Designer Transforms 22-Square-Meter Tel Aviv Studio in Two Weeks for 10,000 Shekels

Sveta Bromberg, a DIY blogger and interior designer, renovated a tiny 22-square-meter studio apartment located on the border of Tel Aviv and Givatayim within just two weeks. The studio, part of a larger divided apartment, is home to a student who wanted a location within walking distance to his workplace in Tel Aviv. Bromberg faced the challenge of fitting a sleeping area, workspace, kitchen, storage, washing machine, dryer, large refrigerator, and kitchen utensils into the small space.

With a limited budget of approximately 10,000 shekels and a tight deadline, Bromberg chose to refurbish existing furniture rather than replace it. She repainted and upgraded the kitchen, large wardrobe, bed, entrance door, and bathroom door, adding a few new items like a sofa, desk, chairs, a small bathroom cabinet, rugs, textiles, and plants. This approach avoided major renovations while creating a brighter, cleaner, and more comfortable living space.

Bromberg, 46, is a recent immigrant from Russia who moved to Israel in April 2023. She has quickly gained a large following on social media for her home design tips, running a popular Russian-language blog with about half a million followers and a newer Hebrew blog with 17,000 followers. She emphasizes that improving quality of life at home does not require a large budget but rather a willingness to creatively transform existing items.

The student tenant was pleased with the result, which included all his desired appliances and furniture. Bromberg highlighted the importance of realistic expectations given the small size but believes they maximized the space’s potential. Her design philosophy centers on the process of transformation and the idea that one does not need to start from scratch or spend heavily to make a home feel welcoming and functional.