NEVER TOO SMALL: Interior Architect's DIY Studio Apartment, Antwerp - 51sqm/548sqft

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Located in the center of Antwerp, Studio 98 was originally an outdated and segmented apartment, now redesigned by interior architect Carolien Potter who did most of the renovation herself. Removing all the interior walls created a white open plan studio space, maximizing the light from the singular window on the front façade. Potter’s key addition is a central volume that contains the bedroom, shower and storage cabinet, and also acts as a wall dividing key areas. The volume's interior wall is shared with the bathroom and made of opaque glass allowing natural light into the bathroom while a semi-transparent curtain closes off the sleeping cove ensuring privacy. The compact but fully equipped white kitchen blends seamlessly into the walls of the studio, with a counter that extends out along the length of the apartment; creating a bench with built-in storage for the open plan living and dining area. With a logical but creative approach to functions and spaces, Potter has designed a spacious home filled with natural light and fun, but warm textures.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Project Name: Studio 98
Architect: www.carolienpotter.com/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Rem Burger
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: Areias do Tempo by Jupiter Sands & Outside In by We Dream of Eden

[@anitas.7403]

She really made the best out of the lacking light and turned the originally dark layout into a luminous and open space. So beautiful!

[@user-bh9eu1hr7b]

51 sqm per 1 person is really never small :))

[@sWardSer]

+2

[@lars_vs]

Exactly this. The apartment I will most likely be living within the next year is a studio of just 24 square meters. If the apartment in the video is small, I will be living in a cupboard under the stairs, Harry Potter style.

[@manuelacaravane]

I exactly thought the same. But the apartment is quiet nice.

[@MsSneaky0815]

I was thinking that, although beautifully designed, her place doesn't feel as big as my flat which has 53 sqm and is stuffed to the brim. But maybe one has to be in it to appreciate the size. Oh and, I wouldn't call my flat small.

[@adrianselder7924]

I’ve seen a New York listing where the realtor referred to a short hallway/walk way as ‘the living room’!

[@roni_dee]

At first I thought 51sqm is not exactly small, I live in a 59sqm apartment that I consider quite spacious. But then I realized the constraints of this being a studio - you have only one window on one side and all the plumbing on the other, which actually makes it quite challenging to fit in all the functions and have natural light. And she managed to pull it off not only in the kitchen, living room and bedroom, but also in the bathroom, that's some going-above-and-beyond stuff!

[@SN-sz7kw]

This is a terrific design for a single person. Paradise. I love the palette, but just because I’m a texture & colour person I’d add a rug, kitchen tiles, art & more textiles to create more visual warmth. But that’s just me. Brilliant, esp the bathroom wall letting in light.

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

same. It's beautiful, but looks cold and stark.

[@RVBadlands2015]

Agreed

[@mmariedelle5511]

Yes, a rug would definitely ground the living room space...

[@StudioBAS]

I like the color palette! Also, most of the small spaces shown are single people or couples, I’d love to see some more families!

[@chloejacobs7780]

Agree, because this isn't actually a small space at all for just one person to live in.

[@Rubiecat]

@@chloejacobs7780 yeah for a single person anything above 45sqm is pretty damn comfortable in my opinion

[@lucialayr]

@@Rubiecat Absolutely. There is another NTS episode where a fimily of 5 lives on the same squaremetres, THAT is good design and efficient use of space!

[@sammionne239]

Agreed!! Yes let’s see some family apartments

[@dosadoodle]

Definitely lots of nice touches and design elements that I don't recall seeing elsewhere or that are less frequently installed: - Closet rack pulls down for easier access. - Simple loops as cabinet handles. - Terrazzo countertop. - Corner section of the kitchen, which is difficult to use in general, gets hidden behind a lift-up door that is sleek. - Fun kitchen table light. Thank you for sharing!

[@bqpdobqpd]

I love the hanger idea and raising bed for storage….. I have always been just extending bed legs but raising floor looks aesthetically pleasant and more thought out😊

[@ammielieu-dang247]

At 4:05 there's googly eyes on the plant :0

[@tomaskalinka5679]

I absolutely love this apartment, the only thing I would change is to transform 1 wall into huge bookcase :)

[@anniestumpy9918]

yeah all those intellectuals who don't seem to own a single book... strange 😅

[@nomoretwitterhandles]

@@anniestumpy9918 Well, some of them are minimalists. A minimalist who cares about their carbon footprint probably isn't going to buy and store a bunch of books.

[@Nyx773]

Why own books when there are public libraries, ebooks and audiobooks?

[@tomaskalinka5679]

@@Nyx773 Why own anything , really ? We all collect something of value to us

[@CommanderRick]

Wow she did an incredible job on this place. The bathroom shower wall next to the bed is genius! Never seen that before.

[@learnenglishwithdayamudra704]

It's so elegant and inviting. IT looks so empty, but it's refreshing to see a normal amount of cosmetics, clothes, and cooking supplies tucked neatly away! Love it.

[@szfrj]

Even though it’s larger than the usual flats presented, the design concept could easily work for a smaller space ❤

[@mylesfleming5208]

As a carpenter that has worked in office and commercial spaces this level of minimalism and clever design is exceptional. Love the corresponding colours between the bathroom and kitchen. 10/10

[@badger9156]

I love the width of this space with the wide open glazing, and it flows so well: the opaque glass into the bathroom, the built in cupboard just for the sheer curtain, the green, the pod with underfloor storage, and ALL the stuff the architect has in every single cupboard, definitely well-lived in! I love so much here. The space feels very minimalist, but the addition of so much storage allows for lots, even in the bathroom cupboards, but as it is all stored away, the home seems clean and open. Love this, going to rewatch now❤. I forgot: she did the flooring herself .. superstar!

[@jessisoffline]

Ooooo absolutely love the colour palette of this apartment! It's a refreshing take on a small space.

[@missy4663]

Lots of storage and light, bright interior. Good job!

[@jessiejessie661]

she did a marvelous job revamping the bathroom with the inflow of natural lights ♥ the bed looked cozy and the airy living space provides so much potential!

[@Gwaycee]

The video actually begins at 1:30. You're welcome. 😁 I like the colours she chose for her apartment. They blend in really well and make the place appear larger than it really is. The only thing I would do different is to extend the bed space and kitchen a little outwards to avoid that huge, unused space in the living room. I would also get myself a larger comfy couch or two without high legs so the living room can look less like a classroom and more like a home. I like though that we all have different preferences as variety is the spice of life: a rose is just as beautiful as a daisy, just in a different way.

[@hypersynesthesia]

Damn, that’s bigger than my actual 1-bed apartment. The design is stylish & really smart, the multifunctional cube is great. I feel like the open space could be warmed up and zoned more with soft furnishings - rugs, more solid looking chairs (one is a foldup camping chair I think?)

[@maria-vy2cl]

The chair is actually a well-known design called the butterfly chair. Slightly fancy I think :) And I totally agree with you! It is a nice design but with 51 sqm (the size of many 1 bedroom apt!) one could have a bit more zoning.

[@SeleneSalvatore]

Having a sitting place near the big window would be amazing especially with small mobile table that high enough for working. Also give more space for hanging out with friends and additional storage space.

[@MTMF.london]

I think putting in more furnishing would make the flat look less spacious. She seems to enjoy the rather spare aesthetic too.

[@shaishannahbennett8055]

What a beautiful apartment, great design and well thought out. I like that this young lady did some work herself as well as designing it, very inspiring. For me, I would bring in more plants, more comfortable furniture, chairs, it looks a bit empty for me, then I am rather more maximalist. I could definitely live in this apartment.

[@zendude123]

I like what Carolien with her apartment. Hide the clutter and minimise the furniture to maximise the feeling of open space.

[@lapppius]

I think the living space is way bigger proportionally with the rest spaces. It seems quite empty and cold and I don't understand why at least the kitchen and maybe the bed weren't pulled out further to the balcony.

[@Alicia-ij6gt]

Maybe she really prizes the sense of spaciousness in the living area, and is prepared to sacrifice it in other areas in order to achieve that. It certainly seems like a generous living space.

[@ReynaSingh]

Cozy yet spacious

[@Skatamska]

The sleeping cove looks really cozy. And because of the wall you don’t get the feeling you’re sleeping in the kitchen.

[@jimmy5353]

I like most of European designs from this channel, including this one. I also love her precession of language - differentiation between an apartment and an apartment building! We need professionals like this.

[@LaineyBug2020]

That's actually a lot of space for a studio!

[@keenalou595]

Very elegant, clever and clutter-free design for all that storage. Brilliant idea for the bathroom wall as well 👌🏽

[@arlenesolis024]

Amazing use of color and simplicity makes this home so unique delicately beautifully. Love ❤it

[@lmjohnsono]

This is a perfect little studio design. Good amount of storage, noting too tight or wacky, very utilitarian but a lot of character with material touches. Fantastic work!

[@hyoga172]

At the beginning I was like this is Belgium and then I saw that this was my city, Antwerp! A very nice job did you do! Love it! Really my taste🤗

[@ardenscott3910]

I love the color palette and finishings on everything! The solution of the semi-transparent wall to provide light in the bathroom was also super cool! As an interior design student I’m definitely going to see if I can incorporate that into some of my designs.

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

This beautiful and thoughtful home has more storage than many large houses I have seen. The color pallet is lovely and the floors are amazing!

This is extremely beautiful. The combination of a white kitchen with the wooden cabinets plus the colors green and yellow is totally what I love and also have in my apartment. Congratulation. This is one of the most well designed apartments in the series here on never too small.

[@paulabroadway1697]

Love the storage space in the kitchen/wall and under the bed platform!

[@tuppence937]

Love so much about this apartment. Many design ideas that could be transposed to other spaces. The green overhead cupboards and shelving unit in the kitchen is both stylish and functional. The shelving in the shower is a nice solution. Love the clever storage spaces ie bed platform with inbuilt storage and pull down hanging space in wardrobe.

[@drlnmrdn]

I love the layout and the aesthetic so much

[@VashtiInez]

What beautiful and smart design. She has so much space, no clutter all the essentials too! I really love the use of the natural light, with the shear curtain at the bed room area, shining through to the bathroom. The opaque wall was an excellent choice, just layering the opportunities to maximize the natural sunlight.

[@Timoriss]

Heel mooi appartement Carolien! Bedachtzaam ontworpen en heel geslaagd :)

[@irajaslam4505]

This is by far my favorite house on this channel. I simply love it

[@kayelle8005]

Really lovely apartment. I really like that particular shade of green in the kitchen and bathroom. Great bedroom cube. Thoughtful design.

[@stuartsutherland7664]

Nice! Lots of storage too. Although the apartment is small the limited furniture and compact kitchen gave the apartment a feeling of a bigger space. Decoration is nice too and the built-in storage is well thought out. A really nice home. Well done to it's owner/designer!

[@TheMaryWriter]

This is one of my favorite apartments ever. The color scheme is beautiful, and the layout is practical but has enough room to play with different furniture arrangements.

[@gulsahcetin1867]

I love it! Especially, lamp on top of the dining table and green cabinets in kitchen. Cute and warm place 💞💞💞

[@LaineyBug2020]

I love how the widows mimic the function of a balcony!

[@fatimaayesh7]

Such a good transformation! I'd only substitute the cabinet texture for cork wood or OSB panels to maintain a lighter palette, or even give the sleeping box and cabinet the same pop of color in the bathroom and kitchen.

[@arthursata9232]

The space is great. I like the light, the tall ceiling the bathroom window, the lightweight living room furniture and the huge opening living room windows. Thankyou for sharing.

[@B__C__]

Very nice for one person (or two if they can arrange to not shower while their roommate is trying to sleep). There's so much space here, and so much natural lighting. One could imagine entertaining a large group of friends in the main room. We've seen a few of these "cabinet walls" in designs before on the channel and I have to say they are growing on me for all the reasons noted in the video (storage, delineating spaces, and elevation). The inclusion of drapery to divide in from the main room, and the frosted glass partition put me in mind of a traditional Japanese Shoji screens.

[@ratsumatra3003]

What a lovely layout. The glass into the bathroom via the bedroom....very good idea. Well done. I really loved all the storage you developed. That long bench is wonderful. I'm going to reproduce that for my needs. Thank you for a great video.

[@melindadouglas1673]

I love the simple, clean, uncluttered design of this home. It is so functional and beautiful. Well done!

[@train-like-a-girl]

Lovely apartment! I love the design for the bathroom - the hidden mirrored door and the clever idea to get some light in the bathroom through the bedroom area!

[@pathanada4957]

The space is beautiful. I love the kitchen and storage bench. It flows so well into the living space.

[@MsSneaky0815]

The light design of the bathroom is genius. 🥰

[@myladycasagrande863]

Beautiful design! I love that this space is meant to be hospitable, with plenty of seating for guests. A very welcoming home!

[@AdeleMcAlear]

That was gorgeous! One of the best designs - loved the storage, the colour palette and the opaque shower wall to let light into the bedroom.

[@simonsuarez5314]

That is so cute. What a good idea to take away that wall and add glass to add natural light for the bathroom!

[@gagandeepsinghnarain9716]

One of best and simple floor plan … everything was so perfect 👍🏼

[@nancyanneberg403]

So clean and peaceful. Good design. You did it! Thank you.

[@atcolombini]

Impressive! That's a lot of space, the colors are perfect, the bedroom is perfect, I loved everything and it's just so simple.

[@mariastathopoulos744]

Fantastic floorplan and a very calming palette. The living / lounge room needs a rug to ground the couch, coffee tables and chairs. Currently these furniture pieces are 'floating' in the space. It will give greater dimension and add texture to the interior. The bold bright dining pendant light fixture brings a splash of surprise and fun.

[@Sarah-ew2pp]

Lovely colours and textures in this light space

[@nadineireland3361]

Very nice and practical! I especially appreciate the amount of storage and that the small kitchen is fully equipped.

[@RoldanRR00]

With everything put away it looks like a showroom, but you can tell it is a functional apartment. Beautiful.

[@smitanambiar6418]

This place looks fantastic. Spacious, light and airy as well as comfortable!

[@riseevolution]

that curtian storage is amazing!

[@lauramaxwell8327]

So smart and so cool. One of the best I've seen. Clever layout, storage and use of all space.

[@farihareza6464]

I live the colour combination of the plants sofa and curtain with the background wood.

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

4:56 I love having a small cabinet for the curtain, I'm definitely stealing that idea for my own room!

[@minimalistserendipity4744]

Agree, feature families and living in small spaces when residents are different ages and have different space needs.

[@saikogrrl]

Quite elegant and I love the colour scheme 🙂 especially impressed that she did the parquetry herself!

[@zainabsheikh9402]

The googly eyes on that pot! :') WHAT A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE, she made it a home!

[@LO-fm9dc]

Proper tv hanging on the wall and a padded bed head, darker curtain and a range hood over the oven and I’m sold. 👍

[@hlvhlv2317]

I love it. Very good idea for the room space and the disposition.

[@rosecolouredglasses]

Serious question: what's the definition of small in small apartment? This apartment was previously occupied and doesn't look like it was subdivided from a bigger apartment. And quite possibly two people lived in it previously. I appreciate refurbishing current housing stock instead of demolishing and erecting brand spanking new skyscrapers of micro tiny shoe box apartments but the cri de coeur of settling for small apartments is misleading because this apartment was a fully functioning one before this homeowner renovated.

[@szavazzvalakire4320]

yyyeah, and as a european, 51sqm for 1 person is simply not small... lol even eg. in the USA in a city this would not be considered small for 1 person i guess, maybe in the suburbs it's small. oh well. i guess it's hard to scout really small cool apartments so frequently

[@25lapao]

I think this just might be my favorite apartment from all of your videos.

[@DIko-lk5pp]

I love the tile-less shower area.. Wondering where/by whom I could have custom made something like this. The 'alcove' for the bed is also great. I always admire these minimalist spaces and how people manage not to amass tons of stuff.. I would need two apartments of that size for all my furniture, clothes, and kitchen utensils..

[@eluervode9020]

I like this apartment. It is ideal for summer; it is fresh, probably because of the colours 🍋

[@Petapan33]

Love the layout of this apartment. Very functional and easy to adapt.

[@anitavirginillo]

A beautiful and well thought out space. Simplicity at its best!

[@user-kc1xv9vf9y]

I like the design, especially the idea of natural light in the bathroom

[@heyheyvicky1498]

Omg I love that she did the flooring herself, I love hering parkett but it's soo expensive. For my next renovation I'll look up what a course and material costs.

[@ikenmijnman]

What a great design! Just love it.

[@zlatan_2197]

It's very airy, which is always good, and colour pallete is beautiful

[@bailey27727]

Love this space and am imagining my own maximalist version. More colors, more plants, more textures!

[@eatplaydecorate]

I just received my never too small book and tote. I'm happy to support this channel. Thank you as well for such great content. Another well thought out design. Love the light fixture over the dining table.

[@nevertoosmall]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@kiwigirljacks]

Gorgeous design. Very functional studio that has lots of free space to make it feel open and airy.

[@Angela-pi6zc]

Beautiful floor finish choice and layout!

[@giuliarodriguesviana7294]

I loved the bathroom natural light!! Congrats on Carolien!!

[@winphan6952]

I think this is one of my favourite studios, I love the sleeping cove

[@bakeraus]

Very smart use of space and love how it's full of random thing, keeps it open. Not opposed to random objects and filled rooms but it's refreshing to see. Nice colours and light.

[@nevertoosmall]

Glad you like it!

[@sweetgrasshopper]

This makes me very excited!

[@pseudonim4158]

I really like how the apartment turned out, the first thought I had when seeing it, is that I would have loved to paint the table leg in the colour of the lamp and switch the green light curtains with something more cozy like linen curtain not so sheer or another natural material that could provide more intimacy from the light and richness. Great job!

[@marissa_____]

I love it, personally I would add rugs and art on the walls and more plants. Fantastic job!

[@deb282]

Gorgeous!! This is my favorite one so far!! Great ideas & picks

[@smartbiney801]

I'm so in love with this....

[@kostastefanou5337]

The location of the bed is clever, minimises the footprint but allowing a separate space for sleeping and privacy with the curtain

[@gwtsai2425]

omg love this. and i used to study in antwerp. this is so dreamy

[@marinafarid6722]

Love how !uch storage you have tucked away :)

[@gretchenamirault829]

One of the nicest small spaces I have seen. Bravo!

[@MsMyers-ui8ci]

Beautifully done!

[@marie.lemonbabe]

Oooh I love the sleeping cave!