325-square-foot "cave" apartment with DIY & upcycled furniture

Monica Potvin and Markel Otaola bought the 30-square-meter (323-square-foot usable space) apartment in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter during their child-free years when location was more important than space.
The tiny quarters had once been a space for the doorlady and it was half under-ground. After a makeover that included a lot of custom, DIY furniture, Potvin dubbed the home the "cozy cave".
The couple lived here while Potvin was pregnant* and have even hosted dinner parties in this reduced volume. Thanks to some dual-purpose furniture, the place now sleeps four. In addition to the queen bed in the bedroom, there's a couch bed for one in the living room and a nook under the stairs where the couple crafted a mattress on top of what was once a seldom-used ledge.
Much of the home is custom and all was crafted by the creative couple. Potvin (co-founder of the eco-design store Matteria) found an old pallet on the street and covered it with plastic to create a stylish coffee table (with space for magazines and books between the wood). A salvaged door is now the hallway mirror and old airplane food storage carts serve as bedside tables.
Monica's design-build firm: www.fabrique.es/
Original story: faircompanies.com/videos/view/...

[@adan_wario]

Her laughs and positive vibes brightened that whole video and house! I like her ;)

[@ldodom]

Her happy positive spirit brightens that whole space!

[@marambaron]

Thanks, what i said, a long time ago. Joie de vivre and bubbly personality are at play here. She reminded me of Diane Keaton’s character Annie Hall. La di da

[@shawtatl]

I think so too

[@SpecialAgent-zn1vv]

@kbamm69 happy positive spirit= High AF

[@Sunflower-op2oc]

They did a great job with this apt. I think better then the ones where you have to put your bed away and take it out every day, always moving things to get to what you need, this place is definitely more livable. And it’s in Spain!! What a beautiful country! ❤️🇪🇸❤️

[@acorder76]

I love the simplicity of space & I think they did a great job with the design! Very cozy, but very well thought out. If I didn't have two little ones, this would work just fine for my husband and I. Great job!!

[@rckl853]

I like how they save the unwanted items and turn them usable again, those stuffs actually fits the style of their home, this is smart and have awareness of the environment.

[@sgdeluxedoc]

And.. immediately as soon as you see the arch in the bedroom you know it's Barcelona. Other than the extreme "narrowness". it's pretty cool for a small dwelling. The two level thing always seems to be the solution to lack of floor space..

[@cheekyoziechick]

Small spaces makes you think smarter. I love what they have done.

[@andrewcaton1438]

The architecture is amazing. You cannot find places like this in the midwest.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

The midwest has the most boring architecture ever. I'd hate to even call it architecture. Just the same ol cookie cutter designs everywhere. So depressing when I have to go there; grew up there. Ohio. No innovation, no creativity.

[@TheBatugan77]

Sure can't. Looked all over my 1.5 acre spread...with no graffiti, noisy neighbors, traffic jams or crime. No amazing architecture whatsoever. I bet my mortgage was lower than her monthly coffee bill.

[@chenholmes6393]

I still wouldn't want to live in that but to each their own.

[@LoveAsianCulture]

Chen Holmes me too. I need large windows and garden

[@Rc8870]

Chicago has MAD ARCHITECTURE... Great apt.

[@carmencarolina9203]

Very Nice! And Barcelona is so incredible that you just come home late at night!

[@ktt1977]

The pallet coffee table is a brilliant idea.

[@qli2911]

ktt1977 I think they should get a C/L shape coffee table that can move around better that this big. Pallet

[@Superduper666]

Too low

[@danzena4059]

This is at least way better than the boxes in NYC.

[@jamiebeeler6533]

“Pal-Ette”

[@acmulhern]

This is really amazing. So bright for an underground apartment and I can't believe how cheap it was to renovate. Wow, they did really well...

[@susanr5546]

$5K to remodel this delightful little cave! I love Barcelona, threaten to move there at times, and that airline metal cabinet is way cool! Love such innovation.

[@youmaycallmecath]

I would totally live there! Sure it's small but it's functional: there is just enough room for everything and every room is clearly defined. Of course I wouldn't live here if I had kids but for a single person or a couple, it's perfect!

[@Reusedart]

This couple is amazingly creative, industrious, with "out of the box" thinking. I appreciate their innovation and use of upcycled materials in a functional and eclectic way. I am inspired!

[@Hypnotized81]

Great great job! The colors, the textures everything. I think she is so right when saying the the small space prevents you from accumulating all the usual junk you don't need.

[@redheadgirlygirl7]

I totally agree with you. That's crafty, she's recycling & the message as to being in the moment & not accumulate things you don't need! I think that would be cool to live in a place like that for a little bit. Maybe not permanently, but for the experience, maybe abroad! Awesome!

[@MyKkata]

You MADAM know how to make a house into a HOME. Both you are your husband are lucky!! You are a true inspiration..God Bless you both

[@bullterriersmom4423]

I am born and raised in Barcelona!! ( living in the US ) I recognized the street so quick lol( barrio Gótico )

[@kwakman99]

Thanks for posting this video, it just goes to prove how dumb I am when I think to myself that my house (which is 3 times bigger then her's) isn't big enough. Like many North Americans I'm just lazy and don't work hard enough to use the space I have efficiently. Thanks for the wake-up call.

[@gaby4812]

I downsized 4 yrs ago to 1400 sqf home and have only one child. Always complaining I don't have enough room or storage. My garage has become packed with unnecessary items we purchase. My other room is packed with things still in bags. Seeing this vifeo makes me feel ashamed of how I live and what a blessing it is to live a simpler life.

[@MsBooda77]

Great place..... Love the bathroom and using found items

[@notawuss]

Aren't you the cleverest people in the world! I love it!

[@Mr_Chris77]

It looks pretty damn roomy for only 325 square feet.

[@Timaboo85]

It seems so stark and cold. I have scene so many small apartments that feel rich and cozy this would drive me nuts

[@grtan793]

I loved the galley storage units turned into bed side cabinets!

[@NYslice331]

Your home is beautiful and ingenuity unmatched.

[@Hunnter2k3]

Very well done apartment. Love the staircase design and the bed/seat idea. Love the style of it too. Very efficient use of space.

[@CarlosElChacalo]

It looks nice and cosy but probably it's quite dark and there is a lot of humidity. I've spotted 2 humidity machines in the house

[@MoneySmile4Me]

I didn't see them at first, but you are right. You can spot them at 1:14 & 6:23

[@lindagarrido4353]

That particular neighborhood of Barcelona is very, very humid. Better to live up towards the Tibidabo. Less tourists too.

[@ainhoaaparicio3729]

@@lindagarrido4353 Far more expensive than Ciutat Vella : Tibidabo is a wealthy neighborhood.

[@lindagarrido4353]

@@ainhoaaparicio3729 well I grew up in Sant Gervasi and my family wasn't wealthy. I lived in Ciutat Vella for a while and I didn't like it. Too many tourists, humid and water bugs.

[@texadonkey34]

I luv it, very modern. My mother worked maintenance at nasa & they would throw away foam. It came in computer boxes. We recovered several pieces for our lawn furniture. You need some mirrors or art for a warmer look. The kitchen is awesome.

[@ralevdotcom]

I miss some light inside, but what they've done with this small budget and small space is awesome. Love the "hide-the-tv" approach.

[@nybiggs]

This apartment is plenty big enough for two people. Can even get some privacy with one upstairs, one downstairs.

[@hyacinthdibley]

If i could find a place like this, I definitely would treasure it. Small spaces are cool. I like her bathroom and bedroom the most.

[@ilovethismuch7860]

so clean and cute,it doesnt matter if its a small or big living space what matters most is as long as your happy with what you have,everything comes perfect..=)

[@sailorgirl2017]

LOVE it! I live on a sailboat and love small spaces that are functional.

[@jonasbickford7417]

such a beautifully designed micro apartment. and using things for free is amazing , as they totally fit in with the apartment.

[@Synicizm]

I really, really like the pallet table. We don't actually have a coffee table, and the wheels are turning

[@petrucci15]

7:13 "originally...this was a wall...." ummm......still is a wall love! lol

[@user65857]

no it isn't

[@93OakTrees]

"This used to be a wall. It's still a wall, but it used to be too."

[@YodiRoberts]

lol... now's a wall with a little ledge that serves as a shelf.

[@firstlast1435]

petrucci15 nobody likes a pedant love

[@Skims24]

Evan Zamora I like pedants.

[@bbmaririe]

i’m LOVING this woman’s outfit!

[@oPeRa1923]

I really like this. This house, or "cave" is just awesome. Entertainment system can use a bit if upgrade, but everything else can stay. 🥰

[@LenaM277]

Awesome use of space per foot.

[@jenniferyen8406]

Love this home owner, upbeat & natural. Small space but sufficient =)

[@uqonsoul]

It's been seven years but I keep coming back to this video. I imagine covering the exposed brick wall behind the sofa with mirror and lengthen the day bed underneath the stairwell. Oh and if there's no plumbing or anything like that underneath it, it'll be the extra storage This is good vid and apartment

[@azadvertised]

Getting a midnight snack must be a blast on that kitchen couch/bed!

[@chante707]

There are sleek apartment refrigerators now, very convenient for small places

[@gdaymates431]

If I was here I would be laughing like that too! Haha. So lucky.

[@LadyShyye]

love the simplistic beauty of the spaces used. maybe go with a taller fridge with a better freezer compartment but love it~!

[@createwithrightintention1790]

Excellent! Beautiful Relaxing Space! Very well done! love it!!

[@sharonherrin]

What a wonderful space, you are more in the moment ,simple , The texture and history of the walls also

[@NYCResident543]

Really fantastic tour. Love her energy and thoughtful commentary. What a treat.

[@balderdashery1]

This is a great space! I remember making a coffee table like that but with a wooden cable spool so it was round. It was a great conversation piece and worked wonderfully.

[@purejudge89]

Woah, I'v just come across this video but I stayed here 2 years ago on holiday, it was absolutely perfect place to live. Such a charming little home, it was defiantly not too small.

[@jeffhenderson1735]

+purejudge89 What exactly does "defiantly not too small" mean? Like, you're fervently insisting it's big enough? So confused.....

[@purejudge89]

Auto text corrected what I meant, it was supposed to be "definitely"

[@pamelamolina5623]

I love ur place. U r so creative. What a hard working couple. I would jump at a dinner party invite.

[@tammyn133]

Love it! I think I would suffer without natural light but super cute & efficient.

[@unque43]

very cute tiny space. I would need at least one window. Good use of the space.

[@SarahAndreaRoycesChannel]

Thank you for this fascinating playlist, well actually show. I had to reduce myself in the last years, once down to 100sf (with external shared bathroom). I also had pretty big, wide spaces. Each had their own advantages, but I noticed that the wieder spaces resultet in areas that I hardly ever visited and that I tend to clutter the space I don't use daily. So somewhat I like the small places better in the end.

[@robinharris4247]

the lack of windows would make me claustrophobic

[@bellatrixsrtio3456]

I am in looooveeee 💜💜💜💜💜 Amazing place. I honestly hope that one day I will be able to live in a place like this. Fantastic!

[@suluetimomoedonu7471]

Storage containers for the TV, under the bed and bed side are gorgeous

[@ryuuseicha]

My favorite part of this was the use of the modified shipping pallet as a coffee table. I also really love the shower. My apartment is a good size but I hate our bathroom because there's no stand-alone shower. I always feel like I'm going to slip and fall when I shower in the bathtub.

[@anniefannycharles9951]

I could do it. By myself. Love the nightstand from the airline!

[@trekadouble757]

The thing that concerns me is fresh air. There isn't a lot of Windows and they're small

[@womanofsubstance8735]

And it is in the basement where noxious, toxic gases tend to accumulate. I do like the brick walls, though.

[@wolfy1]

They have plenty of windows for air but note they have at least 2 dehumidifiers in there.

[@supercooled]

Woman of Substance it’s got nice brick walls.. who cares about the radon gas. Smh.

[@wolfy1]

@@supercooled LOL. Looks dangerous in case of a fire too. I think I saw bars on all the windows

[@Windkisssed]

Perfect!! Who needs a TV anyway!!!

[@FurnitureFan]

True, there's so much to see and do in Barcelona that you would hardly stay in watching television anyway. I suppose a child might watch it while someone is cooking, IDK.

[@catwoman1263]

I don't even own a TV; no time for it, lol.

[@papercup2517]

I haven't had one in years. I listen to the radio for in-home entertainment, and stuff online.

[@thyslop1737]

For a single person, rental apt, in Barcelona, would rent in a hearbeat.

[@jesper1406]

In countries like Spain and Portugal not many homes have aircondition. Instead they use old techniques to keep houses cooled down during summer. Thick walls, few windows and tiles everywhere. Works fine, except for the 3 months of the year when they have below 15 celsius at day and below 10 celsius at night. Then they only have a fireplace and electric ovens for heating...

[@TV-fu1ec]

The high ceilings help. As well as the second level. Also.. they did great design.

[@LiliWhiteWorld]

Great reno! Lots of character. Has everything one really needs in a nice comfy space.

[@cathyphegley7414]

Love that pallet coffee table! And I don’t like tv’s either. She is adorable!

[@rmoojoos]

Love the apt...love the ladies laugh even more!!

[@waterlover]

to live in such cool space and live with her priceless

[@savesnowwhite]

It looks more like an Air B&B to rent out,rather than a Home , someone live in every day . Not so much personal stuff in there , empty fridge , no clothes... no pictures 🤔

[@Eva_OrtizLopez]

True

[@jeepsanddragons]

She had a kid and moved out i think. Dont know where/how i learned that, though

[@JohnJohnson-kg4ek]

@@philxdev it's still cool

[@Bobrogers99]

The lower floor is, indeed, a cave, and I'd spend some $$ on a good HVAC system as well as some clever LED lighting that could be left on most of the time. Perhaps a lighted faux window? LEDs don't use much electricity. There is unused wall space that could hold some much-needed storage cabinets and shelves. This isn't the only tiny apartment video that isn't currently being lived in.

[@83willford]

Agreed, hence the lock on the chest under the bed

[@PDogB]

Wondering about kitchen/bth exhaust. If no fan(s), would not pass expection here in the states. Love the creative way to reuse materials. Thanks again, for your work, K!

[@tjbaden]

My dream micro apartment! I’ve watched this video many, many times over the years

[@computerjantje]

beautiful house. I love the stone and tiles structures

[@dianerota]

Small yet spacious with everything stored away. If the couch were slightly elevated, the pallette table could slide beneath it to create extra space.

[@Ilpeut]

wow, it is amazing how people can be creative! It is really motivating!

[@fredster72]

I absolutely love your place! Style and efficiency all in one....Nice!

[@angelak9456]

Those nightstands are awesome! Who would have thought?!?

[@dyeaton1]

Well done. I am impressed with the apt. They now to work with space effectively.

[@LadyMaria]

I LOVE that apartment! They did a great job on the renovations!

[@charpyles8923]

Good on ya for recycling! I try to live green as well. Job well done. I live in a very small flat and I've learned that "less is more"................simplify....simplify......and get rid of the "stuff"

[@rockymissouri1021]

Simply brilliant and a great use of space... Looks spacious.

[@kensai69]

I like the recycling element of the decoration! Excellent use of space, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@carolannrompca5495]

A well thought out and designed home,great job....

[@daphanemcconnell9222]

Love the Cave especially the pallet table .

[@phillipreeves5956]

absolutely love this place

[@MasKistershi]

I live alone in a two bedroom apartment that by standards in my town is viewed as smallish. But after watching a number of these videos I think now that I could reasonably have 3 or 4 micro appartments built within it. Wow! Who knew!

[@bobv8219]

love the energy that woman puts out what a very loving soul great job Kirsten love your work

[@tadamsmcadams7141]

brilliant and beautiful life....lucky dogs!

[@jnieswartz4878]

I love how it was built. Loving the space.

[@autumnlawson4953]

This place is awesome and they decorated it so nicely.

[@roycelane8318]

Beautiful thank you for this video I've gotten so many ideas just now

[@moldyduster347]

Very nice, I loved it. They dont live there anymore, I guess. And I read the comments, yes very little space for the cloths.

[@iconoclastic-fantastic]

Now THAT is an apartment I would live in. I want it.

[@cavhoki]

i really liked this one, so modern yet sensible

[@danmidkiff5416]

Just brilliant! Great place!

[@debomarlisa]

wouwww very creative, so cool, love it !!!

[@9catlover]

cool space, i love that alot of the furniture is found

[@yesvember11]

This is actually really well done

[@clicgear100]

Beautiful place! Flat screen tv a must here tho.

[@catwoman1263]

Or no TV at all. It's really not hard living without one. You find that you're much less stressed without it, actually.

[@debbiepotter6413]

I agree. Everyone is always surprised I don’t have one in my bedroom. I didn’t allow it in my sons bedroom either. If it wasent for my roommate I would t even have cable. I can def live without tv.

[@thsscapi]

I would've hung a projection screen along the border of the kitchen and living room, with a projector above the couch. Perfect HUGE television set.

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

Wonderful & chocked full of great ideas!