When we think of religious observances and customs, rarely do we take into consideration the décor of our home. Traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation feel as if they are etched in stone and cannot be altered. But things are changing. How we live and what we love is becoming a bigger part in how we celebrate, create a sense of spirituality and bring a sense of joy into our homes.
The way we decorate where we live embodies the colors we love and the styles that bring us comfort. Living among the objects that are both functional and fashionable creates the safe space that we crave. We want to be able to honor traditions that are thousands of years old but look as minimalist or bold and bright as the way we dwell. Because we are spending more time than ever at home, we want every element to fit into our lifestyle and aesthetic.
Apeloig Collection is a line of Judaica products known for honoring Jewish rituals with elegant designs that reflect home décor trends. The company’s trademark material is acrylic in more than a dozen colors that can play with light, act as a camouflage against doorposts and, in some cases, shine like a chandelier. Over the past several years, calls and emails from gift givers have been making room for communications from interior designers.
When the company was still in its infancy, acrylic was selected as the base material for the objects. Acrylic offers a luxurious look and feel, and the material has a strong, modern aesthetic. Rarely is it used in Judaica, so it communicates something that is unique and unexpected — the way we want our homes to appear.
Our brand launched four years ago with an acrylic mezuzah case, a decorative case that houses specific Hebrew verses and is placed on the doorposts of a home. Today, instead of filigree silver or mosaic cases that are traditional, homeowners are selecting colors and textures that complement the design aesthetic of the home. Those with a love of minimalist designs gravitate toward white and gray, while people who find bliss in bold colors love orange and yellow. Now that indoor-outdoor spaces are a must-have in areas with warmer climates, green has become one of the most popular choices. When black became a trending color at design shows, it was immediately added to the collection and became a best-seller. In essence, people are shopping for a religious item not only based on a religious need but because they are driven to make a selection based on the design of their room.
Part of the success in creating high-design items for religious customs is that they should also be used for multiple secular purposes in the home. We want the sentiment and emotions of the holiday to be a part of everyday life. This was the inspiration behind our acrylic menorah that transforms into a flower display. Places for the candles are designed to hold water and arranged with the flowers of choice. The piece has been used as a dining centerpiece on coffee tables and even in offices. People might shy away from a luxurious religious item that is a statement piece, but when it can be incorporated into someone’s home décor and used daily, the item’s use is transformed — and so is the reason for the purchase.
The same can be said for our challah bread board. Available in 11 trending colors, the board is made from beautiful translucent acrylic, making it dazzling as it is versatile. Those with a passion for design appreciate its features, including a magnetically-attached knife and a built-in dish for salt or honey. Ergonomic borders make the board easy to grip. The stripes are built into the bottom of the board to keep the surface perfectly smooth. When not being used for the Sabbath, the board transforms into a cheese plate, a bread board, a bagel platter for brunches and more. Setting a beautiful table has become a reflection of the occasion and who we are, so having a serving piece that is also an object of art is a natural part of the experience.
The growing trend in home décor to customize and personalize items has also made its way to time-honored traditions. More people want to create an item that is unique and special just for them. This can be in a simple monogram or a total custom design based on one of our existing products. In many ways, we have seen this trend with decorative items, such as pillows and furniture, and now, we see it with cases for sacred items. People are no longer taking out grandma’s platter or candle sticks and then putting them away when the occasion is over. They are finding a color, material and design that is a part of their lifestyle and then taking it a step further to make it personalized and unique.
As our need for spirituality and wellness grows, so does our desire to have it reflect our passion for design. A well-designed space has a natural flow and is decorated with objects that enhance. Having ritual items that fit into this philosophy is the essence of keeping the traditions alive.
Daniela and Gabriela Apeloig are the co-founders of Apeloig Collection, a company that strives to create Judaica products that honor Jewish rituals while paying tribute to a sleek, modern design aesthetic. Learn more at apeloigcollection.com..
