displaying ceramics. (Photo: Zichron Ya'akov archive)

The lights were purchased from Trend Lighting in Hadera (“they are neutral and modern, with an industrial feel and frame the eclectic character of the building”). But the installation was a big problem as everything had to be hung on thin wires to maintain the original ceiling.

A clever addition from Citrin are the three double-sided mirrors mounted on half a wall, dividing the large exhibition space and again avoiding hanging items from the ceiling.

“What's important to me,” she says, “is that they expand the space while giving the impression of individual rooms (one above each sink and vanity).” Each display is experienced as a separate space, which not only helps the customer , to imagine the sink in a bathroom, but also “an efficient way to get the most out of the space without making it feel crowded.” Its shape also repeats the motif of curves and arches.

“Another interesting thing [about the building] This means you are not in a bathroom environment. Typically, a bathroom showroom is a sterile environment. [so the customer can imagine the products in their own bathroom]. “Here you're already in an environment with a very strong voice.” Still, the showroom had to appeal to customers who were looking for “something edgy” as well as those who were looking for “something marbled and neutral.”

Weathered walls complement a sink in natural tones. (Photo: Zichron Ya'akov archive)

They also wanted to present a wide range of products in different combinations to inspire customers. However, since nothing could be attached to the original walls, ingenuity was required. That's why almost every free surface is tiled with ceramics from the Roni range – for example along the office counter and on the side of the cupboard that serves as storage space – and there is an alternative sink in every drawer of the kitchen island. Free-standing additional black frames are also used for product presentations.

“They appear reserved, but are partially open, so we don’t miss the amazing wall behind them,” says Citrin. “On the wall you can see its history – plaster from 50 years ago and underneath a different color from 100, maybe 140 years ago – that is the narrative of the building.” There is even moss on the wall – inside.

Special wall with Osaka wallpaper from JAB Anstoetz. The frames allow multiple products to be displayed while avoiding damage to the building. (Photo: Zichron Ya'akov archive)

Countless hanging plants were introduced “to emphasize the feeling of a ruin, as if nature had reclaimed a piece to celebrate it.”

A separate building is used to display parquet. Here Citrin has used a striking Japanese wallpaper, Osaka by JAB Anstoetz.

“The color is harmonious, but the Japanese lady is quite a contrast to Baron Rothschild,” says Rebecca, who likes to play with harmony and contrast in this way, finding a common language between elements in a design space – it could be color or texture… In the same building, a pink kitchen adds a splash of color.

Another topic of conversation is the antique chair, upholstered by local specialist Lilly Pais at Extrobad.

A new glass door with Belgian windows was installed in the building, again giving an antique but slightly industrial look. The olive trees in barrels in front of the exhibition room are a nod to the Zichron winery opposite.

Arched mirrors reflect the architectural curves of the building. (Photo: Zichron Ya'akov archive)

“Roni's Tiles is no longer an ordinary store in the world of building materials,” says owner Roni Biton. “It’s not just another store, it’s also a place for the creative soul of everyone who comes here.”

The exhibition space includes a gallery of historical photos that Ilan found in the Zichron Ya'akov archives, including images from Baron Rothschild's visit. If Rothschild were to visit today, he would no doubt be pleased to see how his vision has progressed – and how the memory of the original city has been respected.

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Project: Citrin Design, citrindesign.com

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Exhibition space: Ronis Arichim, Bet Habat 2, Zichron Ya'akov, Israel.

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