NEVER TOO SMALL: Adaptable Multifunctional Apartment with Clever Storage, Singapore 38sqm/409sqft

[@wolfiekun]

I like the way the designer talks about the project. He's clearly very proud that he created a space that works well for his client, but still just says what choices he made and why, so he doesn't sound egotistical or anything. It's nice to hear him talking about the place so happily.

[@TheHiawatha]

I like the ability to move the furniture. The bed looks difficult to access.

[@mingzmings88]

Seriously who needs a designer for this kinda work.. 😅.......

[@canwejustnot]

​@mingzmings88 not everyone has the skill, time or want to do this themselves. It is well thought out and professionally made. The designer did a good job.

[@emiliakopyta2664]

@@mingzmings88 Making up custom furniture and how it could function to support the person living there is not that easy. Had it all been from Ikea I could agree, but it cleary is well thought out.

[@annepoitrineau5650]

@@mingzmings88 Maybe you are talented...but believe me, a lot of people need help. My sister has moved quite a few times, and while she has loads of talents in many areas (sorry I will sound big headed now) I have to help her arrange furniture etc each time. Actually, she is moving again soon and I am a bit stressed because it will mean 2 weeks of tidying up, DIY and organising with/for her again.

[@Suho1004]

That swing-down wardrobe is brilliant.

[@gus473]

Yes, that and the amazing window in the bathroom! 😎✌️

[@Entertainment-]

@@gus473 German-style windows are better for opening and tilt action.

[@katjahanzberger]

My mother has these in her closet since 20 jears, its common in Germany for tall furniture

[@ilprovaas]

What a lovely apartment. I like that it is not overly stylized and it looks affordable.

[@SuperClare]

Mobile wardrobe pull down thingy for the win! 🏆🏆🏆

[@harrycoward1017]

I'm sure lots of people say this, but it would be good to know the realised budgets for the projects you feature to give an indication of costs for those looking to take on their own works...

[@conan_der_barbar]

That would be incredibly helpful! I always watch the video and feel like it wouldn't be economical to do these changes unless you actively decide to stay in a tiny apartment for many years

[@ketoanonymous6609]

Over all, there a lot of useful ideas and design solutions. Personally, I prefer to have a permanent bedroom, it’s a chore to set up the beddings when sleepy or unwell. But that’s just me who prefers convenience when it’s bedtime ☺️

[@LenaLuthorWife]

thatz what I thought too. but if no one is coming I think the bed can be left open. I am considering this type also. but I prefer the one which is above a platform. so below can put storage

[@ketoanonymous6609]

@@LenaLuthorWife that could work, too. Storage is a consideration.

[@canwejustnot]

It looks like the bed can stay down, with the couch in the original position facing the tv (I think they moved the couch for the shot). You could leave it like that most of the time and put it away when needed

[@ketoanonymous6609]

@@canwejustnot too much work 😂 All that pushing, arranging…nothing beats going to a permanent bedroom telling my brain to lounge and sleep. But I do see your point that it can stay as a bed while there are no guests and conveniently disappear whenever there are visitors.

[@mrdeanvincent]

My home is slightly smaller than the one in this video (36sqm) and I have a permanent double bed. I can't imagine that the trouble of a murphy bed would be worth it for me. I have more space than I know what to do with, and I never have to move any of my furniture out of the way! Somehow the home in this video seems awkward, like how a Swiss army knife can do a lot of things but it doesn't do a very good job of any of them... 😂

[@susanshannon1984]

What I really liked most about this design is the attention to the small details, not just storage for a small space or aesthetics. For me I really appreciated the bi-fold door on the bathroom, the niche for the curtains next to the storage block/murphy bed area (keeps the pushed back curtains from blocking the natural light from the window) and the door that closes off the entry area to keep the A/C in the living/sleeping space. I loved the wall treatment in the bathroom in the shower/sink area. Also, the cool stool in the kitchen (it kinda looks like a skateboard top, minimal but like sculpture). The client's oversized art makes the apartment feel really spacious and is very nice.

[@AndiDT-s2e]

With plumbing and drainage challenges, I would try to find ways to change the kitchen into the bedroom and put the kitchen in the living room. That way the bedroom becomes more private and seamless open layout for kitchen dining and living room.

[@SashaMarieStone]

I thought the same thing, but then he said the client rarely cooks. So it make sense to me that they would prefer the kitchen to be tucked away, and to keep the main living area more open.

[@sarapalfy5641]

@@SashaMarieStone Because of this reason exactly I find a whole separate room for the kitchen is useless. If she barely cooks, then the whole room for the kitchen is not much used, ergo that space could be a separate bedroom.

[@mamunur_rashid_ctg]

Budget might have been the deciding factor 🤔

[@DominicClaxton]

I thought the same. I can only assume the drainage and plumbing relocation might have prevented this

[@axelarnesson5066]

This is probably the best intergrated Murphy bed I’ve seen, with the fold down clothes rack making the area behind the folded bed useable! I was worried that the open plan living dining sleeping would be cramped and intimate as these tend to be but I think the area works well in both configurations. The kitchen felt very cramped initially even though there was lots of storage but since the owner rarely cooks I can se this being more of a coffee prepping/ meal warming area and it makes much more sense. Great space with many well executed solutions

[@joker6solitaire]

Yay, a Murphy bed! I think most apartments would benefit from a Murphy bed or two. I had one in a large studio apartment, and it was great. It was rather heavy to lift on my own, so I usually left it down because I had enough space to move around it. But when I had people coming over, I was able to put it away and gain so much room! Some Murphy beds are also automated, so the elderly and people with disabilities can simply push a button to get the bed out of the way for the day. If I'd had that, I would have put my bed away daily.

[@theresabu3000]

I think that's what she's probably doing too. He mentioned that the sofa is normally in the middle of the room - in front of the bed. That would leave room to use the closet on the right. And you only close the Murphy bed if you get guests or feel the need to dance/ do Yoga😅 It will feel more cramped, but I think we're all too lazy

[@poshbo]

except they could have just installed a Murphy bed with a sofa built in; having to constantly move the sofa is a pain and probably bad for the floor. The alternative is to keep the movable table by the Murphy bed and move the table when he needs to sleep. Then he can keep a sofa bed where the table currently is and install some curtains to divide the two spaces; this way he can accommodate somebody as well.

[@Queen65]

I actually love, that the Storage Unit and the cabinets look Like someone actually is living there. Great interior design solutions ❤

[@sesengabe]

those cushions! lovely. And the architect's voice would be great for guided meditation, so cool :)

[@dogofchaos]

He handles the colours so well, I love how everything has a natural hue, yet the flat doesn't feel overwhelmingly bland. I saw too many sad beige mom houses on tiktok, and for a moment I forgot that this colour palette can also be handled with grace 😅

[@YT-GuestAccount]

Having windows in each room (in the floor plan they forgot the ones in the kitchen btw) is such a win for itself but they really did a good job with the division, inbuilt storage and furniture choice. It feels light, airy, much more spacious than the given sqm - I mean, my apartment with only 5 sqm less suddenly feels so much smaller - and comfortably livable with a not too custom-y concept. :)

[@soggyprog]

Wow the designer has got a great voice for tv and radio. Very soothing

[@deanisplemoni]

It looks like a hospital waiting room... but also not terrible. A nice hospital waiting room!

[@mrdeanvincent]

Haha yeah that was pretty much my thoughts too

[@gus473]

The rolling work table (and those two wood block stools!), the roomy kitchen, and that amazing bathroom window makes me want to remodel! 😎✌️

[@rudolphilaga9557]

I’d love to know how that rolling work table was built 😢

[@erikyau]

I can only say confidence is everything

[@VoroninHop]

Really nicely designed and looked affordable too. Love the fold-down wardrobe rail! Bit I'll never understand why folks prefer having a lounge/dining room with a Murphy bed, when they could have a separate bedroom, and share the lounge/dining space with the kitchen.

[@I_am_Lauren]

That Architect is the coolest looking Man I've ever seen!

[@Towkeeyoh]

I must say the eye for detail is excellent, like using white table legs with the white floor really opens up the space, allowing the table top to almost give it the illusion of floating and focus on the table top instead of the very functional and huge castor wheels.

[@TamaraJoy7]

I’m a huge fan of Murphy Beds, and this one looked super easy to operate. I love furniture on wheels or light enough to move around. Overall, a lovely peaceful and practical design. However, I’d need a few plants around the place to make it MY home!

[@msthing]

Finally! A real lived-in place! Love it.

[@khalishilman4064]

Love love love. With the thoughtful design, a 400sqft seems comfortable to live in. It seems airy and well ventilated. Kudos.

[@dinadeif]

Smart design, very livable ❤

[@MarquisedeWhat]

Some great ideas in this one. I love the well-designed storage units, and covet that pull-down hanger rod! The colour of the wood is a standout, too. This design is a refreshing change from a more typical massive multi-function moveable storage/murphy bed unit, while providing all of the same functions, and has given me a lot to think about in terms of how multi-use I need furniture to be. Thanks, NTS!

[@bernardwangg]

i really like this layout, makes the unit look and feel big and brings in all the good sunlight. I am 32 and i cant wait to buy my BTO at 35.

[@ThePianistONE]

I would make the kitchen a bedroom and have living room combined with a kitchen.

[@minnn3442]

this is unfortunately not possible, especially for new build ups like these, due to government regulations. It's very hard to get any approval to change kitchen location due to waterproofing issues! New build ups usually already have all floor tiles laid out too..

[@mieskaputt]

sleeping next to the entrance is also kinda unsettling

[@megand6233]

@@minnn3442 And even if it were possible it would be very expensive.

[@er.mannov5735]

She doesn't cook often, BUT check out that coffee machine (Lelit Bianca). Niiiice!!!

[@stuartsutherland7664]

I really like the mobile table! The sliding kitchen cupboard doors are a great idea too.

[@joachimemand1687]

"The owner rarely cooks" but has an ace coffee setup! Nice appartment as well.

[@daniellebissonnette3304]

I love this appartment. Even the various bulkheads and bump outs make sense, thanks to the use of clever design choices, such as the juxtaposition of boxy furniture and accessories, placed at different heights. It feels so roomy for such a small space. The use of sliding doors under the sink is also a great idea for a galley style kitchen.

[@RoS-e-a]

Love the light outlining the room! And that little curtain niche! Clever

[@latebloomerabroad]

Brilliant! I could easily live in that apartment. I don't know why more people don't incorporate Murphy beds, because they're such a great use of space. I want one!

[@itsserhioball]

I love how simple and functional this place is. The foundation of the apartment is so universal so if you want change something you can play with details and colors but the construction may still remain and fits every style you choose. Great work and lovely apartment!

[@adoyer04]

dump the curtains. exchange it with two sortd of blinds (blackout, soften light). the ceiling isnt high so if there are curtains it should be mounted to the ceiling (makes the room apear bigger). the curtains should be then just be brought to the left and right corner of the wall.

[@Shemal.JustAnotherShrink]

YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE! ❤️

[@soybeans8139]

Go Liverpool!

[@sylviekins]

Yes, that was a beautiful feature!

[@jolewis6913]

I came here to say that ! YNWA. Lovely use of a small space too (the whole appartement, not just the cupboard 😅).

[@B__C__]

Not to complain about the AI ad, but Poppy doesn't really look like a 'giant' of 'large size' and I for one would double check Clary's figures if she is doing NTS's bookkeeping. My dogs can't keep track of their calorie intakes let alone household finances. *Edit:* Oh! The apartment looks nice. Its simple and functional with a lot of little quality of life improvements (hydraulic bed, hidden shelves, innovative cabinetry). I am personally not a huge fan of Murphy-style beds, but this one works pretty well given the space. The calm coloring of the space is relaxing, making it a calm refuge in a big bustling city like Singapore. 👍👍

[@be2294]

I’m with you, and I’m genuinely surprised a company that has a strong environmentalist stance would want to advertise a product that uses genAI so heavily; maybe they’re unaware of the strain ChatGPT and image generators are putting on our already strained infrastructure? I hope they look into it if that’s the case, this kind of tech needs major regulations not just for its impact on the entertainment industry but for its impact on our environment as well. The water footprint for the data centers that drives this tech is only expected to grow, with companies like Google and Microsoft trying to push for new data centers in already drought prone regions; and for something as frivolous as this? I’m 100% for smarter AI that helps us with medicine, weather mapping, crop yields, etc. But generative AI is not that.

[@websoup]

Someone needs to pay the bill. You don’t work for free so shouldn’t NTS. Move along

[@be2294]

@@websoup where on earth did I say they should work for free? move along

[@websoup]

@@be2294 triggered much? Move along clout chase elsewhere 😘

[@Dan-cd6hm]

Downstairs neighbour must love all the furniture moving

[@jamesetal7088]

Just wonderful!

[@IBANOSO]

It is a nice one. I love the idea and the reality as well. Congratulations!

[@veronicalombarte5802]

This home is good for the size. I do prefer a kitchen to be with a living area and the bedroom separate. However, that's not always possible due to moving plumbing which can be costly. The couch could stay in its normal position when the bed is down. It would only need to be moved if the occupant was to have more than 6 guests over for dinner. Then the table would be in the centre. I love the pull down closet system. Great for short people also 😆 Overall not a bad layout. I've seen worse for sure.

[@raptimitra2672]

This design is awesome 🎉🎉

[@I_like_YT_lots]

I think the neighbour downstairs will enjoy the constant moving around, also I would have a "built in" fridge and hide the pipe on the left corner.

[@nelswebs]

It’s trippy that they’re watching this episode about this apartment on the tv inside this apartment on this episode lmao

[@AmandaCrozierRichmondHampton]

Love this apartment😀

[@a2vx]

if somehow the designer would have made a proposal that included the sofa as a part of the bed furniture instead of having a sofa appart, would've been brilliant, like the swing wardrobe.

[@snookoed]

Nice and spacious. Missing plants and a feline or two.

[@UltraUber]

The public housing in Singapore has very bad sound proofing especially at floor ceiling area. I pity the people living below this unit as the constant moving of furniture would surely be very obviously felt and heard.

[@MariaJose-oh5yh]

Very versatile and elegant. Congratulations.

[@canwejustnot]

This designer is so lovely. I really like the way he talks. It's upbeat and calm! The space is good too, it works very well and it looks like it fits the client perfectly. (Love the bathroom rug ;p)

[@ninblau2095]

The kitchen should have been the bedroom

[@kitty_s23456]

I like the kitchen where it is. Sometimes I cook smelly and greasy food - I prefer the smell & grease to be confined in that room.

[@lysan1445]

I love interior designs where furniture can be moved around. I have always had movable furniture in my apartments. I also like the clean lines, which still feel comfortable due to the warm colours.

[@mytrueserenity5666]

A wonderful and clever layout with practical, stylish, and functional features. Loved this one!

[@rabbitsandphilodendron]

This looks so much more spacious than it is! I could personally imagine living there, it's very space saving and very practical

[@correctgarden8634]

really good for 38 sq m. I love how no needs/functions were compromised .. as in there is a normal sized couch, bed, desk etc.

[@SK-ps2ps]

Funny how we can easily identify the accents of our own countrymen so easily. Confirm Singaporean lah!

[@tricialow217]

Ya lor

[@aligabra]

Bro sounds like PM Wong! I thought he was going to give our CDC voucher at the end. That said he’s easy to listen to.

[@vanessaadams1452]

This place is nice but it makes me tired because of all the things you have to move around. You could never have peace of mind. It would be terrible for a person with OCD.😂😂😂😂❤️

[@jia781]

Beautiful functional design, a much preferred take over the excessive HDB renovation often featured in the internet

[@fajarsetiawan8665]

This apartment looks just appropriately designed

[@steampunkster2023]

Love the Murphy bed setup. I find the kitchen is a bit far from the living space though.

[@LenaLuthorWife]

it's like that in spore. they have the version which is connected to the living room too but most of it is like that

[@canwejustnot]

If you cook with a lot of spices, you might want to have the kitchen a bit further away from your living space. I think that's why their floor plans are usually like this

[@Towkeeyoh]

Now this is small. Also kudos for making Batok look cinematic, very chio.

[@anonanon1791]

Beautiful apartment and very clever storage solutions.

[@RoS-e-a]

My favorite so far!

[@chekolino88]

6:59 couldn't they cover those waterpipes with something? does not look nice exposed like that

[@rethap3612]

Ideal place for plants 🪴🪴🪴

[@amandahastings4138]

So a this is what we call an HDB flat, it has certain regulations meaning certain water pipes cannot be boxed in.

[@liztan3956]

The shower set looks cool 🚿 Does anyone know what brand is it? This is the most practical and unpretentious 2 rooms flexi design i encounter so far.

[@conniebruckner8190]

Congratulations, a very functional easy-on-the eyes apartment. I think when owner has bigger plants it will be even a nicer place. I agree that curtains could be replaced by block-out shades, but that is just a matter of taste and practicality. I would have chosen a larger shower and smaller vanity. I envy having that window in the bathroom. I miss that in ours.

[@mariajoset.4469]

The problem I see is you have to move the sofa constantly. I prefer a place for de sofa that you can transform in a bed at night.

[@YT-GuestAccount]

It actually looks like there is enough space with the sofa in the middle for the bed to pull down behind bc of the horizontal orientation of the murphy bed.

[@LenaLuthorWife]

I was thinking just a single seat since I will be by myself anyway. but I think can just put there if you dont have guests. And then pull down the bed. The space shld be enough

[@Jalfo85]

Same here. It would be easier for living if they had moved all the structure and the Murphy bed to the actually TV wall. No need to constantly move the couch

[@catemoon]

And I wonder what all that dragging does to the floors.

[@poshbo]

he's better off keeping the movable table by the Murphy bed; it has wheels so it's easier to move when pulling down the bed. He can then keep a sofa bed on the other side in front of the TV; if somebody comes over they can sleep on it. A curtain can provide privacy between the two spaces

[@CrissNoltie]

Love the space was managed. BTW. What material was used for the flooring?

[@Pablo_bsb]

bela iluminação esse apê, deixa tudo melhor

[@susanshannon1984]

Oh Gosh! I am so glad you brought this up. My thoughts exactly. Lighting is so important in a small space when there aren't a lot of surfaces for lamps and overhead lighting can sometimes be harsh. This lighting is warm and beautiful!

[@NaturesInfiniteWELLth-fo6rs]

I like murphy beds in theory. I would have to leave it down a lot to let the mattress air out, breathe, as a lot of moisture from our bodies is released when we sleep, with potential for mold growth (from my experience with my natural fibre shikibuton). I no longer make the bed unless it’s had plenty of time to air and will be showing it. I really like the use of the bifold doors with the extra handles. I personally would have preferred two separate rooms instead of the all in one.

[@jumpgenx2571]

What is a shelter room? I’ve never heard that term.

[@seaweed5765]

It’s a bomb shelter room that’s common in HDB public housing flats

[@minnn3442]

basically a bomb shelter, built into or required to be in every housing (hdb public housing, or other private residential properties) since 1998 i think

[@guarruda]

Wow! Love it. Such a smart and functional design!

[@akashradia]

I feel like malleable spaces to suit evolving needs is really untapped design approach. would love to learn more about designers creating more spaces like this!

[@dorthy1666]

I love the flexibility an d functional simplicity.

[@tinekejoldersma]

Light, functional, and airy.

[@pedterson]

I like that the furniture is functional, but not worked into some elaborate spaceship design. He just moves the sofa with his hands instead of building some unnecessary rail structure. And the table rolls where it is needed instead of folding into another structure and turning into a bean-to-cup coffee machine.

[@modelno2004]

I’d love if there’s an architect or designer out there that you can feature that addresses accessibility and/or the elderly community

[@fufufuaru]

oh my god the pull down rack in the closet 🤯

[@LenaLuthorWife]

now I can visualize this space cos I also got the 38sqm size bto since the 42sqm is all fully reserved. I had similar ideas but not thinking of the murphy bed. Maybe it is more practical since it is small. Cos I lazy to bring it up and down. As for the living area is actually quite okaylah just nice for 1 person. I also very lazy to clean stuffs. But I thought of putting the top part cabinet since I have lots of stuffs. I wonder whether that will make the space looks small

[@jaysato]

nice apartment. though i wish the bathroom/ shower room could have looked a little nicer, it felt different from the rest of the apartment.

[@Kofferpacker]

I like it - its not spectacular, but special 😀the only thing i don't like: The chairs... Who can sit on these cheap things without back pain???

[@GamesplayChris42]

I am always surprised by how few small living spaces use a murphy bed system. So when I see it I get a bit excited cause it seems like such a logic option compared to having the bed crammed into a tiny nook where the bed is smashed up against three walls.

[@OliverCozens-h7g]

This is great. Can anyone tell me what brand the Murphy bed is and where to buy it? Also the clever pull-down shirt rack.

[@dazathoth]

This is a bit strange... The client rarely cooks and yet they have entire room dedicated for the kitchen... Wouldn't it be better that he placed bedrom in that room and have smaler kitchenette in the main living/dining area? That way the apartment would have separate bedroom. More privacy and wouldn't have to lift up the bed and move the furniture so much 😊

[@gracefulkimberella]

Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to see what you have up next!!

[@ФедяКрюков-в6ь]

38 sqr.meters for a single person is a lot of space

[@mrdeanvincent]

Yeah definitely. I live alone in 36sqm and it's more than enough space. I also have a permanent bed (not a murphy) and I never have to roll any of my furniture out of the way.

[@asa.l9151]

Reminds me of home when I see sg apartments on NTS!

[@rayvincent7524]

Looks so good but u can still hear ur neighbour's noises through the walls😂

[@LimitedWard]

I see a Lelit Bianca espresso machine. Owner has her priorities straight!

[@annepoitrineau5650]

Beautiful and so clever. I am a bit puzzled by the shelter room.

[@jolewis6913]

In what way? Singapore is prone to earthquakes so shelter rooms are necessary. Or do you mean that it’s full of stuff so wouldn’t be that practical in an earthquake ?

[@jolewis6913]

Oh, sorry, reading other comments it seems to be for bomb explosions not earthquakes. You would have to know about the bomb first for it to be of any use?

[@annepoitrineau5650]

@@jolewis6913 both ways actually. Thank you for the info.

[@shaneallencrisostomo]

early! wishing to get a singaporean apartment in the future.

[@cheribim_cinnamoroll]

You should let me visit your future apartment in SG 🤭

[@MitchellGreen]

The music is so loud it is hard to hear him. Skip the music .. please

[@bekahbrown1382]

babe, wake up! a new never too small video just dropped

[@hintex487]

Interesting

[@moreorlessok5635]

watching the the ad just because of the voice

[@bhotsnax]

The bathroom look like a hospital bathroom with all of those chrome bars everywhere.....not liking this one

[@rudolphilaga9557]

Someone drop the instructions on how to build that rolling work table! 🙌🏼

[@Aoirsae]

My problem is that I would keep the bed down all the time because I'm lazy

[@JS-ev4xc]

The attraction is the Murphy bed, other than that, it is quite ordinary. If the renovation is costly, it serves no purpose as the unit that comes with the included design is actually quite similar.