NEVER TOO SMALL: Clever Spaces in an Illustrator’s Vibrant Apartment, Singapore 47sqm/506sqft

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Once a standard HDB flat with basic finishes and fixtures, the colourful and quirky 401e has been transformed into a practical and adaptable home, seamlessly transitioning from an intimate space for two to an inviting setting for friends and family. Designed by Jade Cham of knock knock studio, alongside owners Jackie, an illustrator, and Tobbie, a jiu jitsu instructor. Key design interventions included integrating storage solutions, custom furniture and cool colour schemes. A standout addition is a full length built-in storage bench in the open plan dining and living space, which includes a pull-out bench for additional dining seating and discreetly stowing away sporting gear. A curated gallery wall in the space displays art pieces by both Jackie and the couple’s friends, along with cherished mementos from their travels. By taking every little lifestyle detail taken into account, this design truly illustrates how there is always room for playfulness and personal touches
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Ep. 169
Project Name: 401e
Designer: www.knockknockstudio.com
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Kevin Siyuan
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Jessica Ruasol
Music: Bluebell by Woolfson & Cute Fluffy Clouds by Less Gravity

[@luluscrooge3891]

THE FLOOR PLANS AT 0:30 OMG SO ADORABLE

[@cindylai6038]

I KNOW RIGHT

[@judahmoar2533]

I am 100% stealing that idea for myself I love it

[@Kinnibari]

Yes, so full of personality and much more vibrant than a typical floor plan!

[@victorutomo7244]

A fun, wacky but functional floor plan! Like it 😊

[@jesslu1966]

YASS it's def going into my final project, that's so cool

[@Endruu]

Way way way WAAAAAAY more personality than your standard 2rm HDB, so glad to see Singapore homes being represented here =D

[@cadencellchen7915]

Love to see it 🌈

[@ech3659]

Yes ❤ 🌈

[@monchatsplash]

Yes none of that Japandi nonsense

[@CommanderWar64]

This is probably the most realistic small space they've shown. Clearly lived in AND livable.

[@user-bl9hq2gf6i]

most people live on less sqm.

[@chachacharealsmooth]

This is not a house, this is a HOME. So much love and personality go into this! And the floor plan? I AM IN LOVE

[@sianthesheep]

Everything in this apartment has been planned out so thoughtfully to tailor it to their needs and to maximise the space in their apartment.

[@Cinephile-gy6fb]

OMG. So many good lessons here. Yes to side hustle furniture. Yes to gorgeous color choices, from the soft green of the foyer to the maroon of the bathroom- and the stunning veneer in the bedroom. Yes to a pull up bar tucked under the bookshelves. So many yeses, the space feels generous and so very livable. It truly shines with the joys of home.

[@caitdavies993]

This one feels like its going back to the channel's roots. Actually small and smart storage. Love it!

[@betternpopcorn]

Very real transformation, unlike many very expensive jobs. They made this into a welcoming space.

[@vincentsong24]

I'm from SG and this is by far the best designed and functional singaporean home I have seen from this channel....absolutely lovely and truly a home sweet home!! ❤

[@EdricHsu]

Loving the illustrated floor plans at the beginning. Nice to see fellow Singaporean illustrators being featured!

[@marenhumblebee2736]

Yes those were amazing…

[@vincyagain]

What a quirky space in the living room with a classy kitchen and washroom! I love the mix of colours and textures. It’s not overwhelming but it’s very artistic and intriguing. Every room has different personalities which is great to suit different emotions like in the living room you can be energized but in the washroom you can relax!

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

The bathroom was a surprise. Very elegant. And that dishrack over the sink is a great idea. I have 2 hanging above mine, which works well but doesn't look that good.

[@stackels97]

So much to love in this home! Minimal but not sterile, plenty of storage, COLOR!!!, versatility, personality and privacy. Brilliant!!

[@girard6061]

This is such a lovely, cozy space. Just the right size, and maximised well. I especially like bench/storage in the living room. And happy to see Singapore's HBDs featured here. Singapore has such an exemplary public housing policy.

[@adrymxl]

This is hands down the BEST house you have shown! I love how there's actual separation of the kitchen from the living space so you can really chill watching TV or something, and the distribution of everything ia just SO perfect. And my God the bedroom has actual privacy, sheesh! Seriously, the speed with which I would hire them! 🙀

[@I_am_Lauren]

The swis army knife analogy is a perfect way to describe the versatility of well designed, small spaces.

[@guilherme_lui]

I think that's my favourite house/episode until now. Love all the choices, especially the pull up bar.

[@elfox3537]

They did a great job of blending practicality with their personalities to create a space that is uniquely them. Well done!

[@DannyGo17]

A stand out video and on Never Too Small to date. The convex mirror is too cool. What a great job indeed, it comes across as well thought out and attention to personal detail.

[@BigNick3468]

Easily my favorite so far. Separating spaces with actual doors is so important for smells, noises, vibes. Also I'm very envious that Singaporeans have a government that provides nice, affordable public housing.

[@lesleyegbert4807]

Thank you for showcasing a project clearly done on a budget. It was refreshing to meet the homeowners, as well.

[@CRANEREVIEWS]

Yeah no custom commissioned hooks from unoubtainum xD

[@tiggertay]

Delighted to see a standout entry for Singapore (and HDB no less ❤) after a long dry spell.

[@vincyagain]

What a cool couple and such a beautiful space I love their little knickknacks especially the hidden pull-up bar and banana lamp! Also spotted so many cute art prints! One of my favourite homes I’ve seen from this channel, drawing a lot of inspiration! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@catwomanao554]

I love the simplicity of this apartment. It screams their personality. It’s very evident that every piece and item in this house is consciously chosen like they said. Loved it.

[@suave-alpaca8412]

Really loving the personality in this living space. Its gorgeous

[@noortjebosma]

One of my favs so far! Love the bold choices and the clever yet simple made but beautiful solutions love that they call it hustle furniture I’m now also reallly inspired to find orange bed sheets for summer 🍊

[@dreamingincolour0]

One of my favourites! I especially love the front closet with the hidden second door

[@thatjillgirl]

I like that this one actually seems to have a decently-sized bathroom. So many of these small space homes have teeny little bathrooms with very small showers or sinks, but this one seems pretty normal, even while it maximizes the way it uses the space.

[@anhnguen3718]

Putting two frames next to each other, with one being a digital frame, is very smart and clever. I'm so impressed.

[@bridgetteresa5050]

The style in this home is absolutely brilliant.

[@bosedaolawoye4035]

I love the design of this small apartment,,so clever & looks like a lived in home.

[@melissamartinez8509]

Absolutely captivating! This video showcases how creativity and functionality merge seamlessly in a vibrant Singapore apartment. With just 47sqm, the illustrator's clever use of space and pops of color breathe life into every corner, making it a true gem of urban living.

[@balbibou]

The Pullup bar setup is amazing. Crazy nice setup

[@Dsns9971]

What a nice place! Really liked how the personality of the homeowners was reflected in the design of the interior. Would see myself living there too hahah

[@user-uj3kn3yy8g]

This home is inspirational, because the investment has been put into the function and beauty but not with completely unaffordable materials. It looks achievable! LOVE the hidden storeroom.

[@gregh378]

These two really are living their best life 😃 A beautiful flat the inspires creativity.

[@Hey_look_at_that]

Love it ❤ colourful artwork with a bright pop of electric blue. Also, I'm loving the hidden hamper in the kitchen, I might copy this idea. In the UK we often have laundry in the kitchen too

[@phillypersonpretzel]

Wow! So much beauty and liveability in such a compact place. Very pretty interiors, smart use of excellent and transformative materials. I LOVE that the kitchen/laundry room has its own set of doors. Well done.❤

[@JANnified]

I adore this little space and the couple 💜

[@davidng2699]

A couple as cool as their home :)

[@velocity1186]

This is my favourite of all the homes showcased on this channel. There are so many ideas that have been fit into the home in such an elegant and beautiful manner. I feel inspired.

[@B__C__]

Bravo! This space doesn't feel small at all.

[@yuzufrio]

this is probably my favorite interior design that I've seen thus far. love the vibrant and playful aesthetic.

[@barbaricbri]

i LOVE their pull up bar, what a fun idea!

[@AREMICO]

This is one of my favourites! I keep coming back to it to get ideas and inspiration. Absolutely love it

[@juanpabloheredia9545]

Definitely one of my favorites NTS episodes 😍😍

[@1337million]

Love the floor plans! But also that wall bench storage box with a moveable storage bench for extra seating around the table is fantastic!

[@lauram6215]

Finally a sofa that turns into a bed. Very practical storage too. 👏

[@TorontoJon]

An excellent and very efficient use of space with a neutral colour palette and nice high ceilings which certainly make the apartment seem twice as large. The warm wood tones of the flooring and custom cabinetry as well as all of the personal decorative touches around the apartment make it a very inviting space; not cold or bland at all. Bravo! :)

[@filenotfound6203]

I love the name side hustle furniture! What a great way to think of it. This is a great space, and I'm sure it's a delight to live in it.

[@lyndaster46]

loved their space, and loved their ideas!! It really highlights a different worldview and I think that is a great thing, because this old world is just getting smaller and smaller. They showed me how to keep my needs and add personality and whimsy and have pride in my choices. WOOOOSHA!!!

[@Metonymy1979]

Yes, yes, yes! Fun, Functional and Friendly.

[@koltureshack7993]

My FAVOURITE apartment on the channel thus far, love love love

[@Frederiekje221]

So cool and creative. Like the shoe storage box that had ropes instead of shelves. So clever.

[@SSSuperParg]

Probably one of the best NTS I've seen, or at least one I would actually *like* to live in. Great job!

[@theaprileighth]

i like almost everything about this apartment, so thoughtful and practical. love how colourful and the characteristic it filled up the space.

[@jenniferrobertson6858]

What a lovely, mindful space 😊

[@unicorn8802]

Cute house! So much personality! How I wish the HDB includes a balcony! I mean look at the view!

[@amandabradley6256]

What a fantastic, colourful place. I also live in Singapore in a 4 bed place….with no storage. This place is genius…..so much storage and so much thought❤

[@ttech4313]

The colors in the apartment are incredible. It gives the place a very good contrast

[@eizzabohari7814]

love this feature, definitely reflects design sensibility and efficiency as well as the needs of a tropical / SEA home especially with the laundry and kitchen smells

[@Kentokki007]

I lovvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeee the colours!!!!! really board spectrum of imagination to liven up a space. i ll be dreaming about this in my sleep.

[@chloemontanez8346]

I am in love with the green bi-fold door!!!

[@laidenc]

My favourite episode this year! Beautiful home.

[@amdelorey]

The glass doors are really beautiful and surprisingly warm feeling due to colour.

[@JasveerSinghBal-yc3by]

Like they say " A home is where the heart is.." Truly!

[@shincarmen2421]

This is so well-designed that it doesn't feel like a 2 room flexi! love the personality of the house and the colours

[@amandalee280]

Love the color palatte of this space!

[@eggizgud]

That convex mirror is so cute.

[@sjh3rd]

This is very inspiring. A small space that doen’t feel cramped. Thanks for showing us your home. Now I want to have a pull up bar and your solutions are very clever! Well done! ❤

[@abrahambowen1453]

Thanks for sharing this vlog. Amazing 2-room design apartment over in Fernvale, Sengkang, it doesn’t look small after they have designed. It is so surreal, I am also living near their apartment in Fernvale, Sengkang. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful home.

[@heitoroliveira5166]

I think this is one of te most beautiful bathroons i ever saw on this chanel, i will take notes to whem i make mine

[@user-bx5rp6rd6g]

That bath room was absolutely stunning omg

[@lifeTechnicolorGuy]

I love the green doors

[@diegogaleano4268]

I love the use of color, it gives a unique vibe to the spaces, other than that it feels very warm, it contributes to the space feels bigger than it is, very cute!

[@DavidProductions]

That's awesome, took a lot of screen shots. Thanks to all of you for creativity and mellow vibes

[@uubankwang]

This is my favorite apartment I have yet seen on this channel.

[@LilosLittleLegs]

That bathroom is immaculate, my favourite I've seen on the channel

[@evandrofisico3094]

I'm stealing so many ideas from this! The laundry cart, the kinda hidden pull up bar! Amazing!

[@ainoaguy]

Such an inspiring home!! I love seeing artists featured.

[@Kimchee.]

0:33 waittt… this is cute😍

[@queenasaurous]

very beautiful. Happy for you. Thank you for sharing. Really love your home. It’s amazing what you’ve made out of the space. so much love.

[@suetoronto9993]

This is a fantastic space/home! One of my favourites on this channel!

[@sweetjsphn7594]

fave so far! I actually paused halfway thru to grab my journal to write down some ideas/inspo for my place!!!

[@julianenunes5395]

This apartment really feels like home. I love it!

[@luz.aicardi]

There is so much personality and so many clever and simple solutions to this home, it's a pleasure to watch! This very much feels like design at its best. ♥ Oh and the illustrations at 0:30 was such a beautiful touch!

[@marymatchaduckling2458]

One of the best projects feachured in 2024 for me.

[@idconfirm]

Love love love this 2 room BTO HDB design! Gives other young peeps ideas on how to make it nicer than the standard HDB designs loll

[@hcvt4772]

This apartment is such adorable!!! I love the door' color and bathroom tile!!!

[@arlenehutchinson9259]

Very clever storage solutions. Love the colour of the tiles in the bathroom RICH and gorgeous 😍 I just wish they embraced colour on the walls and plywood. Walls a very light blue and the plywood primary colours.

[@BakaNeBaka]

That green paint is just lovely!!! Pragmatic and lived in space,,,

[@cheapandchic89]

I looove the kitchen and glossy tiles in the bathroom, something I would never have thought of for me personally. But it just works and looks beautiful.

[@kalinaluz1106]

Design for the people who will live in the apartment. More personal it could not be. You feel it with the way the showing flows. ❤

[@Rauthaz]

The Jiu Jitsu belt art is very tasteful and subtle

[@idontcarei]

where is it ..i cdnt find it

[@JohnjanvelSaldo]

I love everything about the apartment's floor plan and design.

[@AMD1]

I really like how the kitchen is it's own room, and the bifold door works perfectly. I really can't stand stinking up my entire house with cooking smells.

[@AMD1]

Also reduces the amount of heat in the house during the summer

[@Echo-l8r]

Love Love Love! A well thought out and functional space with personality to boot 😍😍😍

[@samanthachia1491]

Singapore Represent! I'm getting a smilier size apartment next year and this is another inspo for my board!:)

[@abrojosaputro]

The floor plan illustration is so cool

[@oscarnieves3548]

Truly beautiful. A nice work of art.