The dining area holds a unique place in Israeli domestic culture—far beyond just a place to eat. It is the beating heart of the home, where people gather, host, share, and even work. In an era where living spaces in Israel are getting smaller, the demand for functionality alongside aesthetics is growing, and designers are rising to the challenge, offering solutions suited to the times, reality, and needs of the Israeli home.

The past year has brought with it a variety of design trends that give the dining area a refreshing update: Modular design, natural materials, soft lines, calming colors—all without giving up personal style and touch. At the same time, Israeli culture continues to set the pace: A table that can be extended for a holiday meal, chairs that fold into a corner, and a space that accommodates cooking, entertaining, and family quality time.

Expandable Dining Areas: When Functionality Meets Elegance

From the ''White on White'' project – an expandable and pull-out table for hosting – Studio XS (credit: Gidi Boaz)
From the ''White on White'' project – an expandable and pull-out table for hosting – Studio XS (credit: Gidi Boaz)
One of the standout trends of recent years, which continues to gain traction this year, is the expandable dining area. At first glance—a regular wall or an innocent media unit, and when needed—a dining table. One that pulls out from a storage unit, sometimes including matching chairs, bringing the hosting experience back to the center of the home. This solution is especially suitable for small apartments and homes that require constant flexibility. The furniture is designed with clean, minimalist lines and integrates naturally into the space.

Space Instead of Walls: Preference for Open Areas Over Closed Rooms

XSME – Open-Minded Project – Designer Tamar Levinson (credit: ARIEL MEDINA)
XSME – Open-Minded Project – Designer Tamar Levinson (credit: ARIEL MEDINA)
Another prominent trend is giving up closed rooms in favor of an open space that includes a central dining area. Instead of an extra bedroom or home office, a space is created for gathering, meals, and interaction—a space that functions for everyday use as well as festive events. Dining tables made of natural wood, combined with upholstered chairs in calming tones, give this corner a sense of warmth and hominess and connect organically to the kitchen or living room space. Thus, an area is created that radiates quiet presence—without demanding unnecessary attention.

A Natural Extension of the Kitchen: A Table That Is Part of the Countertop

XSME, Designer Tamar Levinson (credit: AMIT GOSHER)
XSME, Designer Tamar Levinson (credit: AMIT GOSHER)
Another design solution stems from the understanding that the kitchen and dining area are no longer separate zones but part of the same experience. A design in which the table “grows” out of the kitchen island creates a harmonious flow and a natural sense of continuity. “These kinds of solutions combine minimalist design with high functionality,” explains Maya Shinberger, an expert in luxury minimalist design, interior designer, and author of the design book The New Minimalist Style. “The same surface can serve for food preparation, family meals, and entertaining, while the choice of low, upholstered chairs maintains comfort without compromising aesthetics.”

The New Center of the Home: When the Dining Area Gets Its Own Stage

The dining area is located at the center of the space – interior designer Maya Sheinberger (credit: Itay Banit)
The dining area is located at the center of the space – interior designer Maya Sheinberger (credit: Itay Banit)
When there’s enough space, the dining area receives the central position it deserves—between the kitchen and the balcony, surrounded by windows, bathed in light. This trend is influenced by the desire to merge indoor and outdoor living and make the most of Israel’s pleasant weather. Oval tables with rounded lines and soft color schemes create a gentle and pleasant feeling, softening the layout and adding calm. This corner is no longer “adjacent to the kitchen”—it is the heart of the home.

A Design Statement: A Dining Area That Tells a Story

The dining area is located in place of a canceled room - interior designer Maya Sheinberger (credit: Itay Banit)
The dining area is located in place of a canceled room - interior designer Maya Sheinberger (credit: Itay Banit)
Conversely, some choose to make the dining area a bold personal statement. No more matching chairs, but a mix of styles; no more an elegant table, but a piece with character—maybe even one passed down through generations. Books, artworks, display shelves, and unique lighting fixtures complete the look and turn the corner into a space that sparks conversation. This trend reflects the growing desire of residents to express themselves in their homes—not only through trends but also with touches of memories, color, and personality.

Sustainable Design: From Now On, the Environment Matters Too

The year 2025 continues the green line—with an emphasis on using recycled wood, rattan, bamboo, natural finishes, and earthy tones. At the same time, dining tables with marble, glass, or combinations of metal and wood surfaces provide a more elegant and modern look. Common color palettes include olive green, light blue, beige shades, and pastels, among others. Shapes are also evolving—more furniture with rounded, soft, and flowing edges, as opposed to the straight and sharp lines of the past. All of these converge into a design that is, on one hand, calm and natural—and on the other, present, personal, and up to date.

The Israeli dining area is not just surviving—it is thriving. It is evolving, becoming more sophisticated and modern—yet it never forgets its essence: To be the place where people come together. Whether it pulls out from the wall, connects to the kitchen, or stands at the center of the home, the new dining area reflects exactly what Israelis are looking for—flexibility, comfort, impressive design, and moments of togetherness.