NEVER TOO SMALL: Architect’s Tranquil Minimalist Apartment, Sydney 42sqm/452sqft

[@nilscelrau]

congrats: the first architect to explain how it was possible to demolish interior walls without affecting the structure of the building! Other projects seen here, on this channel, are like a neverending fiesta of torn down walls 😄

[@melcalcin]

I’d be interested how long it took for them to get the required authorization. In Europe this could take 12 months, especially when it’s a walk-up, and normally - you would not be able to take down a load bearing wall. Both design and functionality are well represented in this project.

[@eily_b]

Exactly. They tore down walls below me without any support and now my kitchen and bathroom floor is sinking. 😑

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

@@eily_b isn’t that illegal?

[@melcalcin]

@@user-ed7et3pb4o of course it is, if you are asking about Europe. But hey, some people have a funny sense of property and think that they can whatever the heck they want in their home. Normaly, if this happens and civil inspections is notified, they will check the situation and make you build everything up, BUT the structure is damaged already. Especially if we are looking at buildings that are placed in earthquake prone areas, such as Romania…

[@melcalcin]

@@eily_b OMG, that is horrific! Was the civil works inspection or whatever responsible authority not notified by the situation?

[@kitsburrard5530]

Amazing how that curve in the ceiling pulls everything together and turns ordinary into extraordinary. And so clever to repeat it elsewhere. Well done!

[@beahmbeyond]

This is so simple, clean, and most importantly, practical. The curved-feature motif is subtle but perfect.

[@oPeRa1923]

Now THIS design can be done in most spaces. This is absolutely liveable and homey. Another great feature, NTS! 🥰🥰🥰

[@AmyAnnetteHenion]

That yellow laundry nook makes me SO happy. 💛💛💛

[@l.a.3479]

A different color, and it would me, too.

[@cheapandchic89]

What a stunning kitchen, I’m inspired by the colors the couple chose. Also love how they kept a separate bedroom without any compromises. Gorgeous and simple.

[@ChickyGutchaka]

This is one of the best small apartment renovations I've seen! It looks like it would be a really comfortable and peaceful place to live, with no awkward features.

[@sarahdandie2541]

These are my best friends!!! I'm so so proud! Love your work Raff and Ben, and Never Too Small you did a great job at showing off their space 😊😊😊

[@hentweet]

Absolutely one of the nicest apts I’ve seen on Never too Small. For starters, it has a normal couch and chair! Some of the built-in couches in the NTS apts. look awfully uncomfortable. I also love Ben’s philosophy. Gorgeous - kudos!

[@ldw2739]

The floor plan on this one is so good. Practical, a ton of storage, and fun subtle elements. The lovely color of the kitchen combined with the counter is stunning and my favourite feature in this apartment. Congrats!

[@tuppence937]

Love this small Sydney apartment. The balcony with views over adjacent greenery really enhance the space.

[@kobrien7945]

Love how you made the compromised (lower ceiling to conceal the steal beam) into a beautiful feature in both the dining and bedroom. Well done. It looks like a comfortable well thought out space to live b

[@lindadonaldson7568]

The kitchen and bathroom impressed me the most since those are the rooms that get messy here and theirs are so clear and neat!

[@easternbrown]

A few times in recent videos the sustainability issue has been mentioned, like it is here at the end. It's absolutely a vital problem to address. But does this kind of refit of small footprint dwellings really represent a significant element in finding a solution? The suggestion seems to be (6:41) that if we refitted all the old building stock in our cities there would be little or no need for the new build apartment blocks springing up everywhere. Is this really true? I'd have thought that most old and badly designed apartments in cities are occupied anyway as demand for living space is generally excessive and people just put up with living badly. So a refitted apartment does not substitute a new build apartment in the overall scheme of things. Another counter argument may be that new build is generally much more thermally efficient, and keeping old buildings running is damaging the environment - when it comes to cars the policy seems to be to force people into scrapping their old ones and buying new ones, which is the exact opposite principle but it is supposed to be environmentally beneficial (this is also debatable especially for people who drive relatively little). I don't know, but the presumption that there is an environmental benefit here is maybe not so obvious as is suggested. Maybe a video looking into it would be worthwhile :) Nice job on the flat anyway!

[@JeanneMichoko]

Very nicely put. I'd add that people (or parasite) living off their many rented properties, is also one of the cause people just can't buy anything, and have to build new accommodations (when they can).

[@GeeEee75]

​@Redrally Encouraging family living in apartments is a great idea. Unfortunately, here in Australia, people have a strong bias against apartment living. The belief is that apartments are only suitable for the young and single, and the aspiration is for a large house with backyard, even if it means living in the outer suburbs and doing a long commute to work.

[@ChickyGutchaka]

​@@GeeEee75 Totally agree, but I don't think there are many family-friendly apartments being built in Australia which probably plays into it.

[@PalitoSelvatico]

The real problem are not buildings made for people to live, its the huge useless ones. Empty bank offices, entire floors owned by companies that don't use them, modern and expensive apartments are usually empty, just kept by their owners to resell later when the area gets more expensive and get some profit.

[@MissTeaAddict]

Your comment about thermal efficiency is a really valid point. I was shocked that they put all of this effort and money into remodeling the apartment and then didn't update the 1970s windows. As someone that has lived in some older Sydney apartments, they are the main way that you gain/lose heat when you don't want to. Things like lack of natural light (which they mention is a problem here) cause other issues too like mould growth. Newer apartment buildings also tend to have a mix of balconies and 'winter gardens' which are closed in sunroom type areas. In small spaces, I feel like 'winter gardens' are a much better use of floor space than a balcony that is exposed to the elements.

[@lauragraceramos]

This video is NTS doing its thing - sharing simple small spaces that have great form and function, seemingly effortlessly.

[@cindyboughen9933]

Such a beautiful space! I especially love the curved ceiling (hiding the steel beam) and the green colour of the kitchen cabinets!😍

[@DrKarvel]

This is simply genius. I have been watching Never Too Small for years and this is my favorite renovation so far! 😍 Great mindset, great job!

[@BalboaBaggins]

"genius" and "literally" are the most overused words on the internet.

[@defneumut7729]

I would definitely add some paintings and pictures here and there. I think it would help the house become more homey.

[@Mhd0112]

I love this! The wall lights pointing up and the little hole in the cupboard - brilliant. Also a huge fan of seeing this style of Australian apartment getting updated. These apartments and age are so common here so it's really helpful to see how people are updating these types. More please!

[@johnnabeeson9401]

So lovely, especially lucky for the outside greenery. I particularly liked the kitchen design and colors. Great use of storage space too.

[@carolhathaway5168]

I had to go back and look at the square meters, as it feels much bigger than it really is! Everything is well-appointed. Everything you'd need in the beautiful kitchen (even a dishwasher), a designated laundry area, and a lovely conversation area in the living room. Really fabulous!

[@tracyg843]

A space that deals with the reality of low ceilings in small spaces. Glad to see it

[@siggim9170]

Wow, this is so beautiful and well thought. Having an appartement with low ceilings myself , I adore how you picked up the challenge and solved the problem ❤

[@l.a.3479]

*apartment

[@hunt386]

Having natural light and air ventilation in every room is super bonus.

[@valentinacardenas404]

This proves how to demolish interior walls without compromising the building's structure, creating a continuous transformation and an INNOVATIVE SOLUTION 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Amacott99]

I love the circular aspect of the ceiling…..such a beautiful home❤

[@jeffreylarsen4614]

The kitchen cabinets are a beautiful color

[@amalinaosman6647]

Love the color palette and the curving-feature motif. This is how you elevate a space while keeping it simple. A great feature from NTS!

[@metislamestiza3708]

i love the clean lines and streamlined aesthetic. being a light sleeper myself i appreciate the cocoon atmosphere of the bedroom. really airy, full of light too. i wouldn't change ANYTHING about this home. congratulations on perfection and a homey feel too!

[@MikeS29]

This is so well done, and such a relief to know that they actually live there, and aren't using it as a vacation rental or holiday home. That kitchen is beautiful and is just enough seperate from the living space.

[@behuman5725]

You did a great job renovating this space. Love the kitchen colour and hidden storage in the bedroom

[@petalss5325]

that curve!! It's so pleasing to the eye!!

[@dinadeif]

I love this 😍 the design is so simple and understated but so beautiful and functional at the same time!

[@valerieschoen7494]

I like this very much. It does not have the feel of a small space. There’s plenty of room to move around and ample storage.

[@desleykakoulidisgallaway3382]

Well said! You’ve made it look so clean, spacious and fresh

[@lynnoorman2144]

Loving the colours in the kitchen area. The wall of storage in the bedroom incorporating a door to the bathroom is ingenious. I could definitely live there! Brilliant!

[@tomasaranda80]

The minimalist architectural style is one of my favorites, I love how the neutral color palette merges with each of the spaces in this apartment, as well as the design of the furniture and the use of green elements that complete the interior design.

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

Wonderful space. Light, airy, minimal. I loved the color choice for the kitchen cabinets. Also liked the wardrobes created in the bedroom. For me, I would add some art here and there for some pops of color and interest. Otherwise, really liked the space.

[@BuketAlkan-x3t]

I was extremely inspired by this space. I love how non-pretentious and unfussy it is. Love!!!!

[@nunziapiacenti2775]

Tutto è avvolto dalla pace e la serenità che questa architettura genera con le sue forme...

[@kellykwon9294]

This was one of my favourite showcased on this channel.

[@zellalaing5439]

I'd love to see more colourful spaces on this channel. All white and light wood becomes cookie cutter ver quickly - the spaces that use colour and vibrancy in unique ways are truly inspiring.

[@omargreen3078]

These people two are the happiest ppl! Great work.

[@TS-wi8ew]

Love this apartment! ❤ Colours, design, simplicity... Perfect! 👌 Thank you for sharing.

[@TheLsd76]

Great work, beautiful apartment. Pleanty of storage, yet the space doesn't feel cluttered but airy and welcoming.

[@TheHiawatha]

Very pleasing.. Attention to detail, repeated curves very effective.

[@jazziechandra8231]

This is enchanting! It is one of my favourite places here on Never Too Small

[@katherinekatherine8512]

Thumbs up for moving the toilet to where you can’t see from the open door. One of my biggest pet peeves.

[@dogood7337]

I noticed this aspect in this apartment and others featured on the channel: while there is attention to detail in almost every corner, the bed itself seems to be the less curated of all. A well & beautifully made bed is such an important aspect of the overall aesthetics of the house.

[@TamaraJoy7]

A+!! Exceptionally beautiful! My favourite part was the yellow laundry cabinets. What a lovely, well thought out design from top to bottom!

[@charlenerobertson-zb4dn]

Splendid! I am overwhelmed by the nattiness of this apartment... Every bit is picture perfect 💚👏🏻💚

[@amandalages8274]

This is a very well thought out project, it was a delight to see how the curved feature was replicated in different elements. The touch of yellow in the laundry room was also a nice surprise!

[@nidi1992]

It's the little terrazzo nook in the entrance for me.. a storage filled hallway but that detail with the light through is everything!

[@zorkabaljak3919]

I pursue the entire Ryan's Shed Plans and had the favorite alternatives to make a shed game plan. kzbin.infoUgkx28Z8z61iXUVQQPSL3K9UZJw0Hm7ylSiH Using Ryan's Shed Plans alone, the shed itself is phenomenal . I understood all the instructions more correctly with Ryan's Shed Plans. Honestly, this is an extra benefit of Ryan's Shed Plans.

[@fridayschild1566]

Stunning architecture. I would love to have seen a little more of the interesting, creative personalities of the residents in their decor.

[@maritsaappollis7966]

I agree. Their bedroom is especially bland with just the white walls. Since they mostly use it for sleeping and wanted to have it be a cocoon, why not paint the walls a darker colour? There is enough light with that big window that it wouldn’t feel smaller, just more cosy. Or at least put some art or something up! The colour of the kitchen and bathroom/ laundry is so gorgeous, but the entry area could use some art too.

[@BuketAlkan-x3t]

I actually thought it was refreshing to see a space with minimal clutter objects. It's fresh!

[@timepi437]

A minimal apartment with lots of storage, easy to believe it is actually lived in. Lovely airy feel and smart use of space.

[@pipsadler2153]

Loved the summary at the end, it’s great to see sustainability acknowledged as such an essential part of how we live.

[@VidishaMitra]

This is so amazing! The layout is amplifying usability, sunlight, space, and the aesthetic of the apartment! Also, love the choice of orange color for the bathroom and light sage for the kitchen, even the key space! What a transformation 👏 😮

[@mariannewestrope3888]

This is a beautiful, liveable apartment. LOVE the kitchen.

[@OutPushing]

Love the decision to move the lighting from the ceilings to the walls 👌

[@yoly_dyn_mdn]

Wood floors and white walls are my favorite pair and that cabinet color with the countertop are amazing! 😊

[@grigorisgirl]

Stunning apartment. Love the kitchen colour and work surface. Beautiful. (I’d have to have a few paintings though, but we are all different)

[@conniebruckner8190]

You've created a very beautiful place for yourselves. It looks much bigger than it is. Love the colours you chose. Oh, I like plants as much too, cannot imagine any home without some.

[@vivis1093]

Really nice design, so simple and clean. I love how he make an independent space to laundry.

[@MBMCincy63]

Not my choice of color palette, but I like the design and functionality of the layout. Her pants are really an eyecatcher! Thanks

[@MsWinterlife]

It reminds me of an apartment we had in Parkville (Melbourne) that was similar to this in both building age and style. When we carried out a renovation on it, we had lots of grand ideas but most of them proved too complicated due to the solid brick load bearing walls, and not being architects we didn’t want to get into deep water. So in the end the only real change we made was to join the laundry and bathroom together into a much more spacious and brighter place, while all other changes were cosmetic and involved nothing more than new floorboards and cabinets, down lights, and a fresh coat of paint. It was still a big improvement from before, though, and we had plenty of happy memories from living there.

[@fatimaayesh7]

Very straightforward solutions! No wonder how clean the result it!

[@kathrynwebster6307]

Thank you for the land acknowledgement at the beginning of this segment.

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

Every spaces breathes with intention. So awesome! ✨✨

[@philiq18]

Beautifully designed. Looks and feels very comfortable. 👏

[@jackieclark817]

Such a wonderful use of every inch of this apartment. So bright and cheery. Well done. ❤🏡

[@xXcrimsonxroseXx]

I love love love the kitchen. The laundry is also great! Such a thoughtful detail to add the laundry sink even though the regular bathroom sink is so close.

[@SF-ru3lp]

Super re-imagining and re-design of this apartment. Congrats! Beautiful, functional and spacious. G Ire

[@vinceburden4395]

42 sqm is a lot of space for an apartment here in the Philippines but what makes this layout a lot more interesting is that it is scalable for all floor area sizes...

[@conan_der_barbar]

I wish there were more episodes on rented apartments. a lot of people can't afford to buy even a small apartment in the big cities

[@some_phd7655]

simple and functional - lovely! I would really add a carpet to that sofa

[@weareallblinded]

love the Apartment Simple, clean And beautiful

[@frevebe7693]

Love it, could live in this apartment. Love the colour of the kitchen and love the yellow in the bathroom.

[@meetoobaa]

I like how you can take a shit and do laundry at the same time. Thats what turns ordinary into extraordinary. Well done!

[@DRHIPWHIP]

Oh what a wonderful way to start my new day from America!!!

[@louisegriffin3297]

Adore your home simple chic practical with a sense of calm, thankyou for sharing

[@SanjarTheKingOfKings]

Our apartment has relatively low ceilings as well, I never considered the conscious design choice to leave the ceilings devoid of fixtures to enhance the sense of height as an option. You learn something new every NTS episode.

[@lauram6215]

Very practical and with dishwasher and big fridge unlike others featured on the chanel.

[@Chow-qq6yw]

I must say I need to visit this Sydney because it's on Never to small and that makes sense to me, highly appreciate Australia ❤

[@orianaramunno4586]

Beautiful design, it appears spacious and comfortable

[@sanguineaurakzai1867]

this such a neat and clean design, i specially like the shelves at the main entrance, such cool idea to have shelves and way for natural light. 👍

[@lisawaters2585]

THAT is GORGEOUS!!!

[@joannazaras8144]

I like the design very much. I also like the view of the trees outside. The only thing I think is inconvenient is the dishwasher in the corner.

[@Legendary_Cheesecake]

Perfect, absolutely perfect. My dream home 🏡

[@anonanon1791]

Beautiful apartment. It seems very spacious.

[@sistemshock]

Such a stylish and pretty place. Great work!

[@tranlong2531]

great floor plan. just love the hidden bathroom door

[@mariepienne6]

Ben, you have really thought about this space and made a lovely home. I wish you well in your career….

[@Sensei486]

Beautiful Apartment Design. And a Gorgeous Woman. 🥰

[@feelfresh77]

Very well done. Ne personally would put a light structured carpet from under the Couch up to the windows to create a living room area. I really love the the cabinet and sliding door in the bedroom , if you wouldnt have shown it i wouldnt have Seen it because its so well done :)

[@pp.poopoo99]

It's beautiful, clean and a great palette. They had me until the last "degrowth" minute.

[@janetleeadams7287]

I love the design. I would change three things: Move the sofa to the wall. If necessary, move the single chair to the front of the bookshelves. Next change those weird flush door openers that you could see took some effort to use. Finally, the bathroom tiles are lovely but I can not imagine cleaning them. A flat trompe l'oeil would have been a much easier to clean choice.

[@tin.a1999]

THE KITCHEN. WOW. 😍

[@eliee4]

This is beside the point but the green pants are absolutely amazing

[@waggermama]

This is lovely, I particularly like the kitchen