Screenwriter Elad Chen Transforms His Home in Moshav Habonim into a Bright, Humorous Space Reflecting Family Life

Screenwriter Elad Chen, known for popular Israeli TV series such as "Elisha," "Kfula," and "Soshered HaTza'ir," and his wife Yaara, an engineer, dreamed of a joyful, bright, and unconventional home. After purchasing a 200-square-meter house in Moshav Habonim overlooking the sea, they undertook a major renovation costing approximately 900,000 shekels. The house, originally built in 2010 with a dated 1990s style and several structural and functional issues, was transformed over eight months of planning and execution into a space that tells their story through unique design elements.

The renovation involved demolishing interior walls, including a key wall separating the stairway from the kitchen that blocked natural energy flow. This was replaced by a large metal bookshelf doubling as a railing. The kitchen was redesigned for efficiency and increased storage, featuring mint and oak tones and a sink facing the sea. The living and dining areas were expanded and furnished with custom pieces, including a 3.6-meter sofa and a handcrafted dining table purchased for 1,400 shekels.

Acoustic challenges were addressed by lowering ceilings and using insulation, while air conditioning units were cleverly concealed within gypsum structures to maintain proportions. Bathrooms were enlarged and modernized, with a glass partition added between the master bedroom and bathroom to enhance openness. The studio was created as a multifunctional space for work and family viewing, decorated with posters from Chen’s TV shows.

Designer Liron Ben Dror emphasized the harmonious collaboration with the family and contractors, highlighting the creative freedom and trust that allowed for unique features such as a rounded embroidered entrance closet. The project reflects the couple’s humor and personality, with art and textiles playing a central role. The couple lives in the home with their 14-year-old twin daughters.

The renovation demonstrates the impact of thoughtful demolition and design on spatial flow and energy, with the designer advising to always allocate budget for art, which she calls the "heart and soul" of a home. The project combined craftsmanship, creativity, and a strong client-designer relationship to achieve a joyful, functional family residence.