NEVER TOO SMALL: Tokyo Light-Filled Industrial Oasis, 59sqm/635sqft

[@catdad_glen]

Sophie takes her assignment seriously 😻

[@antwainclarke3406]

I love how Sophie magically appears in every shot of the apartment.

[@Meluforever]

Cats ar allways magical ;)

[@darkstarprojekt]

@@Meluforever *-Attention whores *and ninjas ... *ninja attention whores

[@DexterSagar]

What I love about this space is that its a lived in space. It doesn't look like an AirBnB ad, that they had the space cultivated towards their needs. Not often in NTS do the apartments actually have space for work. But the more creative home owners tend to find a way to incorporate space for their work without compremising space.

[@insomniacgr1]

While remote work has become increasingly common, it's worth noting that not all professionals operate from home. Many individuals maintain a dedicated office space or carry out their work within the premises of a company or organization.

[@DexterSagar]

@@insomniacgr1 Yes, that is true, and some people work in professions where they don't need a workspace at home to be able to do work as well. What is your point in highlighting an obvious point?

[@insomniacgr1]

​@@DexterSagar I emphasized this point because you explicitly mentioned: "Not often in NTS do the apartments actually have space for work." The rationale behind my emphasis aligns precisely with what I stated: the majority of individuals do not conduct their work activities from their residences. Therefore, there is no cause for confusion in this regard.

[@munbok]

This is one of my favourite apartments on NTS. Thank you for featuring authentic, lived-in homes. Best wishes to this couple and their lovely home.

[@michelestapleton]

What a gift to have three balconies! I wouldn't be happy living with rough concrete walls, but kudos to this couple for finding something different that works for them. The space looks very livable, comfortable and roomy. Nice job, kitty.

[@reallygoodatfolding]

I love how they embraced the imperfections on the walls and ceilings

[@Echoooooooo777]

This apartment is definitely not for everyone but I love everything about it. The exposed walls and ceilings, the stainless steel cabinets, the curtain that allows flexibility. The use of loose furniture, so they can change up the look when they get bored of the space. They embrace the imperfections and made it to their liking. It’s one of a kind!!! 🔥

[@ReganAtSea]

i agree except that i think it is for everyone :)

[@darkstarprojekt]

I'm not a fan of the exposed ceilings or walls at all, but I love almost everything else about it. If it were my place, I'd paint the walls. Different grey/blue maybe. Cyberpunk it a little too with some passive LED lighting to illuminate it.

[@mitorresc]

Stressful for some like me, that love seamless relaxing interiors

[@CarlCampbell]

60m² in Tokyo sounds insanely luxurious

[@allie1953]

It's palatial compared to my 33.5m2 here in the States.

[@panjimartiandaru3081]

Heck it's bigger than common apartment or even houses here in Indonesia too. Ours are usually around 36 sqm 😂

[@louise2209]

Bear in mind that it was originally a three bed apartment, hence the ‘generous’ size.

[@allie1953]

@@louise2209 Good point.

[@johannes4586]

Never too large!

[@zia_kat]

i love this! it's cozy brutalism! well done!

[@Cinephile-gy6fb]

THIS!!!

[@katejohns3284]

Yeah I was thinking this is beyond industrial it's definitely brutalism... Concrete made sexy

[@FirdausIsmail1]

that eraser pink colour with the grey cement is really something

[@girard6061]

I love the industrial feel of this space. It's admirable that they kept some of the walls unplastered, giving the flat some interesting details.

[@Dinki-Di]

Great use of space and creative layout. I love the use of colour, fabrics and greenery to give warmth. For me, the stained concrete and exposed piping brings a depressing element into what would otherwise be a delightful living space. 100% rating for Sophie the cat.

[@natashafigueroa9198]

I agree with everything you said. My preference would be for some of those industrial touches, but a bit too much for my taste.

[@MTMF.london]

I love the industrial touch of concrete and exposed piping that brough out textural and visual interest to what would otherwise have been a fairly boring space. Love that custom stainless steel Ikea kitchen too. I did not know they do that sort of things.

[@SquirrelNutkins]

Yeah. It just looks dirty.

[@jameswarhol442]

Totally disagree. Don't find anything depressing. A space doesn't have to be so prim and proper and precious so that it conforms to a bourgeois aesthetic of what a traditional space should look like. The miss here are some of the colors, not the raw concrete and piping.

[@phillypersonpretzel]

I love everything about their space. The light, the vibrant colors, the cat. Beautifully planned and executed, perfect for Tokyo, such a great vibe!! Chef's kiss!😘

[@kangaerukoto]

More Tokyo design please 🙏🏻 Beautiful!!!

[@Dark_Aeon]

My first thought was "this doesn't look like a japanese interior"

[@kangaerukoto]

@@Dark_Aeon I mean, showing more interiors in Tokyo will be interesting to watch. People in Japan are very creative, it's a joy to look into their homes)

[@karensurgery3845]

@@Dark_Aeon My first thought was " this must be Japan"

[@Dark_Aeon]

@@kangaerukoto true, I agree, it's nice to see how interiors differ culturally across the world and the japanese have mastered the art of tiny living. To me, entrance aside, this interior definitely shows that it's owned by an international couple.

[@kangaerukoto]

@@Dark_Aeon truth))

[@AvoidTheCadaver]

of all the NTS videos, this one really shows how the owners live in their space. love the eclectism

[@vanessaeileen7963]

Now I want to buy an apartment and gut it - then fill it with cats and surprise trinkets. Love this!!

[@sylviekins]

Same❤

[@xenoliving3951]

What a lovely amount of space. The size and flow feel very human.

[@prawiraagung4011]

FOR THE CAT AS WELL

[@Jchathe]

The word I get from watching this is 'ease'. Although industrial it has a real sense of comfort and homeliness. Beautiful!

[@esztermagyar4951]

I raised my eyebrows when he said 'small space'... while sitting in my 22sqm flat in London :D BUT dont mind me, IM just very jealous, LOVE the space ( LOVE THE CAT ), looks like a happy home ❤

[@juri991]

looks like the cat is the owner...so cute! love the industrial look and whenever there is more than 1 balcony, my ears perk up.

[@t81629]

Your Japanese features are my favorite. This one is so cozy.

[@kathbrandon8023]

Clever use of space w/ creative storage. Love how they've made it their own. Sophie is adorable😍

[@notoriousfierce]

I love Tokyo and these guys are lucky to have this humongous space. Smart design, some are not quite my taste but I can appreciate it. Anyone can explain me the difference between Industrialist and Under Construction? lol But I love how they maximize their spaces and the furniture, they have STYLE! Kudos to that!

[@karensurgery3845]

This space is tiny...

[@MTMF.london]

@@karensurgery3845 Quite big by Tokyo standards (or New York, London and Paris).

[@podraje]

@@karensurgery3845 59 square meters apartment is considered big (or on the "bigger" side) in many places. I would love to have that much space in my future place!

[@azabujuban-hito-dake]

This is not my taste but it's such a breath of fresh air. I live in Tokyo and most apartments in here are done in either Scandi or Japandi style. So incredibly boring ! At least this one's not a cookie cutter.

[@wildishself7555]

Love the creative energy of this space! Really good to see a fairly large space flowing and not chunked and walled up.

[@lic2910]

Love the floating bedside table in the soft color and the wrap around curtain..an excellent reminder that an industrial style place can be soften with just two additional elements; color and fabric.

[@greengoddess6664]

There's such a difference between homes people craft for themselves and homes they build/renovate with a view to selling in the future. This apartment could have been so bland but magic has been worked here imho. Congratulations on something not only interesting but beautiful and individual. Places like this are why I subscribe to this channel. Thank you

[@jonny0_0]

What a lovely space. I really like that "puzzle piece" storage unit. And yeah, great to see a proper home and not another airbnb.

[@mikiyachi2]

You can really tell every piece of furniture/design element has been chosen with great care and love- even the cat 💕

[@MitchPontjo]

This might be my favorite episode ever. The way they defined “open space” and combined it with functionality and practicality has been so well thought. Definitely using this as vision board in the future

[@cirene9590]

Like the new layout, especially moving the laundry room and getting a bigger bathroom & shower - much more user friendly.

[@davidwarren9204]

Very nice! I lived in Nishiogikubo (and worked in Kichijoji) for four years, over thirty years ago ('89-'92). It was a lovely place to live then (a kind of alternative/hippy town). I still visit from time to time and it has retained much of its unique, quirky local character.

[@samanthachia1491]

Really loving the blue pvc tiles and the choice to segregate the flooring

[@crocus5632]

I love to see how the apartments are reflecting the tastes of their inhabitants in so many different ways. All apartments are different and show individuality and this is great!

[@jennycampbell5236]

I love this concrete home. It looks warm and cosy. I am not a fan of homes with lots of seperate rooms. Good on you both for doing what you both want with your own home. The Lego man in the power box is too cute. Excellent layout. ❤

[@devincalhoun748]

Love this…they became free from the typical and are finding their unique way to express “home”

[@lauriedixon9661]

I love the way the owners have embraced the beauty of imperfection.

[@sylviekins]

Sophie the cat is an essential element of the decor- at once regal and domestic , she provides a universal appeal.

[@katewardle8032]

This is a beautiful apartment, and so well decorated by the owners. 59 sqm is small home in some parts of the world but certainly not in Tokyo. The open airy quality of the space is quite atypical.

[@cocoandrobin]

Gorgeous place, love the quirky design, love that not everything is matching and contrived. Every little space carefully thought right up to a lego piece in an old light fitting... playful, funcional and beautiful.

[@KerryM-xi6nh]

Love the seating area and it’s a brilliant idea to customise the height of kitchen workspace.

[@stuartwebster2203]

Love this home, the personal and very functional design masks the effort and consideration that goes into a small space. Beautifully done.

[@lunatickgeo]

Amazing how they made an industrial-style place look cozy and homey. I am actually to have pipes and wiring exposed when I have my place built (practical reasons, easier to find any problems and easier to replace as necessary) but even I am talking with the architect to make it look pleasing (fortunately Pinterest has provided us with examples). I can actually see myself live in this place, it's small but not cramped. This is easily one of my favorite apartments on this site.

[@Cinephile-gy6fb]

Context is everything. What does coziness look like in the middle of a truly big city, a concrete jungle? Places for working, creating, sleeping, eating, cooking, enjoying life with touches of Technicolor - well done! My favorite aspect might be the kitchen- utterly practical with the steel cladding and dish rack with the bespoke pantry/joinery piece with the sliding doors. Bravo to this couple living life to the fullest in this beautiful home!!!

[@MarquisedeWhat]

It looks really spacious, and is so original! Love seeing how they express their respect for the industrial, raw and imperfect. All the little touches are so thoughtful and intentional, such as the puzzle cut at one end of the pod. Bravo!

[@_innerpeacekeeper]

A charming and practical home that reflects their style wonderfully. Sophie is the star of course!

[@magikboxi]

I adore this video, because it portrays how the constant assessment of needs reshapes the process of renovation. This place looks authentic and creative, witty and humble. Very cozy despite the fact that it's basically a concrete hall. I love how it reflects the personality and needs of its owners. They respect the space by exposing its features and its qualities instead of trying to conceal them - a very inspiring approach. The spirit of the space is incorporated into the design. The blush pink bathroom and the electric blue floor make such a good combo. Clearly, I love this apartment! :)

[@photokunstler]

love love love industrial spaces turned into living spaces. It's nice to see the history and age in the cement and walls.

[@AfterHours-z6g]

This apartment is candy 🍬🤤... The exposed walls and lighting fixtures, the elegant pops of color (even though those PVC tiles are toxic⚠) the curtain that demarcates the bedroom AND the closet at the same time and the natural light that's floods the space. DREAM apartment for two

[@rainyd4293]

Beautiful couple, and of course beautiful cat ❤❤And the bathroom has a window ❤

[@chiooru]

im absolutely in love with the mixture of steel and color and different textures and materials. so interesting to look at without feeling overwhelming or out of place! very inspiring :)

[@yomama6323]

these videos are so much more calming and comforting than i could have expected 😭🙏🏻💛

[@marier4414]

I'm not sure I would enjoy living in there but it is truly beautiful (if it makes sense loving something I wouldn't like to live in ahah), and I can see you designed it with your own taste, wonderful!

[@echan3230]

I love everything in this appartment : the industrial/modern looks (stil very warm and personal), the use of the space, the design...and the cat indeed 🥰.

[@katinthehat1736]

obsessed with the japanese homes on this channel, they really do make use of tiny homes anddd it's so unique and ceative

[@aZnchuux3]

This apartment looks like I'd always be very cold in it

[@cuentaparamovil8925]

Super interesante la transformación del piso. De algo angosto y cerrado ha pasado a un espacio con ideas geniales, amplio y con personalidad. ❤

[@Magni_Studio]

I love how intricate and rugged / lived in the space feels. It's not a space for being looked at like a movie scene. It's to be walked in and experienced.

[@GlamAleks]

I like it a lot, especially how the space is 'divided' by lower parts of the ceiling. I love the work space, I feel nostalgic because this is how the back of biology/ chemistry classrooms used to look like in my country when I was a student. I find the space very soothing.

[@fibiolahusely5700]

Favorites small space to be living in so far, it shown the authenticity of the home owner activity. Somehow it reflect much of what I want to incorporate in my living space too. Thanks for let us take a look on your spaces David & Koichi! NTS teams too!

[@XxAnyaxX333]

Love this space 😍 The juxtaposition of the industrial shell with natural elements such as the plants and wood, love seeing exposed concrete. The chonky cat 😻 ネコは　とてもかわいです

[@karenstanislaw8912]

Oooh, I dig the natural light quality in this space! Handsome place. Cerebral, yet embracing "womb." Thumbs up.

[@lagritsalammas]

Aesthetically this might be my favourite place ever featured on this channel. I love it!

[@jobro45]

Beautiful, innovative treatment of an otherwise bland apartment. Loads of ideas to take away. Love the bold floor demarcation. The kitchen ikea bench…..brilliant. Well done.

[@pablo_vallejos]

love it! there's character, personality, in every detail. not for everyone's taste, I guess. really liked the bedroom, the rug on top of the gray floor, the blue tiles and the customized ikea unit at the kitchen, mostly because reinforce the industrial aspect of the place. must be fun to have an open ambient like that! :)

[@helensid6670]

This goes for Architecture and Interior Design students if they're willing to consider: if you want to leave old elements present within an organized project idea they need a solid meaning, a reason to be there (a whole wall, a framed geometry,...). If you just leave some random elements, can you find a real difference between your project and any unfinished work?

[@dianashypula]

Love colors, lots of storage, the cat and how custom its to the owners ❤

[@sharsnow]

love this! thanks for sharing! Cat is so chubby and fluffy 😍

[@ayamaaravi1511]

This might be my favorite apartment so far. The attention to details is stunning.

[@cynthiaaeschbacher1258]

Love this space. It feels very peaceful, well planned and slightly eccentric. Purrfection!

[@GordonShamway1984]

i could not sit a minute in this appartment without craving to build proper ceilings and walls.

[@susanaaragorn8606]

Me too. I can not understand why somebody will prefer unfinished concrete over wood...but theirs look nice

[@12345678abracadabra]

@@susanaaragorn8606 it evokes the truth instead of putting something fake over it. authentic.

[@Lmo7]

Understandable. You've been conditioned (institutionalized) to only accept the limited options of traditional building methods.

[@thisis.michelletorres444]

They have a great space. I think they should go all out and clad those walls. Painting the ceiling (and pipes) all white will minimize them visually. Cork flooring might be nice to warm up (visually and temp wise) the floor. I commend them for taking on such a challenging space!

[@kenrickhadley4499]

This design really appeals to my taste. I don't like spaces that look like an interior designer came in and did it for an actor or super model. I love industrial spaces. This is why Blade Runner is one of my favorite designed films. This is the third or fourth time i have watched your space.

[@cecilianagy3562]

Love this couple, love the cat, love the flat.

[@kenrickhadley4499]

I love your design. It is so much to type of design in which i feel comfortable in and stimulates my creativity.

[@user-xs3db6ox3q]

The cat showing us around. Love how its color matches with the concrete aesthetic

[@albadesousa3443]

the beauty of imperfections! loved the attention to details and the color palette

[@mariak.1752]

とってもお洒落で素敵な空間です！ I like everything about this apartment!. Thank you for sharing.

[@mariastathopoulos744]

Industrial interior is not my jam but l appreciate the floor layout and attention to storage and lighting. The only design choice l don't like are the curtains around the bed - too 'hospital' vibe for me.

[@gurubhaikhalsa9337]

I love the wabisabi feel of the concrete, and also the work space. Taking down the walls and ceilings was worth losing the individual rooms, and if they change their minds they can always put some back.

[@LilaSatori]

Beautiful and unusual home. I love the atmosphere. ❤

[@saturnfitness]

Great job! It's amazing how much space you have with 60m2- it seems like 180m2. Taking the walls out makes a big difference and it's fortunate that the internal walls weren't supporting ones. Great industrial kitchen with loads of storage and work top. Amazing washroom, with dedicated laundry and bathroom. Beautiful ❤

[@ahumanbeing812]

Industrial interior design is often characterized by exposed pipes, metals, concrete, and bricks. Because of these elements, the design often has a colder and/or darker color pallet such as white, black and gray. This Tokyo apartment has all the typical elements of industrial interior design, revealing a raw, edgy and utilitarian appeal. At the same time, the use of colors and plants softens the unpolished appearance and adds warmth to the space. There is just one thing: The mergenta and pinky colors at and by the entrance are really eyesores. That was my view. As the case with any living space, the most important thing is that the people who live there find joy in it and feel a sense of connection with their house/apartment. Thanks for sharing!

[@jjandorliadul]

I agree with the critique regarding the colors at the entrance. I understand that pink combines well with gray and it can brighten up the otherwise small space. However, I think I would just get tired of it after a while. The renovation is still recent in their memories so it still feels fresh to them for sure. Perhaps they will change the color eventually like many of us do in our own abodes. Luckily with that small space, one can make changes easily.

[@emrebiri]

Thank you very much for the valuable content you prepare. Watching your videos in my stressful life makes me very calm and happy. Thank you for your efforts.

[@tigerkuma1011]

Could we have a compilation : "Cats of Never Too Small"? Not the dogs, just cats.

[@DannyGo17]

Tops. I heard the South African accent of David and it was confirmed by the African artwork and voodoo dolls. What an excellent outcome, and the attention to detail is quite something. Great to see fellow South Africans doing it well.

[@stefiestrin909]

okay but that shot in 5:17 is straight outta baroque painting!!

[@LD-pe1vz]

fantastic space and simple but yet functional kitchen..... totally brilliant

[@geekivist]

This is sooo nice! I like that it feels "lived" and very functional. I'm bookmarking for my future reference

[@themrgumbatron]

The interior looks like one of those commercial zoned offices where tenants convert them into personal living spaces, interesting

[@SF-ru3lp]

I find the space "too open". I don't like seeing so many objects all at once. I like the sleeping area. Still, fascinating to see. Thank you. G Ire

[@clarabirdy]

What kills me tho - is that they took away a perfectly fine we'll build and constructed space to make it industrial and raw ... That's not cool in my eyes - buy instead a space that is not yet finished or that already has exposed piping / that already is industrial and preserve it not the other way around 🙈💀

[@OneAwkwardTiger]

I love this space... but also deeply love Sophie. She may need her own video 'Day in the life".

[@sarahtyster7342]

I love this apartment, I love the space that works for them and Sofie!! * cute. it reminds me of squatting in London in the 80s, no shade, but because people did so many creative personal things to their space and the use of it. obviously the bathroom and kitchen and so on a bit more glam!

[@petalss5325]

Somehow it feels cluttered. Snapshots of each section looks stunning, especially when light hits the furniture or object, but as a whole the place seems like it is not organized.

[@LenaSamoletova]

It’s someone’s home, as long as it’s filled with things that bring them joy than it’s 100 better than a white-everything soul less dwelling. Especially for creatives.

[@semagon1117]

I loved this home. Brilliance!!!

[@herbolario2694]

I see good partnership in making their space beautiful!

[@hotelierid9029]

They have more than one balcony. So nice ❤

[@christelledecastro]

Love love LOVE this space! They did a fabulous job!!

[@Choedron]

I really like this apartment. Though I would fix the wall in the bathroom, and around the windows with some concrete filler. That would not remove the overall vibe of the industrial look. But it would prevent any concrete dust from the part that is broken, to gather in the air - and prevent dust to gather in the corners of the cracks.

[@funkpistol1470]

this is my favorite space so far! it is wonderfully done and inspires me!

[@amyh8694]

Love the higher ceilings through taking down the plaster board. Clever to paint the ceiling above the lounge room