OA Apartment | Maya Sheinberger

A Home That Feels Effortless and Refined

Nestled in the heart of Tel Aviv’s urban landscape, this meticulously designed apartment blends natural harmony with precise detailing. Soft light washes over the carefully curated surfaces, while natural materials strike the perfect balance between warmth and sophistication. Smart planning transforms the space into a haven of effortless living.

In this minimalist yet thoughtfully designed home, every element serves a distinct purpose—whether it’s the custom-built carpentry, the open-concept kitchen designed for seamless entertaining, or the integration of smart home solutions that enhance both function and ambiance. This apartment is more than just a beautifully designed space—it is a tailored living experience, precisely attuned to the lifestyle of its residents.

From a Standard Apartment to a Personalized Home

This 1,076 sq. ft. (100 sqm) apartment, located in a six-year-old residential building in central Tel Aviv, held great potential, yet its original layout didn’t reflect the lifestyle and aspirations of the young couple who purchased it. Alongside their two dogs, they sought a home that would allow them to embrace the energy of city life without sacrificing a sense of tranquility.

For them, achieving the perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and daily functionality was key. They envisioned a space designed to be both beautiful and highly practical—a home where smart storage, inviting warmth, and cutting-edge technology blend seamlessly into their routine. Beyond their own needs, it was crucial that the apartment be tailored to accommodate their pets, ensuring comfort and ease of movement for everyone—on two legs or four.

To bring their vision to life, they enlisted Maya Sheinberger, a designer renowned for her precise, minimalist approach that marries functionality with refined style. Together, they embarked on a design journey to transform the apartment into a space that feels natural, harmonious, and effortlessly livable.

A New Design for a New Lifestyle

The homeowners dreamed of a clean, organized home that felt warm and inviting rather than rigid or sterile. To achieve this, Sheinberger studied their daily habits, their practical needs, and the elements that were missing from their previous home. The result was a design plan that balanced high functionality with an understated, elegant aesthetic.

"This project wasn’t just a cosmetic upgrade—it required deep thought about how the space would function and be used daily," Sheinberger explains. "Throughout the process, we completely reconfigured the kitchen, added a concealed service area to maintain a sense of order and aesthetics, and designed a custom-built, double-sided carpentry unit that serves both the living area and bedroom, maximizing storage without compromising space. Every decision was made to ensure a home that seamlessly aligns with the couple’s lifestyle needs."

An Open and Airy Heart of the Home

Upon entering the apartment, a bright, open-plan space unfolds, designed to be the vibrant core of the home. The kitchen was relocated to enhance the sense of space, improve functionality, and optimize the flow of natural light streaming through the large windows.

The herringbone-patterned oak parquet flooring adds warmth and provides a neutral yet textured base that complements the light-colored custom carpentry and soft-toned walls. The color palette is composed of neutral shades, natural textures, and deep, moody accent tones in the furnishings, creating a subtle contrast that adds depth and layers of visual interest.

"The key to a well-balanced home is the precise combination of beauty and usability—where every design element serves a practical purpose without compromising on style," says Sheinberger.

A Functional and Thoughtfully Designed Kitchen

The kitchen is more than just a place for cooking—it’s the heart of the home, designed for daily gatherings and effortless functionality. Opting to forgo a traditional dining table, the couple prioritized a spacious central island that serves as both a workspace and an informal dining hub.

The walnut veneer cabinetry grounds the space with warmth, while the light countertops provide a crisp contrast. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, from the concealed coffee nook—a hidden surprise in soft pink—to the seamless built-in storage solutions that keep everything organized yet within reach.

A designated coffee nook, nestled within the cabinetry, reveals a delightful surprise with its deep pink interior, adding an intimate and personal touch. "The pink nook is a small pop of color and personality within the otherwise restrained palette—a little surprise to start the day with joy."

A Hidden Service Area for Ultimate Organization

Behind a seamless concealed door, one of the home’s most efficient features is revealed: a meticulously planned service area. This space houses a washer and dryer, alongside ample storage for cleaning supplies, small kitchen appliances, and household essentials.

"When designing an urban home, every inch counts. Multifunctional furniture, hidden storage, and clever design solutions ensure a tidy and effortlessly organized home without compromising practicality," Sheinberger explains.

A Soft and Inviting Living Room

The living room exudes warmth and comfort, featuring a large sand-colored sofa, curved light wood coffee tables, and a rich brown leather armchair with a powder blue accent cushion. A large cream-colored area rug anchors the seating arrangement, while a custom walnut veneer shelving unit elegantly frames the sofa, providing space for decorative objects, books, and curated art pieces.

A statement artwork by Israeli artist Yagil Weiler takes center stage, infusing the home with bold urban character and vibrant energy.

 
An Oasis in the City

Beyond the living room, a spacious urban balcony provides a peaceful retreat, with minimalist outdoor furniture and lush greenery, reinforcing the connection between interior and exterior spaces.

 
A Boutique-Inspired Bedroom Retreat

While the living room is designed for effortless entertaining, the bedroom is a retreat of pure tranquility—an intimate haven that exudes the elegance of a boutique hotel.

"We wanted to create a space where the homeowners could completely disconnect from the fast-paced city life and retreat into a world of calm," explains Sheinberger.

The subdued color palette is built around soft, neutral hues, enhanced by carefully selected textiles that add layers of depth and warmth. Custom-built wardrobes in a muted grayish-beige blend seamlessly with the walls, maintaining a clean, uncluttered look.

A rich, dark wood headboard extends across the length of the room, integrating minimalist bedside tables and a plush upholstered backrest that adds a soft, inviting texture. Delicate pendant lights on either side of the bed provide warm, ambient lighting, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere.

"A well-organized bedroom is the key to a serene living environment. When every item has a dedicated place, daily life becomes effortless, and the space remains calm and inviting," Sheinberger emphasizes.

Refined and Smartly Designed Bathrooms

The primary bathroom continues the home’s elegant and understated aesthetic, with a sleek white Corian countertop and an integrated sink, set atop a deep, moody green vanity. Stone-textured, large-format porcelain tiles wrap the space, lending a sense of refinement and tranquility.

A built-in mirror cabinet with built-in lighting enhances the sense of space while providing ample concealed storage. Instead of a traditional bathtub, a spacious walk-in shower was chosen, better suited to the homeowners’ daily routine and maximizing the available floor area.

"The choice to replace a bathtub with a large walk-in shower was about both aesthetics and practicality. It enhances the sense of openness while aligning with the couple’s modern, on-the-go lifestyle," explains Sheinberger.

To further elevate the bathroom experience, the space features a high-tech TOTO washlet toilet, offering advanced hygiene functions and personalized settings for ultimate comfort.

The guest powder room, though compact, maintains a strong visual presence, featuring a black floating vanity, a bold stone-textured accent wall, and a statement mirror with integrated LED lighting.

"A guest bathroom is an opportunity to create a little surprise—a design moment that stands out while remaining cohesive with the rest of the home," Sheinberger notes.

A Smart Home That Adapts to Its Residents

Technology was seamlessly integrated, with a smart home system controlled via an app and voice commands, allowing the couple to adjust lighting, climate control, and window treatments effortlessly.

"Beyond convenience, smart home technology transforms daily routines—streamlining climate control, lighting, and privacy settings with seamless, voice-activated or app-based automation,"  Sheinberger explains.

 
Perfectly Balanced Living

"This apartment is a testament to the power of thoughtful design—where precision and elegance merge to create a space that is both functional and inspiring. It’s more than just a home; it’s a reflection of a lifestyle where comfort, sophistication, and innovation exist in perfect harmony."

Interior Design: Maya Sheinberger
Photography: Itay Benit
Styling: Maya Livnat Harush