NEVER TOO SMALL: Couple’s Japanese Inspired Loft, Singapore 41sqm/441sqft

[@nevertoosmall]

Download June's Journey for free here: woo.ga/pd4cr50t

[@chiradeejimenez7300]

I'm surprised with the June's Journey ad. I play June's Journey!! So that means NTS and June's Journey has the same target market. :))

[@zaca83]

It's a pity the ad isn't aligned with the theme of the channel. I think this is the first time this happens.

[@lisah5836]

This is such a weird ad placement.

[@blldzd2643]

If anyone could gentrify mobile game ads, it's NTS

[@corgimessyeater268]

441sqft included timber loft floor space or exclude?

[@NguyenBNH]

Maybe it's because I've watched so many Japanese/Korean loft apartment videos, but I was surprised that there wasn't even originally a loft in the first place. The original living space had such high ceilings and vertical space so I'm wondering how other residents would most effectively use them without using something like a loft. It feels like such a waste to not use all that ceiling space considering how small the rest of the apartment is.

[@CaravelClerihew]

An apartment here in Singapore was recently fined for having an inbuilt loft, and it couldn't be sold until the loft was demolished. I wonder if that's the reason they're not more popular.

[@shanwen88]

@@CaravelClerihew yea, hopefully the couple applied for approval and got a QP to check the design.

[@ChirpyChat]

First time I like a loft created from empty vertical space. Am surprised developer even sells such shoebox apartments.

[@8arry]

​@CaravelClerihew the unit you're referring to is a HDB unit (public housing). It is legal to build a loft in condos

[@CaravelClerihew]

@@8arry I assume that's ultimately up to the condos themselves, not some sweeping HDB vs Condo rule. Plus, given the majority of people here live in HDBs, it's a pretty important consideration

[@shattermirror]

I love the functionality of this - I've seen some comments about how they should have swapped the desks and bed but I think this was a perfect choice. I personally like a more enclosed and private space for work to concentrate better and remove distractions and a dimmer space is also easier for me to see my screen in, especially if I can control the lighting intensity and direction. As for the bedroom, the open space and the window view are lovely for relaxation in the day, and can prevent feeling suffocated at night in a small space. Also, I would not want to be going up and downstairs when I'm tired and going to bed or in the dark needing water or the bathroom or in the morning not awake yet. I'd definitely trip and break my neck.

[@SamDenis]

Согласен, серьезные доводы

[@klgherkin]

I agree. When I saw the style of staircase I was a little unsure of how liveable it would feel. But when it led to the home office I was nodding my head, as it felt like a really good use of space for the loft with that in mind. And I'm the same that I want to see the sky's light when I'm in my bedroom, and when I'm choosing my outfit for the day.

[@insomniety]

Yes! It makes a lot of sense to me, too. With the bedroom downstairs, it's easier to go to and from the bathroom in the middle of the night. The bedroom becomes an additional area to spill into when friends and family are over and everyone's watching TV. And so much easier to change the sheets with access to both sides. With the office upstairs, I get privacy which boosts my productivity more than anything. I can work in peace while other people in the space can live about, and it's such a good use of a long, narrow space. In the weekend, you can relax and not be reminded of work doing as you please

[@EVL-xj5vc]

exactly! i would also prefer bed downstairs.

[@stuarthill3899]

Love the ribbed ceiling - great piece of sculpture instead of flat plasterboard!

[@abc0118]

HOWEVER this sculpture is not beautiful

[@rowaystarco]

@@abc0118 I think it is, it's a subjective opinion.

[@ifjfgvjfidifijf]

it’s nice but then too cluttered. A simple loft with glass wall would have allowed light to go through and make the space looks way less claustrophobic

[@hilmir]

i find the ribbed ceiling oppressive, esp when entering the space from the dark entryway. it also looks like a set of jaws or the front of a bulldozer. i think it was a misstep just to create some superflous design.

[@hilmir]

and from the adjcent side the alternating diagonal angled against the horizontal wood panelling is just way too chaotic. i cant believe someone actually intended it, it looks like a mistake...

[@jennycampbell5236]

I love this apartment. The timber loft is an amazing of using wasted ceiling space. There is a place for everything in this apartment. Ideal for a young couple.

[@lissamk3990]

The added loft adds not only valuable living space, but the wood really adds a nice warmth to what was, for me, an originally very sterile apartment. Plus it adds flexibility to the apartment for anyone who lives in it in the future as well.

[@lyndaster46]

This is a truly warm and inviting space. I was thinking it would feel cold, but it does not at all. I love that the bed is downstairs, that would feel like "coming home" if you worked from your home office. I love the fluted glass panels and the balcony, allowing natural light to flow in nicely. This space is simple and has natural elements as well as clean lines. I feel the same about the living room with the floor recliners. Lovely and calm and homey. Upscale and modern, yet you do not feel like you are in a museum despite the amazing architectural detail of the loft. Superb balancing act here.

[@runzetang]

I’d make use of the loft as bedroom, and remove the glass partition in the existing bedroom. That would expand the space and makes a good sized living room area

[@philipsbrett]

Loft bedrooms are all well and good until you are baking in the humidity of summer nights. I always moved my bed downstairs in the summer when I lived in a loft apartment in Korea. I can only imagine the humidity in Singapore would be unbearable.

[@laetifico]

​@@philipsbrett I think Singapore is too hot and humid all year around including at night so personally I'd sleep in the loft with the aircon on all night.

[@VoroninHop]

Was about to say the same, for the same reasons. The whole apartment has a/c, and the unit is actually in that space already.

[@runzetang]

@@philipsbrettthat’s a good point, ventilation and humidity could be an issue, but then I guess most Singaporean can’t even sleep without air conditioning at night.

[@Victoria-oo3iy]

The loft doesn't look big enough for a bed

[@drew0909]

I can imagine a Murphy bed combo sofa would make the bed/livingroom space more functional and spacious.

[@catsmoto4614]

Agree

[@TamaraJoy7]

Yes! I immediately said that when I saw the bedroom.

[@hazel1960]

Yes great idea

[@xoxo98808]

Continue the loft over the bedroom and convert the living/bedroom into a dedicated living space. And then you can fit a full kitchen :)

[@tuppence937]

Yes I agree. I also thought how a Murphy bed would increase the size of the living room when needed.

[@gregorydaines]

I’d want the desks on the other side of the mezzanine to benefit from the longer view.

[@learndesignwithdev]

Make the wood loft wall of glass. Then you can see outside.

[@StarOnTheWater]

Both! Also the trailing of the staircase 👌🏼

[@michelestapleton]

Yes! I love being able to see outside while I work.

[@neilamsberry9841]

Also, would want to be careful with the AC right over the electronics, back in the day those would get clogged sometimes and leak out the inside unit. But pretty nice space.

[@TriviRocks]

You wouldn't be able to work with the glare of the sun! It's the tropic, remember...

[@yashvardhankaushik]

wow Amazing woodwork with such beautiful lighting.

[@mtncreekdawn]

One thing I appreciate about this space is how the architect worked around the existing spaces, especially the kitchen & bath. That must have saved a small fortune. Eventually I'd want to customize the kitchen (too many gaps, which wastes space and interrupts the visual flow) but doing things in stages is often more sensible & affordable. The loft is very appealing. Having a separate work space in such a small apartment is a real luxury. I especially like the little shelf running along the half-wall. Need a break from the computer? Stand up, turn around, & rest your eyes on the outdoors or lean over to talk to the person downstairs. Keeping the bedroom downstairs makes sense to me - no 3 a.m. trips down the stairs to use the toilet. I agree that a Murphy bed could be handy. I wonder if one could be fitted into the wardrobe? Perhaps continue the wardrobe to the ceiling & use pull-down rods to access hanging clothes? Other small updates I'd want to do over time is to improve the outdoor space (better furnishings, lighting, etc.) and maybe customize the interior of the understairs storage. But overall it's a big improvement.

[@izajon566]

That's what I love Never too small for - small footprint with smart solutions! A really enjoyable flat, congrats!

[@keroro407]

As beautiful as the loft/office is, I can't imagine how difficult it is to bring up the desks and chairs up those stairs.

[@sandrah5405]

Only need to do it once! But probably they would have used pulleys to get them up, or assembled them up there.

[@mugs2460]

Not too difficult when you disassemble them first

[@penkaur]

Maybe they assembled them upstairs

[@startpage717]

They come in parts that you put together like Ikea...😊

[@lissamk3990]

No more difficult than bringing up a bed, I imagine, and plenty of apartments have beds in lofted spaces---especially if the office furnishings were assembled up there.

[@Nrana9]

Without a doubt the most beautiful loft for me on this channel! Absolutely stunning design throughout this appartment, I can imagine that this fits the needs of the owners very well.

[@ahhook]

smart idea to make the "2nd" floor a working space! the real window view will make a nice background for zoom meetings! I love u place the sleeping area on the "1st" floor, as most of the loft designs place it on the "2nd" floor, and it makes me feel very unconvertible and under pressure.

[@valarya]

Beautiful!!! As someone who lives in a space with two large work/play computer desks for me and my husband, I've never been able to envision us in a tiny space until now. I love it!

[@websoup]

Well done especially the loft space which double as a functional sculpture. Unlike some comments, I agree with partial loft while keeping half of the space original ceiling height as this lends a more spacious feel to the rest of the apartment. Nicely done overall 🎉

[@gideonbohm-smith-paul4279]

What’s the name of the TV console or where can it be bought? It’s beautiful.

[@muntongleong1755]

Architect Woon Chung Yen is a good narrator, in addition to being a good artist. Well done 👍🏻

[@I_am_Lauren]

That upstairs office is so nice! Having the natural light from the windows and the warm LED lighting makes for a productive space. I would like to work there!

[@CMMMMMMMMM]

The loft is beautiful! The couple’s minimalism inspires me

[@eggy6857]

The sliding door between the bedroom and living room areas is beautiful.

[@arlenehutchinson9259]

Such a beautiful design 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾 that loft was EVERYTHING. I would have moved the bedroom upstairs then the sitting room could share space with the office. BRAVO to the architect.

[@yamrajji2569]

Tv console and few others were the eye catchers 😊😊❤

[@allie1953]

I don't own a TV, but if I did I would definitely want to create that clever cabinetry-on-wheels for it.

[@helensid6670]

Oh, yes. If someone knows where that TV console can be bought, please tell me (I've done a research with no success)

[@lisah5836]

Reminds me of the tv cabinets on wheels from the old days....except those were holding bulky TVs, not lightweight ones like today.

[@prozaclink]

@@helensid6670try reverse google search

[@alexandradickson1995]

Agreed. I love that tv console

[@martinw.9474]

A great architectural addition in design and function. Superb.

[@TheDavbi]

Cases like this show how higher ceilings can be a real advantage if you want to create more space

[@itsserhioball]

Love the TV console, real piece of art!

[@helensid6670]

I completely agree! If someone knows where that TV console can be bought, please tell me (I've done a research with no success)

[@markh2038]

@@helensid6670 I found it. They probably don’t allow direct links here - I can’t decipher a brand name but you’ll find it if you google “Customized movable TV stand, living room, solid wood, multi-functional creative bracket, hanger TV cabinet”

[@arrestday]

@@helensid6670 Nordic Mid-Ancient TV Bracket

[@helensid6670]

@@arrestday thank you so much!!

[@MiniM69]

I love this but would have switched the office and bedroom, making the downstairs a large multipurpose space.

[@junehulton8320]

Very nice clean space ... functionality is key in these small spaces ... I agree that a Murphy Bed would be great space saving in the home. And even some drop down seating on the small patio area. The kitchen is a little dark for me ... maybe a little more reflective material.

[@lisah5836]

Lovely home and design, seems refreshing to live in. I'd love to see NTS revisit some of their older showcased projects - it would be great to see the longevity of them. I say this while seeing houses less than 10 yrs being knocked down and rebuilt for no apparent reason.

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

This design is so suitable for newly couple trying to start a family together. ❤❤

[@overcastskyline1747]

oh no its that staircase again!

[@tedhuang5458]

Love the design itself but that's a lot of work and money spent to create a loft space for two desks. It also made the downstairs living space which was already small that much smaller. Good thing they have access to a patio with a nice view to lush greenery. That's actually my favorite part of this apartment.

[@bernardwangg]

This condo is a hot project. Its nice to see residents living in there now :D

[@Holycryptonite47]

I'm amazed at how many korean,singaporean and jaoanese lofts have high ceiling allowing for these double decker room like spaces to prosper.Wish we haad such high ceilings.

[@mc6354]

Very nice indeed. No gimmicks. It feels elegant and full of substance. Excellent example of what can be done in a small space. Loved this apartment. ❤

[@Janine6564]

Beautiful little home. Love the loft addition. Light and air space.

[@SCANNO21]

The new structure is so nice, like a sculpture. Japanese staircase as we call that kind of stairs in France are really convenient in small spaces : I've been using one at home everyday for 15 years now, and it's funny and saves a lot of space, so that was the bright idea there. For the rest, it's full of light and clean, and with enjoyable views on greenery, but nevertheless it does not really feels like a place to live to me : it looks too much like a apparthotel room on vacation ! I could stay here for 1 or 2 weeks while on trip discovering Singapour, and I would like it and find it convenient, but for everyday living, i would allways feel like i'm in a hotel bedroom with kitchenette...

[@zoomex5]

The Loft is Masterpiece! Amazing use of spaces.

[@aletverster]

Just beautiful! What a thoughtfully designed space, and the detailing and craftsmanship is excellent.

[@davidvanroon]

Brilliant how the structure of the loft is such a big design element in this space!

[@marianna0cn]

So many negative reviews… but this flat plan suits me. I don’t want to have a bed in the loft because stumbling up and down the steep stairs at night to go use the bathroom doesn’t sound good. And I like the partition between the living room and the bedroom. Living room is for guests and it’s nice to close off the bedroom even though it’s a studio flat. A lot of storage space is a plus. Functional cute little space.

[@giantorri]

having a murphy bed would really add a lot of usable space to the very narrow downstairs area

[@masterkyun4403]

One of my favorite interior design this year, very comfy! plus the architect looks like Dr. Richard Mata

[@Woohoohaha]

Very well designed small apartment. Very functional and aesthetically beautiful.

[@zanifriz489]

So much natural light. Bravo!

[@muiawat]

Anyone else find this channel super relaxing ??

[@MariaJose-oh5yh]

Great use of space. Simple and elegant! Congratulations.

[@emyv1831]

This is my all time favorite apartment, and I've watched all your videos. So cozy and so much storage place!

[@jnbond]

I love the wood joinery!!! Super clean, stylish and functional with the integrated rope lights!!😍

[@fluffyblanket1398]

Condos in Singapore are ridiculously small. Every time I see this kind of condo, it makes me very grateful with the place that I live in. The design is cool, but I prefer to have the loft bigger (expands to the bedroom area too), so I could have a proper living and dining on the first floor and bedroom and office in the loft. But if it's not possible (maybe because of the building structure or financial constraint), I prefer building the loft on top of the bedroom area instead of the living room.

[@thatjillgirl]

I love the actual, decent-sized bathroom in this one! XD

[@Bosque1993]

Wow, this is stunning!!! Love the redesign and additions

[@grigorisgirl]

Beautiful apartment and personally I like to see a bedroom that is easily accessed. Not everybody wants to mountaineer to get into bed. I’d never get off the floor from those chairs though!

[@avivat3010]

An absolutely amazing design. The best yet, I think! It's thoughtful, uses a minimum of material and is yet very aesthetically pleasing. The engineering and aesthetics of the support for the loft is quite beautiful. To make such a simple and in all ways economic answer to the problem of extra space takes much effort. Congratulations!!

[@annepoitrineau5650]

I am speechless: beautiful functional, dreamy, relaxing...

[@designzip5890]

I like the addition of the loft but why not make that the bedroom? Surely the space below would be better utilized for living/dining?

[@christie4951]

This is wonderful. I agree with not making a bigger bedroom loft as that would have taken away from the light and expansiveness needed for the rest of the living area.

[@earlypensioner]

I love moving things around and think you did a great job moving yours. Ot look much more spacious now. I have an outbox where I put item in every time I have trifted someting. Since I watch your channel I am totally into cottagecore 😊 and come home with little treatures to replace what was there before. Thxxx for another lovely vid! ❤

[@cpav9062]

Those light are mindblowing. Those computers some serious cable management though :P Overall lovely place.

[@Lenore-S]

This is a gorgeous tiny space.

[@comeuppance]

Why is the bedroom the largest room? Would not a loft bedroom and a expanded living/dining/office space below have made more sense?

[@metislamestiza3708]

agree . a murphy bed would have made better use of the area imo

[@tedhuang5458]

Not sure you can comfortably fit a bed for two in the loft space. Also imagine going downstairs to use the bathroom in the middle for the night, walking down the narrow alternating half-step staircase. I wouldn't want to do it on a permanent basis.

[@derrick8491]

Probably because that’s what the owners prefer

[@timcodex]

@@tedhuang5458 That's the prefect answer.

[@varvaraobolonchykova1607]

I have a feeling bathroom is the largest room😁

[@gazell3s]

Cool TV console, where is it from?

[@helensid6670]

I'm interested too! My research got no success

[@terenskate]

I was looking for this comment too!

[@ElizandradePaula]

Absolutely beautiful design intervention.

[@Greenway1234]

Wow!!! This is stunning!!! Just perfect!!!👌The best I’ve seen in Never Too Small by far. I love it a lot😍

[@KFCx3]

I just started the video and I can already tell this is certified banger

[@davidjamessussex1671]

Growing up I had one of the alternating paddle stair cases to get up to my brother’s and my room. So long as you set off on the right foot they’re brilliant! Never tried it after a drink mind you! 😉

[@TheHiawatha]

Very lovely. Definitely a home for young people!

[@RajiShunmu]

This design is amazing and clever! Love it!

[@therealdrecu]

Good use of space! Really well structured and i really like overall design. :D

[@siggibada6338]

Must be awesome to play June's Journey in the apartment

[@longloismariam7767]

Excellent ideas and design

[@cpthippoO]

I've once been to a cafe with stairs just like this. Confused me as hell but also a fun experience.

[@tati_oak]

Great design and the whole apartment is great!

[@terribels]

Dude, that tv console is SOOO COOL!

[@rolandpeterkin1528]

I like what was done here!

[@SF-ru3lp]

Great job here! (If I were the client, I'd have to opt for straight lines and maybe a glass panel up the side of the stairs - purely personal! Perhaps it reflects my age!😊) Thank you all for the video! G Ire

[@amandab.recondwith8006]

Very clever. Very pretty.

[@canyoudoitagain7978]

I'd sleep in the loft and leave the rest as an open plan living

[@rowaystarco]

And die of the heat and humidity?

[@MotherAotearoa]

Really loved the Loft - Study concept 👍

[@williamhuigens3192]

This looks amazing!

[@merra_k]

I think it is a well designed apartment considering the lifestyle and culture of the clients!!

[@henrykekw]

i think its better to have no door on the bedroom and have a sofa infornt of the bed and have a tiny table rather than sitting below lol

[@Natak222]

Feel as though the office area should’ve had traditional rails or glass walls to allow natural light and utilize their amazing floor to ceiling windows. Atm it feels very claustrophobic. There was also an opportunity to recess the downstairs storage to allow the TV to fit in there flush, but maybe this would’ve looked too modular which i’m not a fan of. Apart from that, great use of space and aesthetically very pleasing. Giant strategically placed plants would bring this loft even more to life 🪴✨

[@KKhantWai]

What a work! Love this

[@juri991]

i can live here....forever. a place where it looks like a child hasn't lived in it which i love love.

[@yoojinna5634]

Desks should be facing opposite directions.

[@6Ginge]

I love that TV console and the floor recliners!

[@dorthy1666]

Gorgeous. Functional. Cost effective. Environmentally conscious. Minimal intervention to achieve an elevated result.

[@noeliarodriguez187]

Murphy bed, cuarto en el ático??? Por favoooor!!! Jamás renunciaría a tener mi habitación con esa luz y toda esa vegetación ante mis ojos!!! Eso influye en tu salud a todos los niveles,también no caerse por esas terribles escaleras😂

[@LoveCheeseBurger]

Great idea ! staiecase

[@adventure953]

Nothing much can be done except dividing the bedroom space and adding a loft to this high-ceiling unit. This is not the best project among the rest, but the design of the loft aesthetic is not boring. Even the kitchen cabinets is design by the developer. When you add a sliding panel between space, you are not connecting but segregating the space. Opening the panels is connecting the space.

[@quietestkitten]

This is such a beautiful space! I love it.

[@carveratutube]

Very beautiful designed apartment 👍

[@annienel7683]

I ❤ this concept design.

[@teambraining-un8wp]

Out of all the element out into this design, I'm only interested in the movable TV cabinet. The only thing I could see myself buying in the future. My parent is a daily TV watcher. Their kids tho, rarely use TV unless for ocassional Netflix and chill. Instead of buying one TV for parent and the other for the kids, simply have one TV to share 😊

[@cindyboughen9933]

Great space!

[@Throneproperty_th]

I enjoy the design of your home.

[@marvinraphaelmonfort8289]

love the tv cart

[@CooperPhamkd54]

This apartment is at a ground floor of the building so the over high is common, I believe the design team do their best within the allowed conditions ( no big loft or visible one at the window view.v.v..) , but still.. with this much light surface and extra high space, a loft bedroom above it current one would be great with the view and also solver the lack of useable space.