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, creating a sense of spirituality and bringing a sense of joy to our homes.
The way we decorate our homes — and even our offices, in many cases — embodies the colors we love and the styles that bring us comfort. Living among 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. It comes 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.
Home décor can be considered more than just furniture; it’s also the way we set our tables and enjoy celebrations. Several home trends are being embraced for 2021 and are having an influence on religious traditions. “Grandmillennial” style, a contemporary take on granny-chic design, at first seemed surprising, but considering that many people are craving items that are cozy and comforting, it’s understandable. The trend is being updated with a simple and stylish vibe. Apeloig Collection, inspired by a grandmother’s crochet challah cover, created a stunning, laser-cut design which mimics the design of a crochet in a definitely upscale and modern way.
When the company was founded, we launched 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 compliment the design aesthetic of the home. Those with a love of minimalist designs gravitate to white and gray, while people who find bliss in bold colors love orange and yellow. When black became a trending color at design shows, the color 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 based on the design of their room.
Another example is the popularity of indoor-outdoor spaces, which are must have in areas with warmer climates. This year, it seemed that many people wanted to go back to the basics, finding a new appreciation for house plants that refresh the air we breathe, brighten our mood and give us something to care for. This trend has made green one of the most popular mezuzah choices.
Part of the reason for creating high-design items for religious customs is that they can 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.
We see the concept of multi-functional items in the home as the wave of the future. As we become more conscious shoppers, we are interested in items that can be used in many ways for longer amounts of time. Spending more time at home makes us realize the potential of each room, each piece of furniture and each item.
The same can be said for our challah bread board. Available in 11 trending colors, the board is made with beautiful translucent acrylic, making it dazzling as well as versatile. Those with a passion for design appreciate its features, including a magnetically-attached knife that will never harm the acrylic surface 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 a work 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 through a simple monogram or a total custom design based on one of our existing products. In many ways, we have already seen this trend with decorative items, such as pillows and furniture; now, the same is true 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 is our desire to have it reflected in our homes. 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 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.
