NEVER TOO SMALL Vibrant Small Athens Apartment 50sqm/538sqf

This episode is brought to you by our book, Never Too Small: Reimaging Small Space Living. Available now at our store www.nevertoosmall.com/store
Located in the famous and lively neighbourhood of Plaka in Athens, the aptly named Pretty in Pink was inspired by it’s vibrant owner and her love of all colour and texture. Originally a one bedroom apartment in a fairly dilapidated state, the space was transformed by Moy Studio into a bright, functional two bedroom. By adding a new entrance, kitchen, dining area, bathroom and additional small bedroom, as well as additional storage hidden in the renovated kitchen and bathroom. Using a cleverly selected palette of pink including white flecked Ritsona marble, divides areas within the home and accentuates the personality of it’s owner.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Project Name: Pretty in Pink
Architect: moystudio.gr/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director/Camera Operator:
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Nam Tran
Music: The miracle that you are by Aija Alsina

[@nevertoosmall]

Never Too Small: Reimaging Small Space Living. Available now at our store www.nevertoosmall.com/store 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.moystudio.gr Videography: www.alinalefa.com & Xenofon Vardaros 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

[@colinakarla]

@@lifeonground I ordered it through Amazon and it'll arrive in a week to Venezuela. They'll probably ship to Austria too.

[@RahulPradipPatil]

Please make ebook/pdf edition

[@peachygvgv]

I like the fact that they restored some of the house features rather than replacing it. 👏🏽

[@genyosha16]

That second bedroom would be an excellent work area with the balcony. The colour usage in the space was a 10! Just enough to be unique

[@maddscientist3170]

I would of put a murphy bed (fold away) in that 2nd. space.....

[@JustAnotherPoorSlob]

@@maddscientist3170 Exactly what I was thinking. Office with Murphy Bed

[@JoseAnd97]

With small apartments where would I place my sick gaming computer, this one actually has a space for it

[@eggizgud]

As an introvert, I think I like the second bedroom better, tucked away from the main areas. It's a nice cosy corner, with enough natural light.

[@anonymous-fw8ib]

❤️

[@robertacosta8856]

Yes, I’d have put the two bedrooms in the same area and moved the kitchen beside the living

[@EVL-xj5vc]

I’m an extrovert but I love it just the same 😀

[@why_sojaded]

All of the aesthetic choices working around the existing apartment were so elegant. I was so impressed with the graphic color elements and how elevated the space felt, true creatives synthesizing here.

[@---cp7lz]

Agreed, but.... The bathroom likes a word with you. That was just cheap and ugly.

[@why_sojaded]

@@---cp7lz subway tile is cheap yes but it's a poopin room and a shower, it's functional and can be hidden and I wouldn't mind saving a few thousand on a home build for a simple bathroom.

[@user-oz1yv4nt9q]

as an athenian, what i dont like about old athenian apartments is how separate they tried to make each room. so the kitchen and living will be separate, for example, even if that means the space feels more cramped or darker. I like the aesthetic choices of the designers here, but i think that if they united maybe the kitchen and the living, this place would feel a LOT larger than it did in the video. 50 sq.m. arent that few, besides.

[@maddscientist3170]

the kitchen & living space were probably "separated" due to the fire codes back in the day. With newer technology this does not have to happen in the 21century. In rehabilitation you have only the square footage of floor space & what are supporting structural walls to work with. Sometimes great challenges to stay within a budget. If it is owner based apartment & they have an unlimited budget then anything can be done....with rentals, not so much.

[@eily_b]

I disagree. Nothing better than a separated living room and kitchen. Smells and sounds are the main problems if you really use your kitchen for cooking. Not necessary if you never cook.

[@mive9503]

Adding my opinion - I think the separation between living room and kitchen/dining works best for small spaces - especially when the space is occupied by more than one person for more than just a place to eat and sleep. Being able to close the door between the living and kitchen area means there is a private/quiet space that is NOT a bedroom seems to make the apartment seem "bigger" and more functional. Again, being able to separate spaces is helpful if the space is occupied by 2 or more people for more than a place to "have a meal, take a shower, and get some sleep." If just one person is living there - it doesn't matter - no matter what room you are in you don't have to worry about what another person is doing in that same room. I think I could happily live full time in this small Athens apartment.

[@elektragiannouli2259]

i'd like the seperate kitchen more if it actually provided more storage and for sure a larger fridge, but now i also think it is a bit of a waste of space. however, it could be that these are supportive walls and maybe that's the reason they went with this plan instead of a united space. Love the pops of colour and the restoration work tho!

[@mygreekway5545]

@@elektragiannouli2259 living in Athens myself, I am pretty sure this was a renovation more for Airbnb or short term rentals purposes, considering the area, fridge-, kitchen- and storage size speaks for this for me...maybe a personal thing, but if I would renovate 50 sqm for me, definitely planning more storage. But definitely love the brightness and chosen colour palette, as well as the refurbishing of some old features.

[@easternbrown]

Can't help thinking that an alternative layout would have been to put a bathroom where the new kitchen is, creating also a small entrance space with storage. One of the three remaining areas would then be kitchen / living (probably the present living room) and you are left with two full sized rooms. Nice remake though.

[@michaelamuquandoh6343]

Then you would be changing the entrance to the apartment right?

[@maryjeankownacki814]

In old buildings plumbing is in odd locations and often difficult and very costly to move. Its an older building with quirks.

[@giacomogin8972]

Totally agree, however 2 full bedrooms are probably not possible to fit in 50 square meters. But yes bathroom + laundry + storage instead of the kitchen would have been much better (there should be no plumbing problems since the actual bathroom is very close). And then creating a big living area + kitchen + dining would have been much better also

[@mssonoma1]

This is a very calming space, I could see myself in this one without feeling too cramped, very well done!

[@ButacuPpucatuB]

The main bedroom is massive! Love it 🙌🏽

[@longloismariam7767]

Very elegant and smart ! Bravo to the designers !

[@jaspherdansalan635]

The bright yellow door frames are genius! Works so well with the pink too! 😍

[@AnastasiaBlackCat]

As a greek, I find this particular mosaic floor really hard to style and yet it exists in many greek homes. You did a great job making it look fantastic and modern!

[@michellebyrom6551]

Properly sealed with varnish, it's comfortable under bare feet and easy to sweep and mop quickly. Rugs with rubber grips under the edges add colour and texture. Being a natural material it complements many colours and styles. Just use paint sample cards to be sure if it leans towards yellow/orange/red in its tints to work it into your colour scheme.

[@ikenmijnman]

“We do not need a lot of space to live well” So very true! They proved it in this appartement. Great design.

[@1trompet146]

This is too cute, love the colour palet. I also like restoring elements that are still decent enough. Way more ecologically friendly than installing new things. Great house!

[@maritsaappollis7966]

Very clever to have fit a second bedroom in, which could probably also be changed to office space or even a nursery if needed. My favourite space is the living room - so bright!

[@v_iika]

I loved to see the restored parquet and marble! Not having to spend so much to purchase the large space itself allows some ppl to invest that money on quality materials

[@gus473]

The terrazzo is terrific too! True luxury, minimal maintenance! 👍🏼😎✌🏼

[@sevenhenson3926]

Owner only makes coffee in the kitchen. Lol

[@Gazmeizster_Wongatron]

Wow... Lots of character in this lovely apartment. I love that they weren't afraid to use a lot of vibrant colours - makes the spaces feel so much more homely than some of the other more minimalist apartments shown on this channel.

[@deb282]

My favorite redo!!! I watch regularly and this is the best thus far!!! Would love to live there 😍. Job well done ladies

[@PjXu98]

I agree. They did an amazing job, except the bathroom. Those white tiles give me the nasty bathroom vibes.

[@ostberlinerin5316]

Same:) favourite of all!

[@sashahera5679]

Beautiful interaction of the pink with the marble. I could move in straight away 🌈🕊🧚🏼🙏🏼☀️🤩🥰

[@AliciaSBayres]

Lo que favorece es las ventanas/ventilación/luminosidad que tiene la propiedad, permitiendo crear todos estos espacios minimalistas. Me encantó. 👌Desde Argentina 🇦🇷 👍

[@agsypants5556]

I lived in Athens for two years as a child. This was a very lovely journey down memory lane to see Athens the way it is today. We had a school downtown in an old building which I always day dreamed about because I knew it would be so beautiful once restored. I would sit in class and wonder what the room was originally and what it could be. We also had the built in closets in our apartment like those that went up to the ceiling and a little balcony facing the courtyard where a downstairs neighbour would hose down his backyard every day. One day I’ll go back and visit.

[@klgherkin]

I LOVE the use of colour in this apartment! I smiled when they revealed the pink interior of the cupboard. I also love the yellow frames and the burgundy grout.

[@ashw00tz]

Yes to giving old buildings a second life 😍 not too sure of the colour choices but love the overall space usage and restoration of existing features

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

It's probably what the client wanted but I agree. Those colors are a bit 80's and don't reflect the "grandeur" of the city.

[@misssmith7225]

I love the hall sink. The location is central to the home, while the niche with the marble is perfection. The yellow frame and the pink knobs were a harmonious mix of restrained and yet bold colour. The white throughout the home added so much texture. Beautifully done.

[@blatinobear]

This is one of the best re-designs yet, love it

[@aerob1033]

This is one of my favorite ones yet on your channel. I love the way the sliding doors allow for the option of either separation or open flow between the different rooms. Squeezing such a livable 2-bedroom apartment into 50 square meters is also an achievement.

[@ubmarina2890]

Loved this renovation, good job ladies! Με σεβασμό στο στυλ και τα υλικά του παλιού και έξυπνη διαρύθμιση

[@kayelle8005]

Wow those tree lined streets are beautiful

[@newleft2254]

I love everything about it but especially all the choice of colours. Beautiful!

[@laibakausar8161]

I love the wash basin area and the whole layout of toilet and shower area too. Very functional and aesthetically pleasing.

[@camilascatonebedin3002]

It seems so relaxing to live in this apartment. The aesthetic is one of my favorites. I also really liked how the bathroom sink is actually outside, in the hallway; it seems like a very good use of space for a place where people would usually just pass by.

[@randomize.4]

wow. This has so much character. Fantastic design. So many things I can talk about. The textures, old and new. The colors that pop, placed just right among a whitewashed space. The small plant in the dining area, which breathes life. Everything is so well done.

[@surfanddance]

The colour combination in the kitchen together with the marble countertop is absolutely stunning!!

[@meltdown1050]

This has got to be my all-time favorite NTS episode. And it's not just for the design, but also for the underlying reason: sustainability and small footprints. All of that wrapped up in a beautiful city. Chef's kiss

[@benleigh8361]

I studied in Athens, and this video brought me back, and made me miss it - thank you. My first week there, a tiny yaya grabbed me in the hallway, dragging downstairs to her apartment. I spoke no Greek, but when I entered, I saw the problem: a plumber had the water heater hanging from the niche as shown in this video. I helped lower it down, and received a kiss on each cheek for my reward. Yassas, Χαίρετε from Santa Cruz

[@laramah6228]

Everything amazing other than the functionality of the kitchen

[@nekpap9345]

Συχγαρητηρια για το ελληνικο πνευμα και την ελληνικη δημιουργικοτητα!

[@tylorphillip]

I really liked how straightforward it actually was. The beauty was in the color choices, the materials, and just maximising what was there. I enjoyed the sink/mirror combo more than I would’ve anticipated.

[@ButacuPpucatuB]

It’s a pleasure to see what was once decrepit as now a peaceful sanctuary. I’m impressed with the pops of bright and fun colours. Most small spaces I’ve seen use a muted or just white colour palette. And bravo on restoring the floors. Beautiful all around. Please convey my compliments to the designers.

[@chastity6062]

Very charming. With fun and inspired uses of color and material.

[@LaurenPlitUK]

So nice to see some colour

[@conniebruckner8190]

Am happy to hear you refurbished what you could. I like how bright and airy it feels. I would have, as others have mentioned, made the bathroom a bit larger, towards the front, added storage areas and put the kitchen ( and used the kitchen bench as additional storage area) where the second bedroom is, with access to second balcony, which alas, you didn't show. Not so sure I would have chosen that pink, but you did that for the client.

[@gracec3418]

I agree with everything you said, Connie. Very moderately - yet honestly, stated. Thank you for articulating so well.

[@suede3910]

i love the color palette in the kitchen, it's very pretty

[@TrollsFormers05]

This is great as it is. If I was the owner I would've turned the second bedroom into an office/library instead.

[@purukoyv458]

design is great, colour combinations not so much

[@farihareza6464]

I love the kitchen and dining area, a very compact design packs a lot of space comfortably without compromising.

[@davidpratt2524]

I got teary eyed watching this there's a warmth and whimsy to this that is so welcoming and whole. The interior colors, flow of traffic, grouping, and light are all done so harmoniously.

[@carlyh6913]

The colours, marble and lamps compliment the existing floors perfectly! Even the Burgundy grout is a beautiful touch. I like that you don't have to go overboard with money to have such personality in your home. I would love to live here!

[@peaceandcalm6928]

Elegant, luxurious simplicity. 🧡

[@coudenhove5096]

So many great architects in Greece!

[@carolynb.9469]

Personally, I love cooking and baking, so I would sacrifice that second bedroom for a larger kitchen. Love the overall vibe, though!

[@eararadith07]

I kind of like this. It's not perfect, and some colour choices are not to my taste, but I still respect the restoration of unused space to turn it into something livable with personality. Kudos for keeping the flooring! If anything, I would've skipped the foyer and tore down the wall segregating the living room, just to open the space up - again personal preference, still like the approach!

[@ackabu]

Absolutely love the use of pink and white

[@Nath_CM]

Very beautiful, and the neighborhood looks amazing

[@fortheloveofdesign6948]

Designers did a fantastic job. They restored what they could and by using locally sourced material they paid homage to the Athenian culture. Bravo 👏

[@TheAndkaren]

Why is no one allowed to smile in this series?

[@Janine6564]

One of my favorites. What a beautiful home. I love everything about it. The colour choices are ingenious. ❤🩷

[@bennovack2812]

Amazing. So many NTS spaces are just stark white and plywood, for reasons that make sense - but this use of color really makes the space feel so lively and comfortable and less like a generic small-space AirBnB. Absolutely love it.

[@rosecolouredglasses]

I like they kept so much of the old flooring

[@amalinaosman6647]

This is my fav since they experiment with pink which is my fav color. I love how the space incorporates the owner's personality very well without overpowering the space.

[@GirishJoshi]

Following you guys for a long time! amazing work and finds all over the world. Keep it up!

[@loupray3130]

This apartment is by far my favorite. The smaller bedroom would be my favorite for reading and napping. The colors are both bold and elegant. Such a soothing space!

[@Kimeesunshine]

The best videos in these channel are the Greek apartment ! I love how unique yet still liveable they look

[@yuanyuanyang7188]

Love the white basic color which stands out the pink and red in a harmonious way

[@musicsavage]

You can give character to a house with just a bold combination of colors. I love the kitchen.

[@franceshanna3724]

My fave so far. Original and respectful to its 1960s origins and yet mindful of contemporary needs. The use of local marble is not only elegant but sustainable. The choice of pink kitchen cabinetry is adds a sense of harmony as it echoes the marble and 1960s terrazzo while adding a sense of playfulness. The removal of walls has maximised the light.

[@zellalaing5439]

I love the colour in this, stunning.

[@Halfmoonbaee]

Finally some color. This channel is all white and light wood with dark kitchens

[@madisonbrown7279]

Love the colour palette of this place, beautiful.

[@angeyoung6410]

Très belle rénovation, ingénieuse et cosy malgré sa modernité ! Bravo à l'architecte...😉

[@Ilselovesall]

This is one of the best and most respectful designs of this page. Too often we see the architects rip up a multi bedroom apartment to make it into a one bedroom space, rarely do we see architects add bedrooms, creating a family home instead. The design is practical and really functional.

[@christianasy7557]

As a person who believes in ghosts, I have to ensure my house is small enough that they can't live in it. This is the one. Lol. Love it!

[@heathertruskinger6214]

What a lovely way to use a space. Really relaxed in colors and tones

[@nouraal6098]

ohhh I love this apartment, it has meany feactures that typically Southern European apartments have like sliding doors that go inside the wall (so practical but I have never seen that here in Germany even in small spaces) and built in wardrobes that go all the way up to the wall. And I love the color combination, such bright and unusual colors without it looking childish

[@Sarah-ew2pp]

Gorgeous playful colours with white. Beautiful. I love it that the marble is unexpectedly part of the colour and not part of the white.

[@jpaleas]

I would love to have an apartment like it in Athens , my birth city! I was tickled to see the old fashioned πατάρι above the bathroom! Great design!

[@9819015]

“We don’t need a lot of space to live well.” So true. We’re about to embark on our own 50m2 renovation in Platia Varnava and we will draw so much inspiration from this Plaka project. Thank you for sharing!

[@boredishfish2717]

This was beautiful! I could imagine living here with my mother, very peaceful where we can each have our own separate spaces but still enjoy time together

[@robertsmiff]

Absolutely stunning! I love the colour choices. So unique.

[@colinakarla]

I get so excited every time I see a new video from you. I'm extremely excited for my NTS book to arrive. The future of our cities is definitely small living.

[@panosatemlos7386]

I WISH Athens was filled with this kind of housing and aesthetics! One of my absolute favorites. So many resources, abandoned buildings going to waste. Kudos ti the architects!

[@helenramsdell1959]

I love how you really took into account the client's personality and needs into the apartment.

[@gougou2169]

Faultless! Beautiful. Spacious and utterly functional. I fell in love from the first second. Well done. X

[@ceciliamata9957]

I love the colours! And that wardrobe interior! That's a wonderful idea for my new apartment.

[@subhajyotisutradhar9199]

The architects are too cute

[@lifesimplybyritaj.7378]

The way they use the color, aesthetically pleasing.

[@Anastasia-gw4hf]

Absolutely beautiful, calm and relaxing place. Love those tiny splashes of color here and there. So well balanced. Gorgeous. Thank you.

[@evdoxiakarakasidis271]

Beautiful work. The space is magic. Cosy yet light and bright. Very lucky client to have such a magic space.

[@arpnarouth2900]

I love this tiny apartment so much. I'm in love with oak wooden floor. Just that the kitchen is quit small and there's almost no storage space just that need to add more storage and pantry space other than that everything is remarkable 👌

[@vianacm]

That marble is absolutely gorgeous, well done!

[@dianashypula]

beautiful! Simply beautiful!

[@hotelierid9029]

I love it. The color choice, I think, make the space look bright, clean, and chic. Small details such as yellow panels for bedroom door, pink knobs on wardrobe, it's the small details that charm the space.

[@SweetManaT]

It’s a fun and cozy space. Though, I couldn’t live without an oven/stove.

[@amy4291]

Wow, great bathroom!

[@swisscoconut8264]

"We didn't want to antagonize the kitchen " 🤣 so cute ! ❤️

[@annemarieegan]

Very nicely done! Love the kitchen and the cohesive use of Ritsona marble throughout.

[@maddscientist3170]

LOTS of abandoned spaces in Athens!! This is a fabulous rehab.& quite a marvelous job working with the limitations of older structures within the city and building codes. Hope to see more in the future.

[@gaIexy]

Can you feature a small living space that ISN'T minimalist? Every single place I've seen here is so minimal, it would be nice to see one that's different. A cluttered, busy, maximalist small space would be so cool to see! : )

[@el_micha]

How about this episode ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHPUaWyYbr-Fh9k

[@tamiweber7118]

Minimalist living and design is beautiful 💯🌟💜🌟💯

[@climhax]

Es hermoso! Debe ser uno de los departamentos que más me ha gustado del canal en el último tiempo