NEVER TOO SMALL: Self-Taught Sydney Designer Transforms Cottage Into Modern Home, 59sqm/635sqft

[@sew_overthis]

This is my new favorite property on this channel. The use of space is great, and it’s so comfortable and livable.

[@chloeuntrau4588]

Mine too...although 59 sqm is not that small...

[@wojciechosinski1401]

Bc people on this channel have no idea what really means small space to live.​@@chloeuntrau4588

[@kenzabel5394]

@@chloeuntrau458859 sqm should be the normal space for a human to live in, unlike those tiny spaces that feel like cages

[@waggermama]

This! It’s perfect

[@jzderf]

I am honestly trying to think of anything I would do differently with this space but I can't. It just looks so eminently....livable. The incorporation of the backyard space makes it feel so much larger and it has all these great cute touches in each zone that you would feel comfortable, cooking, working, sleeping etc in all parts of the house.

[@hannahmiller3533]

literally ZERO complaints or critiques. This property is STUNNING!!!

[@neilamsberry9841]

Only one is the ladder on the roof, otherwise flawless.

[@c.d.c9425]

My only complaint (and it's a small one) is the lack of a small indoor dining space/breakfast nook. Personally I would get a bit sick of using the kitchen island for meals everyday and it's not as practical when you have a guest(s) over for dinner. (And obviously you can't always use the outdoor dining space). Maybe like a table that could fold away to accomodate the small floorplan

[@hannahmiller3533]

@@neilamsberry9841 haha you are so right!!!

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

agreed

[@garethjd78]

@@c.d.c9425it’s Sydney, with so much good weather, you can pretty much always dine outdoors.

[@Itsmemaiteg]

This would have to be my favourite home from this channel. It doesn’t look small at all. Even the kitchen looks like a decent size. He did such a good job. I could totally live there as a single person.

[@hintex487]

It really does feel spacious and welcoming, and the kitchen looks fantastic. He did an amazing job creating a comfortable space-perfect for a single person to enjoy!

[@jana_kruemel]

Well, 59sqm is quite normal to live in for two people. So, I don't really feel like it should be belonging on a channel focussing on small homes. 😅

[@deborahmahaffy2784]

Me too - except I have a large dog

[@stephanie1044]

The kitchen is huge!

[@DJ-6972]

Best. Best. Interior. Ever. I’ve watched this channel for years and this is the most beautiful and welcoming interior I’ve seen for one person living alone. I’d love to see what he could do with a larger footprint. 👏🏻

[@trisnaekowiyatnikawaii3860]

This man has an eye for everything. He has designed a small space that is both warm and practical, without losing the playfulness of the colors, while preserving the tranquility of the space. Seriously, at first glance, I never realized he lived with a cat. What a genius idea from a self-taught designer.

[@kaitlinm3929]

I deliberately took a path home on my walk home from work to walk past these little cottages just last week. Their history is fascinating and its wonderful to see someone adapt them so well to a modern life

[@clairejohnston2461]

I read “The Fatal Shore” by Robert Hughes some years ago, and so it was interesting to learn that this house was located near a prison for a warden who worked there. Brought the somber history of that era to life for me.

[@garyish]

I can’t believe this is only 635 sqft. The design makes the space look so much bigger!

[@vaginamanifest2]

or the wide-angle lens

[@DeniseAriel-e4w]

Probably the best apartment I've seen so far... I totally can see myself living in it. Great job!

[@user-sr1kc6jj2b-p1q]

This has to be the most Sydney of all the Sydney renovations! 😊❤

[@delfinalaguna584]

agreed!

[@garethjd78]

Very gay Sydney too!

[@jefif]

@@garethjd78Gay Pride Ball Baby Balkan Joe Stick hast forget that you have made it a river trip in a River

[@tuppence937]

Really appreciated the individual pull out drawers in the kitchen pantry cupboard. This design looks much more user friendly compared to the older style all in one pull out pantry design that ends up too heavy when loaded with food items. And love Taco's scratching post - that also doubles as a floor based artwork.

[@logophilelyss4390]

This guy just. Straight up made the perfect home. Wow.

[@alexandra.etush1]

One of the best on the channel. So much light. Absolutely loved it.

[@janetwalenta641]

There is so much I love about this space, but that scratching post! Genius!

[@courtneywillmott7719]

Love love love this house! Never would have guessed this was hiding behind the front door. Incredible design and use of the space 🙌 👏

[@Swagg3r3d]

Legit space. This guy did a great job on his place.

[@Luetzsab]

The bedroom is just perfect. The bricks with the white plus the minimalist build inn finishes are just chefs kiss.

[@potatokid548]

I fell inlove with this property. Who would've thought that this is 59 sqm? It looks so massive.

[@Brookesyy]

Taco the Tuxedo cat 😍 Love the breezy island kitchen flowing into the courtyard! Gorgeous renovation, well done Sam @ Convict Cottage!

[@holrobinson]

my boyfriend lives around the corner from these homes! i walk past them and admire them all the time, adore the fact that i now get to see the gorgeous details that hide inside. so obsessed with this space and the pops of colour throughout it

[@L0U1SE]

I love this one. I could see myself living here comfortably

[@sarahbartlett8780]

This is a stunning conversion. It feels so much bigger than its actual size. Practical use of space but it's beautiful with it: love how he has incorporated his cat's needs stylishly too! A great job, and inspiring.

[@notoriousfierce]

What a wild description of the house's history! Love what he did to this. A wonderful job.

[@Vicky_fisica]

Stunning! This is the first place that I see in this channel that really feels like a place where someone can actually live, and cook, and have hobbies!

[@RyanDejarme]

Easily one of my favorites! Plus, Taco is totally adorable!

[@jennifergilbert-potts645]

There's nothing I'd change here - what a beautiful, functional space. Light and lofty, but also cozy. What an achievement ❤❤

[@aftermathsquid6220]

Echoing a lot of other people’s sentiments here - JUST PERFECT! A spectacular part of Sydney and an incredible use of a very small living space (whilst looking entirely unassuming from the outside). FABULOUS. Just FABULOUS!

[@dmitriylewicki8175]

I used to live in one of the terraces maybe 2 doors down. This one is the pick of the bunch - further up the hill and a little wider. Very nice part of Sydney. Lovely home.

[@hintex487]

That’s awesome! It sounds like you have a great connection to the area. Being further up the hill with a bit more space must make it even more appealing. It really is a lovely home in a fantastic part of Sydney!

[@smokypoo]

This is sooo nice and cosy! Love how light it is. You'd never guess this gem was inside when you are outside 😮. Nice job!

[@sassandsavvy007]

Such a lovely place to enjoy being at home. I love the brightness, the clear structures, no clutter, not overstuffed with furniture and decorations. It's amazing how this designer has transformed the property. Inside and out, it's a real jewel. No wonder he works from home 😊

[@charlesdick1133]

The space feels so much bigger! Perfect 1 bedroom, full of functionality and with zero gimmicks. Best on this channel (to date!). Kudos to that man!

[@tallibethau7713]

As he opens the main door at the beginning of the video, I started wondering if there's a cat in the house cos that will make it even more homey and I was completely satisfied when I saw the cat cactus😂 Really cosy and livable cottage. Feels so much bigger than the actual square footage too. The overall white theme is like a blank canvas where you can add vibrant colours and all kinds of interesting knick-knacks to it.

[@darien33]

Es una casa con muy buena energía, limpia y alegre. Un lugar elegante y sencillo, sobrio y vivo. Cómoda y espaciosa aún con un tamaño reducido. Me encanta el exterior en negro. Gracias por compartir

[@dallasandrewgraham]

That bedroom… WOW! Yeah, one of my fave episodes. Brilliant!

[@erikabaj9037]

This is the first time I really really like a space on this channel. Don't get me wrong, the spaces shown were all really nice and functional and have minimal style, but this.. this feels warm and homey. I would love to live in a space like this and to come home to this everyday ❤

[@katherineMontalto]

amazing all around but especially that kitchen.

[@michelfortier9563]

Small but really well-done! Has that really comfortable vibe going on.

[@JenShea]

Love Love Love! What an incredible job he did on this home! You have everything you need and the design aesthetic is perfect! Now if only he can get his hands on all the other once’s and sell them to us! I’d live there!

[@willsowden1]

Flawless - the best Never Too Small reno to date!

[@honeyv540]

A beautiful and comfortable space! It's very functional.

[@yamabo]

Such a beautiful and functional home. Definitely one of my favorites!

[@discadorapido]

This feels sooooo spacious and comfortable! Also the catcus-shaped scratch pole is brilliant 😁

[@VoroninHop]

Hands down, the best refurb on this channel to date. So functional, yet so light & airy, but still cosy and liveable. He's made 50 sqm feel like double that size. Bravo!

[@vickyviolavlogs]

OMG I love it so much i literally had butterflies in my stomach watching this. I’ve walked past those little houses so many times and thought it would be depressing living in there but boy was I wrong!!!!! I wanna live there!!!!!!! Stunning and perfect size for one person ❤

[@lizthomas1539]

This is the homey-est reno I've seen on the channel. Gorgeous. I really do wish there was some level of renovation cost discussed, though. Without that sort of information, it's easy to write off the idea of repurposing a small space as being out of reach for most of us.

[@anichan13]

FINALLY. A video about conventional house, not an apartment one. And probably NTS’ best design so far!

[@silkeloup1036]

What a beautiful modern cottage! The use of space is fantastic. The interior design is cozy and colourful. I would like to move in.😉Thank you for sharing this video. ❤

[@deniseferron3397]

One of the seven dwarves seems to be up for sale. I may just grab it!!! From what I can see in the comments, I’m not the only one who loves this property. I can’t think of a single thing I’d want to change. It’s perfect!

[@michellepereira2328]

This is a beautiful light spacious space. You’ve done a great job allocating space for everything. I love your bright colors in the artwork.

[@vanessahudson9788]

My favourite too, thus far. I love that, whilst clean, bright and modern, the whole house/apartment retains the quirkiness of the original building. The courtyard is stunning too and the fact the doors can be left open during the day, not only to give much needed fresh air but also extends the feeling of space of the bottom floor.

[@luciepaul1270]

What a fantastic use of space. I love the use of white with the beautiful parquet flooring giving it a warm livable feel, not clinical at all. I live in a small terrace and wish I had the budget to renovate my place. ❤

[@nancyanneberg403]

Proud of you. Thank you. For using that roofline up top is magnif. Pa. USA

[@badger9156]

Beautiful! Quintessential Sydney. Love the all-white interiors, contrasting with the black exteriors, the walled courtyard, the Juliette balcony, the cute ceiling fan (a must for Sydney summers), the reconfigured kitchen laundry, bathroom spaces. And ❤ Darlinghurst, takes me back! Except we definitely only lived in the “befores” flatting there 20 years ago

[@artepjan]

One of the best apartment designs I've seen! The use of light, color and textures is amazing. And functionality is way up there! Totally livable

[@justinecolombier4438]

This renovation is stunning, congratulation!

[@brontec9769]

So beautiful. This space just brings so much joy yet feels incredibly calming, although it is located in one of the most urban and vibrant parts of Sydney. Love it. Congrats to Sam on creating this stunning home.

[@SheenaMackenzie-ol6tc]

40 seconds in and i already love this home !!! beautiful

[@SkyblueHippie]

OMG this tiny dwelling is SO PRETTY. It looks modern but comfy and airy. Luv the interiors as well as the outer black courtyard. I think this is one of my most fave videos in your channel.

[@wayneyoung8647]

Great use of color, form, texture and function. The space feels and functions as if it was always supposed to be this way! Bravo

[@derekbaxter3604]

This is one of the best I've seen on this channel. Love every decision!

[@lucylou5766]

Ingenious use of space, involving so much thought and (by the look of it) meticulous execution. Really impressive job. This is why design matters. Well done Sam!

[@jnbond]

Love the utilization of maximizing the sunlight and ambient lighting to enhance the space! The color palette is warm, welcoming and perfect! The layout works perfectly to be comfortable and user friendly! Just love it! Bravo!

[@petrasofiadebenedetti6499]

This designer has simply the best style and taste for a beautiful and simple living! One word: Wow! Or two: Wow and stunning! Sam from convictinteriors is a total natural! It can't get any better!

[@antonsitepu]

The space inside look bigger than from outside, and certainly look bigger than 59m2... Love everything that he had done with this property, looks stunning and liveable at the same time.. Love it

[@TheMRock888]

it's literlly SO CUTE, like truly one of my favs!!!

[@CMGSCMGS]

This is the most beautiful property so far from this channel. Gorgeous in so many ways.

[@IvankaB]

This is certainly the most beautifully used space and the use of white/colour just strikes the perfect balance! Bravo!

[@anutkaschannel2478]

Beautiful home, the only this I would change is the entrance door to a door with some glass in it to let more natural light in. Great job

[@rosella1919]

In 1964, my sixth class teacher used to live in Thomson Street, a few paces away from my school, where she taught. I’ve always wanted to live there. Your house is gorgeous.

[@kitsburrard5530]

I love everything about it. The perfect combination of the traditional bits and an up-to-date, easy-to-live-in modern small house. A great example of all white not necessarily being boring or clinical.

[@katydidiy]

About painting the exterior walls black. You totally get that black doesn't necessarily mean feeling small. What it does is give the space the sense of receeding into the background❤

[@philiq18]

A space so nice, I had to watch the video TWICE! Wow! Brilliantly executed. Doesn't feel pretentious. Feels like everything is just enough. Colours work well, and the matte white is a nice balance. And that courtyard... what a gem. Thanks for the share, and kudos to him on the transformation.

[@sdmsdm7926]

What a beautiful home, you would never think such a space exits behind that small unassuming entrance! I love everything including Taco and his chair! He's got the best seat in the house!

[@joanbaxter-c1z]

An absolutely fantastic, beautiful and functional use of space. well done Sam.

[@libbypetersen3523]

Just love the flow of this space. Excellent choices to minimize visual clutter while maintaining warmth. One of my favorite projects.

[@thefineletterco.7199]

Well, first prize for Cutest House in the World right there! 😍😍😍

[@donnavandygriff2013]

Beautiful home with fabulous design!

[@fatimaayesh7]

Wow! So well though out and as well implemented. I adore the color scheme, very comforting. Love the irregular tiles of the kitchen and the spatial awareness the designer has. Feels so cozy although so bright.

[@emmaafa]

what a wonderful living space Sam...thank you for sharing your home and the tips and tricks you used to create such a beautiful personal space, lucky Taco!

[@AgentAO7]

Very smart use of that limited space.. Beautiful, cozy home ❤

[@tedilearnstoluxe8679]

Best laid plans for a renovation. Good use of space. Very mindful.

[@susanhemmingway6707]

I could not think of anything that wouldn't have worked (for me) and there was nothing. Love it.

[@zara198522]

Haven't even finished watching, but what a beautiful home. The simplicity and pops of colour are my interior style. Considering the home's negative background it seems peaceful too, in regards to the energy of the home.

[@frankdeleon8836]

What a fantastic place! Absolutely loved the architect talking about its history too. You can sense the love he feels for the bones of his house, which is manifest in how he transformed it (loved the name "Convict Cottage"🤟). He welcomed the imperfections and made a great lemonade out of those lemons. Love the light, love the spaciousness, love the balance he struck between lux and cozy! Kudos to the designer and thank you NTS for sharing this video (just became a Bestie and put the Samsung Music France in my list of items to buy! 😉)

[@gildapittmon9977]

Absolutely beautiful. Great use of space that it feels spacious and not cramped.

[@AussieKy.]

This is so cool!! I can see myself & my cat living there & loving it!! ❤

[@MrHuismeester]

A beautiful place you did make a place you can call your Home...Greets from The Netherlands.

[@idancealways4ever440]

Loved his words at the end, can’t change the direction of the sun 😊

[@cheapandchic89]

Beautiful home. Looks like he actually lives there, and as someone who lives in 61 sqm I would say this is the perfect size home for one person/a couple. Gorgeous, the courtyard is awesome. Love how he said him and his neighbors have a glass of wine together, love the vibes. Well done, NTS.

[@drymobius9]

This house is GORGEUS!!! One of the best in the channel

[@sqd8r]

Taco rocks! Fun company name. I'm glad he isn't afraid to build and design and live in what was once a less ideal area of the city.

[@Goldstarfish1]

Wow! This has so many clever ideas! I would love to live here! Amazing

[@FionaF-jy1it]

Wonderful use of space and light, a dream renovation

[@FaveWasteOfTime]

Oh my gosh... I want to move in immediately. It is perfect, absolutely perfect. Everything about it is designed so well and as hard as I looked (watched it twice) I couldn't find a single thing I would change. And the icing on the marvelous cake is Taco.

[@bradp8787]

The most interesting and beautiful element is that floor.

[@mi1stormilst]

Very nice and I love the quirkiness!

[@Julie-ii9px]

Fantastic job Sam. The house is beautiful but also very liveable. Congratulations ❤

[@grash4435]

What a lovely place and not too small. I had apartment 36 m² and didn’t feel small because of high ceiling. This cottage is lovely.

[@spyduhgirl]

Absolutely gorgeous home! I'd never like to live in a place with bars on the door & window but perhaps it's needed in this area of Sydney? Aside from that, absolute perfection 👌

[@heisstack]

What a beautifully designed home, with amazing use of space, color and layout--this I think is my favorite NTS video so far this year. I also love that the courtyard palette matches that adorable tuxedo cat.

[@kayboath2468]

Absolutely stunning home. You have made this once dark dingy house, into a gorgeous bright home, many congratulations and wishing you many years of happiness here. ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️