80 sq.m investment in Tel Aviv: This is how they did It right

• Interior Design: Mirey Nissim
• Investment Project: 3 Rooms, 80 Sq.m in Tel Aviv
• Photography: Karin Ravenna

Originally, this was a typical Tel Aviv apartment that hadn't been renovated since the 1950s—a one-room studio, open space, neglected and old, but with plenty of potential. "The client approached me with a request to upgrade the property, asking that future tenants could move in with just a suitcase, and have everything they need for a luxurious lifestyle," says interior designer Mirey Nissim. She adds, "I immediately understood that there was an opportunity to create a transformation and design a dream apartment! Not just a standard apartment with basic finishes, but one with high standards, combining practicality and aesthetics. It required precise planning for optimal use of space, storage solutions that create order and maintain a clean, minimalist look, a fully equipped and custom-designed kitchen, along with high-quality furniture and art."

Precise Planning for Maximum Utilization:

The work began with meticulous planning, which allowed me to create a 3-room apartment in the 80 sq.m space: a living room, two bedrooms, a main bathroom, and a private bathroom in one of the rooms, which can serve as a master suite or guest room. The cherry on top is a balcony that expands the living room space, creating a luxurious area that resonates with the urban location, bringing the greenery from outside into the home.

Total Renovation – We Tore Everything Down and Started from Scratch:

We embarked on the project with a new plan. There were various challenges, like numerous beams at different heights (some as low as 1 meter!), which posed limitations in a relatively small space that needed to be used carefully (especially in such a prime location). But we overcame everything. The beams were transformed into a design element, framing the public space—the living room and kitchen. In some areas, the beams were used practically, such as hiding the curtain system at the balcony entrance.

Creating Space in the Public Area:

To maintain a sense of openness in the public area, we decided to forgo the kitchen island (which can be bulky and prominent) and instead place a dining area. One side of the dining space has a wooden bench, and the other has seating chairs. This choice also helped preserve space in the kitchen area. The use of natural oak for the dining area, with rounded edges on the table, bench, and even the chairs, contributed to an airy, uncluttered atmosphere.

The kitchen was designed in a practical way with two sections: on the left, a wine fridge, water purifier, coffee machine, and cabinets for glasses and plates; on the right, the oven and stovetop. To maximize space, we extended the kitchen cabinets up to the ceiling for maximum storage functionality. Additionally, we concealed all the appliances by choosing fully integrated refrigerators and dishwashers, which were covered with cabinetry to create a uniform, aesthetic look.

For a sleek finish, we selected a white Corian countertop with an integrated sink and garbage disposal, as we agreed to upgrade and indulge. The kitchen windows were dressed with natural wooden Venetian blinds that complement the overall design.

The Living Room:

A lot of thought was also put into the living room design. At its center is a custom-built bookshelf with a TV screen. Part of it is a closed cabinet that contains wine glasses, plates, and serving bowls, while the other part features open shelves for accessories and items that create atmosphere.

Opposite the bookshelf is a light-colored, soft sofa with a wooden coffee table that complements the dining area. The ceiling features delicate lighting fixtures with recessed white spotlights and a magnetic track.

Refined Minimalism:

The chosen color palette was based on white, using light shades with touches of green and earthy tones in the furniture, accessories, and art. The combination of natural wood in the parquet flooring, furniture, and textiles added softness. On the living room wall, a piece by artist Shlomi Shiloni, featuring all the chosen colors, harmonizes with the home’s calming design language.

Bedroom #1:

A spacious, luxurious bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and toilet in a boutique urban Tel Aviv style. The flooring is made of authentic tiles, hinting at the building's history, and frosted glass adds flow to the space. The room features a minimalist work area with a natural wood desk and chair placed beneath a window that brings in plenty of light. At the center is a double bed with soft, comfortable textiles, and a large white shuttered wardrobe that reaches the ceiling, incorporating a built-in TV.

Bedroom #2:

Like the rest of the apartment, the second bedroom allows the green view to enter, giving a sense of connection to the outdoors. The room features a wooden cabinet combined with rattan, alongside a low storage unit, above which hangs an open, exposed metal rack that adds a lot of style. At the center is a large, low bed with a striking, beautiful painting in the background that echoes the greenery outside. Next to the bed is a sitting chair with hints of terracotta, combined with wood, and a black-framed mirror leaning against the wall.

Additional Features:

Other areas of the home were designed with service niches for a Dyson vacuum, a washing machine, a dryer, and even space for suitcases, all aimed at maintaining a high level of organization and creating a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.

Suppliers:

• Dining table, bench, and coffee table: Alon Dudu.
• Dining chairs: Prat Living.
• Sofa: Nissim Arad.
• Living room artwork: Shlomi Shiloni.
• Custom cabinetry: Nof Hayarden Carpentry.
• Bedroom furniture: Tomik.
• Accessories: Two M.
• Appliances: Savoy.