Tel Aviv Couple Transforms 54 sqm Neve Shaanan Apartment into Functional Urban Home
In the Neve Shaanan neighborhood of Tel Aviv, filmmaker and wine bar owner Guy Sachaf (37) and his partner, high-tech programmer Yehovav Rabinovitch (27), have spent eight years transforming a modest 54-square-meter apartment into a warm, multifunctional home. Purchased as a standard contractor’s unit, the apartment was redesigned with a focus on modular, space-saving furniture, much of which Guy designed and built with his father, inspired by Scandinavian architecture and the Bauhaus style reminiscent of his kibbutz upbringing.
The couple optimized every piece of furniture to serve multiple purposes, such as a sofa that acts as a low divider between the living room and kitchen, and a dining table that folds and shifts to accommodate guests. The living room features a custom-made rattan-fronted sideboard doubling as storage and seating, while the workspace includes hidden computer screens and foldable desks to maximize space. The kitchen was gradually personalized with handmade cabinets and a narrow island designed to fit the compact area, complemented by carefully chosen design objects and vintage items.
Guy emphasizes the importance of creating a home that balances aesthetics and functionality, drawing parallels between his work in cinematography and interior design. Yehovav adds that the apartment, despite being in a challenging neighborhood, feels like home for the first time since moving to Tel Aviv, enriched with shared memories and personal touches. The couple also built a wooden deck and outdoor shower on the balcony, cultivating a lush green space that offers privacy amid surrounding construction.
Looking ahead, Guy believes the neighborhood will continue to improve with upcoming developments like the light rail, making it one of the city’s most central areas. Their home reflects a continuous journey of refinement, aiming to serve the people living there in the best possible way, blending comfort, design, and practicality in a small urban footprint.
