In the bustling heart of Tel Aviv, a young couple named Aviv Wexler and Nadav Ben Nun recently transformed their cramped 55-square-meter rental apartment into a colorful sanctuary. Drawing from personal loss and a passion for design, they used budget-friendly ideas to create a lively space filled with plants, handmade items, and travel mementos, proving that small homes can feel expansive and joyful.
From Grief to Creative Spark
Aviv Wexler, 28, switched careers after her father’s death, moving from tech to interior design. She found solace in creating beautiful spaces, and this apartment became her first personal project.
Nadav Ben Nun, also 28, supports her as a PhD candidate in bioinformatics. They moved into the Zvulun Street rental a year ago, facing a space cluttered with old furniture. Aviv saw opportunity where others saw limits.
She studied at Studio 6B and worked with designer Micol Zanzuri before starting her own business. This transformation reflects her belief that a home should heal and inspire.
Recent trends in Tel Aviv show more young professionals opting for rentals amid rising housing costs. In 2025, apartment prices in the city averaged over 50,000 shekels per square meter, pushing couples like Aviv and Nadav to innovate.
Planning the Budget Transformation
Aviv began with a 3D model to map out changes. They worked within a tight budget, focusing on DIY efforts and smart buys.
Over two weeks, they cleared bulky items and added multifunctional pieces. This approach aligns with growing interest in sustainable design, as seen in recent Tel Aviv projects emphasizing adaptability.
They sourced items from local markets, online finds, and family heirlooms. Such strategies help renters avoid permanent changes while personalizing spaces.
In 2025, budget interior design searches surged by 30 percent in Israel, driven by economic pressures and social media inspiration.
Living Room Highlights and Clever Touches
The living room features a mustard modular sofa that adapts for guests or work. Aviv paired it with an Ikea rug and a coffee table from a kibbutz couple via Facebook Marketplace.
They added greenery in unique planters, like punctured basketballs, and a vintage sewing table from Nadav’s grandmother. A wall puzzle from Aviv’s dad adds emotional depth.
- Modular furniture for flexibility in small spaces
- Upcycled items to cut costs and add character
- Plants to bring life and improve air quality
These elements create a warm, inviting area for daily life. Evening routines include playing records on a thrifted player, blending nostalgia with modern living.
A recent survey by Israeli design firms shows 40 percent of Tel Aviv renters use similar DIY methods to enhance rentals without landlord issues.
Kitchen and Bedroom Innovations
The kitchen got simple updates like open shelving for easy access. They incorporated travel souvenirs, turning functional areas into storytelling spots.
In the bedroom, soft lighting and layered textiles provide comfort. Aviv focused on multifunctional storage to maximize the 55-square-meter layout.
| Feature | Description | Budget Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Modular Sofa | Separates into armchairs | Buy versatile pieces under 2,000 shekels |
| Planters | Made from recycled balls | DIY for less than 100 shekels each |
| Coffee Table | Handmade marketplace find | Hunt local sales for unique items |
| Lighting | Arched lamp from local store | Opt for affordable accents to brighten rooms |
This table highlights how they balanced cost and style. Such ideas resonate with 2025 trends, where eco-friendly transformations gained popularity after global sustainability pushes.
Broader Impact and Future Plans
Their story inspires others facing similar challenges. Aviv now designs for clients, applying lessons from this project to help families create meaningful homes.
In Tel Aviv, where space is premium, transformations like this show creativity trumps size. Recent events, like the 2025 Design Week, featured similar budget makeovers, drawing crowds eager for practical advice.
Aviv and Nadav plan to expand their collections with more travels. Their home stands as a testament to turning grief into growth.
Share your own rental transformation stories in the comments below, or spread this article to friends tackling small spaces. Your input could spark the next big idea.
