Summer vacation brings plenty of family time, but also noise, movement and nonstop activity. When the home is working harder than ever, many families are realizing that parents need a space of their own, somewhere to pause, breathe and feel as though they have escaped on vacation without leaving the house.
According to Nirit Frenkel, owner of an architecture, planning and interior design studio, that is exactly why the master suite has changed so dramatically in recent years.
“I no longer design bedrooms. I design complete master suites,” she says. “The goal is to create a private retreat where parents can disconnect from the daily family routine, even when the children are at home. It is not about luxury. It is about quality of life.”
Today’s master suite, Frenkel explains, is designed as a self-contained living space. It may include a spacious bedroom, a luxurious bathroom, a walk-in closet and, in many cases, a sitting area, private balcony or direct access to the garden.
Private retreat
(Photo: Itai Benit)
“I love when a master suite feels like a private resort,” she says. “Not in an extravagant way, but in the atmosphere it creates. Being able to open the balcony doors in the morning, enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking the garden or end the day in your own quiet corner completely changes the way a home feels.”
One of the key elements Frenkel emphasizes is the connection between indoor and outdoor living. “We live in a Mediterranean country, so I always try to make the most of the climate,” she says. “A private balcony, a small courtyard or even a large picture window that brings the greenery indoors and overlooks the swimming pool can extend the suite far beyond its four walls.”
Master suite designed as a self-contained living space
(Phot: Itai Benit)
Parents master suite
(Photo: Itai Benit)
The bathroom, she adds, has also become an essential part of the experience. “I design it as a natural extension of the bedroom,” Frenkel says. “Spacious walk-in showers, a bathtub whenever space allows, natural light, organic materials and soft lighting all matter. These are the spaces where we begin and end the day, so they should create a sense of calm.”
The walk-in closet has also taken on a new role. “It is no longer just a functional storage area,” she says. “It is part of the suite and part of the daily experience. When planned properly, with custom carpentry, thoughtful lighting and comfortable circulation, it adds order, calm and a greater sense of space.”
Feels like a private resort
(Photo: Itai Benit)
Organic materials and soft lighting
(Photo: Itai Benit)
For Frenkel, the best master suites feel timeless rather than trend-driven. “I always aim to create a feeling that will last for years,” she says. “Natural wood, stone, quality textiles, soft lighting and a calm color palette create interiors that do not quickly feel dated. To me, that is the essence of true luxury.”
During summer vacation, when the home becomes the center of daily life, Frenkel believes the master suite matters more than ever. “Ultimately, a well-designed home should make room for everyone,” she says. “Children need places where they can play and grow, but parents also need a space where they can slow down, reconnect and recharge. When a master suite is thoughtfully planned, it becomes the place you look forward to returning to every day.”