NEVER TOO SMALL: 15th Century Small Apartment Redesign Italy - 36sqm/387sqft

[@bakeraus]

If anyone is searching the Induction hob is called Ordine

[@petalss5325]

Thanks a lot!!

[@bakeraus]

@@petalss5325 no problem at all 😊

[@dianebaker5243]

Thank you

[@bakeraus]

@@dianebaker5243 no problem, I'm a Baker we are a part of the same tribe ;)

[@thisgirl5539]

My jaw dropped when I saw that!!! 😯

[@Tibbox]

The induction cooktop hub is a pretty cool solution! Kinda surprised that this is the first time seeing a system like that featured in a NTS showcase.

[@julesleseur1870]

@@bebenut123 thanks you for your open minded and argued answer

[@tomf323]

I’d worry about how practical it is to pick them up for storage after use. How long would you need to leave them to cool down before it’s safe? How can you tell without touching them? I could see potential burns in my future

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

@@tomf323 I have an induction stove and it cools down within seconds (literally - it will go from the highest heat setting to me being able to put my palm flat on it less than a minute later, I've never burned myself in 8 years of having it). I don't imagine it would be too difficult to work with these.

[@berlinorama]

@gormenghastaghast I have looked into invisible inductions hobs and they are very expensive, I think they start around €2900 for two burners. Plus you have to choose a very specific counter material to use them.

[@GabrieleJackson]

@@bebenut123 invisible anything sounds expensive.

[@Nath_CM]

I like how they kept the original walls. It's like having an alive piece of history on your appartement

[@eggy6857]

Can you imagine removing decades of old render and paint and discovering those frescos. What a feeling of joy that must have been.

[@nevertoosmall]

​@@eggy6857they used spatulas to remove these layers can you believe!? The architect said at one stage the apartment resembled an archaeological site!

[@mariaelisagallo22]

La verdad no me gusto ni el diseño , organización del espacio, ni los frescos conservados. El color crema me pareció un acierto y algunos toques decorativos que están buenos.

[@JessLaSoul]

Nice calming color scheme. With such high ceilings I probably would have opted for a second level for the bedroom.

[@valentinabrrr2067]

Good idea! I would have opted for a second level bedroom... 😀

[@BooGooNFlowoo4Evoo]

A guest bed could be hidden on top, accessible by ladder. But it might add to cost because a lot more structural attention would need to be paid to the bedroom cube. The space would need more air conditioning.

[@blackie8306]

The "bedroom" looks like the only drawback. I hate making a bed when it's flush with a wall. This bed is flush with two walls. And the shelving behind the bedhead can only be accessed by standing on the mattress. I think that would get annoying pretty quickly.

[@Bobrogers99]

Too often, architects place beds where they are difficult to get in and out of and very difficult to make!

[@synthiamcbride7194]

@@Bobrogers99 Architects also apparently have a great dislike of comfortable seating. That sofa looks does not look inviting. An over-stuffed reading chair by the window would have done much nicer than that hard bench.

[@lindagarrido4353]

@@synthiamcbride7194 Amen! I really don't understand the obsession with uncomfortable seating.

[@cbisme6414]

@@synthiamcbride7194 I agree, one beautiful leather swiveling recliner would have been perfect and those walls, they are what makes this apartment so special, I could just sit there in my armchair looking at them.

[@aricarly]

As an soon to be architect... it's true most architects design unpractical furniture. Sometimes I would argue at school about that, only to be criticized later. Anyways, I still believe that form should follow function, and that spaces should be functional and comfortable first.

[@garluns]

Looks great, like the exposed walls. I’ll probably add some plants and a bigger sofa 🛋 to be a better couch potato 🥔

[@Terri_MacKay]

Definitely needs a bigger and more comfortable couch.

[@garluns]

@@Terri_MacKay something that I could fall asleep on while watching a movie 🍿🙂

[@Terri_MacKay]

@@garluns Exactly!! 🙂😴

[@martinhare6085]

Exactly what I'm thinking.

[@adrnjgr]

Beautiful walls indeed, great decision to leave them exposed. I like the small kitchen and the bathroom sink outside the actual bathroom. That being said, this looks more like a proof of concept, a place where the architectural practice can show potential customers what they can offer, rather than an actual living space.

[@surur_]

I was surprised by the dead space left by the "custom" built benches next to the window and the kitchen.

[@adrnjgr]

@@surur_ Exactly. It's not like the place is drowning in storage space. They could've used that better.

[@gianmariacazzaniga3874]

A classic induction hob is not a problem, it does not reduce the working space. They are in ceramic glass and you can use them to prepare food as a normal working top. The sink is too close to the oven column, so it seems to be very uncomfortable to use. The bed is very difficult to make and stuck in a so narrow space it looks a little bit claustrophobic. I know that the apartment is very small but I think that the project has some big mistakes

[@Bobrogers99]

Although the glass surface of an induction burner allows you to use it as working space, they can also be damaged. That's why I thought storing them on the wall was a clever idea. Yes, the sleeping cube is too small for that bed, and the kitchen sink is inconveniently placed.

[@jpp7783]

I disagree. Induction hobs can be used to delicately place something atop, but you wouldn’t want to work them very hard, dragging a heavy pot or even serving platter over them. As for the kitchen sink, for reasons I’ve never understood, this is VERY common in Italian city homes; the sink is always crammed into a spot with no working space around it. The bed, I dare say, is perfect. Yes, a bit more work to make, but well, life’s tough. Expanding the perimeter comes at great cost of space taken from elsewhere, and with little payback-what do you really use the side of the bed for anyway? A book, a box of tissues, and a few condoms is about it.

[@jadekuha8120]

I have 4 burner glass-ceramic stove and it is a hassle to keep it clean, I hate it. If you spill anything on it, it need to be cleaned asap or it will stick to the surface forever. I would suffice with only half of the size of mine and would love the option to hang it out of sight when I cook in my tiny kitchen.

[@yuukihoffner8433]

I completely agree with you. Looking on other more sensitive examples for using historical settings for modern living needs underlines my critical remarks about this project. It was NOT thought through and follows current fashions of inner design, not the requirements of the house nor the future users. Saluti!

[@ixlnxs]

It looks designed by a person who neither cooks nor cleans nor makes a bed. In other words, a man.

[@cindyheazlit938]

The walls are gorgeous. I think I would have raised the bed onto the loft. and put storage underneath.

[@feijoatree]

Love it. I get the cube is a feature but my practical nature feels there's an extra corridor that eats up space. Great sub 40 square metre design.

[@firmanang9132]

The walls are absolutely spectacular! it's almost like a giant artwork

[@agnieszkakowalska9658]

The concept is cool, with the organic touches of wood and stone. But there is something lacking in this project when it comes to the dining area and sitting zone. Don't really understand the choice of only benches instead of few chair around the table, which don't take up more space and are way more comfortable to sit on, especially when you have guests. And the couch doesn't go with the space. It feels disjointed, probably because of the velvet. I love the area around the windows, but without any textiles it doesn't seem inviting at all.

[@gonzalotorres7256]

I think this is thought to be used as an AIRBNB. Maybe that’s the reason.

[@Bobrogers99]

Movable chairs rather than fixed benches give you much more flexibility when you have guests.

[@jpp7783]

Yes, but these are easy fixes. I prefer to focus on the architecture-the rooms, space planning-and know that the decor is easily adjusted.

[@maiwennomnes]

The walls are so beautiful!

[@melindadouglas1673]

Am I the only one who thinks the cube in the center of the space is a really bad idea?! The other design elements worked and exposing the original walls was brilliant. Any apartment this small should have a Murphy bed to maximize the space. Then you could have a larger sofa and more seating for guests. I would feel very claustrophobic sleeping in that box in the middle of the room. I love the location.

[@TriviRocks]

Murphy beds are not used in many countries - especially the ones which have a "siesta" tradition and use beds all day for different purposes. The upper part of this cube is open, so no problem if your claustrophobia isn't a pathology. I think the bed's too wide. It'd be OK with a narrower one for me...

[@melindadouglas1673]

@@TriviRocks Interesting, I thought good ideas were in use everywhere. A Murphy bed can be used at any time of the day or night so a culture with a “siesta” tradition will not be inconvenienced. They easily fold up when not in use. Also, they can be made to fold down over a sofa so a great use of space. I think having a box in the middle of a small space doesn’t work.

[@TriviRocks]

@@melindadouglas1673 A question of taste, I suppose. Good ideas are not always the best. I can't imagine pulling down such a bed with a problem in my back, a broken arm, or circumstantial tendinithis due to sport! (All of these have happened in my family LOL)

[@cs2181]

Murphy beds are a pain. This solution is great, I would maybe make the walls a bit shorter so it doesn't feel too closed in

[@yuukihoffner8433]

@@TriviRocks Clei furniture in Northern Italy is specializing in transformable furniture producing murphy beds hidden in libraries, desks, sofas etc. They are not the only ones. Siesta is a wonderful custom, but although Europe is getting hotter, it is not the normal standard of the working day any longer, not even in Spain.

[@EricaGamet]

Okay, I've packed my bags and I'm ready to move into this place! It's beautiful and I would live there in a heartbeat!

[@1zanglang]

Wake up! You're dreaming...

[@TeeBoyd88]

We're have to fight over this whole apartment, lol. Waiting for my kids to grow up and move out so I can replicate this beauty.

[@willynilly7]

Amazing blend of modern function and history that looks very appealing and relaxing. What a beautiful design!

[@jamjam-1418]

I love this space so much! The architect’s influence using the “patina” of the walls is perfection. It’s like a modern cave sanctuary. Perfectly executed.

[@tkcldk]

the walls really add the historical vibe into the apartment, feel like i'm visiting a museum

[@Carrera718]

I really love the apartment itself and the layout as well, not having the cube in the center have floor to ceiling walls to improve airflow sounds like a great idea (though I have no idea whether that actually has an effect) but I think I’d personally just go for some different style of furniture and change some colors here and there. Overall beautifully done though!

[@Handplottedblackhole]

Those walls are absolutely gorgeous, really captivating.

[@valerieann2751]

This is beautiful! Especially the stone walls. Just a perfectly designed space . Plenty of room in Living area to add more soft furnishings if wanted.

[@23gps]

Bellissimo, the frescos create a cave like atmosphere , appreciate the attention to detail and overall design of this small space.

[@kenrickhadley4499]

A beautiful blend of what was before and what you created. While watching this video, i kept wishing i was there to touch the uncovered fresco.It is a testament of history before and history now.

[@catemoon]

Elegant apartment. I love the old walls and how they add character. The bedroom cube, I’m not sold on. Getting in and out of that space from the bottom of the bed will become a hassle, and I’m assuming that there is air-conditioning, because otherwise it will get hot in there. But I appreciate the whole ascetic of the space. Very peaceful, and what a location!

[@Janine6564]

Beautiful space! I would love here in a minute.❤ The warm colours and texture of the walls is so calming.

[@gus473]

👍🏼 This place is full of surprises! (Mostly good ones!) The custom wood flatters those amazing, ancient walls! 😎✌🏼

[@wrightuniverse3952]

Stunning- what a wonderful use of space. Serene and elegant, lots of light with beautiful finishes. ❤

[@itschelseakay]

The walls are absolutely gorgeous 😍🤤 And the mix of old and new looks great! I feel like the layout with the cube doesn’t maximize space or natural lighting but is definitely unique! The bathroom is beautiful though and seems like it feels in real life larger than it actually is.

[@dinadeif]

Wow! This is so different and beautiful! I am on love with the natural color palette, the original fresco walls and the brass finishing of the kitchen.

[@teresabell1014]

That is beautiful... I would not like to try to make that bed inside the cube. Excellent use of space.

[@cleome__]

Wow. The walls are incredible

[@Back_To_Basics]

Love how the apartment is designed so that the beautiful walls could be the conversation piece.

[@kathleenhill5838]

Really love the exposed walls. I removed wallpapers in my 100 yr old house and found a neat history of where old doors had been. Also a side porch turned closet and picture rail. I left the walls rough and bare so far. The other features in this place are fun also. I could live there, nice finishes.

[@karenstanislaw8912]

LOVE the honoring of the ancient walls as almost a sculptural element.. Very beautiful, sophisticated, textured.

[@jyotispark]

Probably one of the best projects. The walls have my heart 💓💓

[@bakeraus]

First thing I noticed, so nice to see some character and age of the building.

[@shibolinemress8913]

Otherwise great, but personally I don't care for the positioning of the bedroom cubicle in the middle. I'd like to have it off to the side somehow. I'd also like some dedicated office space.

[@tinekejoldersma]

The walls, oh my goodness! Love how they keep the colours low to keep the focus on the walls. Only the blue couch pops. It's a tiny space with loads of privacy.

[@amandalloyd8812]

The material and color palette is gorgeous. The terrazzo floor, the soft brass, the oak, even the dining light bulb are like jewelry. The blue sofa feels like an ode to Nonna - sentimental, like the building itself. 5⭐️

[@susanwatson1599]

I love how you have taken the textured walls as the inspiration for the colour scheme. The entire apt is cohesive and calming but the pop of blue in the settee is so complimentary. Thank you for sharing the info on your cooking surface - very helpful for others needing small space options. Those of us living in North America are so used to everything being "over sized" and Bigger is Better. When you travel to Europe you can appreciate how living with ancient history dictates more innovative design. Well done.

[@maeshellewest-davies7904]

really like the brass under cabinets and the induction hob that hangs on the wall. and the bathroom sink being part of the open space is great!

[@goldsmith617]

This is one of the best NTS projects I've seen (they are all pretty amazing). I feel like they executed on everything. Great job.

[@1hayes1]

I really like the acid-etched gold-coloured mirrored lower cabinet doors. They really enliven the space. All the colours are chosen very skillfully.

[@junehulton9776]

WOW a very interesting building..and the architect of the building shows great history and adds texture and beautiful tones and colour. I think they have done good job in the styles.. although it does look a little bit harsh on the furniture... needs some sort of soft cushions etc to add to comfort.and more storage maybe in the benches where the TV is. But overall it is functional and clean bright and fresh..

[@Lasercatss]

Very cool place, especially transforming such a small space into a beautiful, functional home ♥️

[@user-xn7jc7ym2j]

Not sure about the “cube” but everything else is gorgeous!

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

same, I think I'd have preferred if they'd built a sleeping loft, seeing as there's enough ceiling height to allow for it.

[@reggieandherman4251]

It looked like the original layout had 2 bedrooms in the back. I would've kept that for privacy quiet space. And possibly office. I live in open concept small space and it's very challenging... Would put walls back if I knew how.

[@larsstougaard7097]

Great idea to preserve & expose the original walls . 😊🙏✨️

[@eudelima]

This is the best chanel that show designs for the small places. I love.

[@conniebruckner8190]

A good place for one person. Interesting idea to keep the old walls, though not my taste, it adds charachter to the apartment. It looks like making that bed would be difficult. I might have raised the bed a bit more and added extra storage accessible from the side. Well conceived for a small space. Bravo.

[@Buddhababe2]

Beautiful design! I love the color scheme, the furniture, actually everything about this home.

[@saikogrrl]

Very elegant and space efficient design, and lovely calming palette. Love the beautiful historical frescos! And the storage of induction hob was genius, I've never seen that before! Only thing I didn't like as much was how the bedroom is fully open without even a curtain for privacy. But if the client likes it, that's what matters!

[@tangocash342]

Nice usage of the space. I would probably use a marphy bad in sleeping area to get a proper office/study room divided from the rest of the space.

[@mungbean6693]

The bed area can have another floor above to create a mezzanine bed

[@cargogh]

This one really is about keeping it simple and plain to let the space show. Fortunately here, it's fantastic. I really liked every aspect.

[@gonsalomon]

There's the wall texture to make it look like out of a museum... and the bidet. That alone can take you all the way up

[@ivanzaglia9709]

Che bello vedere appartamenti cosi anche in Italia, complimenti per l'ottimo lavoro svolto.

[@BakaNeBaka]

I thought those wall mounted induction cooktops were some fancy speakers... Haha... Lovely space, especially the walls....

[@estherstephens1858]

I LOVE smaller spaces and minimal yet with all the comfort and function one needs.

[@maggiebkny]

So beautiful. Normally I like when there is a bit more color, but this felt respectful of the found frescos. The light in the apartment was stunning, especially in the bathroom. I also liked the idea of curtains around the closet, to make it visually softer but also to make it easier to walk through the space.

[@VashtiInez]

A beautiful design element. The light is crisp and the lines are very clean. I love the function without sacrificing comfort or space. This apartment with it's frescos adds a deep connection to the past. I think one could pass many an hour here, restfully and creatively. One of the finest remodels I've seen, again the lighting and muted colors are perfect!

[@camiliabastos9816]

Wait how is this not a sacrifice of comfort? Definitely an uncomfortable seating and dining area. And yes I realize this is a year later😅

[@el_micha]

I´m loving the feature walls and color palette. To me the space feels more like a retail showroom/museum front desk area than a private living space. I think its because too many hard square surfaces, sparse furnishing and lack of fabrics. Also it doesn´t look inhabited rly like a home. Maybe it´s just my point of view. Client's got to love it! Thanks NTS for keeping your content coming, appreciated!

[@blackburdy5261]

i like the unfinished walls, tells the story of the building, who needs artworks when you have this history.

[@jackzfun]

My goodness, this is beautifully done. The walls are magnificent. I could see myself living in this space.

[@xoliswamutambala5622]

This is one of my favorites because of the creativity and uniqueness, the color scheme and lighting design is really nice

[@jadekuha8120]

I love the desing with the bedcube. There is no need for big bedrooms, taking up those precious square meters from small/tiny home. I would love to sleep in this kind of space. 😍

[@Andrea-hc4mm]

The floor plan is very original with the cube in the center, but I do not dislike it. It is great that the old walls are preserved. The whole place feels a little bit like a museum with the minimalistic furniture and decor, but I think when someone will live there, it will become a very cozy and unique place.

[@Dessert_x_Tat]

Brilliant example of how to THINK OUTSIDE of THE BOX and keep the walls intact. Love it. (Vertical hot plates are my cup of tea).

[@jpp7783]

This is a lovely, liveable space. There’s only one (minor) detail I don’t like, and that’s the window at the head if the bed. It makes the sleeping area feel like an animal enclosure at the zoo. I’d have made it fully open (no glass) instead (for airflow). And the hanging kitchen hob is a brilliant way to save space.

[@chrisbroekhof]

Beautiful, beautiful, so well done; the walls, materials and color scheme …..

[@maritsaappollis7966]

The walls are amazing! I’m so glad they did not plaster them or anything like that. The mix of old and new is beautiful. I like the kitchen and the living area is okay (I would need a bigger couch personally, but at least there is a soft couch to sit on). I also love the bathroom. The thing I don’t like is the bedroom box, though. It feels strange to me to have the bed in the middle of the room and then also have windows in it so when your friends come over they look into your bed space from every angle of the apartment. It also means people have to walk in a circle around the box the whole time, which makes the place seem even smaller. Since the ceilings are so high, why not rather make a mezzanine for the bed? It could have been a small mezzanine too - just big enough for the bed and a small landing even, maybe with stairs going up discreetly on the side of the bathroom.

[@Bobrogers99]

I like the treatment of the historic walls, and storing the induction stove burners on the wall is clever. The sleeping cube is far too small for that bed and lacks any semblance of privacy. If those are shuttered windows in the bathroom, that might be a better location for the cube.

[@florenceaubry3418]

Wonderful renovation. Italy at its best !

[@falaccio123]

Those walls are crazy!!! LOVEEEE!!! I would love to see more vintage interior along with those walls

[@michelaguazzi5416]

I'm so glad you're showing some Italian projects recently!

[@deedieducati2272]

THIS is beautiful and well designed! I love how they left the wall......🥰

[@samuelfriedman8344]

An amazing apartment! I love almost every part and detail

[@kostiantynua]

Very authentic and Archiplan one of the best Italian interior studios💪🏻

[@VerucaS9lt]

So intelligent. Artistic. Functional. Beautiful. Makes me want to heave out a long sigh because it feels like everything is right on the world.

[@AliveBoldTV]

Whoa that induction wall! This is becoming one of my favorite channels

[@user-hp1nh6uj6i]

The walls are gorgeous!!! Color transitions in the house are wonderful. The planned niche for the bed is very creative. The thing that bothered me the most was the seat.

[@cristinabenavente199]

Really great ideas here , soothing palette 🎨

[@pokelover109]

Love the mild tone in this small apartment, and stylish design.

[@obidean3964]

When the designer takes the saying "This belongs in museum" literally :D Jokes aside, I seriously commend on the out of the box approach to keep the original wall as is. My eyes can't help but drawn on the intricate marks on the wall, it blend in surprisingly well with the minimalist deco done by the designer and surely gives the space a lot of charms. Even the toilet is a sight to behold. I also like the use of curtain to hide the clothing wardrobe which made me rethink we don't need permanent division between all rooms to separate them from each other. The only downside I think is the bedroom located in the middle of the house but it's understandable due to lack of space. Still, kudos to the designer for the amazing work 👍🏼

[@sunderscore]

One of my all time favorites on this channel. Especially because of the historical building and exposed walls. And although I would have no problem moving in as it is, I feel like you could easily make it your own with small additions or adjustments.

[@andtheneverythingchangedwh5234]

This is incredibly beautiful. It''s like visiting a museum but you get to actually live there.

[@k.h.universe3281]

I love the texture of the original walls and the idea of the nested bedroom space as the centerpoint for the entire space

[@steffowwaffogus]

Love the solution for the induction cooking hobs. Overall, it's not a design I would go for, but there are some neat ideas here that I would try to incorporate into my own space in the future. Really like the way the architect treated the walls too, they're lovely!

[@gailvanderwalde4814]

This is a very different space from what I have seen. I love the beautiful fresco on the wall. I live in 450 sq feet but I found this a little small for me.Still it was beautifully restored. Bravo and regards from Montreal Canada.❤️🇨🇦👍🙏

[@reginabest4266]

I love everything about this apartment

[@katyapatternslove]

Какое прекрасное место! Мне очень понравился стиль и комфорт в пространстве жизни! Благодарю за видео и идеи! 💚💚💚👏👏🙌🙏🙏🙏

[@geraldineobrien5673]

I have looked at thousands of ideas for such a space, this is the best by a mile

[@minorchord]

I love watching these videos, I hope one day you can make one of a tiny apartment in Cordoba, Argentina. I liked the ones you did on Buenos Aires :)

[@joaomartins648]

THIS IS AMAZING!! Super inspiring- well done. Wish to work with you maybe, one day :)

[@sianfrance7597]

Beautiful! Very little storage though. I am a minimalist, but couldn't manage in this apartment. I do see that it's beauty is in it's elegant space- I'd have piles of books and shoes everywhere though which would ruin the whole thing

[@adoyer04]

cold as ice, well disigned as short stop. Its emptiness and impersonality is the genius loci.

[@willowthewisperer]

I'm so happy they recognized the beauty of those walls and didn't knock down or cover them up.

[@angela8858]

Sleek and beautiful ! And the exposed wall gives it character although the bedroom looks rather cramped.

[@Mrsteffmolo]

When it comes to historical buildings, Italians are really the best in blending modern architecture with the ancient one.

[@andresfernandohuertasbolan6908]

I have to accept that in this case, I did not have faith in the remodeling when they were presenting it in plan, but when they were showing the tours of the interior spaces of the project, the remodeling caught my attention, in addition to the fact that the old style is preserved. on the walls, in this project the privacy given to the room seems appropriate to me, since even though it is next to a social area, it does provide the necessary privacy to be able to rest.

[@cilacurly]

This has to be one of my favourites!

[@yuukihoffner8433]

The Cube When you enter this beautiful place, you get a feeling of narrow tightness, because the bedroom cube is so domineering. Sleeping in there must also forward this claustrophobic impression. It is difficult to enjoy the natural light in there, so no joyous awakening in the morning is permitted. But cubes are "in" in the architects' world nowadays and thus a 15th century precious space had to be filled with this object. The Color Scheme The architect was lucky to discover the original fresco behind layers of paint. How wonderful! The creamy beige of most of the walls underline the decorator's choice beautifully. But, why did the upper part of the kitchen have to be in a stark cold white cutting the visual impression in two? Because white is "in" in today's furnishing (again)? A more modest coloring with creamy beige would have been better and chic too. Contrary to that, the greenish blue of the sofa is just perfect. It is THE color for this place. The Furniture A further example that the architect did not think of the needs of ordinary people is the uncomfortable bench. Who over 25 would happily sit there, not just for five minutes, but maybe an hour? The curtain in front of the closet looks cheap. Cheap things do not honor the special space. The Architect The architect claims to pay attention to the history of this unique building. Are there others who also think that he did not succeed in doing that?