A Few Simple Tricks to Transform a Rented Apartment into a Cozy Home
The client’s main request was to quickly transform an unfurnished, rented apartment within a limited budget into a comfortable home for a family with children. The challenge? Designer Olga Burakova shared her experience of completing the entire process—layout planning, furniture selection, lighting, and décor installation—within just three weeks, all while staying within budget.
Location: Israel, Netanya
Total area (square meters): 150
Design&Styling by Olga Burakova
Styling by Irina Bebeshina
Photo by Evgeny Gnesin
Author about the project
The breathtaking sea view served as the starting point for the design concept. The goal was to enhance it with a natural color palette and a relaxed aesthetic. We decided to design the apartment in a modern Scandinavian style with boho elements to create a light, airy, and inviting atmosphere.
The apartment was completely empty—no furniture, no décor. The timeline and budget were also tight—we had just 2–3 weeks to make this rented space cozy and comfortable without any renovations. To stay on schedule and within budget, we sourced most of the furniture and décor from local mass-market retailers like IKEA and other showrooms that offered fast delivery and assembly.
The design creates a balance between functionality and personality, offering comfort and style in every detail. To achieve a cozy, cohesive look, I employed several key design techniques:
– Scandinavian Simplicity – Clean lines, minimalist furniture, and a light, neutral palette.
For the furniture, I chose simple lines and a pastel color palette. It is always relevant, universal, unobtrusive, and visually pleasing. It is also easy to implement on any budget, even a very limited one. I used layered lighting: in addition to the overhead light, I added floor lamps, wall sconces, and table lamps. This helps create a unique ambiance and adjust the brightness based on the time of day and activity.
– Boho Accents – Eclectic textiles, woven rugs, and plenty of greenery—this is a simple way to add warmth and character to the space.
– Natural Materials – Incorporating natural materials or their imitations (wood, stone, linen, etc.) adds warmth, texture, and creates a connection with nature, bringing a calming and grounded atmosphere to the space.
– A Holistic Approach – Ensuring every element works together to create a seamless, functional space tailored to the family’s needs.
This was my first project after moving to Israel. I gained valuable experience working with the local materials market and learned about its unique characteristics.
A word from the designer
As an interior designer based in Israel, I am working on projects here and in Europe and Russia, specializing in private residential spaces. I find great satisfaction in working internationally with diverse markets and client needs, which keeps me in tune with the latest trends and customer preferences. I enjoy both designing interiors from the ground up and styling completed spaces.
My Definition of Good Interior Design:
– A perfect balance of functionality, aesthetics, and comfort.
– A reflection of the client’s personality and lifestyle.
– Thoughtful space planning, quality materials, and a harmonious color palette.
– A home that feels inviting, practical, and effortlessly beautiful.
Contacts:
instagram.com/helga.indesign
E-mail: [email protected]
