NEVER TOO SMALL: Brilliant Mezzanine Conversion to Small Family Apartment, London 42sqm/452sqft

[@16demolka]

Structured pink walls + plywood + paper lanterns - I loved it’s calmness, warmth, simplicity and lightness so much!

[@valeriegalchenko2360]

It’s totally unhygienic to store any linen n things items right under the entrance steps. Also tv positioning makes it unwatchable because of excessive glare. Kitchen sink? Well it needs to be a very strong functional idea behind a visual representation…

[@Yuri-ir6ph]

FINALLY someone who takes into account the fact that we have many grey months in northen europe and uses warm materials for contrast!!!!!!!! i swear here in NL people WANT to be depressed in their own homes, the only colors they know are white, grey and desaturated browns -.-

[@penelopetoniaccini8783]

It's exactly what I don't understand about the Scandinavian use of colours in their homes, everything is beige, grey and any other colours are dull and extremely depressing, no wonder they have the highest suicide rates, which of course has got to do with the weather but they are not really helping themselves with their interiors, considering indoors is where they spend most of their time.

[@residente44]

@@penelopetoniaccini8783 it has to do with the weather bc the weather affects color and light. Color is soooo important in our lives and for our psyche and people don't seem to take it into account for some reason.

[@manoqueenz]

petition to bring back the use of: -.-

[@connorjames5190]

currently renovating my home in NL and I’m painting it myself because 9\10 painters I spoke to only work in white, off white and grey 😂

[@gardreropa]

I wonder... is this traditon of stricter aesthetics stemming from traditional protestant ethics? I cannot say anything, I live in the sunny Mediterranean, and am just wondering in my ignorance, apologies for having a stereotyped view... In any case, I agree that the warm colours in this superb conversion bring lots of "joy of living" vibes.... lots of sun to all!

[@brianparent4882]

I love everything about it. I personally could not live with a toddler in the space but I applaud her for making it work.

[@Amanda-ji6yj]

I get the sense a lot of these videos are of homes that are on the market or will be, so she may be selling to upgrade her space

[@gila1959]

It more fits for a couple or a one person space , how would you arrange the toddler space when he will be grown in about mmm…2 minutes ?

[@jenm1]

@@gila1959 why do people comment as if she's designing for someone else? A toddler won't need privacy for another 7-8 years. If it's good enough for a couple, it's good enough for an adult and small child. Never mind if you don't like it. She likes it, and it's fine.

[@Gustel]

For everyone wondering about the HUGE windows, there are drop down blinds. you can see them just a little bit here 03:39. I've also read that this is a gated Property.

[@katherinekelly5380]

Thanks! I was wondering about that because at night it would be nice to feel like you are not on display

[@allie1953]

I did not notice the blinds and did not also know it was a gated community. That certainly changes my feelings (most positive) about this living space.

[@allie1953]

@@katherinekelly5380 Yes! Many want to avoid the "fishbowl effect"!

[@r.m.alonzo7648]

It's really well designed but where will she put her child when he is older and needs a room of his own? I guess it will be time to sell but it's a beautiful place for a single person or retired couple.

[@youngamy]

@@r.m.alonzo7648 A retired couple who are okay with crouching every time en route to the bathroom. :D

[@SF-ru3lp]

Very elegantly executed. Just wondering what the plan is for when her son is a little older. G Ire

[@drdf7500]

I would move downstairs and sleep on a sofa bed, leaving the bedroom to the kid until he moves away

[@SF-ru3lp]

@@drdf7500 Yes! That's it, D. G Ire

[@lissamk3990]

She may only be planning to stay there a certain number of years. Plenty of people move into and redesign far larger homes, and still only stay just a few years before pulling up stakes and moving. 🙂

[@claredonachie5013]

@@MsEverwatshe says it’s her son’s childhood home

[@MTMF.london]

@@MsEverwatIt is for now as she said it is her son's childhood home. They will probably upgrade to a bigger space when he grows up.

[@dotdesanti8588]

A snippet from the architect firm who designed the space. “A month after she moved in, she found out she was expecting a baby. Her priorities changed, but she wouldn’t give up her beloved mini-loft. She appointed us instead and briefed us to add more storage and make the apartment warm and cosy.”

[@tiggertay]

I love that when you're at the dining area you get light and spaciousness, but stepping into the living area you feel warmth and cosyness.❤ also the colour palette is a dream!

[@badger9156]

Same! Such a great contrast ❤

[@mercurialmagpie3298]

The warm colors, the paper lanterns, and a couch that actually looks COZY topped off with amazing windows! As someone who also lives in the north with many many grey rainy days, I absolutely agree with her choice for the warmth and texture and the need for light. Beautifully designed.

[@j.smith.8915]

More London- or UK-based Never Too Small please! Including examples of our standard inter-war, post-war and standardised modern estate examples?

[@TS-wi8ew]

Love the spherical lanterns hanging at different heights! 😍

[@TheoKoutsaftis]

They are gorgeous! I think that feature deserved a night shot with the lantern lights turned on to see the effect in the evening.

[@JonoConstantini]

@@TheoKoutsaftis I’m not sure if they even light up 🤔

[@violetcassandraperseo8773]

@@JonoConstantini they do, they are ikea lamp shades

[@JonoConstantini]

@@violetcassandraperseo8773 I know, but I don’t see any cables going into them. 🧐 It should look gorgeous if they lit up.

[@MartyMart134]

I live in a 2 bed loft, converted from an old industrial unit with huge windows and for people talking about privacy, you blur out the lower windows and have privacy blinds on the mezzanine and if its in a private road, CCTV place, or gated etc, it feels very very safe, and sitting in a double height space is amazingly relaxing and gives a huge sense of space. Some great ideas in this video for my own space!

[@YaaLFH]

In London CCTV is everywhere, we don't even think about it. In my neighbour there's a similar building (ex-factory converted to flats with mezzanines) on the high street, right next to the pavement. Some of the ground floor flats actually have floor below pavement level (the street is slightly uphill). They have frosted glass up to slightly above eye level and blackout blinds. According to some people here, the residents have no privacy - and yet, all flats are always rented, and the rent is not exactly low.

[@rebeccab9]

I love seeing small spaces lived in by people with kids! ❤

[@ChristopherJohnsonArtist]

I'm not convinced by the brown ceiling. To me it makes it feel lower. Perhaps it is different in person.

[@katherinekelly5380]

Yeah, me too - I think if I had a low ceiling like this I would paint it with pearlescent paint with a sunny yellow under tone

[@kristeng8325]

same, she kept saying it makes the space feel bigger but I think its quite the opposite.

[@BowieTheOctoBear]

For me the white and terracota shades don't really work well...some greens and yellows would look very earthy and warm

[@sitcommunism]

i have painted my ceilings a darker colour and it does feel bigger in the space now, i think perhaps the effect doesnt work on camera as it is something experienced in the space as opposed to looking at an image - that said the chocolate brown colour wasn't my favourite either but thats just personal preference

[@mittainia1066]

100% the brown ceiling is heavy and looks lower BECAUSE of the color she picked. Any light color would be an improvement and reflect the warm pink walls, lightening and expanding the whole space.

[@catinca3065]

An overall lofty, peaceful design, it does justice to the art deco building but also incorporates more japanese motifs and elements that bring light and warmth to the house.

[@chonchoco]

6:56 I'm Japanese and this angle feels somehow very Japanese to me. The lanterns feels familiar as if made of washi (Japanese paper) seen in Japanese restaurants, the beams(?) also reminds me of those in Japanese traditional houses, and the walls also feel Japanese like made of sand ^^

[@joannamz-m1576]

Wow what a beautiful house! I love how each area is well thought of. There is balance of space and storage. Definitely one of my favorites! 😊

[@imogengiddins7515]

I love that whenever it's designers or architects who have these homes you can tell they chose (including what they spent) to live in certain buildings for their heritage and particular style, which i think is so special to know there are people who really appreciate these buildings - beyond just their unit - living there!

[@phiakate]

my day nursery used to be in that building. I loved it there.

[@Lucy-ie8qw]

oh i love the wall colour and the couch. All the softness and the lighting. So calm and cosy

[@susanshannon1984]

This is fabulous! What I really appreciated about this renovation is that it is in a repurposed structure/building and demonstrates how creating housing this way can be done well. Often, buildings are simply torn down and something rebuilt in its place (likely because it is cheaper upfront and no consideration to cost to the environment). With a dearth of clever and affordable housing options and a surplus of particularly office buildings due to WFH since the pandemic, this project is capital!

[@plumicorn]

I love the paper lamps

[@derrisreaditbefore]

So many odd things about this one. For me, the stand-out is the kitchen. Such a small space in a flat that otherwise seems spacious. I'd have removed the door, and put the washing machine and/or fridge freezer under the stairs to allow for a less 'dense' feeling in there. I'm also going to echo other comments about the fact that there seems no 'future planning' was made for when her child gets older and no longer wants to share sleeping space with Mum. I do love the lantern shades on the lights, I much prefer a muted glow than light from a 'bare' bulb, and the cabinetry under the window adds a lovely touch. Honorable mention to the concussion risk outside the bathroom. Conversion quirks are one thing, I'd be slapping a light strip or something on that, or it would be a guaranteed concession card to the A&E.

[@MTMF.london]

I think this is a "starter" home - it suits her needs now. I am sure she would look for something bigger but affordable to move in the future.

[@poshbo]

the floating shelves also partially block the entrance to the kitchen which makes it seem even more small and clutters; they should be removed

[@YaaLFH]

@@derrisreaditbefore Have you ever considered that the flat feels spacious exactly because the kitchen is small? She lives in walking distance to dozens if not hundreds of shops, cafes and restaurants - it's very unlikely she'd ever cook at home for more than two (and the kitchen is perfectly fine for that), so probably very sensibly decided that more living space will be more useful.

[@bradgantt1818]

It's odd (dare I say irrelevant) to criticize someone else's design choices with something so personal. Their home is for them, not us, and they will adapt if/when it feels right.

[@derrisreaditbefore]

@@bradgantt1818 welcome to the comments section of KZbin. A place where people don't HAVE to put video of their personal architectural and design choices for strangers to discuss.

[@hansanaik3835]

Another beautiful design. I love everything about this place. It feels warm and cozy. I especially like the huge window near the dining table.

[@drdf7500]

I love the high ceiling with the lanterns. Also, the architect incredibly fit all those appliances into her tiny kitchen. Note taken :) Well done!

[@kimberleyrigg7503]

What a unique building and I love the design.

[@aynriggs4704]

I love the use of the warm tone of the Venetian plaster.

[@dcv9460]

The empty space under the steel stircase can also be utilized for additional storage area 😎

[@YaaLFH]

It is - with access from the other end, opposite the entrance to the kitchen @8:39

[@DavidWolfer]

I’m always so impressed that these smaller than my apartments look sooooo much bigger (tall ceilings make it so). Love your home!!! ❤❤❤

[@GregNow]

Nice!!! I like how good ideas make this really good flat! Also plants behind the windows just really nice!

[@Sunshineinmymind227]

So glad this is in London-there is beautiful architecture in London and lots of small apartments/flats ❤

[@Elysa1224]

Beautifully done. Modern is not my style be she managed to make it warm and homey. I ADORE the textured look of the walls. Would have loved to see the space at night. With the stairs and lanterns lit up.

[@diegaah]

Must be gorgeous at night

[@Elysa1224]

​@diegaah Agreed...maybe a follow up visit is in order. 😊

[@oquocharlz]

Now this is in a building that I know and have photographed the top of. Good to see one of the apartments in it.

[@manzar42]

very good use of space, stylish solutions to everyday problems!

[@will-li2lq]

I lived opposite the Alaska building for years without being able to look inside !

[@deirdremacmahon8491]

I love the colours and the incredible tiny kitchen. The bathroom joist would kill me, though. Lovely, but easier for a single person than a single mum ♥️

[@nama9924]

Rather than a home I think it would make a cute cafe/co-working space will that much window and all

[@MTMF.london]

There are far too many cafe/workspaces in London and not enought housing for families.

[@YaaLFH]

@@nama9924 The neighbours would not appreciate that. It's a gated complex, not facing the street.

[@swoonyg.1987]

I could live here, that's so cozy!

[@chinodeguzman1445]

"don't believe that you can't get everything you want. you just have to think of it and solve it in a different way."

[@diegaah]

And “ ‘strategic’ manipulation of materials”. Lovely use of space. Quite precise!

[@ilLOLminati]

I love the soothing colours and quirky little details. The IKEA cloud lamp is a cute touch. I would never have thought to pair some of the textures/materials but she made it look very welcoming.

[@justinlowe337]

She designed this space really well. I love the color choices too for the walls and ceiling.

[@oboealto]

Thanks for welcoming us to your beautiful apartment!

[@Interior-g2r]

I really adore what she has done with the space. Effortlessly chic

[@natashamaio]

What a beautiful home!

[@philiq18]

Perfectly designed for her and her son. Everything works well. Very smart taking advantage of that ceiling height to create an upper floor.

[@Ores77]

What a lovely space she made!!!

[@martylovejoy]

Love this home! Love the brilliantly executed kitchen - kind of a miracle layout ! One disagreement: the dark ceiling do not recede, imo, and actually feel cavelike & claustrophobic to me. How about metallic silver on the ceilings?

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

I love living on the ground floor in a city center, but I would have real security concerns here. Otherwise it's a great apartment. I know that beam outside the bathroom would get me eventually.

[@YaaLFH]

It's a gated complex.

[@laurieliskin2531]

Not much privacy

[@tinekejoldersma]

I would bump my head every day and hate it 🤣

[@youngamy]

@@tinekejoldersma BF and I stayed in an AirBNB with a forehead-height beam across one of the hallways. Wow, the BF hit his head badly 3-4 times.

[@matezh]

the bathroom is gorgeous !

[@tigerkuma1011]

It must be glorious on a sunny day with those windows. I like this place!

[@sylviege7534]

I love everything in this flat ! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@hel3319]

What a clever and beautiful space!

[@liszaf3976]

I love the colour scheme and love the building, thanks for sharing! Greetings from Greece!

[@SABOREAME68]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lovely use of space, the minimalist decor makes the home feel larger. However, you mentioned having a son therefore, my questioned is where will he sleep as he gets older.

[@hansanaik3835]

She said it is his childhood home.

[@bf9436]

Interesting apt but I do not like that closed in/off kitchen. Personally, I'd have opened up that space and made the kitchen part of the living space. But that's just me.

[@KyfromKy]

My thoughts too, but i love to cook & entertain. The current kitchen could be laundry & storage space. But it works for her...

[@bf9436]

@@KyfromKy Exactly!

[@lindamcclain7975]

Elegant , gracious Cheerful…love the space !!!

[@longloismariam7767]

Excellent ideas and beautiful colours ! Bravo!

[@alessandrarocco1037]

Absolutely beautiful

[@conniebruckner8190]

I like what she's done for her present situation, except for having to bend to get in and out of the bathroom. That kitchen is very small, but she's made it work for her needs. Perhaps other people would have made it an open kitchen, and use that space for storage or a downstairs bathroom? . Others here have already wondered what she will do once her boy is older and needs his own space. There are solutions, she can sleep on a sofa bed or a place a murphy bed downstairs.

[@badger9156]

I love how this is small but feels so lived in. The double height space in the front half makes the smaller, divided spaces feel cave-like (in a good way ❤), such a great contrast. I wonder if you will end up with some kind of extra loft or hammock space once your child is older, which would be so cool for a kid. I hope you have lovely neighbours, that building is brilliant. I like how calm you are in your happy spot at the table

[@xpsxps1339]

Lovely, functional, well executed for a single, a young couple, or a parent with a small kid, let's say up to 6 years old. Then, it will probably be necessary to rethink the bedroom situation or sell and move somewhere slightly bigger. But that's far yet, so they have a couple of nice years there to enjoy their lovely place!

[@thelalanz73]

Beautifully executed. Very cool space.

[@rinber13]

Looks lovely but must be a nightmare to heat in winter with all the windows. Since it's the UK I'm not even sure they are double glazed.

[@MariaJose-oh5yh]

Beautiful solution

[@teresazigma7016]

I really like this. I live in a similar space in Madrid. I love the lamps idea! It looks so relaxing and is so inexpensive and easy to make.

[@The_Orbus]

That huge glass wall looks like single glazing? that place must be freezing in the colder months.

[@DJ-6972]

And your view is a parking lot. That’s a no for me right there.

[@hsvfanjan17]

Just drink some English tea, I'm sure you'll be fine

[@MTMF.london]

@@DJ-6972 People make do as necessary.

[@R-lyeh]

@@DJ-6972 The kid is not old enough to open the door yet, but he will be soon. She also gave him a lovely grey wall to sleep next to, ugh.

[@tompw3141]

This is London. Doesn't get below -5C. Not that cold

[@mariaioana99]

Streamline moderne building in Bermondsey? Let’s go! What a beautiful space

[@SS-fz2gy]

It's brilliant. A lovely space and suitable for all her needs. Love that the table is large enough, and the sofa looks roomy too.

[@antwainclarke3406]

I love what she has done with the place. My biggest gripe is with the facade of the apartment. It still feels to industrial for my liking. It could benefit from trees and some other soft features.

[@beetrootize]

getting strong Michael Scott vibes from the TV haha

[@nealandmaryfoster]

😂😂😂

[@janellebatta4126]

She seems like a badass.

[@jesuscuestaalvarez7258]

I loved your kitchen small and functionality

[@kristinakugiene]

Super very beautiful colours ❤🍁

[@u2acrobata]

Gorgeous house ... such great and hamonious ideas ... loved it ... Greetings from Portugal FILIPE

[@elspethfougere9683]

Such a fantastic design, super efficient without compromising the homely feel. I would move here in a flash

[@InteriorLookbook]

I’ve always loved mezzanines, they’re one of my favorite architectural features. Love this apartment!

[@karin9373]

Really clever use of space and the colour scheme makes it very warm and cosy. The building is set back from the street and surrounded by similar flats so I wouldn’t be bothered by security there either and I live in London. The only thing that I would change is the white shelving unit in the living space. It’s just ugly or maybe it’s the colour of it.

[@cocottebonnie8079]

Hello from Tours , France . Bonjour à tous ! ❤

[@saikogrrl]

Gorgeous design! I don't know that I could relax with anyone walking or driving past being able to see everything in my house though 😅

[@YaaLFH]

Nobody's driving past and only residents walk by, it's a gated residential complex.

[@powersliding]

small intelligent spaces are far more interesting than large ones

[@GiantPandaD]

Just amazing! I want so apartment ❤❤❤

[@danielweizman1402]

It’s in or next to Bermondsey street near London Bridge station, now heavily gentrified. For those wondering.

[@MartiiiDoll]

Also the building has bad energy. They used to skin thousands of seals there and trade their fur.

[@ScottieMiller-q3r]

​@@MartiiiDoll oh my . . . never considered previous uses

[@amyc206]

It’s a hard No for me with the concrete beam you have to duck under. How is that acceptable? I can just see getting up in middle of night to pee, it’s dark, and you’re half asleep and BAM! Concussion.

[@Amethys12]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@sepostill]

Fantastic! I would suggest, for when the son is older, replace his bed with a desk and arm chair and floor lamp,, and get a pull out couch for one person for the livingroom. A folding screen could be used for privacy.

[@gabinha9449]

Lovely home!

[@AYK894]

I love all the colors!

[@klgherkin]

So beautiful!

[@MarceloIchthys]

Esse apartamento não é pequeno. Esse apartamento é uma mansão gigantesca!

[@mbr4797]

Since when gives a dark brownish color a smaller space (here the kitchen) ,,a feeling of height“?? Please elaborate, because to me it makes the space more cramped up and darker..

[@allie1953]

Very clever! I adore birch plywood (used it in my tiny-house-on-wheels) and I like the overall color palette in the space. There is certainly plenty of light coming into the home from the wall of glass and I suppose it could offset the lack of privacy in the living/dining area for some people. I'd like the design (for myself) better were it in a less populated area with fewer people around. Overall, though, it is a warm and welcoming space.

[@weiqingliang1365]

Beautiful loft in London. one thing I would recommend would be use double glazing, as these big windows loss heat so easily, especially in winter, and you will end up paying high energy bills/ not so green to the environment.

[@karateana7593]

No privacy, I could not handle that, it feels like you're living in a shop.

[@mewletter]

It's a gated complex. Do note it was once an office building converted into residential apartment.

[@mariamartahortal7933]

simple....unas cortinas livianas d algodón. O lino.....tipo una gasa...irían bien c las lámparas bolas d papel.....y listo😊😊

[@poshbo]

And sitting on the sofa with your back towards the window further reduces privacy (despite what the designer says) and is bad fengshui. She should move the TV to where the mirror currently is and turn the sofa 90 degrees to face that direction; if there's no power outlet there then she should consider using a projector screen.

[@thefourthfry]

@@poshbo not to mention one would feel safer with the entrance in their eyeline , since this is a ground floor unit

[@davidcattin7006]

@@poshbo Yes. I felt the sofa was crammed in there. Would switch the table and the sofa. Also, if you're in the mafia you never sit with your back to the door.

[@seanlander9321]

Beautiful

[@_MSD75_]

Love the bathroom sink taps. I would be curious to know what her plans are as her kid grows up, looks like a challenge to make a separate room for the child.

[@EMVelez]

Not a toy in sight or any indication that a child lives there beyond the tiny bed on the floor. Seems odd.

[@jenm1]

love the cyberpunk-lite aesthetic

[@levibates]

Well done!

[@hannahgohya]

this is gorgeous -- that modular system in the bathroom by EXT, anyone able to direct me to a website? asking after i have attempted to Google this multiple ways.

[@cindymargarett4009]

Love this! 👌🏻

[@dianapatterson1559]

It seems a short-term space. What will she do when her son is 10 years older?

[@conflictofinterests]

She'll sell and buy a 2 bedroom most likely.

[@chloeuntrau4588]

even 3 years older!

[@mamikOmotto]

She owns the property in London which is such a great investment, when the time comes she will take the action that is right for her and her family. Why worry so much, this show is about property development not personal family matters that ain't your business whatsoever.

[@Reiswaffel]

@@mamikOmotto The apartment is meant to be lived in though, not just developed for future sale. In general, family matters are important. Not specifically hers, but the commenter was pointing out that it is not very suitable for a family with a kid.

[@mamikOmotto]

@@Reiswaffel Thank you so much for mansplaining it to me. Let me try to explain myself again. It is none of anyones business what she will do when the child will grow or what she will do with the property. She managed to design such a difficult space to make it a cosy and livable place for her and her son. I am sure she will manage to rehome her family when the time is right for her. "The apartment is meant to be lived in though, not just developed for future sale" She does live in it, doesn't she? She might rent it out and return to it when the child is independent, why are you so pressed about it? Good day.

[@TorontoJon]

Small one-bedroom spaces aren't for everyone, particularly if one isn't a minimalist (and I'm definitely not with my various collections), but I greatly admire how she took advantage of the height of her loft space and maximized storage as much as possible with various ingenious ideas while also warming up the space with colour and creating a very Zen-like restful space to highlight various items or furniture she loves while avoiding the pitfalls and stresses created by clutter. She and her son love the space and that's what counts. She truly has made it a very inviting home. :)

[@davidsentanu7836]

Well, we don't actually know if her son loves it or not. But at least it looks like that she does.

[@TorontoJon]

@@davidsentanu7836, don't split hairs. Toddlers are pretty adaptable when it comes to all sorts of homes as long as they have a comfy bed, toys, and a stable parent or parents to nurture them.

[@manikorganic9169]

Great use of space , texture and colour.