If terraces were once used mainly for potted plants and backyards were reserved for holiday meals, in recent years outdoor spaces have become some of the most sought-after and carefully designed areas of the home. More and more Israelis are now investing in terraces, gardens, and outdoor seating areas almost as much as they do in their interior spaces - and sometimes even more.
This trend, driven in part by a strong culture of hospitality, the desire to create a vacation-like feeling at home, and Israel’s climate, which allows for extended outdoor use throughout most of the year, is also reshaping the way homes and apartments are designed.
“People want to feel as though they are living in a resort,” says Arik Ben Simhon. “Even when it comes to a small urban terrace, the goal is to create a sense of freedom, relaxation, and an atmosphere that is hard to leave behind.”
According to him, the line between interior and exterior design is becoming increasingly blurred. “The living room no longer ends at the glass doors. It extends outdoors - to the seating areas, lighting, textiles, and outdoor kitchenettes. People are looking for design continuity, so that the terrace or garden feels like a natural extension of the home.”
From Functionality to a Lifestyle Experience
Where outdoor furniture was once viewed as a purely practical solution, it has now become an integral part of the home’s overall design language. Large seating arrangements, rich fabrics, soft lighting, designer tables, and natural materials create spaces that feel more like the lobby of a boutique hotel than a standard residential terrace.
“The outdoors is the oxygen of the home,” says Ben Simhon. “It’s the place where people pause, disconnect from their routine, and create a quiet retreat for themselves.”
The trend is also gaining momentum thanks to Israel’s climate conditions. Despite the hot summers, evenings and nights make it possible to enjoy outdoor spaces regularly throughout most of the year - from garden dinners and entertaining guests to simply relaxing on the terrace.
Durability Has Also Become Part of the Design
Alongside the growing aesthetic importance of outdoor spaces, the materials and technologies used in the field have advanced significantly. Modern outdoor furniture is designed to withstand sun exposure, humidity, and intensive use without compromising on comfort or a luxurious appearance.
“Today, people understand that outdoor design is no longer a passing trend,” Ben Simhon concludes. “For many, it is the most important corner of the home - the place where they truly enjoy spending their time.”
