NEVER TOO SMALL - Retro Chic Athens Small Apartment 48sqm/516sqft

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Named after the bustling Athenian quarter in which it resides, Kolonaki Apartment has been thoughtfully designed by Cluster Architects to match the 70’s style of the building and incorporate its own past as an artist’s studio. The floorplan was redesigned around a central pillar and a kitchen and bathroom that had to remain in place due to plumbing; adding in a bedroom and a fully-equipped bathroom together with a new dining and living area. Challenged with a lack of natural light, Cluster Architects strategically placed translucent frames and mirrors through-out. The clever incorporation of custom built furniture and storage ensures the open plan spaces offer adequately divided, but not closed rooms.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Project Name: Kolonaki
Architect: cluster-archit...
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematography: Alina Lefa & Xenofan Vardaros
Editor: Jessica Ruasol
Music: Montana by Ben Winwood

[@sunspot42]

Beautiful design. Very ‘70s/‘80s Southern European but brighter and lighter. Genius placing the kitchen in what amounts to a walkway on the way to the bathroom. The long low counter means it doesn’t feel cramped but is still very usable and also well integrated with the living area. Agree with others that I’d want a desk of some sort, but that could be integrated into the room divider I’d imagine.

[@jessicalt4121]

I miss Athens. I visited my American college roommate there for a two week vacation in 1989 and stayed 5 years. We traveled to so many islands, worked, went to an American University there. It was the best time. Greece is a beautiful country and the people were very warm. The food was fantastic. I remember walking to the train station and on the hill was the Parthenon. Amazing.

[@gus473]

🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷 👍🏼😎✌🏼

[@KunaiForce]

You still friends?

[@jessicalt4121]

@Michael Ellingsworth I’d love to but time, money…. I’m 60, bad knee, life is more complicated. I know it wouldn’t be the same as my late 20’s but what a time. I had broken up with my first boyfriend of 6 years and took off…. Just what my soul needed, the islands and exciting city of Athens. An island would be ideal renting a place. I did know some Greek, but my jobs then expected English to be spoken and my friends had no patience to hear my elementary Greek when they wanted to practice their English. My roommate worked at the embassy and spoke fluent Greek, so I was spoiled.

[@jessicalt4121]

@Michael Ellingsworth thank you.

[@jessicalt4121]

@@KunaiForce yes since age 16. She lived there for 15 years, married a Greek and moved back to Ohio, our home state. They are happily married and doing well. We both have children born on the same date. If she hadn’t worked at the embassy, I never would have had the opportunity to stay so long. I remember Santorini before it was so famous. It took my breath away.

[@PaulHyunRealtor]

This is one of my favorite episodes in a while. Amazing design

[@milenastat7105]

I just love the idea of a "floating" sofa in the living room.

[@jenkenj]

I thought it was really neat too, I just wonder how comfortable it actually was

[@QuackMooMeow]

This is so tastefully done! It looks retro yet modern at the same time - so chic. Aesthetically pleasing yet no compromise on function, so envious.

[@lilaznjocky]

I would really love for this channel to also do break downs of costs, or at least give the overall total cost of renovation, apartment cost, etc. That would help more people be inspired to do these great things, versus thinking it's only meant for millionaires.

[@kathklim]

They showcase apartments from all over the world and the cost of the renovations and apartments would only be relevant if you are in the same city.

[@preetikhera4152]

Really beautiful idea,its awesome

[@olgamusteata134]

Yep, almost everything is custom made , so by no means low or medium budget for this apartment.

[@lilaznjocky]

@@kathklim that's perfect! If it's in Athens, then say the cost in Euro. If in the US, then in dollars. I think that provides some context, otherwise I'm thinking this is a million dollar make over in every video.

[@herrinvonribbeck]

Well I think you actually have to be - maybe not a millionaire - but at least rather wealthy. It’s not a cheap bargain if you consider all the handmade specifics that are required to make these small apartments as convenient as they are.

[@coffeefordinner]

Gorgeous shapes, colours and materials. The exposed wall with the artist signatures is amazing and a wonderful piece of history to preserve with the apartment.

[@kayelle8005]

“Charming environment without neglecting attention to detail” yes it is, and they absolutely achieved that for their client. I also love that you can read at least some of the history and evolution of the apartment in the final design.

[@Sarah-ew2pp]

I love these ones where multiples colours and textures are used! Unique, sumptuous, and pretty!

[@cinphotos123]

Whatever style this is- THIS IS MY STYLE!!! I love how dark and moody it feels with sooo much light!

[@snackymcadams]

It feels so clean and rich, adult but fun; masculine yet not so much that's intimidating. I love it.

[@taschisim2255]

This ID is TOO AWESOME ! good thing it got featured in NTS !

[@rushirajs9156]

Such clever design with elegant color scheme. Thanks NTS for this.

[@MsJillVicius]

I'm surprised at how much I like this space... I have to give credit to the designers. They had a theme and they ran with it.

[@viscontialice]

Very elegant! Fascinating atmosphere and an easy to live space. Finally no sliding walls!

[@kaizen_5091]

The curved dividing wall that allows ambient light to still come through, I feel, is the hero of this design. Beautiful space!

[@rhonita]

It is one of the cleverest designs in this channel. I can see myself living here. However, there's no dedicated workspace. (It is not a big deal, really.) The pandemic has changed the meaning of home for me.

[@liv97497]

The beauty of this one is that it has possibilities - I suppose you could substitute one of the sofas for a desk, or even integrate one into that wall couch furniture piece!

[@ramirogarai]

Such a well accomplished project. Simply beautiful and smart. So much detail and functionality 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@wilkensgarance]

Love the rounded kitchen, and fluted glass

[@NZDLo]

This is my favorite apartment so far!

[@tyxeri48]

The piece of wall with the signatures makes the place so unique! So good that they kept it!

[@jeffstumpf9129]

This may be the very best apartment design I’ve seen on the Internet. It speaks to my Modernist sensitivities and is still so practical. I love it!

[@liszaf3976]

Fantastic design, especially the placement of the kitchen and the materials used, I live in Greece, where in residential spaces Interior design is normally not well thought out, so refreshing to see this!

[@liszaf3976]

Also just looked at the website of the architects, fantastic small apartment designs, the best I have seen in Greece, I love their use of mirrors! Thanks Never To Small for a great vlog!

[@Abgd123]

Amazing! The ribbed glass, the kitchen everything is so so stylist and practical! The light on the colomn it was my favorite!

[@dmitriykhan2011]

Outstanding! Just perfect! 🏆

[@bahardivan]

Now, this is beautiful and practical!

[@kylejarman2604]

In some of the spaces that are featured the compromises are obvious, there isnt a hint of compromise here. Stunning design. Think this is my favourite.. so far.

[@liv97497]

I love this one so, so much. It has so much character and is so stylish, yet the designs don't feel like they're just following trends. It feels very unique. I love what they did with the kitchen! And the artist wall, wow!

[@gus473]

👍🏼 Am a big fan of this channel, and I have loved many of the featured apartments and cottages, yet this project truly stands out! And it's in Greece! 🇬🇷😎✌🏼

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

I love the curved kitchen table, it breaks up the whole space and makes it seem much larger. The use of mirrors and reflective surfaces is also a really good idea, but I'd hate to be the one who has to polish it all lol

[@reMARKably_me]

this is likely the BEST design out of all the NTS projects of this scale. well done.

[@MyZenTime]

I love the bedroom & wardrobe, so light and spacious feeling

[@carlyh6913]

I love the ribbed glass and curved kitchen bench

[@elinatsachiridou4702]

I loved every small detail. The transparent wall is amazing and well thought. Bravo

[@Aprilforevergreen]

Beautiful, one of, if not, the best design on this channel.

[@LaurieWinkless]

This is my favourite ever design I've seen on this channel. Bravo!

[@ButacuPpucatuB]

I can see myself living in this flat! It’s been well designed and remains fully functional. I love how the light lends itself to the space via screens that permit it to fill the house. Bravo to the designers! And thanks to the owners who allowed us into their personal spaces.

[@TheBestRoseinTexas]

Incredibly gorgeous space! It looks twice the SIZE! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ashw00tz]

What a gorgeous space. The wrap around kitchen adds to the wonderful flow of the studio apartment. With sufficient nooks and crannies for one to just escape with a space that is never too small!

[@dianebaker5243]

This is definitely the best interior design I have ever seen on this show. 👍🎄☃️

[@haebee]

the curved kitchen adds so much depth to the whole apartment. genius.

[@SEHmmmmmm]

This is beautiful. And yay, after watching a few of these, finally a flat has a sofa bed!

Very interesting layout and design. Quite unusual and yet unique. Very artistic and creative. Wow.

[@KlePhys]

Good to see a greek apartment! The design is like resembling the 70's Athens in a nice modern way.

[@larosamarquesa7159]

‘Adequately divided, yet not closed rooms.’ Yes!!!!

[@marcellelucena6711]

I think this is my favorite so far. It's AMAZING.

[@LuOsorio]

This is beautiful, that curved wall/counter is stunning. It looks like they didn't have to compromise anything, it's just perfect.

[@craigvadeikis3898]

Curved kitchen..brilliant solution. Looks a lot like a cruise ship

[@ac444]

some suggestions: 1) subtitles in their native language (if they choose to speak it) and english underneath (plus other languages in the settings). there were subs in the early videos on this channel and it'd be great to bring them back. 2) like other people have mentioned, a budget breakdown of each renovation. i think we live in a time where we can comfortably reveal costs and other financial details instead of hiding it.

[@sadhusai5645]

Brilliantly designed...everything is designed putting lots of thought and creativity. Loved it.

[@WellActualllyyy]

wow these designers are seriously top tier

[@MR-tn5kv]

Brilliant: very functional, unique and quite beautiful

[@ginger1549]

Amazing how spacious they made this tiny space feel, plus the function is also there, even a laundry machine.

[@boyankrivoshiev679]

Great apartment! Really like the curved glass and the kitchen countertop. Also, great to see more design projects from Europe. Keep up the good work! :))

[@tdb7992]

As it's an Australian channel, people here are more interested in European, Asian, and South American design. North American design is boring to us.

[@maddscientist3170]

@@tdb7992 I live in "North America" and agree with that....b-o-r-i-n-g

[@luzTpasco]

I love all ur architectural designs even the interior.. amazing. It is functional yet elegant. Keep it up

[@TheMinimaggi]

The most beautifully designed small apartment!!

[@soujo2006]

This is one of the best yet!

[@newtonsantos_photo963]

Fascinating 😮✨🥰 all the functionality associated with good taste in a fluid space.. wowww.. Congrats, guys 👏 See ya, blue skies 🍀📷

[@mariaespinoza2]

What a smart design. Definitely one of my favorite episodes. I keep coming back to find inspiration ❤️

[@ray382vk]

it's such a witty and beautiful design. Personally not my style, I'm more into simpler ones but it is excellent

[@birdsofthesky2280]

Bravo!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 This a real 5* work both by keep the spirit of the apartman, having art deco marks and taking into account the customer needs in the 21st century. Big congrats!

[@tato33uk]

This is one of the best designs I've seen for a small space, ever! Well done!

[@kathrynbracht8398]

Fantastic. This is beautiful and functional, bravo!

[@matezh]

insanely beautiful

[@ubmarina2890]

Brilliant work! Well done. Plus i love the signed wall, worth to save

[@asthecrowflies737]

Luxury in a small space.

[@thomas351]

beautiful and totally livable

[@GlassDama9]

So beautiful and clear!

[@StarOnTheWater]

This seems really high end. Also really well executed, it actually could be from the 70s, I bet this was a lot of fun to design.

[@rah-bee811]

This is absolutely stunning!

[@carolinefalvey683]

LOVE this design so much...!

[@Fingolfin1970]

Magnificent place.

[@πανταπεριμενω]

Without balconies Athens would be unlivable.... It is amazing how they multiply the space in apartments like these

[@klgherkin]

While this apartment isn't my style, I do love the concept of having double layers of semi-transluscent glass to allow light into the apartment.

[@MissMaryEmbroidery]

This is fabulous!! I love the retro touches & warm feel.

[@mikroulaloulou]

Έργονομικο και μοντερνιστικο.Το καλύτερο σπίτι της σειράς never too small μέχρι ώρας.Μπραβο στην αρχιτεκτονική ομάδα!

[@PauloFerreira-wp2it]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷 🔆🔆🔆🎊🎉🎊🌈🦜🌈🦜🌴🌴🌴🌴

[@lottaholgersson5090]

Really pretty and clever design

[@the_resourceful]

Beautiful studio apt.

[@Kelly_Ben]

I'm not typically a modern girl, but I love this apartment. The only thing I would change is adding a simple frame around the artist signatures to make it more of a feature.

[@alfredomirallesbenit]

I completly agree :)

[@ila2409]

I love the glass wall

[@phildalziel8625]

This is simply beautiful!

[@norionorikoo6631]

Wow, bedroom so cool

[@nevertoosmall]

If you’re an architect or designer with a project we could feature, please share it with us at www.nevertoosmall.com/submissions Architect: www.cluster-architects.com Check out our book - www.nts.store Workspace by Never Too Small - www.nts.space Website www.nevertoosmall.com Instagram instagram.com/nvtsmall Facebookfacebook.com/nvtsmall

[@JenShea]

Inspiring… absolutely Fabulous!

[@ivnehaas]

4:44 Only if the wardrobe is empty at all times. If you fill it up light does not go through anymore.

[@gmil4172]

Πανέμορφο και λειτουργικό, συγχαρητήρια στους αρχιτέκτονες.

[@SN-sz7kw]

Goodness, I love this. I have a space in our old farmhouse that needs to accommodate both studio/office & sleeping area. This gives me some wonderful ideas, especially the translucent wall.

[@Chan-ll2ko]

Beautiful and very authentic design and besides that: the male architect has an incredible voice

[@zooks3894]

I love greece!❤

[@andronicemarinis1072]

It's gorgeous. I'm from there, and more 's the pity that something so functional costs the earth. I know those prices. But I still love it.

[@biosskw]

Beautiful

[@willcookmakeup]

This unit is gorgeous

[@wendylbranchfield7959]

This is a work of Art!!!!!!!

[@valiumk.9489]

Most of the design was not my cup of tea, especially those couches and the bookshelf, but I did love all the light coming in, the custom metal/glass frames and that stunning recovered wall. Keep in mind that this particular home would probably be really expensive to restore. Kolonaki is one of the most expensive areas of Athens (if not the most expensive one), creating custom furniture, especially those from metal and glass is also unbelievably expensive here as well. I hope the owners love it and may the make the best memories in this home.

[@MariaAya]

Fantastic. I follow your chanel long time, and i'm happy finaly to see a space in Athens, my city

[@Janelou42]

Lovely Apartment - The design and curve shape is wonderful! I'm in love with the bedroom! Gotta be honest tho, I'm a little put off by the shelf/room-devider behind the grey couch. For me it makes the view a little cluttered by the additional prominent shelfs...

[@popihatzivasiliou2329]

Really lovely, and located in a really nice suburb.

[@cbuns713]

Exceptional

[@jjpp2216]

Personally, I’d have done without the open shelving above the dining area cabinet. It doesn’t add much storage and impedes sight lines. I’m also curious why the kitchen and sleeping area weren’t reversed, allowing the kitchen to be in the sunnier spot and pushing the bedroom into the darker zone.

[@SovietMojito]

Bedroom is by the window and kitchen comes after

[@wateringplamts2382]

It's probably what the client wanted ☺

[@lelanikolarakou6511]

At the beginning of the video, the architect said that they couldn't move the hydraulic supplies, the water. They had to keep bathroom and kitchen on the original spot.

[@Back_To_Basics]

For a small space, the design of the apartment is lux.