NEVER TOO SMALL: $20K DIY Renovation of 1960s Melbourne Apartment, 42sqm/452sqft

[@feliiiik]

Would love to see more budget remodels like this.

[@milenatos]

20k is a pretty big budget 😂

[@I_am_Lauren]

@@milenatos I was thinking the same thing. But for this chanel I think 20k is a middle of the road rennovation. It still might appeal to us normies. haha

[@hentweet]

Yes! I would like to see more affordable renovations. Great job!

[@catarinapatatina8314]

@@milenatos 20k AUD is 13/14k€ /USD. Set it in relation to the cost of the apartment (which wasn't mentioned), cost of tradee labour, median income etc. Yes, it is a ot of money but for a renovation of an entire apartment in Melbourne it doesn't seem like that much (new floors, insulation, new kitchen)

[@MartyMart134]

@@milenatos Lol, in the UK 20 AUD is about 10 grand, that's a f*cking zero budget in London!

[@plumicorn]

Finally a reno where there are not removing all the walls but working with what they have plus a budget friendly reno. I would like to see more of this.

[@MidnightSun-j1u]

It's a budget friendly Reno because he used free labour

[@lesmomo3935]

That curved overhead bookcase is perfection 🏆

[@pdx_fashionista]

It’s definitely amazing 😻

[@svszo1691]

So refreshing to see one that is DIY, limited budget, things done with a personal rather than professional touch. The re-use of the old shower rail rules. This place has character, reflects the owner's personality, and I love how proud he is. Also his comment about the emotional support from friends

[@glamboss16]

One of my favorite videos you guys have made for two reasons: (1) The more casual off script moments that you included which humanized the person and made them feel more real and (2) including the budget/cost of the reno - those two made me take the video more seriously as a learning resource and aspirational guide even if my personal style and location differs from them. Thank you for the great videos overall.

[@gust1x]

"When you walk in, the first thing you see is the window and a great view of the pub" 🤣 Love this guy

[@stellabythesea1492]

I thought that was funny too 😂 but then I thought did he say pub or park? really love the Australian accent. I'm from America.

[@rebshannonling]

Please do more DIY videos 🙏

[@nanoudominio]

I often see your videos cause I'm a person who is interested on buying a small house because of my tight bughet and I think this is the only time I hear from someone the price of the renovation cost and oh, I'm so glad because it gives me a clue about the money I will be spending on after the purchase of the house. I'd like to see more videos about the money people spend on there renovation.

[@hello.claude]

I agree, I have a feeling a lot of the renovations on this channel are incredibly expensive though. The fact that this guy got it all done for $20K is incredible!

[@erikazolnai8323]

Yes, but we don't forget, he was a lot of amasing friends, and dad, who put more free labor and another care in this project. This was a huge good team work. 🎉👏👏👏

[@iancreighton1]

Agree with the comments, this is one of your best videos. You can tell he actually lives here and it is a home rather than an airbnb or some nepo baby’s art project.

[@keenalou595]

Higher doors for the top of the Ikea units is BRILLIANT!!! Beautiful accessible space.

[@DesignGuy17]

Finally getting back to the roots of what made this channel great in the first place!

[@carlapaz8722]

I agree.

[@Eva_OrtizLopez]

I don't know what I like more, the diy renovation or the owner.😂😂😂😂, congratulations 😊

[@22jo222]

Agreed, both lovely !

[@MrAjc85]

@@22jo222 I like both too

[@venarain]

One of each please

[@Eva_OrtizLopez]

@@venarain 😂😂😝😝

[@girard6061]

What a charming, humble person.

[@timepi437]

Great that a sustainable building officer for local government has actually renovated a humble apartment with a small budget as sustainably as he could, within his means. (I know ‘humble’ and ‘small’ are relative). I love the simplicity, the light, the Pax hack and desk/shelf unit. I appreciate DIYers acknowledging the importance of trades where necessary. A nice, welcoming, lived in, COMPLETE reno. 😉

[@kayelle8005]

Top bloke. Wishing him much happiness in his home. He’s done a fantastic job.

[@pdx_fashionista]

Probably my favorite renovation of this year so far. Super refreshing.

[@weirdwurld]

I really loved this one. Using the wood flooring as bathroom ceiling was a lovely touch. I appreciate his thoughtful suggestions and the mention of community in bringing this space together.

[@tuppence937]

Shaun I love the renovation you have done on your apartment. The study nook with the custom shelving is genius. The fluted glass shower door just fits the style of the apartment so well. The cork flooring is a great choice based on the thermal and acoustic properties. And your decision to add in extra wall insulation will serve you well in hot Melbourne summer days. A stylish apartment in a boutique complex in a hip part of Melbourne.

[@baptistevidil4601]

Finally ! Someone we can rely to ! Such a great vibe, the use of the friends, secondhand finds, everything's in there for students who are on budget but still have design dreams. Felt more human and less "pure-aestetic" kind of vibe. Loved it !

[@Mikey-um3os]

One of the greatest episodes, so down to earth and approachable. Great apartment as well.

[@sew_overthis]

I quite like this one! It looks so comfortable and lived in. I like it so much more when the spaces featured here feel less overly curated and more…realistic, for lack of a better word. I can see someone living through the messiness of everyday life here.

[@MangoBells]

This is so crafty with such beautiful and unique elements. You can really see he's put his soul into this little place and it's come out a beauty.

[@local534]

Great work. Thanks for talking about the insulation too!

[@nevertoosmall]

It is a crucial part of any renovation, whether big or small!

[@linusnepe3874]

What a nice and handsome fellow in a really lovely apartment. Less “perfect” than a lot of the other apartments here, but with even more personality! It feels less staged, less airbnb and much more real - more of that please! :-). I also use almost only second hand items for my reno and I love to change their function too. And I love love love the new tiles in the bathroom! Great job and thanks for showing! ♥️ from Germany.

[@helene7672]

More budget DIY please. This one is lovely.

[@sujinjinjinga]

i loved this flat, great inspiration for the diy projects, and the idea of oversized doors to make the wardrobe have floor to ceiling appearance was brilliant!

[@chezmoi42]

Really well done, simple and thoughtful. The flexible sofa is a great choice, and I like the recall on the fluted glass from the BR door to the shower. If I may make one suggestion, Shaun, you'll be much happier with your fridge if you reverse the door swing - it should be easy on that model.

[@keithronson2624]

Love this! Congratulations! Excellent project. And indeed now a real home with personality and a really good " vibe".. Yes more DIY and budget friendly projects on the channel please. This is so inspiring and " reachable". Just need good mates with DIY skills! The Eco elements are so vital in today's ever changing climate. Again Thank You for sharing with us all.. appreciated.

[@magikboxi]

One of my favourite videos on the channel. Very down to earth, human-scale and smart. Neat and still personal. Beautiful renovation, congratulations.

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

Beautiful. Simple. Sufficient and sustainable. Loved this one! Especially the upcycling of bits from the old apartment into things for the new apartment. More DIY videos like this, please 💚

[@vickimaiorano5763]

So nice to see one of those 60’s Melbourne flats made over. Great job.

[@moonelome]

all looks amazing! and to think it was all diy, the closet unit in the bedroom was my favorite part

[@theresabu3000]

Yeah - great advice from him too. To not worry about it being built-in, but cover the opening with doors cut to size and use the rest above. Those areas are overlooked, and are dusty or messy if you use it for longterm storage yourself 👍☺️

[@halolynx0114]

love these small owner DIYs

[@gus473]

Very relatable! 😎✌️

[@omatt.99]

LLove this. I especially loved how Shaun made this video and apartment much more enjoyable. I checked the comments and was glad to see people actually agreed. More like this please!

[@_scottysews]

The green with the cork flooring is so so stunning!! Super tasteful reno and in love with how it's furnished

[@zd4vis]

This was amazing. Potentially one of the best I’ve seen, the budget, the sustainability element, using friends etc. simple but really really intentional. Love the bathroom ceiling and the tiling, love the shelving in the bedroom. And the cork floor. So impressed that it was all done for 20k Shaun seems super laid back and creative and the space really reflects that. The vibe is really solid and the vision is really clear. Minimal without feeling clinical. Really stoked for you dude, bravo 👏🏽

[@1964Msbea]

for a first time DIY, you did great! it just goes to show that you don't need to buy expensive materials to make your place look and feel good.

[@rinber13]

This is very inspiring, gives me hope that I could do the same on a small budget if I manage to find a nice little apartment one day. I love the smart use of old materials and the wardrobe with the oversized doors. Brilliant idea for extra storage!

[@cocorico222]

It’s an amazing apartment! Congratulations to the owner, he’s done a marvelous job!

[@lic2910]

Great idra with the over sozed doors. I also love the dinning chairs and the cruved book shelf. The bathroom was surprisingly calming. Loved it

[@csillaszeman3284]

A huge kudos to this wonderful men. A fantastic outcome on an unbelievable small budget. I only miss a rug from the living area.

[@rossirossi-iu9wx]

I love how his profession and expertise translated into the materials he used for his house. Glad to have to learnt that cork is good for acoustic and thermal insulation.

[@dinadeif]

I love this one! A class in sustainability and good simple design ❤

[@MiniM69]

Love his laugh!! So joyful

[@whitneyzhao5915]

I love this video! The owner explaining his thought process and budget break down makes it feel SO much more personal and approachable. Would love to see more of these DIY projects!

[@Caitness1]

I really like the pistachio coloured cabinet doors and the rich red/brown tiles in the bathroom. The home looks very liveable and aesthetically pleasing. Yes, I am one who would want doors on cupboards so less small items on display. The cork floors in living spaces and the timber ceiling in the bathroom are gorgeous. Well done DIY guy.

[@16demolka]

One of the best episodes! Serene but fun. I love the green and bookshelves above the bedroom door!

[@ouranitakaradimas1132]

Relatable and engaging, fun to listen to. Good ideas and perspectives that resonate with viewers - DIY, simplicity, budget but creating a warm, welcoming, functional home. Relatable also in that his dad was renovating the family home for decades and never actually got it finished so this guy wanted to finish a renovation.

[@jesstucker6201]

this may be my favourite space that you've ever shared, and the fact that it was a DIY just makes it all the more better. the use of colour, the pistachio against the cork against the white against the brick, it is something to behold. the desk/swooping bookshelf/wardrobe that frames the entrance to the bedroom is a wicked smart use of space, and i love that the curves lighten the visual footprint and prevent it from feeling like you need to go through a tunnel to access the bedroom. if there was ever a space that i'd base my own small apartment on, this would be the one.

[@ellefullerman09]

This is one of my favourite videos you guys have produced! Very realistic and the narration feels really genuine.

[@The_Orbus]

This is exactly what I asked for last week! I don't know if its pure coincidence if this was next in the pipeline, but this feels like a good example of what typical modern homeowners could achieve.

[@elsaleemenna]

This is easiest my favorite kind of space to be called home. It is so comfy, compact, bright and warm at the same time. I wish i can have this space in the future.

[@gginah]

"You can overthink it as much as you want, and you'll probably still miss something." That's deep

[@user-gs3je6qi7i]

love the COLOR 🍐

[@_MSD75_]

such a great reno. Love that it's achievable and accessible, has some lovely subtle design features, without being excessive. And a lovely, handsome bloke as well.

[@PlatypusPGM]

Perfect size and design

[@LaurenPlitUK]

Lovely! We are in the process of renovating so it’s nice to actually here the “oh I don’t know why to do edging on tiles” etc and to be honest about those things

[@aioko1]

A great example of what you can do with off-cuts and re-using what was already there. REALLY like the fact you thanked your friends and other people who took part in the renovation - most videos are 'I' did this and that, whereas 'we' is more realistic! A wonderful home!

[@valerie7539]

Excellent Shaun! You can be proud of you. Très belle rénovation avec des matériaux élégants dans un style épuré et « design ». Félicitations pour le travail réalisé ET pour le prix 😉

[@shonawilliams6990]

I really like this flat. It's deceptively simple but there's some great ideas here, like the wooden tile edging (so much nicer than chrome or plastic), or the extended wardrobe doors or the bookshelf in the bathroom. It's very liveable.

[@jealousmaude]

Aaaaay, that's my 'hood! Good to see it featured on the channel. I've lived in a very similar style apartment too, great to see what's possible to achieve in those old Melbourne blocks. Loved this one, simple, stylish and comfortable.

[@milly2750]

This right here is how i would do it. So much charm, so much life. And i love the green doors

[@Laumorgs]

Many of us are going small not only for the environmental impact, but also the cost of living. What a cool but relatable reno and home owner!

[@mathildemaijer2396]

Love the sofa. Love the whole apartment. Love this episode.

[@evitasdad]

Very much to my taste. Really well done.

[@jennycampbell5236]

A refreshing honest down to earth renovation. I love the mix of tiles in the bathroom. It proves old works with modern. The apartment is airy, spacious and light. The kitchen is fantastic. Everything you need without too many steps.

[@zlatan_2197]

Really great job, and design solutions. Love to see DIY projects, this one is amazing

[@justinpeterdebeer]

Lovely, simple renovation. Nice to see what you can do with a plain old box. I love that timber edge to the tiles.

[@miatarraf3414]

LOVE seeing projects like this, that are on a smaller budget and has sustainability in mind

[@cjblah123]

More DIY apartment and renovation videos please!

[@simonboyce8493]

love those bedside tables.. such a nice vibe in this place and very impressive for $20k. I love that all those materials are getting a second life.

[@juliaruddock]

Beautiful man. Beautiful work with the reno. Well done ✔️

[@sissonor]

This one is really good. NEVER TOO SMALL showcases often stylish apartments that prioritize form over function. Stupid staircases without railings is the number one idiocy. Here you can see a case where i think it is the other way: it looks cool AND it is!! cool/reasoned.

[@maryhart637]

Great remodel! Loved how he reused products and innovated others.

[@GlobalCitizen55]

Lovely colour scheme that’s warm, light and inviting. The whole place looks comfortable and practical.

[@sue0557]

I love his color choice and also his explanation!

[@janellebatta4126]

Best episode yet! The owner and budget are relatable, and the results are GORGEOUS!

[@nycGWOD]

I freakin' love this one. The big budget renos NTS profiles are always so so exquisite, but sometimes a little alienating 'cause of the expense. Seeing something simple done well and affordably is super encouraging. That curving bookcase is stun. The wooden tile trim in the kitchen works so well. And I love all the FB marketplace finds.

[@es7818]

i love 1960's apartments like this, my first flat was the same - so many fond memories. to me they're warm and inviting, you can really make them feel like a home and that's just what this guy did

[@roquemarcelomusic]

This is a beautiful and functional apartment with all the basic human needs addressed. I am generally not a fan of all white interiors, but I appreciate the pops of color with the olive green, the artwork, and plants. My favorite part is the curved overhead shelving in the bedroom and above the workspace. It adds a bit of charm to the place. The owner has made a cozy and livable space for himself. It's lovely.

[@lindanelson3092]

I want that sectional couch!! Amazing Reno!!

[@FloareaTrasca]

Multumesc pentru tot! Filmuletul a fost interesat, plin de lucruri placute iar domnul s-a dovedit simpatic si empatic+ ca iubeste florile ceea ce m-a emotionat. Sunt o doamna in vârsta de 70 de ani din Bucuresti, România si sper ca tot mai multe persoane vor aprecia interioarele simple, eliberate de multimea de mobile, covoare, perdele, draperii si multe obiecte absolut inutile. Inca o data, multumesc pentru acest video si va doresc toate cele bune!

[@jnbond]

Looks warm and inviting and realistic to the everyday living. Love the swoopy book shelf for the "study" area in the bedroom.

[@neo_sorciere3063]

It’s really cool to talk about budget I wish it could be mentioned each time 😊

[@SpiderMax95]

the cork floor in combination with the green cabinets is such a nostalgic look. i love the blending of classic and contemporary design here.

[@leiminaze]

Definitely your best showcase. Really refreshing to get to see someone more down to earth, with a realistic budget. Plus, he did a phenomenal job.

[@ervinchua7214]

Ahhh, I remember reading this on The Design Files. It's a lovely place, very well done!

[@belindabrooke9596]

I love this so much. More realistic apartments under 40 sqm without high ceilings!! Approaches to apartments without 'good bones' are even better! Thanks Shaun for sharing - stellar job! Also go local government peeps!

[@robertocoletti1054]

The demonstration you can create something stylish, cozy and functional without necessarily spending a fortune or to try to reinvent the wheel! I loved it!

[@richardcostello8662]

Just magnificent. The unifying flooring material is perfect.

[@bakeraus]

I'm a fan of anyone with cork flooring, brilliant product.

[@lauralynnfowler4357]

love the shower tile with the original floor tile, inspiring mix

[@SF-ru3lp]

Lovely job! (I'd have to incorporate coat hanging space inside the front door tho). Fabulous sofa. Thank you for showing. G Ire

[@anneliseallen]

Beautiful and thoughtful remodel! I love the wood for tile edging and it is funny to think it wasn't meant as an upgrade but coming from lack of knowledge. It is so stylish!

[@drymobius9]

Hands down my favorite aptt of all times 🤩

[@AgentAO7]

Love the mid century vibe ❤️

[@Amacott99]

Love the blend of old and new and the colour scheme❤ I remember our cork floors in our home in Melbourne…..they last forever.

[@KalpeshMange92]

Been a while since I heard someone use cork flooring. Very interesting. This home is beautiful and functional as well. Great find, NTS! More DIY please! :)

[@sterntaler64]

At University Hospital Zurich (main building) there are the original cork floorings in the hallways still in use, since decades, and looking awesome. 🥰

[@dianebaker5243]

A really lovely designed apartment 👍🥰

[@KarMa-ws3ll]

love, love, love this. Exspecially the home office and green shelving situation and that a lot was reused.