NEVER TOO SMALL: Flexible Minimalist Micro Apartment, Sydney - 27sqm/291sqft

Help make our next 100 episodes a reality / nevertoosmall
Industrial and interior designer Nicholas Gurney approached this 27m2 studio apartment with one goal in mind, to conceal all of its functional requirements; sleeping, cooking, working and storage into a single joinery unit along the boundary wall. Creating a single, open, fluid space that feeds through from the kitchen to the balcony, where the clever use of a combination sheer and blockout curtains allow warm ambient light to filter through during the day, but also entirely block light when needed. A spacious L-shaped kitchen makes use of the existing services while integrating modern appliances. The only division of the space is a glass door leading through to a tiny 2.5sqm bathroom, which still allows natural light to permeate through via the living area. Completely revitalised, the aptly named Mark II is a functional blueprint for making some of our existing buildings fit for decades of continued use.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Project Name: Mark II
Designer: www.nicholasgurney.com.au/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director/Cinematographer: Colin Chee
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music:
Reconditioning Has To Start Somewhere by Dear Gravity
To Lay Down Everything You've Built by Dear Gravity
Artlist.io

[@lucilestengel8696]

Bathroom is genius! In Paris many of us have even smaller ones and this panel solves so many issues. It means you have enough space in your shower but also around your loo. Fantastic idea!

[@orla99913]

Yes, I also think the shower is really clever!

[@radka9516]

Totaly agree!

[@Me265024]

@@anonymoususer6759 what are you talking about? The panel is there to not get everything, fe the toilet, wet.

[@citrusjuicebox]

@@anonymoususer6759 what about the towel? Wouldn't you want to keep that dry?

[@bart-janvanrossum4358]

I would have gone for a Japanese type wetroom. Much less fuss with cleaning glass and folding fussy stuff.

[@raerae734]

Ok but that shower solution is a bit of genius, I love it. It's a bit grim for me as is but you could easily decorate this place to be cozy and inviting. Very clever use of space and it seems to have perfectly met the needs of the client.

[@Timeculture]

Yes I totally agree. I think he’s an architect and didn’t venture at all into interior design with this space. It’s everything that it NEEDS to be and nothing extra.

[@ryannatividad3137]

The owner and designer are clearly extreme minimalists. While even for me its a bit sterile...I do like that anyone could move right into this functionally ingenious design and put their own furniture, art, and objects to personalize it. My gripe with so many homes and apartments (in the US) I've lived in is that they are too taste specific and typically end up having to compete with colors and materials that I do not like, and look dated after only a few years. Right now, I have these awful brown walls and generic, ugly tile floors that I have to live with. I would welcome an all white space that could take on any style/furniture the occupant wanted to put in.

[@rainyd4293]

I love it. The bathroom has a window.

[@garrysmith3885]

Love so much about this - especially the shower door design and the TV mounted on the sliding panel - would love to see how the cable management works for this!

[@douglasthompson296]

Me too, WiFi streaming takes care of aerials etc it just the power supply.🧐

[@janruggemeier2527]

I would say there is one or several long cable routed through the sliding rails on top with enough overhang to account for each position

[@douglasthompson296]

@@janruggemeier2527 There could be many ways it could be done I just wish the architect had shown a bit more about how it was solved. Cheers DougT

[@SF-ru3lp]

Gary, my brain cells were itching about that very question! G Ire

[@SF-ru3lp]

@@janruggemeier2527 Sounds spot on Jan. I get the logic of that. Will file it away for future use. Thank you. G Ire

[@laurabaldacchino5744]

What a well thought out space!! This designer is really ingenious. I love his work!! Every tiny detail shows meticulous planning. From the shower that becomes larger to something as simple as adding a bathroom mirror where you wouldn't expect it. I also like the fact that there is an actual dining table, which is something that most small spaces seem to lack. Love it.

[@easternbrown]

A flatscreen TV mounted on a sliding wall is the architectural firework which completes the century 💥

[@gus473]

👍🏼Rather amazing, I agree! 😎✌🏼

[@milinsanghavi7691]

That's amazing...

[@ashleeadams2033]

Simplicity at its finest, with lots of working parts. Bravo!

[@SABOREAME68]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ The apartment is only 27m2 however, the execution of each compartment is brilliant. Furthermore, the apartment exudes sophistication, without sacrificing comfort or function. Magnificent I'll take it.

[@brookef2368]

I quite like this one except for the integrated fridge door seeming to open the wrong way and the uncomfortable study desk chair, my back wouldn't survive working from home every day on that! Very thoughtful design otherwise.

[@karenharvey2549]

I noticed that fridge door opening the wrong way too. It's the only thing that didn't work.

[@farasyahandmade7597]

Agreed. I would put a comfortable chair just outside the opening of the desk. It can serve as extra seating for guests and a desk chair for work.

[@conniebruckner8190]

Noticed that right away, and wondered why they hadn't changed the hinges!!. We did that for ours, both fridge and freezer units. How very awkward that this is the case in an otherwise well designed flat.

[@canwejustnot]

A stool is a very healthy way of sitting, because you have to sit up straight and allows for more movement. I find stools often more comfortable than chairs

[@easternbrown]

The fridge must be deliberate, maybe it's to avoid having to expose the right hand edge of the doors, which would be necessary given the absence of handles. You could unload the contents onto the dining table when it's open. It's not a great solution though.

[@oleung330]

I always appreciate it when even in the smallest of apartments featured, the designer manages to include a good sized and quality tv.

[@f2depth]

Congratulations once again on hitting triple digit episodes, NTS. Here's to the next 100! That little piano montage of spaces 1-100 was eyegasmic. Thank you all for the amazing content and perpetual inspiration. Feel so lucky to be now seeing derivatives and other flavours of previous projects. That's culture right there. (Also that floorplan looks like a Van or foodtruck - so cool) As Nick said, what a perfect, perfect case study.

[@nevertoosmall]

Thank you so so much for your support ! 🥰

[@AM09286]

They’ve done a great job with such a tiny space. Good to see a liveable apartment with space for storage, wardrobe etc rather than an Airbnb.

[@jasonmai1384]

congratulations on the 100th episode! to me, someone from Hong Kong where residential space is a bit of a scarcity, it is one of the most enjoyable and useful channels on KZbin. I've definitely taken more than a page off NTS' playbook in designing my own dwelling. So thank you for all the inspirations.

[@ablambert100]

Congratulations on the 100th episode 🙌😎✨Always enjoy the zen vibe and inspiring interiors you present.

[@nevertoosmall]

Cheers! 😘

[@glowschannel5012]

They way they turned a cupboard amount of space into an actual bathroom is impressive. What they did with the shower is genius.

[@AnggeP.Novela]

I love all the designs specifically done by this designer, Nicholas, throughout the channel.

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

Fantastic. This is as close as I've seen to what I'm building out in my small space. Great to see some of the ideas in action, and some that I hadn't considered. Excellent!

[@tinekejoldersma]

Genius no-nonsense space. Everything is functional without doing a concession to liveability. Best 100 small living video ever, 27 square meters is petit. May I throw in a plant, colourful pillows on the couch, and an interesting painting? The owner may throw it out again 🤣

[@VashtiInez]

I love the unique layout, which is light and appears spacious without appearing formulaic. The sensible solution to the work space, entertainment and Murphy bed are genius. The kitchen is well done too. No sacrifices are made there, all the major appliances are in place and it looks like a great place to cook at home! Definitely a home run!

[@Entertainment-]

The client really loves Xiaomi, from the desk lamp, the air purifier to the kettle.

[@paulbourke6215]

I love this unit, everything is so thought out. An amazing space to live in.

[@lenas1740]

100 episodes further and I still watch your videos with pleasure! Thank you never too small, for your relaxing videos and wonderful crew who makes all of this happen, up to the 200!

[@lesliemia5050]

My child just went to college, living in a tiny dorm (not suite, bare bones, old school). So grateful for this channel. It's the antidote to the maximalist, Home Goods filled dorms I see online, especially in Southern States. I can't wrap my head around all the waste. I would love to see a well designed, minimalist college dorm featured here.

[@aayotechnology]

I really like this idea. Similar designs could inspire students after their years at college. Hopefully there are architects out there that have put in such effort at these places.

[@bucketofbarnacles]

This apartment has a lovely distribution of functionality. The shower panel design is quite clever. Great design and thinking.

[@klgherkin]

I can't believe it's already 100 episodes! I think I've been here since you were single digits and are 100% my favourite architecture channel. Thank you for always bringing such high quality productions to your viewers.

[@victorhugodossantosgregori1573]

From all the brilliant work in this channel this is by far the one that impressed me the most. Wow!

[@fitlad76]

Mr Gurney never ceases to amaze me with his work. Unbelievable 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@markthompson3669]

This is simply a brilliant design. I especially like the use of the medicine cabinet/mirror combination. Love it. Probably my favourite small space.

[@ingusch3783]

The design is amazing, very well thought-out. Personally, I'd prefer a bit more colour (I chuckled a little when he said the apartment has a soft, warm ambience, because to me it felt quite cold and unpersonal), but I suppose this is what the client wanted. Function-wise, they did a great job though!

[@SuAndFox]

Congratulations and Happy 100! 🥳 I believe I've watched every one and I'm amazed we're at such a tally. So so good!!

[@itzmeizzzzy]

Everything about this space is functional! Really what a small space need. Love how the architect really did well on this! Kudos to the team 🤘

[@deecunningham9719]

This is exactly why NG is one of my faves. I love this layout design (even though I don't prefer the color); it's still quite beautiful in its simplicity and functionality. everything one needs and still spacious feel and filled with light.

[@Monika-qr5rd]

Congrats on 100 episodes! I absolutely adore your channel, your positive vibe and your entire aesthetic

[@nevertoosmall]

Thank you Monika ! 🥰🥰

[@beachbag8]

Congratulations NTS on your 100th episode ♥️ you are my most favorite content creator. Thank you for all that you do in showing us these types of apartments and living sustainably with smaller foot print homes. More success to the whole team.

[@picozzimichele]

Layout wise it is very well done. The shower piece is a fantastic use of space. Personally, I would have mixed some natural wood to break off the white unit, some shelfs, the desk etc. it does not feel very homy but beside this, for 27sqm is very livable.

[@FranciGalimba]

You are the best youtube channel ever, I have been following for years and the content always amazes me. So much cool inspiration. Keep doing this amazing work

[@n-on]

The shower design! Oh that's really brilliant!! And congratulations @nevertoosmall!!

[@AJ-jl5eo]

Another excellent project - again such clever use of space. Thank you for the idea of the shower doors, I will definitely use this idea in a future project.

[@tessan613]

So many excellent solutions in one place! I especially like the tiny bathroom, that mirror inside the cabinet makes so much sense and the folding doors are just great 😃

[@martynsylvester5102]

Absolute banger for the 100th ep, loved it. The clever and thoughtful space utilisation (eg shower 3 panel door) is next level 👏👏👏👏👏

[@geriattrique7141]

Congratulations to Colin & the NTS team for episode 100 in one of my all time favourite KZbin channels! And very excited that this episode featured the genius work of Nicholas Gurney, whose design I always enjoy!

[@keithronson2624]

Brilliant! 100! And all fantastic. Thank You. Great channel and content. And inspiring!. Not least something so well designed, like this 27 sq mts! Wow! Very minimal yet works so well. Thank You. The future of urban living is here.

[@SCANNO21]

Congrats ! 🍾 And Happy 100th episode 🎂, dear NTS team ! Thanks for letting us travel worldwide in such nice, clever, and appealing tiny spaces 🤩 ! Hope to see 1000s of other episodes in the future !

[@luciarojas9195]

YAY! Congrats on the 100th! I have loved this channel for years. Will keep on loving for sure.

[@darkphilious]

Love this space, very clean and minimal, just my kind of place 😍 I would decorate this like adding vibrant paintings and carpets for pops of colours, for example.

[@annam454]

Congratulations on the 100th episode, hope to see you guys cross many more milestones, thanks to the entire team for all their hard work, proud of you folks, you have our unwavering support!!😘🎉

[@cieloki]

OMG! This is an amazing design. Perfect interior design. It was a pleasure, even watching on video.

[@zx5218]

You are the VERY BEST small space channel on KZbin! Keep up your excellent work!

[@michellebrooks5582]

Love the form and function of this space and congrats on 100 episodes 👏 looking forward to many more 😀

[@itsserhioball]

I love this whitespace. It's so clean and calm, the place to relax from the visual noise or surroundings.

[@ccggddccdd2911]

This is very dope! Def one of the best ones i've seen on the channel! Thank you!

[@Fzer01]

I am really impressed on how well functioned, a very small apartment, can be/ get! It is so well designed. It is simple yet, so beautiful and comfortable! Also, I loved the bathroom. Bathrooms, along with kitchens, are sometimes very complicated to design (especially when they are small), but this one here is exactly how it's supposed to be! Thanks for sharing with us! 😊

[@elleskessels8990]

Great lay-out and it looks spacious. I always love to see the solutions for studio's in the same m2 as mine.

[@unrulycrow6299]

Brilliant use of the existing space, with a sleek and clear design - I do appreciate the detail that you either watch TV or go to bed, seems very healthy to me. Love the glass door for the bathroom door, to get more natural light. It's easy to project yourself in this apartment either as it is or with your personal touches - I'd certainly add touches of soft colours here and there for a cute and dreamy look, but the base is definitely fantastic and totally works as standalone!

[@sepruecom]

you can both watch TV and go to bed at the same time (though it might be a bit uncomfortable). You just can't have the bed and the work desk out at the same time, since the TV wall always covers one of the two...

[@7kt1]

Loved the minimalist practical design. Definitely one of the best vidz on this channel

[@zondaz]

Ingeniously simple and well considered design, one of the best on this channel

[@ipanemarie]

Love this! So functional and clean but not cold. Congrats to your 100th episode! Cheers!

[@maritsaappollis7966]

Firstly, congratulations on episode 100!!!! 🎉🎉🎉 When it comes to the video itself, this is one I really enjoyed because it is so creative with the use of space. Totally functional with everything you need (including a comfy sofa and dining table!) in such a small space and that expandable shower screen is just brilliant!!! The only thing I would change is to paint a few walls in a colour or bring in colour in other ways because it is all too white and sterile looking for me. But that takes nothing away from the amazing design. Great job!

[@ButacuPpucatuB]

This is a clever design! I like how thoughtful the design was in the bathroom, the shower is a great example. Congratulations on your 100th episode! Wishing you all many more years of success 🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@MeenakshiRaman1]

Such clever design. Especially the tri-fold shower doors.

[@carlosdejesus5293]

Excellent design and execution. Needs plant life and hanging art to add warmth and personality. Superior solutions, love this!

[@maryjzanellecapacio7219]

Love the shower alcove feature. Amazing idea

[@harryreafor]

this has got to be the best episode ive watched here. 🔥🔥🔥🔥 very apt for a hundredth episode. Congratulations!

[@amanthilynch1785]

Really like lots about this space and the sheer curtain too of all things! Clever functionality!

[@hifiandmtb]

This is PROPERLY thought through - brilliant!

[@lacm83]

Congratulations 👏 100 episodes!!! Looking forward for the next 100! Awesome work!

[@MelGallegos]

wow!! I'm freaking out. this is my favourite PIECE EVER!! I mean, the sliding screen wall? WHAT?! and the shower door? WHAAAT? MIND BLOWN!!

[@SF-ru3lp]

I love it! This is my kind of design- clever, integrated, streamlined and fully thought out for functionality and flow. Would love the work of an interior architect. The laminated plywood (formply?) is z favourite of mine. Congrats to Mr.Gurney. Big Thank you to the Never Too Small Team for bringing us these genius videos. G Ire

[@marilise1engel]

Love all the clever solutions for the space, especially the bathroom! One thing I find interesting is the need for a desk space when there is already a dining table that can double as both...

[@tuppence937]

A well thought out and aesthetically pleasing design. Compact at 27m2 but the design layout utilizes the space well. The foldout shower screen is brilliant. Simple. Functional. Clever.

[@Nath_CM]

100 episodes? Wow I can't believe it! Congrats, and thanks for bringing us amazing content in every video! ❤

[@nickallan254]

Happy 100th!! I love seeing how much this channel has grown over the past few years; truly deserved success.

[@nevertoosmall]

We thank you for your support Nick!

[@katmaniakat]

Love the sliding tv and shower glass solutions! I see myself living in that space easily (Congrats on 100 episodes!!! Here's to a 100 more 🥳)

[@Buddhababe2]

What a perfect 100th episode- brilliant design. I liked everything especially the shower doors. I’ve never seen anything like that. I also like what a calm and inviting home he has created.

[@haalfaris]

I literally watched every single episode and I will watch the coming 100 as long as you keep giving us this beautiful content ♥️

[@mquiniones27]

Always love Nicholas Gurney’s work.

[@justCarila]

OMG the bathroom! Every inch was put to good used. Marvelous!

[@by_burk]

Another brilliant space. Congrats on 100 episodes. Can't wait for the next 100!

[@taschisim2255]

Congratulations on the 100th Video for this channel, NTS yays~! Been following since the beginning !

[@shurrrig]

the thing i appreciate the most about NTS is its interview/story telling style, while anyone can point a video camera at the interiors, this one puts the appartment in the center of attention, instead of other channels that try to bank on overacting or other annoying attention seeking ways i feel are very distracting. the consistency here, the neutrality and calmness are classy and stylish. i love it.

[@Htidea]

Congratulations for this 100 episodes! Keep showing us this amazing spaces!

[@Philosophicalpaperti]

Congratulations on reaching 100 episodes! Looking forward to many, many more!

[@carolryan3593]

Congratulations on the 100th episode guys, keep on keeping on! Love watching these episodes 👀💯👌

[@angelamozmendoza1869]

Glad to ba part of NTS community since the first few episodes. Congratulations to the team! 👍🏻

[@sheldonsworld8853]

Well done...definitely one of the better ones that meets small space needs.

[@glorial2825]

Such a functional space for a small square footage. Clean and simple lines with a cool shower door! 🤩 Congratulations on the 100th video! 💫

[@nevertoosmall]

Thank you Gloria!

[@syn6823]

They did so well with the bathroom

[@TimothyCHenderson]

Incredible use of the space and use of built in units to create purpose made areas of the apartment.

[@demiluigi]

Congratulations for the 100 videos achievement! Very inspiring videos. Thanks a lot.

[@vyomaramesh8598]

Love this project! Extremely practical and very clean asthetic

[@ARother8822]

Nicholas is my favorite architect of Never too small. In my opinion he finds the best options for small spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing

[@Chingleton]

Really love this. Very well thought out with the spaces for powerboards and what not. Would love to purchase a small property and have a fitout like this

[@atcolombini]

I really love this one, a good area to work is a must for me and more people everyday and most of the spaces featured in the channel often lack this.

[@NemoOks]

Everytime someone says in these videos "Yeah the client works from home so he needs a workspace, so we build a foldable office-table" Im like: ok, awesome, but where are his monitors?! I also work from home and i use/need 2 monitors next to my laptop monitor to work... 😅

[@ccaatthheerriinnee]

I don’t live in a small apartment, but the ability to easily conceal your work/computer equipment, both because it’s ugly, but also could tempt theft, is such a simple and great idea!

[@karinamartinez9441]

Love it! super small, but functional and very bright!

[@csillaszeman3284]

LOVE it. And finally a generous size sofa in the small apartment.

[@kristine7342]

I absolutely LOVE everything about this!!

[@samanthachia1491]

That foldable shower system is just so clever! This is inbuilt carpentry done right. Just beautiful!

[@adhiantos]

Sleek, functional and clean design! Love the function of the shower compartment, that's pretty genius!

[@TwiinStar1224]

I could absolutely live here. Congrats on an absolute BANGER for episode 100.