Imagine turning a simple rented apartment into a personalized sanctuary amidst the buzz of Tel Aviv, all while unknowingly sharing a building with one of the world's most powerful leaders – and doing it on a budget with your own two hands! But here's where it gets controversial: this isn't just any home makeover; it's a DIY revolution that challenges the idea of leasing versus owning, and sparks debates on how politics can unexpectedly intersect with everyday life. Stick around to discover how a pair of tech-savvy programmers made their space not only functional but downright inspiring, while navigating whispers of international intrigue.
Stav Levinger, aged 30, and Bar Molot, aged 32, are both skilled high-tech programmers who share their cozy 70-square-meter (roughly 750 square feet) rental on Tel Aviv's Pinsker Street with their beloved feline companions, Pepper and Toffee. Their living space reflects the same meticulous approach they bring to coding – think structured layouts, consistent design themes, and a meticulous attention to detail that results in a serene and harmonious atmosphere.
This is the part most people miss: it's not just a home; it's a playground for creativity where two cat enthusiasts who adore getting hands-on with projects transform ideas into tangible wonders. Virtually every element, from furniture to decor, has been built, restored, or innovated by them – turning an old TV into a plush cat perch, crafting bedside tables by hand, and even designing and installing custom lighting. Their apartment serves as a collaborative workshop blending Scandinavian simplicity with Israeli artistic flair, where logical problem-solving evolves into visual elegance.
As Stav shares, "Our romance blossomed over chats about cats, which unveiled our mutual adoration for them." They welcomed Pepper and Toffee just a week apart to keep each other entertained, and thoughtfully designed the entire space to prioritize practicality, safety, and enrichment for their pets, all without sacrificing style. It was no small feat to balance these needs.
"As our bond grew," she adds, "we uncovered another shared passion – manual craftsmanship." Stav draws daily inspiration from platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, hunting for new project ideas. Over time, they've honed their skills through workshops in areas like upholstery, candle making, felting, and pastel art. Bar even joined a carpentry session with buddies. They've never enlisted professionals; instead, they tackle everything in-house, from electrical fixes and woodworking to installations and design. Weekends are their dedicated time for this fulfilling hobby.
They sought out a spacious, well-lit central area in a furnished-free rental to infuse it with their personal touch. Moving in solidified Stav's aesthetic preferences, and around that time, she began following lifestyle influencer Luba Shraga, whose home she admired immensely. Through her, Stav connected with various designers and realized she was naturally embracing a Scandinavian vibe – clean lines, minimalism, and functionality – in their apartment.
And this is the part most people miss: the twist that adds a layer of geopolitical drama. "Interestingly, Vladimir Putin owns an apartment in our building on the third floor," Stav reveals. They learned this months after settling in, and since then, rumors have swirled. What's confirmed is that Putin purchased it for his cherished German language teacher, now an Israeli immigrant. The unit sits vacant, with the Russian Embassy utilizing the parking spot. They even speculated if this connection spared the building during Iran's missile attack on the street – a theory that's fueled endless conspiracy theories. Is it mere coincidence, or does global politics play a hidden role in local real estate? This raises eyebrows and invites debate: should diplomats or leaders' personal properties receive special protections in times of conflict?
In the kitchen – which they barely use for cooking but wanted to look inviting – they've adopted a rustic aesthetic, harmonizing wood tones with soft pastels. Up top, pink geometric wallpaper from AliExpress ties it seamlessly into the home's overall scheme. Stav's passionate about collecting tableware; shelves display pieces from ABS Studio, Israeli-Japanese artist Mai Kawamura, and assorted Scandinavian designers, topped with a ceramic balloon by Elia Bloch. They rescued a broken building sign from the trash, and Bar restored its lighting. On the walls hang small clay spheres from Studio Arhoj, sourced from a quaint Norwegian town, while a rope lamp from About Studio, discovered on the same trip, dangles from the ceiling.
Behind the dining table, they've repurposed IKEA cabinets into a clever litter box station for the cats. Given their tiny shower, they used tin snips to cut an opening, lined it with a litter mat, and surprisingly, it doesn't carry an unpleasant odor.
The dining nook, once a workspace in their prior home, expanded here with a mix of new and street-found chairs that they refurbished. A mirrored vase from HAY graces the table – Stav hunted for it tirelessly – flanked by AliExpress knockoffs of BOLIA's iconic lights. On the wall, a mysterious blue street-found painting (whose artist she'd love to identify) hangs beside a Ūbject shelving unit holding travel souvenirs and her piano, adorned with a deer painting she created years ago.
In the living room, an IKEA sofa proves ideal for easy cleaning and cover swaps after feline antics. Cushions from NAMA Studio and Ferm Living, plus an OYOY blanket, add comfort. A matching IKEA armchair boasts a custom cushion stitched from HAY napkins. Stav's sister gifted the hammock, which quickly became a focal point – even the cats adore it. Cat perches, sourced from AliExpress for their aesthetic appeal, blend effortlessly. A rug from The Red Carpet evokes a Japanese mat feel, and the table hails from Saga.
The long wall spanning the bedroom hallway, entry, and living room demanded a unified solution. They built around the "Bring It Home" artwork, integrating shelves that complement it. These shelves, Stav's favorite feature, showcase eye-catching items: an original Menashe Kadishman painting they've long coveted, a FRILL Studio candlestick, Studio Arhoj figurines, and global mementos like Amsterdam tulips and houses, an Amalfi vase, and a Japanese village fan. Trips are planned around design shopping, with selective acquisitions. Nearby, a DIY light fixture combines an IKEA base with an AliExpress shade, a green pouf from a Spanish kids' store, and a colorful IOTA cushion.
The entry features an IKEA cabinet for Stav's art supplies, topped by a self-made light inspired by Valeria Objects, and a shelf from Israeli Nachshon Studio's Bauhaus line. A street-rescued vintage armchair received a full refurbishment and reupholstery to match the home's palette. An IKEA bench sits under a 1960s Facebook-find lamp, with a framed butterfly collection opposite – puzzle pieces from Roof Studio on a cardboard board Stav assembled.
The hallway gallery includes an ABS Studio vase, a Studio Reish mirror, and a textile by Sara Lipkin (mother of artist Amnon Lipkin) from their joint exhibit. They crafted a bench from discarded rattan, embroidered a butterfly, and wall-mounted it as a foldable seat. A custom magazine rack from wooden planks and a geometric abstract painting inspired by Ehud Raz complete the space.
At the desk, Bar's self-assembled transparent PC turns tech into decor, with a custom keyboard he modifies constantly. They revamped the desk by swapping legs and tiling the surface with grout for a fresh look. A shared doll collection perches on the shelf.
The bedroom leans more Japandi – a fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian design, emphasizing simplicity, natural materials, and serenity – rather than pure Scandinavian. The existing wardrobe stays, adorned with an Amnon Lipkin embroidery of their old Pinsker 21 building, a framed wedding photo, and a Glyphs metal wreath. An online-sourced Japanese bed pairs with custom bedside tables built from IKEA organizers: trimmed, re-handled, and clad in bamboo to mimic the bed's frame. IKEA lamps and 1960s Israeli vintage vases finish the vignette.
In a world where home design often means high costs or professional help, this couple proves that passion, creativity, and DIY know-how can yield stunning results – especially when pets are part of the equation. But here's where it gets controversial: living in a building tied to Putin raises questions about privacy, security, and the ethics of global leaders holding properties in foreign lands. Does this symbolize diplomacy or something more sinister? And what about the missile strike theory – coincidence or conspiracy? We'd love to hear your thoughts: Do you think personal political connections should influence local events, or is it all just harmless happenstance? Share your opinions in the comments – agree, disagree, or add your own twist!
