E Apartment by Maya Sheinberger
An apartment in Tel Aviv, Israel, was transformed into a refined, modern home tailored for a young family by designer Maya Sheinberger. Designed in 2024, the 120 sqm space blends understated luxury with minimalist warmth and smart functionality through a thoughtful planning, a natural material palette, and a balanced color scheme.
About E Apartment
In the heart of Tel Aviv, a standard 120 sqm developer apartment was transformed into a refined, modern home tailored for a young family with three teenage children. Through thoughtful planning, a natural material palette, and a balanced color scheme, this project blends understated luxury with minimalist warmth and smart functionality.
“You can’t just dress up a developer apartment with pretty decor — the layout must change to truly suit the residents,” explains designer Maya Sheinberger.
This principle guided a series of strategic changes: enlarging the kitchen, replacing the guest bathroom with a custom workspace, and integrating smart storage solutions through tailored carpentry that flows seamlessly throughout the apartment. Advanced technologies were also introduced, including a smart home system to control lighting, curtains, and HVAC, as well as underfloor heating for added comfort.
A New Layout Tailored to the Family
From the early planning stages, the focus was on customizing the apartment to meet the family’s exact needs. The guest bathroom was eliminated in favor of a dedicated home office, nestled in a niche finished in a rich olive green and anchored by a smoked oak desk and built-in storage.
“The clients wanted a workspace that was integrated into the public area but didn’t interrupt its flow,” says Sheinberger.
The bespoke cabinetry extends from the entrance through the dining area, housing double-sided storage and concealing the electrical panel, maintaining a clean and elegant look.
Kitchen and Living Area: Minimalist and Refined
The kitchen is open to the living space and features a mix of dark hues and natural materials. Tall matte cabinets with integrated handles pair with smoked oak veneer lower units, while dark gray natural stone countertops add a sense of sophistication. The central island functions as both a prep area and a casual dining spot.
In the living room, a soft-toned sand-colored sofa, a wood-and-leather lounge chair, and a curated mix of handcrafted coffee tables — one with smoked glass, the other with a custom wood pattern — create an inviting atmosphere. A dark metal shelving unit frames the TV wall, continuing the design language of charcoal tones and warm wood.
Adjacent to the living room, the dining area features a black wood table with red leather chairs on one side and a black leather bench on the other, adding both contrast and warmth.
Bedrooms: A Blend of Comfort and Function
The parents’ bedroom maintains the home’s soft color palette with a gray upholstered bed and rich textiles. Delicate lighting and wooden nightstands contribute to a cozy feel. Floor-to-ceiling mirrored wardrobes enhance the room’s sense of space, while a smoked oak vanity — which can double as a second workspace — provides extra storage.
One of the children’s bedrooms was designed in a calm palette of black, white, and gray, with personalized elements to reflect the teen’s individuality. A padded headboard, black desk, and smart storage complete the space.
Bathrooms: Sleek and Elegant
Both the family and en-suite bathrooms carry the apartment’s elegant minimalism. The main bathroom features a walnut veneer vanity topped with white Corian, mirrored cabinets for added storage, and recessed lighting for a soft ambiance.
The parents’ bathroom includes a frameless glass shower, walnut cabinetry with white Corian tops, dark tiled walls, and brushed stainless steel fixtures, creating a luxurious, streamlined retreat.
Maximizing Space with Smart Design
Every corner of the home was optimized for space and functionality.
“The goal was to make the apartment feel spacious without compromising usability,” says Sheinberger.
Hidden and integrated storage solutions are found throughout — from corridor closets and kitchen niches to mirrored cabinets in the bathrooms that expand the sense of space while keeping things organized.
Minimalism with Soul
This apartment exemplifies the harmony between modern minimalism and inviting warmth. Every detail was designed to meet the family’s needs while maintaining a clean, timeless aesthetic.
“This home shows that classic furniture, natural materials, and a dark palette can coexist in a space that feels light, balanced, and welcoming,” concludes Sheinberger. “It’s a place that feels instantly comfortable — and will remain relevant for years to come.”
Photography by Itay Benit
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