NEVER TOO SMALL: Attic Conversion to Elegant Micro Apartment, Paris 25sqm/269sqft

Head to www.nts-store.... to grab all our publications at one discounted bundle price.
Two adjacent derelict attics, with no bathrooms, kitchens, or plumbing have been completely transformed by talented architectural duo FRÈRES VOIRIN into a functional and modern micro apartment. Removing the false ceiling created space for a compact bedroom and shower to be added, accessed by a central geometric staircase, painted white like the ceilings and walls. The staircase incorporates a hidden washing machine, toilet and integrated storage. The ikea-hacked kitchen, tucked neatly under the upper floor, can be closed off with a movable, groovy shaped three-panel partition. The living room features a large double-height bookshelf and built in L-shaped sofa with a reading corner in front of the window overlooking the rooftops of Paris.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Ep. 182
Project Name: CAPSULE
Architect: www.freres-voi...
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Matthieu Toress
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Jessica Ruasol
Music: Taj Mahal - No Drums by Crazy Paris, Penance & Better Off by warmkeys. from Artlist.io

[@jamjiwi]

This has "Take your little brother with you" energy

[@anniechan3333]

omg coffee everywhere lol

[@ayerimsoto9311]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@stj8088]

This place is too small for this dude

[@OpenHLZFocus]

Wowwww très sympa 🤩👍🤍🤍🤍

[@ixlnxs]

I was already wondering who the boy was, since the client is a woman. I was thinking it was her son, and maybe she bought the flat for him.

[@rabbitsandphilodendron]

i love the apartment but the way the architects are all professional and in suits and the presenting person is just like "AND I WILL DO A BACKFLIP HERE! FRONT FLIP THERE! LOOK WHAT I CAN DO! lift me up guys, so i can dangle from the ceiling!" has me cracking up

[@zoilahinson2702]

PARKOUR!

[@quietestkitten]

I love how each section has its own space, so you're not just looking at the same thing all the time.

[@I_am_Lauren]

The exposed wood beams are such a nice contrast to soften up the white space.

[@alexbernatzky5646]

hmmm shower in space surrounded by fabric and no real separation, I can smell the mustiness and mold from here

[@monicarose2135]

Yeah, why not switch the toilet for the shower?

[@charlie1567]

Absolutely plus when he pulled that curtain back next to the bed and there was this gap and drop in height...image you making your bed , one wrong move and you are experiencing a deep fall. There should be some railing or protection or opaque glas etc.

[@mariamarshall6116]

The skylight can open for ventilation.

[@krGt_]

@@charlie1567 there is already a glass put there for safety .

[@littleblue88]

​@@monicarose2135the toilet needs to be accesible for visits

[@kimberleyrigg7503]

I like the majority or the design but the shower just feels like a after thought that has been shoe horned into the space.

[@RickyMcSpanish]

Yeah surely they could have just made the toilet room into a wet room to give even more space in the bedroom

[@bf9436]

Yes and I would NOT want my shower literally IN my bedroom!! Gross.

[@bellareid3488]

@@bf9436 Agreed

[@Cathiina]

In some apartments in Copenhagen the shower is .. how to put it. Literally ON the toilet?! So you have very little space to shower or you can poop and shower at the same time. So they could have made the toiletroom into a wet room with shower 😊

[@bf9436]

@@Cathiina Sorry, but that sounds gross! I hate ‘wet’ bathrooms!

[@Hunter357mag]

This is exactly what I would have for a permanent apartment. I love the mix of the old beams and rustic finish with the sleek and modern new finishes. The compact layout with high ceilings makes the whole place feel so cozy, but yet filled with natural light also. This is my favorite place i've seen yet on your channel-or any other for that matter.

[@lisettevandegraaf6901]

Love the use of art on the upper kitchen cabinets!

[@KIMCHIBABee]

So much French energy…

[@SrinidhiPadukone]

Fav renovation in a long time. I am not sure if the acrobatic element was just for this video or will be part of the future videos well but it suited the vibe of the video very much. Never thought I would chuckle watching a NTS video 😂

[@andronicemarinis1072]

Being European, I like this apartment and it's location above all.

[@SmilingMana]

Where do you wash your hands after using the toilet? With the same sink you also use to clean your vegetables? The toilet is also too close to the kitchenette. I would have tried put the shower where the toilet is now and create a small, enclosed toilet space in the bedroom area (with a sink inside!). I really hope it will not become a new trend to not create separate bathrooms at all anymore, but I can see why having a proper bathroom in this place was not possible. Doesn't change that the placement of the toilet is awful and a shower doesn't belong so close to a bed and clothes.

[@KMConnor]

Most Parisian apartments have a separate toilet and it's often next to the kitchen. You just use the kitchen sink to wash your hands, it's not a big deal. In fact in a studio of this size it would be unusual to have a 2nd sink let alone a toilet in the apartment. These spaces are former servant's quarters and the toilet would be shared by everyone who lives on that floor, hence the lack of plumbing to begin with. Many people still live in these studios, especially students, as they are some of the only affordable rentals in the city.

[@crystalDM96]

Yep - swapping the toilet and shower placements is the way. But ideally I'd rather they put the toilet, shower and sink all on the ground level

[@elspethfougere9683]

Absolutely beautiful. It has such a good mix of comforting softness and spacious minimalism without being personalityless. I love it. Saving this for reference later.❤

[@SCANNO21]

really cosy and comfy, and sooo nice and funny: feels like a children hideaway hut ! Clever, bright and funny... Love it !

[@ACCOMPLISHEDSHEIS]

This channel reminds me of “Small Space”. I was so hooked. Now, I’m enjoying this channel.

[@yeenar]

Very cool as always. Though--maybe I'm just jaded--does it seem to anyone else like the more ingenious uses of small space have been less common, or said another way: the earlier videos seemed to be more clever and problem-solving-oriented compared to "merely" being just beautifully and elegantly done. Maybe it's just that those were the videos I gravitated toward when I found the channel. Just seems more like "these are nicely designed apartments" now whereas I feel like I remember it used to be like "Wow I never would have thought of that feat of engineering, that's mindblowing". Anyway like I said it's still really cool

[@ilLOLminati]

Totally agree, there used to be lots more innovative ways to use the space while still making it look really stylish and comfortable. This is cute, but it doesn't really wow me as much as some of the others.

[@tiggertay]

It could be that the more NTS videos we watched, the more we'll get a been there done that feeling, while the earlier ones will impress more because of the novelty factor.

[@supersnail5000]

Honestly I think it depends a lot on the demands of the client. Early small living concepts were often very utilitarian, often apartments designed from the ground up with integrated furniture, cabinetry, and wash rooms, designed as low cost living spaces, or in places like Hong Kong and Tokyo, where space is a luxury. This expanded internationally as small sub-let spaces in places like new york became more common, and is where the trend began to blossom online. Then we began seeing people apply some of these concepts to make slightly more luxurious spaces, but still incorporating a lot of functionality to create a fully featured home within a tiny space, or to create more open space to entertain when needed. Meanwhile an apartment like this likely isn't designed to be the clients only dwelling; they probably have a second much larger house out of the city, so considerations like storage, kitchen space, or the abilities for spaces to transform aren't required - it basically just functions as a slightly better equipped hotel room, which you don't need to be all that smart with to make work in a small space. It's designed more to be a pleasant and comfortable space, dedicating a lot of space to things like a large bookshelf, larger circulation spaces, and no need to transform furniture, which is almost a complete rejection of how the trend began (ie the gentrification of tiny homes).

[@yeenar]

@@tiggertay totally

[@rianamohamed300]

How very clever, the apartment has everything thats needed. I love how they put some thought into the toilet downstairs, but shower and basin upstairs. Usually one wouldnt think to separate these elements of a bathroom. My bedroom alone, not counting the attached bathroom, is 25 square meters. So its a really tight but well thought out space.

[@garancebellaiche]

Love that episode

[@missilecustoms]

Probably the most creative studio apartment I’ve seen presented here. Just amazing.

[@mariamadalena7495]

Simply wonderful. Thank you

[@kittydeleo4043]

Great sense of light and space imbued in such a small apartment with limited window real estate. Well done

[@susanr5546]

Wonderful design. I liked the fun part, too, the man doing handstands and acrobatic flips.

[@nicolacubeddu6897]

This is definitely one of the best projects in this channel.

[@anniechan3333]

Love these guys-what a great presentation!

[@Galaxie7230]

That kitchen is so beautiful, like art. I think this is the first time I've seen a yellow kitchen in these kinda of videos.

[@lostzack]

In general good use of space and also looks so bright However the shower and sink beside the bed is a big NO for me 😅

[@lolab.8362]

This whole place is sooo thoughtfully designed…love love love it!

[@robinb4143]

Amazing design. So beautful. Thanks for sharing the ideas and design!

[@GarzaB]

One of the best use of every single square inch that I’ve seen! Bravo!!!

[@patboudotlamot]

superbe design excellente réalisation et de l'humour

[@itsserhioball]

Great project and excellent performance! One of the best videos on this channel!

[@jennieanderson1931]

We now give you a special guest from the local acrobatics team, for your entertainment! 😂 They really used every inch of this apartment. The shelving unit is fabulous, and I love the exposed beams and the artwork on the kitchen cabinets. My only suggestion would have been to move the shower downstairs. Maybe have a wet bath, and put it all in the toilet cubicle, and put the washer/dryer upstairs? Having an open shower right in a bedroom is a really bad idea, especially with no vent fan. Yes, the skylight would provide ventilation, but only a fan properly removes humidity. I don't love wet baths, but that would be better than having a shower next to my bed.

[@gavinhosie]

what a gorgeous space - space very well used

[@paulafigueiredo7834]

Very very interesting and beautiful space! Congratulations!

[@wongilank]

4:04 it's too bad knowing that opening the front window will take space of the sofa?

[@Erika-gm2tf]

Yes. That made me a little sad. It's such a beautul place to sit. You can imagine sitting there with the windows wide open and the real air just coming in. But alas, the windows open inward over the bench. I bet the architects looked into outward opening hinges, but I think there was a Juliette balcony railing in the way and it would all go against code.

[@elsamoz1757]

How creative space and presentation 🎉🎉🎉

[@ephyminh2126]

I really love what you were able to do in there. Clever thinking

[@janeb3024]

Oh, to be young and living in Paris!

[@Silviayoutubella]

Never seen before! Amazing apartment! You can jump and fly !

[@karima_MK]

I can see myself living in this apartment. Someone mentioned Wes Anderson here, I totally agree. It's funny to have the video presented by twin brothers (with an excellent english) showing the place. The kitchen is way too small for cooking properly, but knowing how difficult it is to create a living space in Paris, I find the result bright and well consived in general.

[@iantomasik2]

The toilet next to the kitchen countertop is.. questionable. It wouldn’t get the permit in the country I live in for sure:D

[@latebloomerabroad]

In many countries, having a bathroom right off the kitchen is common. The toilet is in its own room; I would be surprised if you really couldn't get a permit (even if it's not the norm where you live).

[@valeriyatsvetnova6162]

Wow, such a clever use of space under the stairs, kudos to the architects! It literally made me gasp 😅 I would probably opt for a storage instead of either shower or bath, but what a luxury to have both!

[@rzuue]

I think this is one of the most entertaining videos you’ve uploaded yet haha The acrobatics guy really gives the space life and character. I also really like the outlay and design. Though I think I would’ve „sacrificed“ the large shelf or some of the dining area to place the stairs on the side and allow for a small bathroom along the wall were the stairs are now. I don’t dislike the current solution since it’s cool to have a skylight above the shower, but I really like having my shower and toilet in one room. After living in South Korea for a while I also came to appreciate their bathrooms - instead of having a shower cabin, the shower head is usually just attached to the wall or the sink and the entire room, with toilet in it, becomes the shower cabin. It saved so much space, I really liked it. So that’s what I would be going with. The staircase could still have some storage or become a shelf too.

[@NN-cc6dd]

Will never quite understand the decision to integrate a shower in the bedroom. Can't fathom the moisture that would engulf the room, bedding, and more, irrespective of the fact that there's a skylight.

[@Kol1bri]

Great apartment and design, also loved the fun presentation style!

[@ruhtraeel]

I really like how the utilized space is really maximized here, and has basically everything that you need in an apartment. The only thing I'd change is probably to switch the location of the sink and the washing machine, as it seems sort of unsanitary to use the toilet and then need to walk all the way up to the top floor to wash your hands.

[@heidimordhorst8295]

One of the best, proving that home exercise is possible in the smallest apartment! The compact kitchen actually looks usable. I do hope our resident is on the shorter side...

[@luciamariarossi4120]

I like the use of space. The only turn off is the sink in the bedroom. The shower could have been enough.

[@c.t5136]

I love the art on the kitchen cupboards.

[@B__C__]

Very nice use of the stairs to conceal the necessary waterworks downstairs. Bonus points for the added taps upstairs. The kitchen/dining area looks expansive for the space. I didn't hear where the blind for it was stored being too distracted by the handstand, but it doesn't really seem all the necessary the kitchen's facing and counter _(AND ARTWORK!)_ look fine. The upstairs is very cozy. I might have opted for wall between bed and shower area, myself, if only to just hang some art on and provide some separation, but I can totally understand wanting more skylight light. The two initial spaces must of been, for their earlier occupants, like living in walk-in closets.

[@ararattana9083]

The acrobatics merging with space remind me of Bauhaus.

[@Diasatia]

I enjoyed how detailed this design is. Great job

[@GradKat]

Fabulous little apartment! I love it!

[@elizabethabaya4435]

Calling that a “kitchen” is a huge overstatement.

[@luckystarpiano]

What about the “shower “ …oh boy😅

[@Estelliarmus-fr2ri]

My guy, flipping around the apartment like a jungle gym! Please come back to cartwheel through more of these videos

[@jiandaguo4978]

beautiful and calm

[@heavensgoldenshore]

Excellent and cinematographic video ❤

[@rachelmendez1]

Increíblemente precioso, bien pensado, en fin... Me encanta!!!

[@frenchy0411]

This is the MOST entertaining NTS video ever, so playful and funny!!!

[@MotherAotearoa]

Lovely Minimalist Space! 👌 And is fully equipped 👍 I'd say my favourite place would be the living room, very cozy 🥰

[@l.a.3479]

Cozy, but not comfortable. Basically, a little stool and hard window seat.

[@MotherAotearoa]

@@l.a.3479 I loved the window bench.....

[@maricruzramirezherrera9799]

Un apartamento lleno de genialidad y la puesta en escena es muy divertida, simplemente fantástico todo!!!

[@miriamrios9450]

This is the best living design I have seen ❤

[@bieni1690]

Ein sehr schönes kleines Apartment sehr gut gelungen. 👍👋🤗

[@gigif8566]

I'm always impressed with the imagination & skills used for designing small spaces.

[@MelanaC]

What an excellent episode 😂 Brilliant ❤

[@ditabalvinova2451]

IT is Cool !

[@monicawarfsmann4672]

what a cute little apartment , love it

[@hollywalters318]

J'adore! It's as if Tati had come back to life to do the video. I was so sucked in by the entertainment that I'll need to watch it a second time to really see the apartment!

[@donovanreimer2324]

Quirky and practical. Both the video and apartment. Wonderful.

[@karollee13]

I know they can't reveal it, but I'd love to know the design and renovation costs in these videos. I'm even curious about the studios' purchase prices.

[@Person-mh6xq]

Fascinating!! But…the tiny, college dorm-size refrigerator/freezer is a dealbreaker. Can barely keep any food in there.

[@wandadabrowski8745]

Brilliant! Love it.

[@lizabetx483]

A curtain rod by the bed and for the closet curtains would look more elegant. Cute apartment and interesting presentation.

[@mocztenora]

The yellowness of this kitchen joys me.

[@riseevolution]

nice well managed the space.. the bed area have a lot of light

[@mayamyu]

It is small, but it is compact. I love the design 👏

[@doloresgiorgi5022]

Wonderful apartment, great use of space ❤

[@thisis.michelletorres444]

They did the most with an awkward space. The split bathroom is a huge compromise, I understand why they had to do it. The window seating is perfection! For a young person it's a cool space!

[@longloismariam7767]

Très bien pensé et esthétique ! Bravo pour les acrobaties 😅

[@trinidad2450]

“When I do my acrobats, I can use the screen to hide me away.” 😊❤

[@mikitereszko2222]

Breaking down a ceiling is crazy, dope

[@vikkienos6807]

Innovative.

[@dancella0628]

good job!

[@josephtiomico6862]

Was thinking that since the toilet and kitchen are juxtaposed, how i wish that there's an exhaust they could share. All in all, i love the place!❤

[@lauralucero5468]

Am I the only one that thinks that the backflip guy is Tom Holland?😂

[@FranFerioli]

That's the most Parisian pair of architect twins!

[@Mrjudsonjames]

Amazing space, but I was so confused as to who the young man in glasses was? The owner is a woman, and the architects are introduced. So who is he?? Also, the kitchen bench was not marble as mentioned, but looked like marble print tile to me. But perhaps I’m wrong. But there was no mitred joint at the front and the benchtop was in three distinct sections like tiles.

[@maurawhelan3530]

Very nice!

[@Chiqi2008]

You did a nice job 👍

[@sandrah5405]

The kitchen is lovely, I have no idea why you would want or need to put up those moveable screens. They seem unnecessary.

[@maximamariamaler]

love the apartment and the video even more

[@jsbtools7026]

Shower next to the bed and toilet next to the kitchen, needed more galvanised steel frames.

[@zs7678]

Superglue Pub des 90s, cool!!!

[@cata5351]

Beautiful!

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

LOVE

[@rubenencisosanchez9008]

Un micro apartamento que nunca podrás tener.

[@cumuluseremiel1209]

Very wes anderson, love it

[@marsery]

C'est vraiment bluffant de voir comment l' espace en hauteur a été pensé et réorganisé ! les poutres, le lit sous les toits (idéal pour dormir e tne pas etre derangé par des voisins) ..waou..mais combien faut il compter en budget pour parvenir à cela?

[@D-Z321]

The brother’s english is insane. I speak with an accent around English people and they speak English like American accent 😮

[@margotjolly9560]

Love it!!!