NEVER TOO SMALL: Family of 5’s Multifunctional Micro Apartment, Manila 28 sqm/301sqft

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Set high above the busy streets of Mandaluyong City in the Philippines, this tiny apartment is home to a family of five. Working within the original floorplan, architect Josef Karol Egwaras focused on enhancing the open layout by adding smarter furniture and storage solutions throughout, including a versatile foldout dining table and expandable double sofa bed. In the bedroom, a raised platform bed cleverly conceals a pull out mattress for the youngest child and is surrounded by built in storage, including a neat work from home nook. Drawing inspiration from the family's much loved colourful gravel bikes, Egwaras chose to echo three primary colours - forest green, mustard yellow and terracotta - in the apartment. These recurring hues are used to signify each child, identify individual storage areas and add personality and vibrancy to the thoughtfully designed small space.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Ep 149
Project Name: Alba Home 2
Architect: www.studiojose...
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: www.instagram....
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: from Artlist.io
A Moon Walk - Instrumental Version by Yehezkel Raz and On Earth by We Dream of Eden

[@juri991]

being a Filipino as well, I understand and experienced this sharing of bedrooms with parents which I quite resent looking back because now that I am old, my main and sometimes only focus is to build my own space. For the older sons, imagine waiting for your family to finish watching the TV so you can sleep or study or just spend some quiet time. You can go to the amenities as the designer said but not all the time. Nice design and color scheme though.

[@cheesecake4648]

yep you are right. i prefer to live further away instead of subject lack of intimacy both parents and children. i think this experience will scar a lot of people.

[@prawiraagung4011]

TO SAVE BUDGET YOU ONLY NEED ONE BIG BED FOR FIVE PEOPLE AND ONE BIG TABLE FOR FIVE PEOPLE :)

[@mackereltabbie]

It is very cramped. But if you only have 28 m² it seems more natural to me to do it the other way around - have the parents sleep in the living room (they have the right to tell the children it's bedtime!) and put bunkbeds in the bedroom so the youngest can go to bed first, then the older children next.

[@Karltags]

So true growing up I always wanted to have enough space and room para s magiging anak ko. Dati I wanted to study at night kaso nga Ang lakas pag nanood Ng tv Ng tiyahin ko .

[@kitty_s23456]

​@@Karltagscorrect. Everyone needs privacy, especially when you're a teenager already. For most of my childhood, I shared a room w/ my Ate. It's good she moved out (diff job) when I was in college, so I had the room to myself. I think this will work while the kids are still young but not when they're all teens. Their eldest son is neatly a teen, I think. Pero their family, their choice.

[@srdiguzman]

Only someone who had been in the traffic or in public transportation in Manila understands why would you opt for such a tiny house for a family of 5 in the centre and close to everything. Beautiful design!

[@HenriqueKuwai]

We suffer with this in Sao Paulo, too. It's sad that the cities are so crowded, so overpopulated and so underplanned, that we need to live in such small apartments only to have a minimum of life quality 😥

[@jalanwb7469]

thank you for that context. As an urban American mom with a family of 5 I couldn't imagine living in such tight quarters but that makes sense if the traffic and public transportation is terrible.

[@cheesecake4648]

they loose too much intimacy and space.. frankly, it isadickmove to do it.

[@mousestripedgrass2123]

​@@xn9333that's a great idea!

[@bonne_vie]

​@@xn9333yeah bunk beds would be a good idea

[@Maschinengoth]

I love that this is clearly done on a very realistic budget. A lot of the videos show clever solutions that are beautiful, but quite expensive. The clever use of IKEA furniture, already owned things and very deliberately chosen custom made pieces makes this -in my eyes- a lot more applicable to the usual inhabitants of small living spaces: people that cant afford full custom solutions and complete remodels of most walls.

[@lynseaa]

Right?! I immediately recognized a bunch of IKEA pieces, not in a bad way but rather in a "hey I can relate to this episode" way.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Yes, it also helps that it's a newer apartment with modern layout.

[@l.a.3479]

​@@joseaparThat shower is scary-small. I got claustrophobic just looking at it.

[@ddrt0]

cabinet over head are risky choice. If it fall it going to smash your head. Not recommended

[@firmhand]

that’s the prime “never too small” episode. nothing beats it, tbh. other places are luxuriously petite, but not this essential to the philosophy

[@jortuspelatus7364]

Love that this episode also highlights the clients - the family of 5. It really exudes the close-family traits of Filipinos.

[@hectormf99]

Not my style but very well thought. But I don’t see how the 5 can sleep now nor in the future when the kids grow

[@alvinmonteza6133]

Sacrificing square footage for location and urban living is not a trend but a necessity for families or individuals that value city life. Adapting the design to the owners lifestyles makes the design functional and utilitarian. Thank you for featuring a Manila residence and family that appreciates minimalist living. Kudos to the design team that provided high quality design to such limited space to accommodate five people. Great feature.

[@Harry-fk5of]

@@hectormf99 A child and a couple of young teenagers living in that tiny space with both parents sounds like a bit of a nightmare to me. Fine for a short stay, but full-time? You'd have to be very very close for this to work. I wonder how conflicts are managed with nowhere to grab some time alone. Everyone needs some space, but especially when living with teenagers.

[@phylliscraine]

@@Harry-fk5of my thoughts exactly. I admire their choices even though I'd never live like this

[@jbrizzle4725]

Colour scheme and materials are great but joinery quality could be better.

[@ivydaphne7483]

Glad to see Filipino spaces on the channel! Overall interior is nice with good integration of space saving concepts. For everyday functional living for a family of 5 in such a small space is pushing it, especially since more afforable housing options are still available in Metro Manila. If it works for them, great I guess? But this definitely works for more of a secondary home scenario. Ironically it might cost more to have a space renovated like this compared to just getting a larger "traditional" space/home.

[@laetifico]

They said the schools are nearby and maybe other things they want like work or good shops or restaurants since they eat out a lot.

[@waggermama]

And they may want this for their children or parents as they get older

[@syncswim]

Affluent professionals in the Philippines will often have a larger weekend home somewhere like Tagaytay in addition to their city apartment or townhouse.

[@cheesecake4648]

agree.

[@RuruDaPorcupine]

Wonder where's the affordable housing option in Metro Manila you mentioned. I live in Manila and rentals are costly no matter where you go, forget about owning your own house lol

[@NilZed1]

It also helps they are in a warm place. They not only don’t have winter gear to store but even their regular clothes are light weight and for the boys at least, mostly short pants and short sleeves reducing their storage needs that much more.

[@dianamendoza8339]

I love the design and how they manage to fit 5 people in this apartment. It is normal thing in the Philippines to have this kind of set up specially in condos but may not consider as normal in western countries. We can thrive to this kind of apartment because it is our culture to be close together even above 18 years old. 😊

[@somecoffeeaddict7863]

Yeah, I wouldn't be able to do that. It's a very small space and for me it would feel too crowded. I would be seriously concerned about the bathroom. However I got to admit that they managed to fit everything in perfectly. It seems like a very livable space.

[@simonthomas1672]

That is something I envy about your culture! And lovely to see the whole family in the video. (I spent a month in Manila many years ago and would love to go back.)

[@Harry-fk5of]

What happens when kids become teenagers? Do they not need their own private space at some point? I can't imagine it.

[@user-km2ko9xk1y]

Torture

[@dantes245]

Why they decided to have 3 kids though? They force their kids to go through this, instead of having one kid and actually being able to provide sufficient environment for them.

[@lauragraceramos]

Thank you NTS for featuring another space the Philippines! Love the warm vibe of the place. As a Filipino living near Metro Manila, having such a small space with say 4 to 5 people is common. Some people choose to live in the city center to be closer to work/school (as traffic in Metro Manila can be pretty bad!), versus living farther away but with much larger and cheaper space. They sometimes also have a family/ ancestoral house outside the city where they can store/leave some of their stuff (Things they don't need on a day to day basis).

[@elliest55]

I have many thoughts on this... 1 The interior design is beautiful and makes optimal use of every single inch of space

[@bonne_vie]

I am also wondering where they put their bikes. I was hoping they would show that.

[@Serloap]

It's a big building, some buildings tend to have parking spaces for cars and/or bikes.

[@diana24241]

I think they use the apartment for vacations more that living in it, because you are right about where´s the cat stuff, the school stuff, bikes? etc. So I guess Is more for a temporary use because where's the privacy s (s3x, etc) of the couple if you know what I mean

[@maximipe]

Agree with everything, first thing I thought was no way 5 people can or would want to live here. I shared a 30sqm space with 2 people and that was hard enough. An architect I follow always say the recommended space per person is around 35sqm, making a smart use of space is one thing but this is being apologetic to awful living conditions.

[@elliest55]

@@diana24241yeah I was also suspecting it might be their "city break" apartment. I didn't want to make assumptions without knowing much about the lifestyle in suburban Manilla, but I thought a likely scenario is that one or both of the parents have a long commute into the city and occasionally need a place there to crash overnight. And since they have it, they can occasionally use it as a family too when they want to spend time in the city.

[@Fixtheproblemwithgoodpolicy]

Love this one, they don't try to be too clever, everything easily converts and the parents can have privacy if needed and if they want to rent it out, it's easy to get it ready for another renter.

[@ferdousshiekh4893]

Where is the parents privacy? They sleep with a child that old enough.

[@zeinab2284]

i think she meant the bathroom i don't see anther place @@ferdousshiekh4893

[@sandrah5405]

I can't believe a family of five (plus a cat) lives in an apartment that small but good on them, they obviously make it work. But outside on the street, those power lines! OMG!

[@mariliacostamcp]

There are power lines like that in many, many places... I live in Brazil and it's like that everywhere. When you are born in a country where this is the norm, you simply don't see them 🤷‍♀

[@Oratual_]

Beautiful apartment and cool design. I understand is a different culture, but I would rather arrange the existing bedroom for the three boys and made a bedroom in the living room for the parents with a semi limitation to the dinning area.

[@l.a.3479]

With your idea, the parents would have no privacy.

[@Oratual_]

@@l.a.3479 They sleep with one child, they don't have privacy already.

[@camillelemmens1745]

@@l.a.3479 they would have more privacy, since children usually go to bed earlier than the parents (depending on age of course). The moment the kids go to sleep, the living space would be entirely theirs. Now they have to sleep with a child next to them and have to adapt their own routine to that of the children sleeping in the living room....

[@l.a.3479]

​@@camillelemmens1745Good points, but neither solution is ideal, IMO.

[@Fluuuv]

​@@camillelemmens1745 yeah, I was honestly wondering when they would ever have se.x with a kid sleeping there.

[@Khigha87]

Wow! Superb! 5 people in 28sqm and you didn't break any walls. The place looks great and doesn't feel cramped! 5 stars would recommend! We'd all probably always want more space but this has everything you would need! Dining room table becomes homework bench while dad supervises and mom wraps up work in the bedroom. Well done! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@l.a.3479]

"Doesn't feel cramped"?! Did you see the shower?!

[@cheesecake4648]

@@l.a.3479 i think she or he needs to see the day to day live instead of this fairy tale they are showing. they seem happy, but they prioritized style over practicality and intimacy.

[@Nanamiogawa]

this only works as long as the kids are under twelve years old. Once the kids reach 15 or 18 years old they will want their own space. Efficient design but basic condo units in the Philippines are really tiny it's only suitable for a couple starting out their family not for long-term living.

[@garychavez5406]

Agree.

[@BenyaminLorit]

Exactly but I can totally see this being something they decide to put on rent in the future when they move to a bigger space. A lot of filipinos buy condo units and rent them out to other people for passive income.

[@PaulaLopez-gq5ki]

I like how they maximize space and functionality while reflecting the family's vibrant personality through clever storage solutions, colorful accents, and multipurpose furniture, creating a cozy and efficient living space in the heart of Metro Manila.

[@javaadaros]

Am I the only one who thinks the people in the houses they show don't really use the house? Everything is so tidy, minimalist, perfectly placed that I feel the owners are on vacation sowhere else

[@eeenyc5959]

Yes, some of the cabinets were pretty empty ..

[@gabrielaa.magalhaes1258]

When people have guests over they tidy up, so it's understandable they would -before filming a architecture video- organize the daily clutter, which i imagine in such small apartments can more easily be kept to a minimal anyway bc of smart storage solutions and everything having its place, it'd be maddening otherwise (thank god for architects and interior designers 🙌)

[@desperatebones]

I assume lot of these homes are pied-a-terres cause no way a well to do family of 5 is living that minimally.

[@dia.ko08]

My thoughts excactly. Although they might be extreme minimalists and tidied up before filming I wonder where the school stuff (bags, books, paper, pens) is stored, where the cats litter box and food is standing (balcony?) and where the blankets for the sofa bed are. Being very interested in minimalism I'd really love a feature on this family's everyday life and how they manage with having so few belongings if that should be the case.

[@tomasaranda80]

Currently, thousands of designs are created without taking into account key elements such as the budget and the conditions of the intervention site. The idea of ​​creating a realistic design taking into account all these determinants is incredible and demonstrates the commitment we have to the client.

[@natalie6862]

I’m so impressed by their minimalism!!! An awesome look at how people can live in creative ways

[@emilie658]

I don´t know how you manage!(Woman 64, four adult sons) You all must have an endless amount of patience and thoughtfullness. You seem such a nice family. And you have a lovely flat,very clever designed

[@BenyaminLorit]

Beautiful use of space and approach to storage. Also highly dig the color combinations. 3 kids though, phew, that's kinda crazy. You can't escape them here. 😅

[@schumiraiko8859]

Wow, this micro apartment is a brilliant example of maximizing space and functionality! The interior designer's touch is evident in every corner of this 28 sqm/301 sqft space. I'm so impressed by how they've managed to create such a cozy and efficient living environment for this family of five. The design and organization are on point. It's inspiring to see how they've utilized every nook and cranny to make the most of their home. This video is a testament to the power of creativity and smart design, and it's clear that the interior designer has done an incredible job. Kudos to both the family and the designer for sharing their innovative ideas and proving that you don't need a huge space to have a comfortable and stylish home. 🏡👏 #SmallSpaceLiving #InnovativeDesign #InteriorDesignMagic

[@elgienbarera4027]

Love that you featured again a Filipino designed for your episode. Having a big family themed was such a very Filipino thing. Kuddos for your channel NTS!

[@jnc81252]

The designer said the unit is in a building with lots of shared spaces like gym, playground, etc. The family eats out often. They really just need this space for sleeping, so it works for them. The adults are part of the cycling community so pretty sure they are active and don't need to spend 24 hrs at home. Nice condo, serves its purpose.

[@zeinab2284]

yes and yet she failed to full fill those needs a 5 year old sleeping in the parents room like what when they want intimate time they do it when he is in the room sleeping or they tell him to get out to sleep in the living room ? what about the poor other 2 kids they sleep on the thin mattress that is also short and tight and sticking to the other sibling i think the designer could have done better

[@sitcomchristian6886]

Depends if they were there during quarantine or not

[@cheesecake4648]

@@zeinab2284 exactly right. it is a trauma generator, culture thing or not. we are all humans and we all want intimacy and privacy.

[@kha_lee_na]

That should've meant that they don't need a sofa and a dining table as much as they need space for 2 humans that sleep on spongy slim mattresses with no space or privacy to study/read... I like the solution of one commenter to make the room with bunk beds and the living space with a foldable sofa/bed or a Murphy bed

[@Gracie-qg5lm]

I love the colors and the overall design. The area where the tv is I would have put a Murphy bed/couch mix and placed the tv on the wall where the daybed is. That would be the area for the adults. Then I would have a twin size triple bunk bed for the kids in the bedroom.

[@ixoraaz]

Yes, this is a viable solution for such a limited space, add some curtains that can close off the sleeping space at night for privacy.

[@cheesecake4648]

exactly what i wrote.... still: intimacy/privacy problems.

[@caroibarra00]

100% agree

[@NovaMarx]

More of these, please! I love seeing realistic solutions for especially families with children. It's pretty easy for a single person, or couple, to make a small space work. But there are so many more things to consider when there are children involved - and it's always inspiring to see how others make it work.

[@philiq18]

The colour scheme is great. Only change I'd have made is giving the bedroom to the boys with a bunkbed and one pullout bed. In the living room I'd have gone with a multi-functional Murphy bed that converts to seating or desk when folded up.

[@TorontoJon]

I love the light, airy colour palette and materials used to really open up the space and I especially love how much of the furniture and cabinetry serves as double duty for sleeping, workspaces, storage, etc. depending on the family's particular needs throughout the day (Cute family by the way!). :)

[@lic2910]

This amazes me. So much style in such a small space. I am astonished that a family of 5 resides there.

[@ihearthikary22]

I think this is one of the VERY FEW houses in this channel that i actually consider as living in a small apartment. 301sqft for a family of 5! Usually this channels show homes that are 400-500ish sqft and the dwellers is a single person or a couple…. and if you know the housing crisis in Asia that amount of space per people is already a luxury!

[@fabs.q]

The problem of a Filipino household is most of the time they're too sentimental, they keep a lot of stuff so if you really wanted space, you have to practice minimalism. Good that the family knew how to maintain minimalist approach and keep their place tidy (which is hard if you have kids). The parents did a great job raising and providing a comfy and aesthetic shelter to their children. This truly is home sweet home 💙

[@Neripb]

I love how this shows the basic life here in the Philippines. 5 members all in one bedroom is common here. As. Matter of fact they are privileged enough to live in such a nice house despite having to share a bedroom.others have to share with more and less accessable space and storage. They can always move out if they want to anyways.

[@EricaGamet]

I think so many people only imagine themselves in a particular space and how it doesn't fit their lives or ideal home. They say this isn't viable, but the family seems to be doing just fine... and maybe it's the best they can do (there are some really nice touches in here, to be fair). There are people that worry that I don't have a big enough space or enough things... but I'm a minimalist living in a smallish apartment in a city I love... and I have things outside my door so I don't feel the need to own everything or have a large place full of junk. Not everyone needs a big house with lots of room to be happy. What's important is the folks living in the space enjoy it... and it works for them.

[@Harry-fk5of]

But are you living alone? I'd like to see this space on a real day, after school and work when people are tired and need some alone time. That's the reality of it.

[@mrsAAP]

Beautiful space beautiful family. It highlights Filipino Culture (closeness of family members). I remember all 5 siblings sleeping in single beds dragged from our rooms to the master's bedroom to be with our parents, even though we each had a room.

[@farasyahandmade7597]

This is the 1st NTS video that I am not a fan of. I feel like so much more could have been done in the small space to accommodate the 3 boys. There is a lack of innovative design here. It doesn't seem to be able to "grow" with the family. Til when will the youngest sleep with the parents?! And that ikea foldable table is such a cop-out. A customised one that folds flat into the wall would have been better. The bathroom layout can be improved too.

[@newmankidman5763]

I wish for the family that lives there to live long and prosper in good health

[@shui577]

The use of color and shapes really makes it feel bigger than it is! I always wonder about these with all the custom furniture, so it was cool to see that the table was an ikea. I have my own small space that I am trying to optimize on a tight budget, so it is nice to see some aspects that are more attainable

[@user-lk3zf5gi8y]

This is one of the best designed small living space that I have seen that is from the few features Philippines. I love how the designer was able to make the home space functional and gorgeous interior design-wise.

[@helenleeyogini2679]

I have a space saving storage solution added to my small condo that I love but very rarely see. It’s turning the kick plates below the cabinets into drawers in both the kitchen and bathroom. Perfect place to store baking sheets; chopping boards; cat food cans; small kitchen tools like scales and steamers; boxes of wax paper and foil; bathroom scale; and so much more. This family is doing amazingly well with organizing their space but if they need more, this could be done for little additional cost or effort.

[@justthen]

A very neat space and nice. But still can't imagine how 5 people live inside as kids keep growing up even I'm from HK and used to stay in a tint apartment but with max. 2 people

[@lq7729]

This project really highlights where space, culture, and economy intersect. The idea that every family member has a room is very nouveau riche. Making do with what you have and can afford is a skill set deeply undervalued in the West. Even within the "minimalist" community, gadgets and fancy pull-outs are commodified. This family chose to stay in their apartment, reinvest in it, and perhaps use the money they are saving on housing for other expenses - private school, travel, eating out. Manilla is a tough city, and their teeny tiny apartment feels like a sanctuary amid the city's chaos.

[@lindagarrido4353]

I grew up in a 2 bedroom apartment and shared a room with my sisters until I went away to school. But never, ever ever were we allowed anywhere near my parents bedroom. I guess it’s cultural, but for me this would be a definite no.

[@lq7729]

@@lindagarrido4353 It's also not my jam, but I've known families to live similarly, and it's been out of necessity or culture instead of a commodified trend.

[@lq7729]

@@1412Bunny the expectation that every household member has their own room is nouveau riche. Old money wants to preserve it - room shares are common as are multiple homes.

[@thomas5916]

​@@lindagarrido4353- As someone who grew up in Asia, in a home of 30 members I assure you all children were always either sleeping in the parents room or eventually in the living room. It's normal, it's healthy and it provides a safe haven for the kids. Now I have my own children and they all slept in my room until age 9 at least. they all are always welcome in my room and I promise you they've never walked in on me and my husband. Also, our sex life is great. The cultures are different and the way you live a married life is also different.

[@Alina_the_Hedgehog]

This is way too small for a family this large. I grew up in a small flat with a sibling, and later even a pet, and even after one parent moved out, we regularly got on each other's nerves because of how close we were to one another constantly. Of course, at some point, us children got into puberty, which made the situation worse. The walls were very thin, so you heard everything what your family and your neighbours did. I could barely have a call with some friends without my mother complaining she wanted some peace and quiet since she was exhausted from work. After all, headphones only prevented her hearing my friends' voices, not mine, and my room was directly in-between the living room and my sibling's. I couldn't have imagined living with them in one room. I now live alone in a 30 m² flat and if the space was distributed differently, maybe, just maybe, I could imagine living here with my boyfriend. But a whole family? No

[@silviacosta9164]

This is the best apartment I have seen so far in terms of the ratio efficiency aesthetics. Great solution for a big family in a small space without compromising decoration and functional spaces. I really admire the order and smart decluttered of the place. Great work for both designer and clients!

[@Nalanrd]

Finally a house in “yes, this time it is too small 😉category. Three children, two adults and a cat in this small flat! Wow this is a miracle :) Well designed and decorated to get the maximum usage of the space but I still think it is a little too small. The couple has no privacy at all. It is too small for the kids at that age with a lot of energy, makes them feel restricted I can imagine.

[@colonelsanders8320]

the channel is titled NEVER TOO SMALL lmao

[@Nalanrd]

@@colonelsanders8320 Yes, this time it is too small, in contrast to the channel name.

[@eggizgud]

They go out a lot. It's explained.

[@Nalanrd]

@@eggizgud Well they sleep IN their home right. A couple has no intimacy? Of course it is their choice not anyone’s business if they don’t but in other case (meaning they do) they have their son sleeping right by their bed. That’s why people keep saying privacy. It could be tradition and something common in Philippines but this can’t be healthy and good for pschology of a small child in my opinion.

[@colonelsanders8320]

@@Nalanrd no way if only you knew how filipino families live plus I'm pretty sure they'll move to a bigger place when their kids grow up lol I'm sorry but u didnt quite grasp the concept of this channel

[@firmhand]

that’s a fantastic never too small! so many people in such a rate sq m for this channel. and a lot of stock ikea pieces. i wish there was more episodes like this, i feel this is true essence pf the channel. modest and democratic living

[@rosecolouredglasses]

There's some weird financial decision making going on to live in a tiny condo for a family of five. The parents seem well off enough to afford an interior designer and eat out majority of their meals, yet choose to subject their kids to such cramped quarters.

[@Adaphobic]

In the Philippines, condominiums provide better security, amenities, and community support. If you watch the whole video, it's also in the center of a good convenient city.

[@Greenway1234]

Exactly what I’m thinking.

[@staissitrading6675]

Location. Location. Location.

[@inuhundchien6041]

My family of 5 also lives in a small condo. What helps was that all three of us went to boarding school and for school holidays we went to our huge grandparents house haha.

[@Loralla]

I love the design. But I would absolutely hate to share my sleeping room with my parents. And let me tell you, people, I grew up in a really small house 60sqm with 5 people, and sharing my room with my sister while growing up was fairly difficult, I daydreamed all my childhood about being older and being able to afford my own space. Are families in Manila THAT different? Is it normal to share sleeping spaces with the parents when you are growing up? And, where do those kids put their stuff? Is it normal to not have even a personal cabinet? where to put School stuff? Cloths? toys? I'm very curious!!!. Nevertheless, I love this design, it makes great use of space. In my Western culture, this could be a beautiful solution for a single person or a couple.

[@rosecolouredglasses]

I'm from Manila and it's not uncommon for kids to sleep in the same bedroom as their parents. Some of my neighbors and cousins did it too, but not everyone. I think this condo is too small for the family. Especially in the Philippines where you can't next day Amazon Prime everything, you need to stock up on office and school supplies, food, household goods, etc. My guess is they have a storage unit and use the grandparents' house.

[@Cmqndlr]

Youd be surprised, most Filipino families dont spend much time in bedrooms literally for sleeping. Sleeping with parents is never an issue to Filipinos. Youll even see families as big as 10 or more sleep together on the floor

[@alleria2266]

As someone who grew up living in a one bedroom shared house in Manila, this is definitely the norm for most in the middle class or lower. Having my own bedroom was like a fever dream you only see in tv shows or really really well off families. We had a bunk bed with my parents sleeping at the bottom bunk, and me at the top. Personal cabinet? Never had one as a kid. All members of the family share a main cabinet, or at least have their own storage boxes for clothes. School stuffs? Storage boxes. Toys? Storage boxes. Even then I was blessed, being an only child. I knew families with 5 or more members who would share the same or even less amount of space and made it work. Even though I yearned for my own room as a child, I never hated my life because of it. I was grateful enough to not be living on the streets.

[@antonsitepu]

@@Cmqndlr so I wonder where the parents find their time to be "romantic"? do they have to go to hotel maybe? lol... since they dont have private space space in their own home...

[@KommentElek612]

@@alleria2266 Because you lived like this, do you think everyone should be like this or is it normal? I do not think so.

[@drdf7500]

A beautiful family and a very laid-back, unfussy design with some clever tricks. Love!

[@cassie.minimalist]

Wow, such a cute space! So small but yet they still managed to have the cabinets not cramped full of stuff, I love it! Even top of the fridge is empty.

[@EJH989]

I am a home body and I don't think I can deal with the lack of space. I have a 2 bed with a 1 yr old and I already struggle as my office is now in my bedroom same as this family which makes me feel like a student again... we don't own a lot of things either but we constantly need to declutter to make space for our toddler.

[@AelSihombing]

I can relate! I live in a 2 bedroom apartment with my husband and our 2 yo. Decluttering is definitely part of our routine 😆 Our toddler doesn't have that many toys/stuffs, but still..

[@gc2236]

Is this the first PH based home featured here? OMG I'm so inspired seeing fellow Filipinos with this design.

[@nikosuarilla5562]

no

[@richarddelacruz7807]

First time I've watched a Filipino home being featured! 🧡

[@aqobaleda5932]

The apartment is very cute, but I have a hard time believing that this fits all family needs and belongings properly… magic??? 😅

[@16demolka]

They have to keep their bikes somewhere so I feel they have a spacious storage space outside the apartment. My apartment is almost twice as big but we keep our kids bike and scooter in the entryway 😂

[@l.a.3479]

It doesn't fit everything properly. It's too small.

[@ddrt0]

People choose this kind of home in the middle city rather than a house in outise town when you need to drive for 2 hours in traffic just go to work/school.

[@synthiamcbride7194]

​@16demolka your comment reminds of a tiny house I viewed on another channel. The video extolled how wonderful it was that the couple managed to live so frugally...until it was shown that they had another structure 15 feet across the yard nearly as big as their tiny house that they used for storage.

[@16demolka]

@@synthiamcbride7194 probably Sarah Therese in her old house :) I was like „whaat? How it this living in a small house”

[@jkartz92]

Even though the space is small, the use of right colors and placement of things makes it look adequate and comfortable!!

[@jennycampbell5236]

I really love the design of this apartment. The colors all work well together. This family work well together without too much ' stuff '. Do the two older boys use the sofa as a bed at night?

[@l.a.3479]

Yes

[@marielle27]

Been reading the comments here about how small it is, I've seen the couple's IGs, it seems like most of the time they are out with their bike community and work, while the kids are at home. So both the couple spend less time at home with the children. Probably, that's why they don't feel cramped at all in this small space that looked so stage. No children's toys, school bags, school supplies, or children's book. It's like there's no trace of children living there. If they didn't mention they have children or showed the children in this video, I wouldn't even know that 3 boys are living in this cramped apartment. Don't forget the cat litter. Where on earth do they keep that? It's not even mentioned in the video. The gas stove, too, I'm sure they don't eat out all the time. So where do they cook? This video looks unrealistic and staged, and I'm guessing some of their belongings were put away just for the sake of the video.

[@viktorialaguyo455]

💯💯💯

[@notjustirene]

The apartment and colour scheme are very beautiful. I do think everyone in this family has to be very neat, very minimalistic in terms of material possessions and it feels like there is no real privacy for any family member. It would not be a way of living for me, but that’s because I’m not used to it and have been brought up with different habits.

[@cheesecake4648]

...and don't care for intimacy at all

[@pikakac2441]

My thought as well. The space is beautiful, but no one can have hobbies that take up space. It looks like all they have are clothes, shoes, a vacuum, a laptop, a desktop, and some books.

[@cheesecake4648]

@@pikakac2441 and the vacuum takes a lot of space in the closet.. this video seems fishy...

[@drlnmrdn]

It's so nice to see that a family of 5 could live in a small home. I love it!!! I'd love to see more from the Philippines!

[@AelSihombing]

Wow. The apartment is so cute! Love the color tone and the tree in the corner! I'm from Jakarta, Indonesia. I live in a 36 sqm (387.5 sqft) two bedroom apartment with my husband and our toddler. Our space has custom built furnitures and storages similar like this one has (though not as pretty. Lol. I always consider our place as tiny but enough for the three of us. We still live comfortably with patience and well-established routines (lots of decluttering!). I can't imagine having two more kids in our place though 🙈 Kuddos to this family for making it work.

[@yesterdayseyes]

I think just my Halloween decorations would fill more boxes than all of this families possessions. What a huge difference in lifestyle.

[@theklg]

a family of 5 in 300 feet? that is mind-blowing. clever design but it's important that kids have their own spaces/privacy.

[@user-ml1wj9qf9f]

I really appreciate this - not everyone has a lot of space to work with, but it is possible to raise happy healthy families in smaller spaces. ♥️♥️

[@virginiadominguezcarrera8816]

I love the house, but I wonder how the parents handle the lack of privacy

[@ararar99]

And the kids too, their own space is important. I guess its a luxury they won’t have until they can finally move to a bigger and more liveable space.

[@fred3132]

Been following NEVER TOO SMALL for years now, finally I can say kudos for a Filipino home feature.

[@Suzumiya-haruhi]

The interior is superb, but yeah 3 boys in a 1br?! Hopefully the parents are planning to move in a more spacious home

[@77scotchtape77]

Love how they used the space and added personality to it with the pops of colour

[@violetgilkes3625]

I like the wood behind the couch/ bed, plants, nooks for interesting items. Just the large green panel for storage, not too crazy about

[@JuanDiegoRomeroParada]

A really brilliant design when your family grows, you need to create more spaces and this video shows in a perfect way how to do it.

[@user-mp2ko8do2l]

It's even more interesting that there are 5 with less clothes

[@tina7151]

My sister's work is 9km away from our family house in Manila. Travel time varies from 30mins to 3hours, she decided to buy a condo walking distance from her office. So I can understand sizing down bec of traffic.

[@Nath_CM]

I really like how this represents how a small department can function really well for more than 1 or 2 people!!

[@emmashaw1123]

What a cute family. Great design and makes us realise we can thrive in small spaces

[@l.a.3479]

Not all of us can thrive in them

[@huihe953]

I know this channel is called never too small, but I feel 28sqm for a family of 5, especially as the 3 boys grow up, seems a bit small. I think it's about the size of 2 carpark spots (not the double garage, just the two spots)

[@l.a.3479]

Yes, it is too small for them.

[@rosecolouredglasses]

In Metro Manila, Philippines, car parking is usually 12 sqm, so a little bit bigger than 2 parking spots lol

[@arkconcepcionofficial]

Philippines! I have been watching NTS since 2020 and happy to see Filipino Interior Designer, Filipino Home, Filipino Family get featured. I love how warm and client-centered the space is. At 6:01, I personally don't like the electric socket and the shower. But, as always, the narrative is well-put together.

[@tuppence937]

Interesting design. Liked the use of different colored wall paints to designate different areas. The trundle bed and convertible sofa are both clever ideas - but for me it still felt like a small space for five people. Would have liked to see a configuration that gives the kids a private space.

[@jolewis6913]

The children have the closed off bedroom and the parents the bed in the living room. Or did you mean privacy from each other, like curtained off bunk beds or something ?

[@Kris-br4he]

@@jolewis6913 In the video they explain the main bed in the bedroom is the parents, with the trundle for the youngest son.

[@l.a.3479]

​@@Kris-br4heStill not ideal, as the "youngest" son is too old to be sleeping in their bedroom.

[@CheMC23]

Beautiful design and a great location! I especially love the colors being used here. Also, I kept looking out for the "clutter", the overflowing chaos of things, such as in one of their drawers or cabinets, but there was none! Wishing all the best to this lovely family and their home.

[@tomatostellar]

Cat did terrific job of showcasing the space! I think the matchy matchy color was tad bit overdone, but overall the space is pretty. But as their boys grow, surely they could use a much larger space.

[@VoroninHop]

Fabulous. Achieves more in 28sqm than some have achieved with double that amount of space for 1 or 2 people. Love the colour scheme too.

[@unpolishedbeaut]

The discipline to stow away everything, everyday! I can’t imagine having to take out a portable stove, cook and clean and keep everything later and then take them out again tomorrow 🤣

[@kdramadiet5225]

For an upper middle class income, this is the reality in the Philippines. On weekdays they choose to live in the urban, near their work and school. And often times they go back to province during weekends where they have a much larger house or visit their parents with big houses

[@anabltc]

I would hope so! Everyone deserves some space, esp kids

[@nataliia_skliar]

I find this design like clear, laconic and calm. And amazingly functional. Like it so much.

[@diamondgoldsilver9899]

If I lived in a household like this as a kid, my ultimate dream in life would be to move out and get my own space and privacy

[@islandsunset]

don't get me wrong. I love these small house designs. They save space and money and use less resources. As a kid in a family of 5, we used to live in a home similar to this. Very much less fancy and no smart storage solutions but similar home arrangements, And I hated it. As a child growing up I had a home but no space of my own. there is no place to spend time with myself. I always longed to have a room however small for myself. I do love small homes but in my opinion it suits best for bachelors and childless couples. I think two sons here sleep in living room and the the smallest slept in parents room. the kids have no personal space and no room for themselves. they grow up without any privacy. I am sure if they had three girls, they would not make those girls sleep in the hall. Kids needs space. Small homes is not a suitable environment to raise kids.

[@Keribellz]

Let me tell you as someone who is considered a middle class Filipino but even if they had daughters, the sleeping arrangement would be more or less the same. Some families had to deal with living in small places in Metro Manila because it is preferable than being stuck in a traffic jam for hours everyday going to and from work/school. Actually, this family has a better living condition than the average Filipino. They seem to live in a rather nice condominium with amenities. Those amenities can be considered the space for playing.

[@islandsunset]

@@Keribellz I am from India. So a cramped living condition is something I can relate. Yes it is better than being stuck in the traffic. But I can't shake the feeling that it is not healthy for a family of 5 to be living in 28 sq meters.

[@Keribellz]

@@islandsunset As long as only a small area of the country is developed, housing in that area is not affordable, and commute is terrible, living in a cramped space is a choice some people have to make. There are working adults who rent a more or less 23sqm unit and live with 3 roommates; that is how tiring commute can be. As long as there would be no long lockdowns like in the pandemic, this kind of living arrangement is manageable.

[@samanthachia1491]

KZbin.com/@DearModern, I'm interested to see what you would do with the same space for 5 people

[@kav5906]

It is really a small space but beautifully designed. I loved the colours, it had a calming effect on me. Kudos to the designer :)

[@obimalope8154]

Oh wow! The entire apartment is half my bedroom and ensuite. Great to see since am now looking to downsize.

[@brianparent4882]

It looks awesome. Someone mentioned that it’s too small for intimacy. Don’t they have three boys? Intimacy does not seem to be a problem for them!

[@sitcomchristian6886]

Well said. People need to mind their own business and show some decorum.

[@mai-xo5cs]

absolutely stunning especially the deliberately chosen colors and materials!! i was taught when you run out of space, to build upwards (ex. wall cabinets, tall storage units) yet the design of this apartment carefully balanced that rule without going overboard.

[@am7081ify]

1:30 those overhead wires are insane 😮

[@incand3nza]

Finally, an actually small place again. Not that I haven't liked some of the more recent videos, but it's nice to see a broad spectrum.

[@yushi911]

I’m south east asian and no matter how close your family is, this is not the ideal situation. I grew up in a family of 5 and this will have works only for a temporary situation like vacation period. School, sports, craft, toys, friend coming over …there is no space. I rather have a cheaper flat with more space.

[@insertyourquarters]

Using the bathroom in the morning must be a nightmare on certain days 😅 otherwise, a wonderful space but definitely tight.

[@fl2298]

The space kinda works but i think the bedroom should have been for the boys and the parents in the living room. Anyhow my biggest question is storage? There is barely any clothes in the cupboard. Where are the linen, the towels, the suitcases etc. I live in Paris so I am used to small spaces but you still need more storage than you imagine. Also considering the kitchen i am pretty sure they never eat at home.

[@lesleyheller2271]

Holy moly! We raised two children in an 1150 square foot, 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in Manhattan. We were also very clever about space (Murphy and bunk beds, for instance) and were very proud of ourselves for doing so. But 350 square feet with one tiny bathroom for a family of 5? I love urban living, but that's gotta be tough. The good news is that children do fly the coop, and probably sooner in this situation!

[@chickenjoy]

Children in the Ph usually don't separate until they got work after graduation and or already married. If they do, they mostly live just next to the parents' house or somewhere close.

[@chocoalmondfudge]

Moving out is not a thing in Asia 😅

[@anne_vibeke]

What a lovely family💕

[@chan.angeles25]

Been a fan of this series for a while now, since it is one of my passion. So thrilled to witness a Filipino entry! Haha, thanks for representing us, kababayan.😆

[@user-rr8bh7vn4n]

Now this is a true tiny home that was well thought of and was actually functional, cozy and space efficient, unlike most of the projects seen here

[@dobikostova3743]

How do they keep the washing machine dry with the shower pointing directly at it? A shower curtain would certainly not help?

[@l.a.3479]

I see a lot of small spaces on YT with the washer in the bathroom. It's not something I understand.

[@carlakkk]

The curtain is there, watch again

[@matthewfok7119]

But there’s little private space for each of them😢

[@nadineireland3361]

They live in the middle of Manila. There’s not much private space for anyone in a city so large and so densely populated.

[@MagisterialVoyager]

Fair point. This is where I feel thankful of where I live in the suburbs. It slowly gets gentrified, but at least it’s not Metro Manila.

[@lovinggossipgirl]

I live in the Philippines and each of my relatives have their own room. However because of the housing market, there are families that have to sleep in small homes or share rooms. It’s unfortunate. Props to the interior designer for helping this family make it more livable

[@jenniferpirtle2796]

Love the colour scheme, it's so playful and inviting, while also being calm and serene!