NEVER TOO SMALL: Self Taught Interior Designer’s Apartment, Hong Kong - 48sqm/516sqft

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Home to self taught interior designer Daphney Ho, this 48sqm apartment's diamond-shaped layout has been expertly maximized with sliding doors through-out; alongside arches and curves that soften its irregular shape. The living area has been raised on a wooden platform and features a custom made sofa with built in storage. A shoe cabinet, cleverly angled away from the wall, forms the back of the sofa whilst providing extra storage at the entrance. To maximize the dining space, Ho opted for a round dining table and curved booth seating that fit neatly into the corner of the room. An arched doorway leads to the apartment’s two bedrooms, where their sliding doors are concealed as fluted wall panels. The main bedroom was designed to fit a king sized bed, while the second contains no fixed furniture and functions as a multi-use space and dressing room, purposefully designed to be flexible in future, and change as the needs of its owners do.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Project Name: LC21
Architect: www.falworks.com
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: www.ours80s.com/
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: Aurora by Adi Goldstein & Goodness by Simon Wester

[@thisiscuvo]

The odd shape of the apartment contributes more to the uniqueness of it. This is one of the best apt I've ever seen on this channel. Beautiful and very livable.

[@valeriegalchenko2360]

self interior designers (= amateur) design the house. prof architects make the spaces. quite a difference.

[@lipchenthecat]

I think so too! It has lots of storage but it still looks light, airy and minimal. Great job!

[@thisiscuvo]

@@valeriegalchenko2360 what does that have to do with anything I said?

[@valeriegalchenko2360]

@@thisiscuvo the space is neither beautiful nor livable (well, sleeping next to toilet partition is a big no)

[@thisiscuvo]

@@valeriegalchenko2360 okay thats your opinion, doesnt have to make it like everyone else have to agree 😂

[@tkcldk]

i'm so impressed that every corner of such a unique shaped apartment is fully maximized

[@queenie2668]

The diamond shape apartment was a such pain for designing but the lady did an amazing job to utilize all the space without having useless or awkward corner. All the curves, colours, lightings, fluted surface and functionality are very well thought through and balanced. This self-taught interior designer totally deserves an award.

[@bakeraus]

Angles, curves are horrible for walls to get anything to fit. Need custom made a lot of the time and a very skilled craftsperson

[@ameliaheart5091]

I’m not an interior designer so I don’t know how much of a pain it is, when I saw the layout I thought “wow! This must be so much fun to design, as a challenge”😂 meanwhile me, having a 50sqm L-shaped apartment struggling to even get a feng shui layout in my easy space

[@yfaitube]

Omg she is a self taught interior designer but her design is top notch. While this apartment is by no means small by HK standard she really excels in using the space in such a way that you marvel at her thoughtfulness. That bathroom and dining room make a small space seem huge.

[@upgradestore8785]

I'm from HK too, but don't live there anymore. I couldn't have said it better.

[@AmyAnnetteHenion]

This apartment is my new favorite on the channel. It's warm and modern but the aesthetic isn't trying too hard. It will age well and never look dated. I love the inclusion of Japanese home design elements.

[@Kirschkuchen31]

Definitely my new favourite as well, she did a great job!

[@OldSchoolAnni]

Same, there’s so many clever solutions and it’s so personalized, nothing seems random. Truly inspirational.

[@ameliaheart5091]

Agreed! So refined and timeless, calm and functional. In 200 years this will still be classy and beautiful.

[@calsonwalter8733]

ya same here... this is second favorite.. first favorite from HK too from this channel. that green color interior and bed room is three house kind..

[@laxlax9]

@@calsonwalter8733 hello, do you mind sharing your 1st favorite you mentioned? I am looking for inspirations. Thanks!

[@filenotfound6203]

For a small space, this apartment has seemingly endless surprises tucked away! I love how light it, and the designer did an amazing job turning a diamond-shaped footprint into a series of soft curves.

[@lunatickgeo]

The genius of this design, is it takes the strangeness of the space and makes it look intentional and aesthetically pleasing, so instead of it being "badly or weirdly laid out" it just works like it's always been meant that way. I also love the choice of colors, materials, and the choices of how things fit. If I had the means, I'd hire Ms. Ho to design my home and this is the first time I've ever said that in all the videos I've seen.

[@lunatickgeo]

@@chemicalfrankie1030 yes, the layout is weird, so what did she do? she chose furniture and added arches that complemented the layout. I was speaking of _interior_ _design_ not architecture

[@theresabu3000]

I especially loved to bedroom/closet /bathroom corner. If you don't have many clothes that could be enough to house everything you need in a very small space. It utilises the free space to walk for several nooks (shower, toilet, closet and wash basin) and optimizes the space completely. And the sliding wood doors 😍😇 wish we had more of those in that quality we I'm from.

[@BalanceChen87]

The most inspiring line from this episode: "I'm a self-taught interior designer..."

[@James-In-Exile]

I had the same thought! It's very inspiring.

[@valeriegalchenko2360]

and it shows

[@goldenbox7803]

@@valeriegalchenko2360 Yes, as there are no egotistical statements just understated functionality.

[@valeriegalchenko2360]

@@goldenbox7803 yes, 1) there is no buffer between the so called bedroom (the space has no air movement and sf does not meet the code) and bathroom and this is such a AMATEUR move, and 2) the ugly shaped hallway platform is a perfect trapping hazard for everyone

[@josephogbeide1485]

@@valeriegalchenko2360 It would be a trap for everyone if everyone was invited, which clearly isn’t the case.

[@by_sha]

So many genius ideas packed in this space! Love the foldable dish drying rack, the hidden shoe box stack, and uneven working desk, and the snack nook. Oh and not to mention the bathroom area, it's just next level zen. Daphney absolutely killed it.

[@charmainem1277]

My family lives in this complex and it’s amazing to see how she’s been able to utilise the awkward shape of the unit to her advantage. Love the thoughtful touches and great use of space.

[@judedowney4078]

Congratulations on what has become my favourite small space! This also makes a strong case for self taught designers. There is much to admire. My favourites were the fluted panel sliding doors, the use of curves and the curve structures and the couch which looks so comfortable.

[@cmitchell7347]

For being self-taught, she's extremely talented. Better than many small spaces, done by professionals, on the channel. Such a unique floor plan. Other than the raised platform, over which I'd surely trip, the flow was so creative. (As someone with perhaps five pairs of footwear... alllll those shoes!)

[@juliamckechnie256]

It feels like a calm ,yet practical residential space. She's very creative.

[@zacharylamlik]

So beautiful. Unlike other home that pretty much have nothing even the owners claims to be living there for over 5 years, you can still see a lot of stuff (like the shoes) but hidden in a smart way.

[@junehulton9776]

Wow....what a fabulous transformation....clean fresh... natural light..and great ways to designate zones ..areas around the home..space in storage has been successfully used and the design is perfect... The sliding doors extremely functional and work well ..the bathroom is much bigger than expected. .it's been cleverly designed and styled. ..I could live there

[@chuerpan1858]

Havent seen a design this perfect for a while. Aesthetic 10/10, functionality 10/10, healthy (non toxic material) 10/10 !!!!

[@EthanUslabar]

THIS is the best NTS I've ever seen. I particularly loved the fluted doors in the bathroom/leading to the bedroom and that the second bedroom was rather unfinished. Not every space needs to be 100% perfect, and in an apartment this fantastic, it still serves its purpose.

[@BP-xe7dw]

Very well thought out. I can only imagine how many times you have drawn and redrawn the space. The final result is amazing. Bravo.

[@elleteo]

Easily one of the best I’ve seen on NTS over the years that I had to rewatch it as to relish the designer’s talent . There’re so many outstanding elements of this project that makes it a model ‘real livable’ small space - Form with style ( Japandi elements , fluted panels, no weird boxes / quirky mix of colors ) -Smart adoption of customization to utilize every kink and corner -Comfort ! ( finally a big sofa with a view that can double up as a rest couch ), and a cushy dining area -Large bathroom with an onsen tub -Privacy with sliding door / frosted glass option - Windows and light And the most amazing of it … Lots of clothes and shoes !

[@alexmayer9159]

@@chemicalfrankie1030 No kids, no pets and no shoes in the house... why should the sofa not be white?

[@alexmayer9159]

@@chemicalfrankie1030 I always wear jeans, I also have a white sofa, and not once has it discoloured because of it 🤣 And no, we don't eat on the sofa, that's what the table is for. Drink, yes, but if that's your issue, you can also never wear white clothes or own white pillows, rugs or anything else 🤷‍♀

[@saikogrrl]

This is such a clever and elegant use of space, I love all the natural curves, even in the mirror! The couch is well designed, and it's one of the few space saving couches I've seen that actually looks comfortable 😊

[@kealani6535]

This is a much more efficient design than the other houses you've featured. The use of natural materials in the wet room and on the walls is very smart too. I was surprised to see that they have so many shoes!!

[@ingusch3783]

This is such a beautiful design! I love how she stuck to a more minimalistic / simple colour palette and materials, but still made the apartment reflect lots of warmth and cosiness with the plants, the specific choice of wood and colours and the uniquely shaped furniture.

[@Lea-SHSUM]

This is mind blowing, so many little surprises tucked away throughout the entire apartment. This is the definition of fully maximising the use of space

[@Tetrick25]

Really good. Not only working around the silly Corners but inculing them into the design Language. Ant the hidden AC, The visually "stuck in the wall" TV Lowboard and so much more. I appreciated this one!

[@BalanceChen87]

More of these diamond shaped apartments transformed by brilliant Hong Kong people please ❤

[@SabineGutsche-c2x]

This apartment is one of my favorites. I love the chosen materials, the design, the light- and brightness of the place. Big complements to the self taught designer. I always believed that you are best in what you do, when you follow your passions!

[@tessan613]

Amazing! 🤩 This is one of the most appealing homes I've ever seen! Beautiful yet practical. The use of wood really makes it feel like a warm and welcoming home ❤️

[@ZahraThania]

so beautiful & unique! i can’t believe she is self taught

[@susanwong1444]

This is one of the best uses of space design and layout I've seen on this channel. The sofa! The uneven-footed desk! That wall of shoes! So many workable, subtle and clever storage and living solutions. It feels so fresh and modern in such an unpretentious way. Plus---king bed.

[@jacquelinelun4049]

Hi I am a honger.... My friend used to live where you live and I could never imagine the toilet can be done that way!!! |Great job and I am so inspired...I wanna show my friends because the couple lived there from the day he got married until relocating the family of 4 to Aussie. I am sure watching your video will bring back a lot of their shared memories.

[@truegreen7]

This has become my favorite apartment on NTS. Exactly my taste in form, color, space and function. Truly impressive.

[@tinekejoldersma]

This is an apartment designed by a female, cozy, light airy, and stuffed with tricks to make life easier. Those butterfly-shaped apartments are so difficult to transform, she nailed it. Well done, to me you deserve the title of interior designer fully.

[@brandofhero]

This design is not only pleasing on the eye, but you can tell that every square inch of space is fully utilized - which is a luxury in HK. Brava!

[@belleville1805]

I really, really loved the way she explained why she did things that she did. It makes sense and looks so lovely

[@Artix13]

This is an absolutely phenomenal project. So cosy and pretty, love all the Japanese inspirations. It’s also packed with clever, space-saving ideas and looks perfectly fine to live in. The before-and-after was shocking, what a transformation! Truly excellent.

[@orlando1a1]

What a fantastic apartment - so well considered and thought out. It's a wonderful balance of minimalism combined with practical use. Walking through the front door must really feel like walking into a haven of peace and tranquillity. Daphney Ho is a talented interior designer indeed.

[@pauz6864]

It opened my mind on the options that we can take advantage on each area, doesn’t matter their shape, we can modélate and design a perfect space that can fit on it and provides a functional and lovely space

[@YsraelCastro]

Absolutely amazing. One of the best apartments. Brilliant ideas that maximize the space and peaceful colors.

[@aananasjuice]

this is one of the most beautiful interior decoration i've ever seen. the colour combination and the way each corner was filled give a sense of softness and peace, while also being pretty firm. i'm obsessed. currently stalking all the never too small videos as i'll have to decorate my new house soon, the insipiration you could draw is literally infinite

[@natashafigueroa9198]

One of the best small home designs I have ever seen, and i LOVE that she is a self-taught designer, as I am. There are so many brilliant details in this home. I am truly and well inspired!

[@SpiceScholar]

Wow this was a triumph of design! I've lived in HK and know the small space limitations all too well. This is top-notch space use. Tasteful, cozy, and inviting. The cleaver ways she managed to create rooms within each nook that perfectly align. Absolutely adore the raised platform and living room situation. The dining corner and snack bar are beautifully integrated. The bathroom and sliding door concept phenomenal. This is by far one of the best designs I've seen in a long time.

[@stuartglover98]

there's lots to admire. I particularly like the fluted panelling. my questions are about raised living platform breaking up an already small lounge and whether enlarging the bathroom by taking away all the storage for bedroom one, kind of means that bedroom 2 is now just inevitably a dressing room for bedroom 1 -- and can't ever really be a true second bedroom?

[@stevefox408]

I love the way this turned out and her changes have made it a far more comfortable space for her to live in but I do agree with you. It's easier to convert a 2 bed to a 1 bed and feel like it's spacious with all clutter hidden. That said, the bedroom with the king size bed could become a kids room with a single bed plus storage in the future meaning it could still be used by a young family. Instead of "borrowing" space for a generous shower and bath area from the bedroom, I would have considered just borrowing enough for a shower cubicle and leaving the area occupied by the bath as storage for the bedroom instead. Great job!

[@gloriousmettle4014]

This space tremedously helped me figure out the new layout for my home. I was hesitant to have a smaller place but this video inspired me to expand my visions of what's possible. It's functional and cozy. I want to work with her!

[@saikogrrl]

So jealous of the bathroom, stunning Japanese style, and even a soaking tub in such a small space! 🤩

[@sarahlew1168]

The fluted sliding doors are genius. Very aesthetically pleasing to look at yet very functional. One of the most functional spaces we've seen yet

[@robertw1524]

Exquisite simplicity and elegance. So well thought out and beautifully executed. Bravo !

[@KompletterGeist]

that is the most satisfying interior design i've ever seen. amazing work and thinking with the wooden step up to the living room area

[@cindyboughen9933]

This apartment is absolutely brilliant! The designer has thought of everything to make the space beautiful and functional 😍

[@nickigna]

The lime plaster white color of the floor and walls is soothing, while the gold and wood used to accent specific parts of the kitchen sink, doors, couch, wet room, etc simply pops and is gorgeous. Very soothing

[@jele77]

Very smart design, it seems highly optimized and very cosy. Only thing i would improve would be to also have cushions in front of the window next to the sofa as the perfect reading nook

[@AnupamAdkeM---]

I was just blown when you said we also have a closet ... and the way you planned things rough before by using foldable things first and temporary containers to just plan and curate before going in final such a good home really very liveable just loved it each and every bit ❤

[@patrickleung3255]

Despite the irregular shape of the apartment, the design looks incredibly balanced. Everything is in great harmony

[@franklyancel4129]

I have loved A LOT of the homes on this channel, but this is my absolute favourite. Stunning and unique, and so well designed the whole way through.

[@ceemalnaqvi7463]

Honestly, love how even for a small apartment it does not give a crumpled up space, no clutter, and adequate use of space, plus white interior and enough lightning makes it appear very spacious. Love how calming the whole episode felt.

[@tobias-hastings]

Fantastic use of space and recreation of the apartment into somewhere that feels warm and homely.

[@onepiecebarca]

Definitely one of the best if not the best apartment i've seen here. And she's self taught...man props to her. Amazing stuff

[@squa_81]

6:19 The dish rack over the sink is a fantastic idea for saving counter space regardless of the size of the apartent! I think It would need to be bigger (Wider and maybe adding a second level to it to make it viable for beeing a bit lazy with washing the dishes) I will be adding this to my next apartment!

[@YouMadWildForThatTho]

That curved raised floor SMOOTHLY segueing into the arched doorframe is BEYOND perfect... simply amazing!!

[@selenapb5243]

What a beautiful space! I love the soft lines and curves that are used throughout. The custom couch and bench seating are brilliant spaces that double as storage. Great work by a self-taught designer!

[@meehanasap]

Such a warm, calm vibe. The wood, the level change, the custom solutions. Love it.

[@031neezy]

brilliant. love the entrance, very well designed. I was a bit worried at first when looking at the floor plans with the entryway to the living room. but it's just very well-thought-out problem-solving in an aesthetic way. well done, would live there 10/10 :D

[@Vkthr-xi]

This is probably my favourite episode ever, every single thing about this apartment seems so well thought and I especially like how bright and light it looks

[@annamcarthur3409]

I LOVE this apartment. Such a good use of an awkward space. It feels warm and welcoming. My only reservation is the bathroom opening to the living area. Otherwise it's a beautiful apartment.

[@auricia201]

And once you're inside the wet zone of the bathroom (shower) you can't slide the closet door for privacy 🫤

[@jmc8076]

@@auricia201 @7:44 closet door can be used for privacy.

[@auricia201]

@@jmc8076I suppose you meant this 7:37 yes, I know, but it seems hard to slide the door from the inside. Well, but at least the door opens to the inside

[@helenross3037]

very practical and pretty! so many houses don't feel very lived in, this is clearly perfectly functional for the couple.

[@russoprimera]

I’m a simple man. I see a NTS upload, I click “play”

[@thebellyslap]

Wow. What an original statement.

[@VoroninHop]

One of my favourite apartments so far on this channel. It's so cleverly designed, it looks much bigger than it is. I also get the feeling it is very homely & comfortable.

[@fshbulb1]

This apartment is just amazing. They've managed to make something so calming and beautiful, and still packed in a huge amount of storage. Just stunning

[@allie1953]

Excellent design! The space was simple but not sterile nor cold. The wood created warmth. A very warm and welcoming home! The home owner is very gifted.

[@ADUMasteryforDIYers]

Great space saving ideas! I can definitely relate to the challenge of maximizing space in a small area. Partly inspired by the compact apartments in Hong Kong, I just finished transforming my 200 sq ft garage into a tiny house! The bathroom itself is only 4x7 feet, but I feel we created a 'luxury oasis'! I've created a couple videos about my garage transformation process to provide inspiration for small space living!

[@nurugizani3075]

Link please

[@isabelasiqueira5405]

this apartment is BRILLIANT absolutely astounding

[@jessisoffline]

The curves and angular details contribute such a beautiful rhythm to this space. I LOVE the arch doorway, and THAT COUCH is so sexy 😂.

[@martynsylvester5102]

The sliding doors, the wood panelling, the vertical storage sliding unit in the kitchen, absolutely love this apartment ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jennycampbell5236]

Whilst I really like this apartment I wonder if it is difficult to change linens on a bed with no space on either side. I really love the bathroom as I am familiar with Japanese bathrooms.

[@conniebruckner8190]

was thinking the same thing about the bed. I didn't see a night table nor shelf either. Maybe they have something like a tray on the floor?

[@TanyaEJ]

This is one of my most favorite spaces; the curves, the arches, the functionality - j'adore!!

[@noapoleon_]

9/10: -1 point for not utilizing galvanized square steel, eco friendly wood veneer and screws borrowed from his aunt

[@Quillswift]

Wonderfully light, practical, and cosy! The beautiful design makes it look so spacious. One of my favourites on this channel.

[@inuhundchien6041]

Dang the have so much shoes for two people 9:00

[@PaulaLopez-gq5ki]

She used every corner in the apartment so the whole space has a great funcionality and it looks really comfortable. Also she separated the spaces throught materiality which is really interesting, it's another way to have the sensation of going from a space to another. And having open spaces gives a lot of natural lighting.

[@danielcheng769]

The only thing I'd change is to get rid of the raised platform flooring in the living room, definitely a tripping hazard.

[@swerves]

Those wooden fluted doors look like GOLD. Everything about this apartment is magic. Love it.

[@Panador444]

9:43 there are so many shoes.........

[@IdeaShortcut]

Impressive that one of the best designs I've seen in this channel comes from a self taught interior designer

[@easternbrown]

That's a lot of shoes for a small footprint apartment

[@janecunningham8665]

Love how the designer uses corners in such creative and visually interesting ways. The space feels so open while providing great space saving solutions. Desk sitting on the bay window - brilliant!

[@MikhailProskalov]

Small is 29sqm, 40+ is a lot

[@GordonShamway1984]

this blew me away. every inch is thought trough. more than wonderful work!

[@kndawsey]

I love this so much, so elegant and trendy with out trying.

[@AliyaBurkit]

Omg so aesthetic! Transformed a small space beautifully!

[@mrtablesawful]

I admire your ability to see the potential in a space and to create something beautiful that previously did not exist. We'll done. It is lovely.

[@globeandforks]

Great design. Says a lot about how creative the designer is! One of the smartest designs I’ve seen here considering the not so normal floor plan of the apartment

[@analilla]

Already said by so many but I have to comment it too - this is my new favorite small space! The thoughtfulness and practicality are placed on a premium without sacrificing design! Bravo

[@PatricePoliquin]

The living room design with an upper floor is genious! Nicely done for this appartment.

[@luisareis562]

it's one of the best I've seen here in the channel! in love with how huge, calming, functional it became

[@PatriciaSigaki]

Beautiful place and it gives the impression of having a very peaceful atmosphere as well. She's very talented!

[@helene7672]

The apartment feels huge. Love everything about it especially the raised platform and the fluted doors.

[@moua0067]

This is seriously my favorite one ever on this channel! And I've been following this channel from its beginning.

[@dcoughla681]

The apartment is elegant & chic. I love the neutral palette throughout & how you dealt with the irregular shape of the space to maximise storage. Well done.

[@tearlesereph]

This apartment's perfect! The aesthetic is cozy and comfortable, I love the way the bedroom/bathroom concept is set up. The only thing I would change is the raised platform in the living room, because it looks like it's quite high

[@myqueen_RegineVelasquez]

Everything about this exudes serenity and security.

[@timepi437]

Evidence that you can live small but still have a generous shoe collection. Another wonderful example of clever design in an unusual floorplan, an apartment that actually looks lived in, yet still warm, bright and serene. I especially love the bench couch and how it integrates the entry cabinet. One of my new NTS favourites.