NEVER TOO SMALL: Contemporary Attic Conversion for Family of Three, Amsterdam 60sqm/645sqft

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Originally an unfinished attic in a renovated 1920s social housing complex, designer Michiel Hilbrink of ardor-studio drew inspiration from the building's fir wood beams, load-bearing wall, pitched roof and natural light for the redesign of his family’s home. A bathroom and nursery at the entrance give shape to a corridor that leads to a minimalist and modern open-plan living-dining-kitchen area. A striking matte black kitchen island, flanked by shallow oak-veneered cabinets of the same height, seems to float from the wall. At the back of the apartment, Hilbrink built a small mezzanine bedroom into the 5m high ceiling, designed as one single unit with the stairs and deep custom cupboards, all finished in oak veneer.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Eps 185.
Project Name: Amsterdam Loft
Architect: www.ardor-studio.com
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Rem Berger
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: Penance & Songbirds by warmkeys. from Artlist.io

[@Mhd0112]

A small space with high ceilings is such a game changer. The ability to add that extra room, or intense vertical storage or just the spaciousness it adds to a compact floor plan is truly incredible.

[@cullenclark8581]

yep, volume of a space is often way more important than raw square footage.

[@zetazeta1422]

Absolutely. Because the space we live in should not be measured in square meters but in cubic meters.

[@susiso-nnenschein]

I don‘t think you are commenting on the red lentils polenta, are you?

[@dezmair1288]

What a beautiful apartment. Personally I would add some art to those creamy walls and a rug or two...and a handrail on the stairs :)

[@spiralpython1989]

My exact thoughts! Otherwise, absolutely perfect.

[@princess-violet]

and some plants and decoration ! lol :D

[@birotomodachi]

My exact thoughts. I was going to write exactly the same comment and thought better check to see if someone’s already done it. 😊

[@Musikvidedo]

my thoughts. Maybe they've moved in only recently. Then, with time more things will surely fill the space (also, with the kid growing up, more stuff will gather and the space will become more lively)

[@ninazimina2033]

@@Musikvidedo its unlikely as he said that nursery used to be his home office

[@Jiphoune]

Very nice! However, "cosy" is not the first word that comes to my mind when looking at this very minimalistic living room: No coffee table, no rug, no pictures on the wall...

[@cherylbarrel9966]

No arms on the couch

[@lindajohnson1873]

Exactly. Sterile is the word that comes to mind.

[@anthonyultra2]

yo where's the TV?

[@krystynach.6084]

"Minimalism, baby" 😊 art in itself

[@Jiphoune]

@@krystynach.6084 That's my point: it is minimalistic, not "cosy".

[@JeanneMichoko]

The kitchen layout is really unpracticle for someone who cooks though, having to go around the island to take something in the fridge or go to the sink is not super efficient. Same for the nursery away from the parents, no railway to the stairs, but I guess if it works for them it's cool; the appartement is really beautiful and well designed but it lacks a bit of coziness (for my taste) and storage too. It feels overall like a holiday appartment (but a pretty one).

[@juanivallejoss]

I've thought the same, imagine having to wash something before start cooking you got go all the way around :S

[@katsiarynakaptsiuh658]

@@juanivallejoss The fridge is next to the sink, in such a small kitchen it makes more sense. you take something out, wash, maybe cut and leave it in the middle, and only after you are going around to the cooker. Agree it's not the most convenient kitchen, but for such minimalistic space - seems ok

[@EugeneBuvard]

Prep then cook. It makes perfect sense. Especially if they cook together.

[@juanivallejoss]

@@EugeneBuvard Specially if you are in a rush cooking your breakfast before heading to your job..

[@biohita]

They don't seem to cook at all, most of the apartment on this channel have couples that seem to only eat outside of takeaway. I don't know but adults that don't cook are weird.

[@fourseventyseven2830]

The space looks nice and clean, if a bit soulless. On one hand, there are a few issues I have with the functionality of the apartment. As many already mentioned, there is little storage space. However, if one truly commits to the minimalist lifestyle, this might not be a problem. Additionally, the kitchen layout with the oven and stove on one side and the sink and fridge on the other is impractical. My biggest concern is the bedroom and loft area. The layout might be fine when the child is a baby or toddler, but once he or she grows to be school age, not having a door on your bedroom will be very uncomfortable for both the parents and the child. On the other hand, I really enjoy what they did with the floating storage unit, it really does make the floor area seem bigger. I also like that they made the ceiling beams a feature instead of hiding them, they add a lot of character to the space. Finally, the wooden floor and accents lend a welcoming warmth to what would otherwise be cold and white feel inside the home.

[@thnt4845]

@@Mother5063 Well, think about how a baby is made and you have your answer to why the lack of a door could be uncomfortable once the child gets older

[@jonnil1997]

One can guess that they plan on moving out once the child becomes a bit older, and sell the apartment to a single person or a couple, then the childs room can become an office or storage room again.

[@NjutaLady]

An apartment for a family of three with a child and such a small refrigerator.... I also pay attention to the stairs. It will be a lot of fun to go to the toilet at night.

[@thecatlady4832]

wow beautiful space and amazing design choices as a mum myself i doubt this to be practical for kids though (stairs without rails, nursery being downstairs and far away from the parents, no bathtub, lots of open storage….)

[@KarolinaK]

I was looking to buy an apartment and went on a viewing to this one. So cozy! But max for 1 person. For Amsterdam the design is a gem!

[@Test-eb9bj]

They call themselves minimalists so the style and little storage space for everything work for them. I could never COOK but only „reheat“ in that kitchen. Impractical design and even if you go shopping every day there is not enough space for at least some vital kitchen appliances I want. But such a great space and nice wood❤!

[@samuel.jpg.1080p]

somehow the home looks much spacious than than it actually is. Looks so cozy to live in

[@stephen6307]

cozy is not an adjective i would use to describe this place

[@serenakoleno9338]

True, a bit too bleak. But so easy to add pops of color and texture with plants and accessories.

[@thefourthfry]

your point is valid , i would say that a few rugs and some really vibrant art pieces would cozy up the space instantly,.

[@dimmak6044]

I like the minimalist design and openness of the space but calling the living area cozy to me is like saying you just can't wait for your root canal

[@Ahhtisbutaaweeleprec]

"Designers" understand the word cozy differently than normal people do.

[@Mike_221]

So clinical, no warmth at all. Might as well be a hospital ward.

[@macheifach]

Love it. Great balance. The contrast between the wooden, rustic elements and the minimalist, modern furniture makes the space feel cozy, yet modern and elegant.

[@amyschneidhorst1384]

After watching these videos for some time, it would be interesting to learn the cost of these conversions to compare cost per square meter between countries. And the compromises people are willing to make to live in their desired location.

[@NikKaussFlies]

My partner and I went to view this apartment as it was for sale a few months back still decorated exactly as shown here in the video. I gotta say out of so many apartments we viewed this one was the real catfish of them all. It’s looks nice in photos and videos but when you are in it it is SOO small with no view. It feels like a box. There’s a reason why it didn’t sell at the price it was initially listed for. Also, the stairway to get to it is very social housing esqu. The apartment also sits on a kind of leasehold so when purchasing you have to rent the land from Amsterdam. Nice in pictures and theory but pretty unlivable.

[@susiesuh1418]

I’m sure his partner said it was too small thus the “for sale”. Especially with growing child. It’s an ideal size for a college student.

[@stevendornbusch9240]

The use of minimal materials, like the same tile everywhere needed in the bathroom is both practical and soothing. Bravo!

[@demaskoh6921]

It’s giving me bookshop-café vibes. Love it! ❤

[@laurareutter6928]

Such a small fridge for a family of three 😮. I liked the open, airy feeling of the spaces.

[@vandoor6237]

We have a similar fridge for a family of 6.

[@biohita]

@@vandoor6237 what the hell do you eat?

[@mdeeaonetwothree5162]

These people live in a densely populated area, not the suburbs. So they can get fresh food every day and only store staples and leftovers in the fridge.

[@deborahduffy99]

@@mdeeaonetwothree5162Yes-shopping everyday or every other is common in France. Fresh is the best.

[@ginafriendly7821]

I have a small fridge too. I buy what I need in vegetables and fruits while walking home everyday.

[@grtechentargee6277]

Hmmm. Love the spaciousness and clean lines. He kept using the word “cozy” though; not an adjective I would associate with this space.

[@MotherAotearoa]

This is the Epitome where 'Less is More' ❤Simple and elegant, with a twist in the wooden beams and the bookshelves 📚 Absolutely love it!! 👌

[@NaturesInfiniteWELLth-fo6rs]

Less can never be ‘more’. More does not define better.

[@MotherAotearoa]

@@NaturesInfiniteWELLth-fo6rs I respect your opinion, but totally disagree with you. Peace

[@lanamelonakos-harrison9606]

I would love to hear more about the heating/cooling considerations and systems in these videos

[@paulabroadway1697]

Love it when these small spaces have room for lots of books!!

[@krystynach.6084]

I really enjoy this interior. My fav is lofty, warm minimalism, but this one is nice to see. Very calming. And finally easy to navigate on a regular basis - very practical 👍🏼

[@TamaraJoy7]

I absolutely loved this home! I am obsessed with kitchens that don’t look like kitchens. Like this one that seamlessly integrates into the living area. What a brilliant, thoughtful and truly liveable design. ❤❤

[@michelestapleton]

We’ve seen 600sf apartments that have dedicated much more space to the kitchen. This kitchen, while generous with appliances, appears to have minimal storage for dishes, cookware and ingredients. I can’t see myself feeding a family with such limited space. Have they chosen form over function?

[@michaelduke4500]

I love the upstairs window that opens up "upward" and the holes in the floor or ventilation.

[@xtinafusco]

This space feels so spacious because of how the kitchen is just one low block. Kitchens typically take up a whole wall (if not two!) to hide a tall fridge, stove and vent, high cabinets etc. But your decision to make it just low and floating leaves so much free space around it. Beautifully done!

[@findingthatperfectspot4692]

I saw the thumbnail and instantly knew this apartment was situated in the Netherlands. Too funny.

[@SuAndFox]

Oh I love this one - very sympathetic renovation. Wonderful that the beams were maintained and used as features. A lovely spacious, airy and soft internal environment allowing for a peaceful, well considered home.

[@tdb7992]

I love that a little channel from Australia took Australian design to the world and is now documenting small homes from all over. You can see how the editing and aesthetics from NTS has been "heavily borrowed" by other design channels too.

[@JafacaksWasTaken]

what is australian design

[@samcroft7084]

Yes because no-one in Amsterdam ever designed a small apartment before this channel started.

[@lepidoptery]

​@@samcroft7084 that's not what they said at all.... 😑

[@samcroft7084]

@@lepidoptery OK.

[@gilbertfrancis808]

I love the simplicity of this house.

[@rashmig83]

I would only add a rug, just to bring in some warmth and texture.

[@avantilicious]

I love the less is more of this space; they are so right to want to keep the spaciousness of how it was when they just moved in. Love love love the art work with Lucid Dreams on it. I have a lot of lucid dreams :)

[@nevsnevs13]

The kitchen looks so clean and not like a kitchen at all, i love it 😮❤

[@chloeuntrau4588]

Just wonder where they put their plates, dishes, glasses, pan etc...I just saw room for appliances!

[@readygi]

it looks cool, but seems a bit impractical to have fridge and cooktop on the opposite ends.

[@ysbyttybedbug]

@@chloeuntrau4588he mentioned earlier on that they keep some kitchen items in the white unit with the books above.

[@Nini00000]

@@readygi I wonder why they didn't put a bigger fridge in the empty space next to the cooktop also! if it's just about not ruining the space, there are beautiful fridges like smegg that would totally fit 😯 idk how they survive with that size honestly

[@user-ih6qh5ic3k]

Okay I love this one. So unique and unpredictable. It's like a combination of many different cozy nooks.

[@AB-vl5je]

Def one of my favorite tours. They live so minimally.Its very impressive

[@junehulton9776]

what a lovely home...well thought of...in style, design colours etc...the furniture fits well and works for them . Lovely area too outside.

[@hotcha]

i would love to know more about the fan installation in the induction cooktop: the brand and how it got installed without any apparent means of venting out. usually, owners in apartment building are not allowed to dig vents out in order to properly duct downdraft range hoods like those.

[@jpp7783]

I absolutely adore this place. It has the imaginative drive of an attic but at the same time is so light and open. It has the nooks, crannies, a feeling of a secret space, and an exposure of the building’s engineering, that is the magic only an attic can deliver, but with light and openness. I absolutely love it. I’d have to make changes to the kitchen to suit my own needs (there is simply too little storage, and the sink and cooktop on opposite sides makes for a lot more walking about when cooking), but that’s just me, and in any event, could be fixed easily enough.

[@deniseferron3397]

Even though I love this apartment, I couldn’t survive with such a small kitchen. I’ve survived the last ten years with a small-sized fridge and freezer unit that is equivalent to what they have in this video. But all of their under-counter space is used up by the various appliances. That means all they have left for storage is that shallow cupboard against the wall, which seems to serve as a pantry. Where on earth do they keep their dishes and cookware?

[@nirjorbiswas1237]

This space feels wonderfully open, it doesnt look nor feel small at all! Wonderful work!

[@cannedangel8550]

Beautiful!! loved every detail! great use of space and clean visual.

[@deborahduffy99]

I wouldn’t change a thing in this beautiful,elegant home ✨👌

[@maggiealcantara9236]

I overall love this space, I can see myself living in a space like this for a few years.

[@VoroninHop]

A lovely-looking minimalist apartment that definitely requires a very minimalist lifestyle. Some issues around safety & practicality that others have pointed out (lack of hand rail on stairs, kitchen layout, v low bottom-sill height on bed platform window, etc), and a bit too sterile for me personally. But a lovely space in a great building & neighbourhood, which I'd have happily taken on as a now home project - but just for me!

[@Powdah]

This is stunning

[@Jason_Polkovitz]

Oh, I love this space. I would love to live somewhere so thoughtfully designed and furnished.

[@AlNusuk]

Thank you NTS for your content, every project adds a piece of space-thoughtfulness into my life! ♥ My modest perspective as a citizen living in a big city. I live in a 60sqm rented appartment and I have 3 bedrooms, 2 are offices and guest rooms and we have our main bedroom. Distribution and usability of the space is key when you are repurposing any space. I don't say their concept is wrong because it fits their needs, but for mine, I prefer more intimate and private rooms rather than more of the 50% of the space opened and used for socializing. (un)fortunately, after covid, many of us are working from home full day or part-time and I consider as a basic need to have more rooms, even if now are offices, art-rooms, etc and in the future are transformed into kids bedroom. Personally, I'd prefer to have my main bedroom closer (same level) to my kids one rather than being so far away from them. And btw, I love the mezzanine, that could have been a perfect office spot!

[@cpav9062]

The living room looks like a waiting room, but I really love the bathroom. Also, finally some shared garden that looks like a place you really want to spend time in. I still wonder if keeping mattresses on the floor is healthy though.

[@theukyankee]

mattresses on the floor are used in many cultures for generations. perfectly healthy

[@cpav9062]

@@theukyankee if you're talking about the same cultures I'm thinking about, they also use rice straw carpets to allow ventilation underneath, and they don't keep it in place on permanent basis.

[@Ira__L]

weird that bathroom windows are not tinted and there are no blinds. I guess one just has to turn their back to the window and hope for the best when having a shower

[@JeanneMichoko]

@@Ira__L there are blinds that go from bottom to top on the windows, you can see them clearly at 7:04.

[@ulqulqu]

Just beautiful, logical, useful, sleek, and lived in at the same time. Heel mooi!

[@SF-ru3lp]

Lovely apartment. For my taste I would have to configure the kitchen differently (kitchen in two halves 'back to back' would scramble my brain). I'd need the kitchen functions along the wall with maybe a swing out 'bar' surface. I would want to change the impact of a large black entity in front of the window - personal taste! Thank you for the video. Its a great mental challenge to 'work' through the spaces. 😊. Best regards to all. G Ire

[@Dinki-Di]

Agree with you about the kitchen. As someone who loves to cook, that layout would drive me nuts.

[@litylu]

Something about this place just exudes serenity. In practice, I might get annoyed by the small fridge and fact that it’s on the on the backside of the island but I LOVE the look of the minimal kitchen so…I’d happily live there.

[@desperatebones]

A really beautiful space! And love the private space for their kid. I would add wood slats below the mattresses to prevent mold and stuff. They do sell floor bed frames

[@7VCGiMKIrX]

Where are the clothes of the woman?

[@katharina1788]

The green court yard and that there is so much space between the building and the buildings opposite is the best part!! Lots of windows, even in the bathroom is the next big plus for this apartment! But how hot does it get in those lofts in summer? Beautiful apartment to look at, but unfortunately not very practical. There is hardly any storage. Where are her clothes? Shoes? Space for winter clothes,... And the kitchen would drive me crazy with the oven and sink on two different sides - needing to walk around all the time. Never ever have I seen a kitchen where you can not easily access the sink standing in front of the oven. Also hardly any space for pots, pans, plates, food. I guess they hardly cook.

[@canwejustnot]

We kind of wear the same thing all year in the Netherlands. No need for separate winter storage, just a cardigan, a heavier coat and a scarf

[@MariaJose-oh5yh]

Beautiful and tranquil space!

[@3r4nd0]

Finally!!!, very very very nice!!! I would be very happy living there

[@thefineletterco.7199]

It’s a beautiful space! Love the wooden beams, the French tiles in the bathroom and ingenious deep wardrobes!

[@benedictecoinon3106]

Too clinical, there’s not enough soul !

[@mfedin4436]

It is beyond sterile. I don’t feel any warmth or warm touches.

[@hanskloss1331]

put some pictures on the walls

[@willowthewisperer]

Beautiful. Very nice window and I love that you kept the original beams. 👏

[@JackMarino163]

This is truly splendid. I’m amazed.

[@bantikumari-yp4mx]

Exceptionally well-designed

[@kittydeleo4043]

This is a beautiful apartment! A little too minimalist for my personal taste, but clearly perfect for the couple. Love the light and space and wood. Well done!

[@salsadetomatesriquisimos6441]

That bathroom is perfect 🤩

[@redalienate]

Agreed

[@AleksandraA111]

Fabulous flat! One thing I was thinking about was adding additional storage in the stairs, but maybe this family had not needed it.

[@Dinki-Di]

I’m finding it hard to love this one. That kitchen space is so impractical and inadequate if you actually plan to cook in the space. And dangerous stairs… even more concerning with a child living there.

[@chloeuntrau4588]

In Amsterdam most houses, flats have narrow stairs...Kids just learn to use them...

[@DJ-6972]

I agree. 645 sqft is quite large for this channel and I feel there are different layouts that could add more utility to this space, starting with the kitchen.

[@kate1830]

I wouldn’t be so concerned with the narrowness of the stairs but how slippery they are, especially while wearing socks…and no handrail. If I lived there I would install a handrail that blends into the wall as much as possible. And I would buy each family member a few pair of grippy socks or slippers with some tread. ;)

[@Dinki-Di]

@@chloeuntrau4588 It’s not the narrowness of the stairs that concerns me. The stairs are slippery and have no handrail. A head injury on those sharp edges could be fatal for a small child.

[@MaatStile]

its a beautiful home, but that kitchen looks like decoration rather than a functional unit, like they were designing the houses and almost forgot about it till last minute

[@mich3773c]

Beautifully done. Light and airy considering tricky angles due to roof line. Bathroom was spacious and tile was gorgeous. Staircase can be a bit scary w/o railing especially with a child. Overall, amazing space!

[@manzar42]

it is a very stylish home, excellent choice in furniture, quite wonderful!

[@antoniogradilla7933]

Finally a BEAUTIFUL SMALL space with no fabric curtains separating rooms lol 😂… perfect small living space!

[@MastermindxMastermind]

The apartment is so beautiful 😻 I love that it has alot of space in the living/dining rooms and kitchen. As a pet lover it can also house a cat and a dog too 😅

[@kimvisser1985]

Heel mooi gedaan! Wij wonen ook zo met drie kinderen. Ik vroeg mij alleen wel af of jullie kind echt zo weinig speelgoed heeft (wat natuurlijk kan) verder heel erg mooi ❤

[@cacaulaymulkin7724]

Beautiful conversion

[@Lewakaassemme]

Probably the least practical kitchen I have seen in a long time. Beautiful, for sure, but imagine constantly rotating around this block when cooking, running from sink to stove or when collecting something from the fridge.

[@user-il9tx9di4b]

Only to find what you need is not there because there is not enough room to store food for three people?

[@kingcal53]

Exactly. Should have stuck to the triangle between fridge, oven and sink. Too much shuttling around here.

[@minaherrera]

if the kitchen was bigger, your comment could apply. but with a small kitchen like this one. I don't think it isn't a problem

[@entomember]

There is space to put the cook top on the same side as the rest. I don’t understand why they didn’t. Do like the rest of the apartment though.

[@jdp486]

That nursery is so dang adorable!

[@FundiThwala]

this actually feels lived in despite not having that many soft furnishings, I love the tile in the bathroom and the lil miffy lamp! just personal preference but I think a rug would be nice.

[@nadiamiravete5337]

it's gorgeous

[@violetadan4051]

Beautiful 😍 great job!!

[@kalokagatija3368]

One of the best! Really nice!

[@mho...]

nice scaling overall! i like it!

[@b3tres]

Simply beautiful!

[@afterrecession]

very beautiful. Well done!

[@neutralmultiverse8589]

everything about this apt is so good!

[@ruhtraeel]

Absolutely lovely! I probably couldn't live with such a small fridge, but the design is beautiful.

[@mathildemaijer2396]

It is a very common size fridge here in the Netherlands, at least for apartments in city centers. Most city people do their shopping by bike, so you can’t transport too much and go more frequently.

[@ruhtraeel]

@@mathildemaijer2396 That makes sense; it's an interesting lifestyle difference from Vancouver. Over here, while it's not as dominated by cars as other North American cities, I would buy groceries from nearby places using my electric longboard, but also do occasional trips once a month by car, where I would buy a large amount of stuff on sale to put in my freezer.

[@mathildemaijer2396]

@@ruhtraeel Interesting that the size of a fridge reveals differences in lifestyle. I like that.

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

Even small places can bring comfort. 🥰🥰

[@tinabelche6373]

wow that bathroom is spacious

[@miiyee88]

love the bathroom !!

[@carlo311013]

how does a family of 3 owning a house, owns just one closet wardrobe?

[@chloeuntrau4588]

Choice...

[@alcoholicmosh]

Great flat, LOVE the surrounders

[@luedch8460]

Simply lovely!

[@tinerudinger2682]

Awesome..!! I love it ! Great ideas .. :)

[@mynestintheforest]

Really great design. Though 60 m2 is not that small especially with a mezzanine. One thing I would change is to add more storage. As there is only one wardrobe really.

[@carlalussini]

My family home is about that size, my bedroom is the added on mezzanine. As you said and specially given it's in "a big city" like Amsterdam , nobody thinks it's small at all; 3 bedrooms 1 with a walk in closet the other with huge storage space above the built in closet, bathroom and powder room, a laundry room... Honestly can't believe theirs is the same size and looks so small and empty, like a 1 single room apartment for a single guy. To have that big of a bathroom and not be able to take a bath? So pointlessly austere.

[@TheHiawatha]

Beautiful clean lines. My only concern would be the nursery so far from the parents' room.

[@anonanon1791]

Beautiful apartment

[@theokatsaros931]

Perfect Minimalistic!

[@DomM-p6f]

Brilliant, well done!

[@elpomada]

Stunning !!! great design !

[@michaeloliver7525]

marvellous space extremely well utilised, tho the kitchen utilities' arrangement is perhaps somewhat idiosyncratic. all round just wonderful! love the green DSC 106's for the dining area

[@tabitha-sk5kc]

Beautiful,clean looking apartment. Love the bathroom and staircase. Kitchen seems really strange to me.

[@emmalouisejay5341]

I love the kitchen.

[@VidishaMitra]

I love how Michiel Hilbrink transformed the attic space by maximizing natural light and using oak veneer for a cohesive, warm look. The floating matte black kitchen island is a stunning focal point. The mezzanine bedroom and integrated storage are brilliant for small spaces. I think adding some greenery along the corridor would enhance its welcoming feel even more.

[@alsanova]

Lovely apartment, however I agree with some comments on kitchen layout which is poorly done. Also I wouldn't put washing machine in wet room even it common in their country.

[@helloalanframe]

It’s very nice.