NEVER TOO SMALL: Mid-Century Retro Studio Apartment Sydney 26sqm/280sqft

[@beaudene2021]

We all think we have decent taste and 'can do it ourselves", but for me this is a testament to using professional help - especially in tricky small setups. Well done Nicholas Gurney and clients. Nailed it!

[@ihatehandles111]

Seriously... I've been dreaming of building a home on some property my partner owns and I thought I'd be fine with just a general contractor... this video just laughed in my face haha.

[@ingusch3783]

Absolutely agree! I do pride myself in having a sensible enough grasp on interior designing my place, but professionals are professionals for a reason! I'm hoping to buy a home in a few years at the latest, and since it will probably turn out to be not the biggest space, I'll definitely hire a pro then to maximise the space and functionality.

[@chezmoi42]

@@ihatehandles111 Retired interior designer here. The important thing when looking for a professional is to find someone whose ideas and capabilities dovetail with your needs and budget, and don't be afraid to speak with several people until you find one you are comfortable with. There are many designers for whom their own self-expression was prime, and there are clients who came to them for that 'look'. For me, listening to the client came first, and we always began with an in-depth examination of how they lived, what works presently, and what they want from their new/renovated space. A good designer can save you money in the long run by avoiding mistakes that need to be redone, and leave you with a home that looks like you - only better! Best of luck with your dream.

[@rndm89]

this is so important, and a key issue in a lot of the diy renovations happening today.

[@el_micha]

@@chezmoi42 Thank you for setting this straight! This is exactly how the design process should be done to get the right outcome!

[@Mgraf06]

I love how

[@mariana5133]

"unashamably minimalist" quote of the year

[@YT-GuestAccount]

Not a fan of inbuilt-furniture only but this is such a well done excecution for a minimalist approach and the fusion of vintage + modern. Totally in awe with the kitchen. Always happy to see a full-sized cooling combo in these places. :)

[@RichieRouge206]

This is stunning. As a fan of retro, this to me is a stunning mix of modern but retro and really captures that 70s retro vibe. I am so bored with ultra modern grey/white/black - it is beyond tedious and everyone has the SAME approach. Great video as always

[@RVBadlands2015]

I love mid century looking cabinets and furniture. Retro looks so classy.

[@PeterCrooks-ss4vs]

This book is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to build a second unit on their property. kzbin.infoUgkxzaRUJNcbypw-fRBDbqqz43ULIa-1EGP- It showcases various types of houses, such as garage apartments, with photos, videos, and floor plans. The book provides the square footage and the dimensions of each house, as well as the option to order the plans or customize them according to your preferences. You can choose from a range of styles, from ultra modern to cottages and A frame lake houses. The book also offers suggestions for sheds, pool houses, and office studio buildings. This book is an ideal resource for the aspiring home designer.

[@nancada5435]

Even though the space is incredibly small, the use of space is BRILLIANT. I LOVED the folding wall chair. That was very clever!

[@willistaylor4077]

As a child of the early 1970's, I feel so at home with this. ♥️♥️

[@juderogers7946]

Very well done design for one person ~ for two, there is no way to be separate or alone, which is a lifelong need for this 78 year old!

[@JW-vd4il]

THANK YOU! When I saw this and it said it's for a couple, I thought WOW I would lose my mind. not even one easy chair to sit in if your partner is sleeping ! since the bed overtakes the sofa, what? I'd probably spend a lot of time in the bathroom, crying.

[@shiralleehaggart72]

Agree with you. It would have been better to separate the kitchen area from the living/sleeping area if either of the couple are using their laptop/ working etc.

[@RMMomma4Eva]

There's a terrace..

[@Crocus1979]

Well, they bought it. Maybe not much money.

[@janemacintyre9801]

Agree! Could make more use of the balcony I thought... and at least an extra chair in the lounge kitchen space - there seems enough room.

[@JAMoore-zz3ki]

@2:55 - I would rotate the footrest / bench in front of the sofa so it's parallel with the sofa, before I pulled the bed down. That way there's more balanced support for the lower half of the bed. The way the video shows it currently, the footrest/bench is in the middle of the bottom of the bed, but there's no support on either side. The bed would tilt from side to side as people were getting in or out of it.

[@moumitadutta6102]

Agree. Although the tilting might not happen as the bed looks sturdy enough

[@charlenerobertson-zb4dn]

That's what made me anxious 😰. The bed was a little askew when pulled down on the ottoman. So, your idea to keep it parallel is 👍🏻.

[@benbunyip]

Excellent renovation with sensitivity to the period and care for detail. This is all anyone needs.

[@bucketofbarnacles]

Lovely. I am glad attention has been given to the acoustics, as noted by the architect referring to cork flooring. sound reverberation can detract from the loveliness of a space.

[@janemacintyre9801]

love cork.

[@The7rights]

It’s simply so beautiful without any fancy and unnecessary glittered designs. The minimalist approach to its interior with soft colours makes it elegant and desirable.

[@titania9541]

I’m glad to see a small space that doesn’t compromise on the kitchen. I love to cook and most of the kitchens on this channel would be hard to use for more than a quick occasional meal and would force you to eat out most of the time. I appreciate that they were able to fit plenty of counter space, a full size fridge and storage in such a small space.

[@Kol1bri]

Wow.. Not my style, but designed to perfection and with this project I feel clients and designer were 100% aligned. Amazing piece to showcase, thank you!

[@BottomAndre]

Architect is amazing. His designs are some of my favourites

[@cgurl]

Not an architect

[@tinamorgan6521]

I like his designs, too. Did he author some other projects here on NTS? And- oh, the bathroom- genius

[@keenalou595]

Minimal and mid-century vibes are my favs. That Tasmanian black wood looks incredible, especially with the white counter tops!

[@carolyneryan7152]

Everything about this apartment feels right. It has good Feng shui and no claustrophobic feeling to be got here. I love the attention to detail in the kitchen especially.

[@oops541]

Beautiful, Minimalist, Mid-Century Retro Studio Apartment. Absolutely, love it! 😍🥰😘

[@thebigmeancarmen]

Love the attention to detail. The space for a finger to open the mirrored cabinet is excellent. I’m a new fan of this architect

[@kymahob]

Love this whole project! Big fan of mid century. I am really drawn to some of the design elements in this project; the hidden bed side storage, the 2 mirrors in the corner of the kitchen for depth, the clever “cut out” handle for the bathroom cabinet! The colours and materials used throughout makes it class! Thank you for showing us these!

[@petalss5325]

If I were to be a minimalist I'd live here, no changes needed. Another awesome project!!

[@lmjohnsono]

I lived in a 60's built apartment for a few years, it had a very similar kitchen layout, including the breakfast bar. It's perfect for casual dining, and we kept a folding table around for when we had guests.

[@sunspot42]

Great use of a tiny space with fairly low ceilings. Functional but also lovely, with many authentic callouts to the period.

[@gus473]

👍🏼 Yes! I felt like a time traveler, and often miss my "old" Scandinavian furnishings! 😎✌🏼

[@anniestumpy9918]

I would say those are completely normal ceilings, at least if you happen to not be rich and have to live in an affordable place. The super bright flooded with natural light apartments with 12 foot ceilings that basically are there norm in architecture videos is not the norm for 90 % of people.

[@deecunningham9719]

he is literally my favorite architect. i love the design and custom features even tho i would have chosen a different color scheme. it is beautifully done.

[@amalialavric7164]

Nicholas Gurney, the master of designing small amazing spaces! Videos of his work are so relaxing to watch! 😍

[@우리엄마-k5k]

i love how the clients kept the 1960s to 70s look! One day, I would love to own a place of my own that looks like 1960s apartment feeling. ❣❤

[@charliegreenawalt867]

I think this architect is so talented and his attention to detail very impressive. Always look forward to seeing his smart work on here. Can never watch one just once.

[@cgurl]

He’s not an architect

[@alcea13]

I love the rolling cabinet door on the kitchen!!!

[@IshikaShanai]

Hands down the most gorgeous kitchen and bathroom I have ever seen in my life.

[@josettebanks3483]

Folding wall chair, mirrors under the sofa, brass throughout... so charming, sophisticated and feasible! If I only had a studio this would be it. Bravo

[@Yasmin-yf1dq]

Now I'm definitely a maximalist but this was really nicely done! I really like minimalist things that also prove you can have pops of colour too to enhance your space

[@mementovivere2]

One of the best projects you have ever featured! I like that this is a home to live in, there is so much attention to functional details. Not like some other architectural vanity projects.

[@conniebruckner8190]

You've done a magnificent job in such a small space! I wouldn't hessitate to live here! I love the brass details. Not so much the brown tiles, but in this place it fits and is not only a reminder of the way it was, it is recycling of still usable materials. Bravo!

[@karakarapi7963]

oh i think this is among my top 5 favorite apartments you've featured, i love it so much!!

[@madi4481]

@@alterego157 These people on this channel are nuttss drones and brainwashed to accept their slavery to rulers. On every video they say it's their fave shoebox cage to dwell in to get the privilege of running on the hamster wheel of slavery in cities

[@alexandradickson1995]

This is one of my favorites. I could have watched twice as much focusing just on the details. Brilliant.

[@mackereltabbie]

Very nice, and very functional. If you're enough of a minimalist to be comfortable living full time in a flat this small, I think you'd be happy with the amount of storage they've managed to squeeze in

[@georgewithmore8972]

I've always thought that studio apartments are a very convenient type of home, for several reasons. Not only for people who live alone but for small families, as long as this type of housing is adapted to a simple and "light" lifestyle. Your apartment looks fresh, peaceful, inviting and cozy. I think the color palette suits it a lot. My apartment is much darker and, in order to make our living room more functional, my wife and I added an Arco lamp from Barcelona Designs and a small shelf with some books. This video has given me inspiration for some other ideas. Thanks for sharing it! :)

[@kwong6884]

What is really lovely about this apartment is the strong nod to its mid-century past whilst updating it for current modern living

[@sitansusekharpanda3431]

it's actually so beautiful....so well utilized every inch of 280sqft. ♥️ Regards.

[@amandawhite3851]

Love the mid-century nod! Just the right amount to give it a fresh look. We'll done!

[@carmietatertots9900]

I think this might be my favorite design so far. The use of mirrors was outstanding 👏👏👏

[@conniebruckner8190]

Yes! that is indeed an excellent feature.

[@Eva_OrtizLopez]

We love the ideas & the creativity of Nicholas. The wooden furniture is Awesome!!!! The space feels more and more bigger than before, beautiful and more easy to live the next 50 years 😉😉😉😉💋

[@HayleyTief]

I think this is my favorite apartment tour yet. Absolutely loved it. Felt way larger than 280 sqft.

[@GradKat]

It’s fabulous! I want to move right in. The design is beautiful and every detail is so carefully thought out.

[@nandabagus8575]

the design is not only beautiful to look at, but also very smart and functional. Nice!

[@MG478]

That 60/70‘s vibes are on point. Amazing

[@karateana7593]

I love 70's style when it's done well and this is perfect, I want one!

[@libbypetersen3523]

The bedside storage niches are particularly thoughtful. Love the curves throughout also. Well done.

[@angelac1009]

What a wonderful Design concept. I Love the idea that this is modern design but still very middle century. Great job looks great.

[@TheTazmaniyak]

So beautiful. I disagree that its “basically unliveable” as someone mentioned earlier. The brief was clearly for minimalists who know the amount of stuff they actually NEED rather than so many things to STORE! Obviously this is a very small space, 26sqm is tiny, and that requires a lot of discipline to use and keep orderly but I think they have done a fantastic job with the brief. It’s a shame they didn’t spend any money on making the apartment more energy efficient with those ancient old sliding doors. Australia continues to build and renovate at standards much lower than Europe or USA when it comes to energy efficiency. That said, this is not what this channel is about. Best feature was the roller door storage in the kitchen!

[@tuppence937]

I also love that roller door storage in the kitchen. A great feature.

[@SC10928]

Why can’t minimalist spaces have comfortable seating? Otherwise a beautiful space…

[@mjfab74]

@@SC10928 minimalism has a stoic nature associated with it. a slight disconfort is a good thing, it keeps them on their toes and make them appricate more what they have rather than what they want.

[@jasmineo104]

@@SC10928 I think the couch looks deep and easy to spread out on! Obviously it would be difficult to watch TV there but the clients don’t watch tv so it makes sense. Theoretically, if I were to stay there I think I would have a tv screen that could be set up on the kitchen counter & stored in a cupboard when im not using it

[@deborah675]

Not sure if it’s the case here - in some apartments you’re not allowed to change windows & doors as they are need to match from the out side

[@VeganChickInOz]

What a beautiful mesmerising video, very meditative. Love the space. The kitchen is amazing, and the whole place just so soothing and zen. Gorgeous.

[@GregCurtin45]

Well thought out design and there is room for a desk to be added. Love the brown tile backsplash & kitted bathroom as it matches well with the bronze.

[@sjames4054]

Wow! As a minimalist I would happily live in this beautiful home long term. Everything about it is perfect. Great job!

[@lauriemorris9175]

Although I don't love the mustard color, I do absolutely love every square inch of this apartment. So clever, so functional, so beautifully executed. 🤩

[@ButacuPpucatuB]

Really nice! I like the continuous use of curves. The colours used were harmonious too. It’s wonderful to see the flat, and not too many things are blocking the view. This was a great collaboration with the client and designer.

[@janecunningham8665]

What a lovely use of a tiny space - love the nod to mid century including that wonderful pop of yellow.

[@markaralvin7919]

Hello Jane

[@emzie77]

This! It is so incredibly well thought out. Good job 🙏🏻

[@ruthbrewis957]

One of the best designed small space I have seen for a while. I minimal colour scheme, and round handles really work well throughout.

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

The mirrored drawers under the couch make so much sense!

[@final_friday]

The house I inherited and now live in is from the same era. I could tell just by looking at the thumbnail for this video. The architect really nailed the aesthetic.

[@rzuue]

I really like the colors used, especially the wood looks so good! But I think I would've made the kitchen smaller to have more space. I used to live in a one-room for a while where I got used to sitting on the floor for eating and such, which really makes sense in a small space. It's easy to put up the small table and to fold and put it away after eating. In exchange the relaxing area with sofa etc can be made bigger and more comfy. Maybe there's even be space for a work desk

[@ericastivison]

Room for a work desk would be nice now that WFH is more widely accepted.

[@MM-Iconoclast]

Agreed. The living space could have been larger and the kitchen smaller. The enclosed (small) kitchen in the original design wasn't even half bad - it didn't intrude into the living space the way the new kitchen did.

[@lauramcquade2438]

What a great use of this space. The kitchen's lovely, the bathroom is better - everything is so well scaled. Nice job!

[@nulliusinverba3701]

beautiful, practical, full of harmony...and these fantastic little details - such as opening a bathroom cabinet

[@ConceptsInHealth]

Nicely done! I would have to add one comfy chair--maybe on castors so it could be moved around as needed-and a floating lift-up desk under the wall art--one that even when lowered, leaves a narrow “shelf” for a console effect. Also, an easy-to-care-for rug would warm up the space a bit, but all personal preferences, I realize! I guess I’m not quite as minimalistic as are they😁

[@ricolacranberry1727]

A well-functioning, welcoming and cozy home, which definitely inspires me a lot to design my own studio room as a minimalist, too. So in love with this episode.

[@brigittev9917]

It's a lovely space, love the bathroom and kitchen.

[@tannyainthecity]

that kitchen and that bathroom is just /chef's kiss ❤ love the uniform tile for the two. the bathroom's floor is also nice. honestly just super lovely

[@themangodiaries284]

Mr. Gurney killed it again, just loved it 🥰

[@carltongirl95]

Wow that's a really small space (but being in inner Sydney I imagine it wasn't cheap to begin with lol) but so well redesigned the murphy bed was a great idea the kitchen has loads of storage and the bathroom was beautiful...well done and I hope the client's are happy with the result's 🙂

[@TheEquinoxeHD]

I think for me that's the best kitchen design I've seen in these.

[@homejournalist]

Beautiful, thoughtful design. If I were to live there with a spouse I'd add a comfy (retractable-Ikea-size/style) lounge chair (to sometimes relax alone) and a larger piece of artwork.

[@randatabase]

In awe of this designer's ability of turning spaces into homes!

[@clovermark39]

Yes beautifully done. So functional and practical but looks great too.

[@debygiannioti4271]

Very stylish approach to mid century and minimalism!!!

[@ermirzaerekose3824]

that honey coloured wardrobe is outstanding !!!

[@1Blackstaffer]

Wow I don't know what it is, but this is one of my favourite designs I've seen on this channel. And that way of opening the mirror is genius.

[@ginamitembe8935]

Absolutely beautiful and practical for today's living without waste!!! Thank you for sharing these important ideas!👏💯👍

[@devin309]

Very well done, minimal but not cold. Love the color scheme that was chosen.

[@achyanurrajab776]

The bathroom looks so chique! I love the floor and the use of the same tiles like in the kitchen. Makes everything cohesive. Well done!

[@dianebaker5243]

Beautiful functional apartment. 👍🥰

[@jesstucker6201]

what an incredible reimagining of this apartment. i'm amazed at how well the revitalizing of such a tiny space was executed, thank you for sharing!

[@AJ-td5fk]

this is so well designed. im floored!

[@lindasangabriel685]

I don't like most of these NTS apartments but I really like this one. And you haven't even touched on the balcony, which is basically another living space. I grew up in the 70s and I love the style. This one is IT for me!

[@catherinehastings2063]

Wow! Another amazing renovation. Nicholas, your work is SOOOOOOO beautiful, creative and functional.

[@angelacarrerarivera]

Loooove this design so much character and it looks like that someone can actually live here

[@arlenesolis024]

I love how small it actually is but feels open and airy. This is one of my favorite small spaces

[@fxdaly]

Excellent design, well done. Feels much more spacious.

[@BrittanyMRams]

Spaces with Murphy or pull out beds usually skip the bedside table and I love how they incorporated a few niches for phone, book, glasses etc!!

[@jesssoucy4976]

This is impeccably designed, well done!

[@gus473]

👍🏼 Authentic! A superb take on those times, and a very livable result! (Even with the brass! 😉) 😎✌🏼

[@kathleenhill5838]

Well done, I could live here. The finishes and light filled space is lovely.

[@neutralmultiverse8589]

Yay Nicholas Gurney! I missed you!

[@vwood2]

Gorgeous woodworking, and a beautiful light filled space!

[@molokuro]

The mirror drawer on the floor is genius!

[@maimaidibujitos]

Love this apartment, this is my favourite so far. Love the colors, the built-in furniture, the materials, everything! The design of the bathroom cabinet door is amazing🤯

[@michaellai543]

Such a thoughtful design

[@Hello_Foody_BE_Roll_here]

Another awesome project of Nicholas Gurney! Well done.

[@nopetuber]

Very smart use of the space and not gimmicky

[@anaabanana]

Wow this makes me want to get rid of all my stuff! It’s such a peaceful space. I love it!