We love to showcase homes that use color creatively. From an electric pink kitchen backsplash to a gilded mirror or a playfully patterned area rug, color can bring a drab living space to life. But it is also important to look at how a more neutral, subdued color palette can be both beautiful and inviting. The two homes featured here, the first from Yael Perry and the second in collaboration with Dafna Gravinsky and architect Amir Navon, both photographed by Itay Benit, show just how spectacular white can be when used in the right proportion with black and grey. By limiting the use of color, the designer has created clean, minimalist looks that are instantly soothing and incredibly chic.
The first apartment, a dazzling white design, is the S|H Apartment, located in Tel Aviv. 
The budget for this minimalist design was between $50 – $100k for the 42 square meter (452 square feet) ‘skinny’ apartment. 
The apartment was designed as a holiday home for a family that likes to entertain. While bright white is certainly the dominant color, some pops of life, such as a snake plant do make an appearance. 
When the designer took over the space for this new family, there was no storage, no bedroom closet, and a very small bathroom. 
To make the home feel bigger, despite the main living area measuring just 11 meters by 3.3 meters, white was chosen. 
White furnishings like this dining table melt right into the design of the rest of the space, as if they were meant to go togther. 
The Parabel table by Eero Aarnio was already owned by the new homeowners, and used along with four Kite chairs, from designer Karim Rashid in the final design. 
Because the main living area is small, the dining area becomes a living space as well. 
To carry the white throughout the design, white parquet was added to the floor and the walls were painted white. 
The kitchen makes use of the narrow space with integrated appliances, but still makes room for unique teapots. 
White kitchen cabinets provide just enough storage. 
The parquet and walls blend seamlessly, creating that large space the designer was after. 
An ivy plant is another opportunity to bring a bit of natural beauty into the stark white home. 
In the white on white bedroom design, a subtle bedroom pendant nearly goes unnoticed. 
A custom closet creates space of storage as well as a washing machine. 
As mentioned, the bathroom was very small prior to the renovation. 
During the course of the design, the existing internal walls were destroyed and new entryway created for more space. 
The floorplan gives a clear view of the ‘long and skinny’ space. 
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- Architect: Amir Navon
- Designer: Yael Perry & Dafna Gravinsky
The second apartment, is different in its design, but still utilizes a number of the same theories. 
The use of unique coffee tables in the living area of the 80 square meter (861 square feet) give this home a bit more practicality. 
Again, this Tel Aviv home was designed as a holiday home for a family that likes to entertain. Luckily, this apartment has the space for a bit more seating. 
The main living area includes a kitchen, living room, and terrace with carefully chosen furnishings adding important dimension as well as practicality. 
The custom sofas, in dark gray, are functional in that they are modular and can easily be rearranged for different events and moment. 
White unique vases are a simple addition to the minimalist aesthetic. 
In the master bedroom, shades of gray create a calming effect. 
Plenty of natural sunlight means the grays do not feel to dark or oppressive. 
Frosted glass keeps the bedroom and hallway separate but not closed off from one another completely. 
A small master bathroom is spacious enough and feels more so with the use of white. 
On the balcony, black and white furniture and an angular table add to the geometric design. 
The master bathroom uses a white sink and black glass to fully explore that same geometric idea. 
The tiled grid is purposefully strict in its design. 
A small guest bathroom uses dark gray and a similar sink. 
A wall mounted mirror and minimal accessories mean this bathroom is big enough for comfort. 
