NEVER TOO SMALL: Bespoke Airy Paris Small Apartment, 47sqm/505sqft

Pre-order our second book here: www.nts-store.com/collections...
Set in the lively Goutte d’Or district of Paris, this small heritage apartment long left unrenovated has been redesigned by Ovo Studio with a 70’s twist, by taking into account the colours and materials of the client's existing furniture for the overall design of the apartment. Originally made up of tightly enclosed spaces, a request to remove a kitchen wall resulted in the home's layout being completely redesigned. Ovo Studio opened the kitchen to the rest of the living/dining space, as well as bringing the bathroom itself into the bedroom space while still carving out a dedicated but small room for the toilet. Enhanced by clever new storage solutions and low-lying furniture throughout as well as consistent materials and colour palettes, future adaptability has been prioritised for its young owner.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Ep: 158
Project Name: Panama Apartment
Architect: www.ovostudioarchi.com/bertil...
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Matthieu Torres & Rem Burger
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: Late Night, Instrumental Version by Kyle Cox & Beholding, Instrumental Version by Marshall Usinger from Artlist.io

[@sbaumgartner9848]

This is a very fresh take on an old apartment. I love how you kept both modern and traditional features, softened the look with curves and perfect paint tones. You also maximized storage. Even the handles on the cabinets in the living room are wonderful added details. Extremely well done.

[@Brian-jv8iy]

I only cant do with the aligment on kitchen doors, who did that haha

[@jdp486]

I know people sometimes criticize a NTS video when they feel the apartment is too large, but I much prefer to see a slightly larger home that's lived in regularly, rather than a space that's clearly only appropriate as a short term rental or vacation home.

[@cheapandchic89]

This is gorgeous- the kitchen, the shelves, the orange tiles in the bathroom. Love how there's space for a normal sized bedroom. The design is intelligent and fun.

[@Terri_MacKay]

I loved the normal sized bedroom as well. Too often in these small spaces, the bedroom is in a tiny niche in one part of the space, and the clothing is stored in a completely different area.

[@michelestapleton]

I wouldn't be comfortable with an open bathroom, but other than that, I absolutely love this apartment. Well done!

[@vintagejaki751]

Barn doors would be good in this space.

[@sonjak2395]

One of the nicest apartments I have seen here so far. I especially like the kitchen as well as the solution for the bathroom!

[@anna-taniatransylove5762]

I agree, very tastefull design and colors

[@jennieanderson5291]

So many of the apartments featured on this channel have such high ceilings, and I'm very envious because most living spaces in my area only have 8-foot ceilings. Having a higher ceiling automatically makes a space feel airier and lighter. I have always loved seventies vibe when it's tame. This is a perfect example of doing that decade right. The furniture, the curved cabinets, the small but punchy seventies accessories like that cube side table...it's really great. I particularly love that orange lamp tucked in the corner of the living room. I firmly believe that pretty much every room should have a pop of warm color, so the accents of orange throughout the home are really appealing to me. I love the orange tile in the bathroom especially, although it's not particularly practical since it will look dated very quickly, and tile is a pain to replace. Even considering that, I kind of want to put orange tile in my own house. I have mentioned this before in the comments section of other videos on this channel, and I'll say it again: it is a really bad idea to have a bathroom open to the bedroom. No matter how good your ventilation system is, steam will work its way into the bedroom and create a mildew problem. I get not wanting a dark bathroom, but I think a better solution would have been a pocket door with glass to allow light while keeping the moisture contained.

[@12rapdl]

In many country (and I think France is the same) is mandatory to have a fan to force air outside id the bathroom has no window

[@cbuns713]

Those curved oak cabinets are incredible.

[@melissamartinez8509]

This video is a fantastic showcase of how to maximize a small living space without sacrificing style or functionality. The clever storage solutions and minimalist approach help keep the apartment feeling spacious and uncluttered, proving that you don't need a lot of space to live comfortably and stylishly in the heart of Paris. A perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality!

[@rsoubiea]

It’s now a light and airy space, very serene. Love the changes that were made. ❤

[@livezurichlovekarin7089]

What a wonderful apartment!!! The architect nailed it! It looks ten times bigger then the 46 m2. Truly a masterpiece!

[@ldw2739]

Not too sure about the practically of the open shower… otherwise this apartment is top notch! Especially that kitchen with the curved cabinets looks amazing.

[@grigorisgirl]

Agree. Beautifully done but I’d be wary of damp in the bedroom or maybe I am just a splashy showerer.

[@freechilli8755]

I felt the same. I'm not familiar with the drier climate in Europe so maybe it works? (PS I'm from the tropics so the humidity would kill this idea)

[@ldw2739]

@@freechilli8755it doesn’t. My sister has a similar situation. She has to replace her mattress more often because of it getting moldy. Still sucks up moisture even with window open while showering.

[@freechilli8755]

@@ldw2739 yikes... Then I hope this client has a very good dehumidifier...

[@livezurichlovekarin7089]

We do have an shower open to the bedroom for 9 years: here in central and northern Europe this is absolutely no problem! Infact in winter many of us are using humifiers because of the too dry air due to heating.

[@patj4952]

It is difficult to believe this is only 505 sq ft. The use of space is amazing. Removing the wall in the kitchen was a stroke of genius. It not only opened the space but allows a view from the kitchen to the living room. The kitchen cabinets are beautiful, functional and modern. I love that the living room has multiple seating areas. This is a home that can be enjoyed for years.

[@lena_black_white]

Loving this flat. The wood and white tones make it look warm, spacious and modern.

[@chezmoi42]

What a beautiful, airy renovation. The space is inventively maximized while respecting the character of the building. I especially liked the curved details in the cabinetry, which echo the arched doors and moldings. As a retired designer, I applaud her advice: be a good listener. It is not our place to impose our own 'look' on our clients, but to help them imagine and express the way they want to live.

[@tinasavy]

This is one of my favorite apartments we have shown. It is simple, smart, cozy and livable at the same time. I also loved that the closet was a little messy, it's proof that this apartment is really being used for living! ❤

[@user-br2qf6mc9z]

The curved kitchen cabinets are wonderful! I'd love to learn more about how renovations of the older apartments like these change the plumbing. Was the toilet moved here, and if so what were the required strategies/constraints? Was the water boiler added to make the apartment independent of a central boiler or did it just replace an older one?

[@kiribati9393]

in France,even more in those buildings, all flats have their own boiler, for the plumbing change, if you look at the plans, they haven't moved them much , still on the same "outside" walls , so close to the evacuation column

[@Yzabell0M]

As someone who renovated an appartement in Paris I can tell you: you don’t move the toilet! You can budge them a bit (switch them to the other side of the wall for example) but not really move them because they have specific evacuation plumbing. You have option like “crusher” toilets (I don’t know the name in English) that can plug into normal plumbing though. All other plumbing is quite flexible if you have the money to “rewire” it, however they may be impact on water pressure and evacuation efficiency, so it’s always recommended to stay close to the original configuration.

[@livezurichlovekarin7089]

as long the toilet is seperat, this is sooo comfy! We have an open bathroom in our master for 9 years. It's fantastic 😊

[@barbarar5869]

I love the kitchen. The cabinets really tie in the room and make it look more cohesive. I usually dislike open kitchens but this made me change my mind.

[@pedrofanti]

This looks beautiful. It's kinda weird to me that the channel is called never too small while I'm sitting on my apartment that is 23 sq. meters (and I love my apartment). This looks big to my perspective.

[@arlenehutchinson9259]

🤯 the master carpenter needs his/her own show 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 RESPECT ABSOLUTELY 💯 remarkable. ❤ Almost fainted at the cupboards in the bedroom, the kitchen stands alone.

[@willbraden8354]

As someone who really loves a super hot steamy shower, this would be a bit of a bummer. But I get it.

[@seanc5582]

Same thoughts, not to mention spills and splashes. An enclosed shower area is more practical.

[@Roonii82]

Even with cold showers the humidity will still go all around. It will be stored in furniture and walls and eventually will cause mold.

[@terenehidia]

This is an elegant and livable space. I love that the architect put the needs of the client first.

[@LitteJeanie]

I love this design, especially the oak kitchen with the curves. I also like the use of polished concrete, it looks much warmer in this setting than other builds I've seen.

[@DMHN84]

I love how the curved ends in furniture help with the flow in small spaces, that’s something I learned in this channel. But I will never agree on mirrors behind a range 😅

[@karenharvey2549]

The oak framed built in wardrobes are beautiful. The curved top corners matching the ceiling shape softens the straight lines in the room and matches the ceiling curves perfectly.

[@katmastroianni557]

I wish all videos would be in native language and subtitled, so the flow of the monologue would be more pleasant to listen to :)

[@clumsywithwords]

Agree!

[@katkag.1799]

One of my favourite apartments ever. Beautiful!

[@olalalala4302]

Love this design! It opens up the space and make it bright.

[@JTMayo803]

This is beautiful! The curves in subtle areas make the place feel soft and elegant. Incredible redesign of the kitchen and entrance closet to give separation from the living area. Would love to see more of your work!

[@gnarbeljo8980]

Brilliant renovation and remodelling! Everything about this space is truly meant to last and also be a place to cook and gather friends. And it truly is! I really appreciate the attention to the clients pre existing furniture to build on, and the thoughfulnesd of creating a space that can evolve over time with someones very first own home. Thats great architecture! And such a pleasant space! ❤

[@thelalanz73]

I love this apartment. Seems very spacious and modern and flexible.

[@daniebelle23]

I really love how the space was renovated! The flow from the kitchen to dining and living rooms is amazing and spacious. If I lived there, I would've added a mirror in the water closet and enclosed the glass shower in the bathroom to keep it from getting a little too messy. I'm sure her client loves and appreciates it!

[@mariastathopoulos744]

The curved tall kitchen/storage oak cabinets are terrific for the space. Concrete is too porous for kitchen counter tops. It is very high maintenance and stains too easily. I also like the bedroom wardrobe doors - it is the focal point of the room. The toga couch is fine for anybody under 35. Not the most comfortable or practical couch from the 1970s.

[@cheapandchic89]

Yeah, that couch is cool but I imagine it must be very impractical.

[@MTMF.london]

Concrete can be sealed with high performance coatings that are basically problem free - stain and water resistant, easily wiped-clean.

[@kathleenhill5838]

Really love what was done mixing the old with the new.

[@yuukihoffner8433]

Very beautiful and charming. The colours oak/orange plus creamy white and the curves in the kitchen and the bedroom closet go so well together.

[@James-In-Exile]

Very subtle, but smart choices. A wonderfully calming environment.

[@Umbear]

One of my favorites so far

[@conniebruckner8190]

very nicely done! and the comment at the end: "listen" to the client is how it should be!

[@SunshineSyzygy]

I'm working with 450 sq feet downtown in the states. I specifically sought out a cozy Paris apartment decor. I spent a few months there abroad in college... hands down my favorite place in the world It looks wonderful and inspiring

[@JodieMiners]

Love it. Especially the bathroom idea.

[@user-xg1ho8ui7o]

Excellent job! Although I can see that much attention has been placed on listening to the client and creating a personalised and elegant solution for her specific tastes and needs, the final product also seems easily adaptable for future possibilities and lifestyles she may grow into in the future. What a treat! Bravo!!!

[@cirene9590]

The new layout is clever and practical. Love what the designer has done.

[@LuOsorio]

This is beautiful. It looks so big! There's nothing missing and the design is very stylish

[@fannyhalgand]

The kitchen is so beautiful. I'm in love with this 70s style!

[@theaprileighth]

really like the floor plan, entering to the center of whole room with w/c and kitchen, dividing the public and private space well.

[@mila3432]

Obsessed with the thoughtfulness

[@nadiamiravete5337]

This one is amazing, perfectly well done, I love it!

[@Houseds]

The apartment has a very beautiful and clear design style with gentle and delicate color tones.

[@ellieboa]

Beautiful! This is in the 18th arrondissement of Paris for anyone interested.

[@gesarenyandusi5517]

I love this space, it feels like somewhere I'd wanna live in and the curves in the kitchen are so pretty and actually very useful, the way it seamlessly blends with the living room aaah! the design is smart and creative and homey and she has a freaking closet.

[@jlanvers]

I really like the mirrors in the kitchen!

[@monicacappetta7017]

I just love this apartment design.

[@craven5328]

I love, love, love thouse couches, and that some traditional elements of the apartment were maintained (ie: decorative ceiling moldings). Also, the closet / cabinetry in the bedroom!

[@doloresgiorgi5022]

Absolutely lovely! Great design and functionality! And in Paris! Love it.

[@JenShea]

Absolutely gorgeous!! The 'kitchen' cabinets, with those curves blend in to the living space so beautifully... it's a stunning apartment.

[@ignaciodegeyter1]

beautiful and stunning. what a great way to resolve client's needs.

[@LaLadybug2011]

Bravo! This is so beautiful and so well done. The finishes are perfect and the owner won't tire of them because nothing is "faddish." It's classic styling is so calming as well. Great work, great video-thank you!

[@raeveth]

This is absolutely wonderful apartment with a brilliant use of light

[@dirkdieter]

Beautiful! Favorite touches are the curved cabinets and the orange tile🧡

[@philiq18]

Beautiful space. It's just the right amount of everything.

[@WellActualllyyy]

whoever did the joinery is seriously talented

[@trollbzh]

It's the best apartment that I have seen on this channel. Such a serene, elegant yet simple place. Bravo!

[@DJ-6972]

One of the best ever.

[@ChristopherJohnsonArtist]

The kitchen cabinets look so nice they are now a focal point.

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

It's inspiring how you created a cozy yet stylish sanctuary with a vibe and heart of Paris. 🧡🧡

[@saikogrrl]

So elegant and chic, and feels so spacious!

[@09ledm]

Paris ❤ the best

[@hotelierid9029]

I really like it. The kitchen is very beautiful and spacious. The touch of orange color in the toilet and other details that gives the place a personal charming touch.

[@bduffy1215]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@cyberqueen777]

Excellent renovation.

[@TLouisa]

Beautiful

[@julietphillips1991]

Nicely done, Bertille!

[@carveratutube]

Super nice, cozy and functional small apartment. Awesome work 👍

[@karateana7593]

Beautiful!

[@bookreadingeek2678]

Loved this entire design

[@GoldfinchRobin]

This is beautiful, and it flows so nicely, I would love love an apartment like this.

[@jolewis6913]

Really beautiful.

[@Au-une]

Amazing design! Love it all! ❤

[@tavifagascon]

What a lovely place! I absolutely love the layout. You did an amazing job!

[@cyber_cowpoke]

Wow, this place is beautiful!

[@pinhaoadriana6723]

Absolutely wonderful! Well done!

[@jcgoldsmith6515]

Classy and elegant. Nice work.

[@ch.b1877]

Bravo pour ce magnifique projet. Tout est superbe et intelligemment conçu ! J’adore 🥰

[@TheHiawatha]

Perfect balance design and comfort (comfort often sacrificed in the cause of design, I find).

[@stephaniecelines]

this is one of my favorite apartments I’ve ever seen on this channel. or anywhere actually :) would move in right away and not change a thing

[@richardkozlowsky3026]

Lovely and beautiful front doors ... great kitchen space seems very fonctionnal too.

[@gianfranco_maldetto_92]

Kitchen is really beautiful. Well done!

[@heidimeigs5192]

This apartment is wonderful. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@veronherrera]

very clever, simply and chic solutions

[@desleykakoulidisgallaway3382]

Wow it’s a beautiful sculptural piece of architecture ❤

[@shadowboxer93]

This is perfection.

[@melindadouglas1673]

Gorgeous apartment! I loved the curved door between the dining/kitchen space. The only change I would make were it mine is to remove the mirrored backsplash and add a blue handmade tile backsplash. I think that would add personality to the space and be beautiful. I would also add more open shelving in the kitchen. In the living room there is opportunity to add color on the side wall and a fabric cushion to the bench for additional seating. Job well done!

[@naomiquirion7725]

Stunning!

[@oceanwonders]

Very airy. Love that open layout. Also love the shower & sink right in the bedroom, even though it's unconventional.

[@jpp7783]

It’s common in some areas; and in France, it’s rare to have the toilet in the same space where you wash yourself. One thing I do find would be challenging is that there will always be some water, some splatter, out into the main area. In this case that means the bedroom hallway. So you get dressed for work and…walk across the water puddle you’d just created.

[@oceanwonders]

Thanks for letting me know! @@jpp7783

[@cuckoofrombg]

So basic and beautiful at the same time. The kitchen is lovely with those curves. The sitting area is so comfy. The shelves, the bench. And the closet in the bedroom I like. Very nice.

[@pippalewisNYC]

This is great, really inspiring. I could just stand at that balcony all day and gaze.

[@victorylee5381]

Nice and airy !

[@paraparakids]

The entrance door is gorgeous….❤️

[@bezawitworku7419]

So lovely!

[@bronweneinhorn8831]

Love this apartment!

[@martastosio4622]

I love it so much!!!