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Collection by Ali Fraenkel

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At a recent event for Mentor’s organization Ndryshimtarët, which offers personal development and leadership workshops, about 20 guests gather for dinner and conversation. “We want our home to evoke feelings of warmth, openness, vibrance, and sanctuary for anyone entering it,” says Ali.
At a recent event for Mentor’s organization Ndryshimtarët, which offers personal development and leadership workshops, about 20 guests gather for dinner and conversation. “We want our home to evoke feelings of warmth, openness, vibrance, and sanctuary for anyone entering it,” says Ali.
Biontina Fazliu, a colleague of Mentor’s, arrived ahead of dinner to help put things together.
Biontina Fazliu, a colleague of Mentor’s, arrived ahead of dinner to help put things together.
Blue cabinetry in the kitchen was custom matched to the handmade backsplash tiles by Kreativ Qeramika. Against the apartment’s effusion of color, herringbone hardwood floors throughout are a warm, unifying element.
Blue cabinetry in the kitchen was custom matched to the handmade backsplash tiles by Kreativ Qeramika. Against the apartment’s effusion of color, herringbone hardwood floors throughout are a warm, unifying element.
Ali and Mentor share a laugh in the living area.
Ali and Mentor share a laugh in the living area.
At the end of the living room, sliding glass doors lead to the terrace, which is as large as the apartment and provides additional entertaining space in warm months.
At the end of the living room, sliding glass doors lead to the terrace, which is as large as the apartment and provides additional entertaining space in warm months.
The meditation room, which doubles as a guest room, is where Ali and Mentor recharge. “We occasionally go into hermit mode and take a week or two off from hosting,” says Mentor.
The meditation room, which doubles as a guest room, is where Ali and Mentor recharge. “We occasionally go into hermit mode and take a week or two off from hosting,” says Mentor.
Playful lighting fixtures and rich colors distinguish the couple’s bedroom and glass-walled bathroom.
Playful lighting fixtures and rich colors distinguish the couple’s bedroom and glass-walled bathroom.
The “wiggles” repeated on the bed frame, side table, and vanity, all designed by Muza, “represent the continuity of dreams and desires,” says Syla.
The “wiggles” repeated on the bed frame, side table, and vanity, all designed by Muza, “represent the continuity of dreams and desires,” says Syla.
A free-form arch separates the living area from the den, where a wallpaper mural overlooks a sofa from Flexlux and a rug from Muza Rugs. The coffee table, made from 100-year-old wood, consists of three pieces that can be arranged in various ways, including as an improvised laptop stand.
A free-form arch separates the living area from the den, where a wallpaper mural overlooks a sofa from Flexlux and a rug from Muza Rugs. The coffee table, made from 100-year-old wood, consists of three pieces that can be arranged in various ways, including as an improvised laptop stand.
Ali Fraenkel and Mentor Dida prepare for one of the many gatherings they host in their penthouse in Prishtina, Kosovo. Self-described “changemakers,” they regularly open their home to 20 or more people for get-togethers with live music from local artists or guest speakers like Uta Ibrahimi, the first Albanian woman to climb Mount Everest. The couple worked with designers Fitore Syla and Njomza Havolli of local firm Muza to create a balance of open and intimate spaces. “Gathering people is our shared calling,” says Ali.
Ali Fraenkel and Mentor Dida prepare for one of the many gatherings they host in their penthouse in Prishtina, Kosovo. Self-described “changemakers,” they regularly open their home to 20 or more people for get-togethers with live music from local artists or guest speakers like Uta Ibrahimi, the first Albanian woman to climb Mount Everest. The couple worked with designers Fitore Syla and Njomza Havolli of local firm Muza to create a balance of open and intimate spaces. “Gathering people is our shared calling,” says Ali.
The reading nook was a special request of Ali’s. “She wanted a semihidden corner that was still connected to the living room,” says Syla. “It’s a special spot.”
The reading nook was a special request of Ali’s. “She wanted a semihidden corner that was still connected to the living room,” says Syla. “It’s a special spot.”