NEVER TOO SMALL: Singapore Graphic Designer’s Maximalist Apartment - 59sqm/635sqft

[@nevertoosmall]

If you’re an architect or designer with a project we could feature, please share it with us at www.nevertoosmall.com/submissions Designer: www.three-d-conceptwerke.com Cinematography: kzbin.info Check out our book and tote - www.nts.store Workspace by Never Too Small - www.nts.space Website www.nevertoosmall.com Instagram instagram.com/nvtsmall Facebook facebook.com/nvtsmall

[@waugse]

I like this cat's home. The cat also looks like a very satisfied client.

[@zentarus]

Overweight for a cat like this shouldn't be pretty healthy bone & spinal wise. Only my opinion. What species is she or him?

[@Jasyoucan]

@@zentarus that’s fluff not fat. 😑

[@ang8564]

❤️

[@wallyyyy3554]

So kind of the cat, to let his roommate stay in there as well :)

[@obidean3964]

The style may not appeal to the predominantly minimalist audience of this channel but one can't argue that this has the most home feel to it. It doesn't try to look perfect with cohesive colours, patterns or having fewer stuff on display in the house for the sake of simplicity. It's just a realistic home with many neat touches to make use of the little space as efficient as possible. This is the new simple. I like it. Also, cute cat is always a bonus 🐱

[@il-ganna]

More than about being minimalist, their is actual clutter in a lot of the space. Considering this is not the tiniest space, it boils down to “bad” habits, or a non-functional layout (or a combination of both). There’s a difference between ‘lived’ and ‘untidy’, and this is definitely the latter i’m afraid. Love the cat of course haha!

[@sounddilemma7559]

This makes sense! I was confused why I don't like it because the concept is neat. But yes it makes sense because it is not minimalistic. I agree that this one is very home-y!!

[@ata13lover]

@@il-ganna There is nothing "untidy" about this, the guy has all of his stuff organized around where it needs to be, that's why keyword 'maximalist' is in the title, the client has many belongings that are clearly placed around the house but it never shows a messy, dirty or unorganized area

[@kaliora7047]

I'm so happy to finally see some maximalist representation on this channel. I'm an artist and have a lot of belongings myself that I want to display. I'm confused by the comments saying this is a mess since the majority of items very clearly have their own "homes" and are put away. Different sensibilities I guess.

[@kaliora7047]

I never realized how different my lived experiences must be from the average person. Not only did I see people complain about clutter, I see a lot of people assume this was a family home based on thinking the collector display items were toys for kids? I thought nerd habits becoming extremely mainstream via things like funko pops put this kind of knowledge in the collective conscious but I guess I was wrong haha

[@silvasilvasilva]

Very much so. For me, clutter and maximalism are in different galaxies, and I'd put this apartment firmly in the former camp (not that it matters, the only people who have to like it are the ones living there).

[@TheCMduck]

Yep, I wouldn't describe this as clutter. Clutter to me is things that don't serve a purpose. Having lots of artwork is up to an individual's taste but definitely serves a purpose in a home.

[@SquirrelNutkins]

It looks like a kindergarten 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@ancaas7945]

This isn't maximalist. It's just a bit (more) cluttered. Maximalism implies curating your space and stuff.

[@Lasercatss]

Although it didn’t have any flashy design or built-in pieces, this was a refreshing look into how a small space can be maximised viewed through a more realistic lens. Yes, it may not be as ‘exciting’, but this in a way is more useful for people looking for tips as this is attainable :)

[@birding_sarah]

I absolutely agree. The nts videos are aesthetically pleasing to look at. But afterwards I find myself more depressed and discouraged than inspired, tbh.

[@marisasm]

The 🐈 is absolutely gorgeous. I particularly liked the wooden cupboard/pantry. I love the fact that these videos show a little bit of the city and the buildings in the area. The temples are beautiful and the contrast with the new buildings is spectacular.

[@menutokitchen]

The clutter is a testimony of a lived-in home here in Singapore because of the small space for generally most families in live in HDBs like these. By far my favourite is the kitchen ‘wardrobe’, it’s like a Polly Pocket for dish-wares and cutleries!

[@Fjord_]

super agree - especially for the foldable kitchen spacious cabinet!

[@piluix]

yes I think its from Bulthaup

[@jormoria]

cat friendly apartment too

[@eyhtwozed2606]

Oh no! There are many maximalist out there and they dont clutter.

[@marig9236]

same

[@tdbaker3564]

a home that is visibly used, individual and lived in. i like minimalism but this, this is a beautiful change from the cookie cutter look. more please!

[@Furnitecture]

Great to see a "lived in" space with the owner's personalities shining through :) The rolling cabinets work really well and I love how they *just* clear the lintel at 0:06 between the two spaces - so satisfying!

[@ghmasterjj]

That’s a great point. NTS viewers have enjoyed a bunch of almost sterile-like tidiness space tours, but this video is more of a realistic depiction of how someone actually lives inside a space. We all have quirky personality and clutter from time to time.

[@9catlover]

The cat is so cute, really enjoying herself. I think this is the modern way to live in a home. I imagine that spaces and objects are all modular and you can edit and re-edit, shift around according to your mood or what you doing from time to time. I love making DIY furniture and i am constantly thinking how i make something functional yet have 2 or 3 purposes to it.

[@EdricHsu]

Finally a relatable Singaporean HDB episode! Interesting pitched roofed movable metal cabinets. Looking forward to more from Singapore!

[@nevertoosmall]

There will be more Singaporean designs on our channel soon, stay tuned!

[@jeffstumpf9129]

Those metal cabinets strongly resemble school lockers.

[@shinhoewong4517]

@@nevertoosmall There are apartments in Singapore that are still smaller. It would be interesting to watch an episode on that kind of space, given how expensive housing has become in Singapore.

[@MsInsanityMadness]

@@nevertoosmall I look forward to that!!

[@rynjahninjah]

@@nevertoosmall Awesome! Can't wait to see more episodes in Singapore

[@glendakwek1069]

Really love the removal of the walls. Makes the HDB flat look so much roomier and brighter. Great job by the architects

[@AM09286]

I love this sort of ‘real’ video so much more than those Australian Airbnbs with zero storage. It’s great to see how people live.

[@glowschannel5012]

The minimalist aesthetic is very popular right now but it isn't for everyone. I love the amount of natural light the apartment had after they removed those walls

[@moroaica3660]

I would literally go insane if I were forced to live minimalist. It's depressing and reminds me of institutions.

[@masamiandmochi5625]

as a fellow cat parent, I really appreciate the fair share of screentime showing the sleepy cat, cat tree, cat toys, and litter box. A well-designed and organised home does not always mean minimalism, especially when you have a cat.

[@tinekejoldersma]

The cats were totally confused the focus wasn't on them. I love the open space, the clean light look, and the comfort of the family and guests. In a tropical, moist climate this house is perfect.

[@jihyenin9405]

Owner of house is definitely a collector. I spy James Jean prints, lots of designer toys and figurines. One of the more personable spaces for sure, lots of personality shining through. Too many small apartments are designed rather too minimalist sometimes. So devoid of personal touches and differences.

[@annam454]

The wholeplace is nice and airy, the natural light in the bathroom is genius, plus the privacy is not compromised while showering......Absolutely love it. Extremely thoughtful of the architect to keep gaps in the doors for ventilation....

[@123Reiny]

Finally a space that is relatable and not overly designed. More of this please! :-)

[@ReynaSingh]

Not sure why there are so many comments referring to clutter. Seems like a normal number of things for a home that is actually lived in

[@kyuuness]

@@amandak.4246 you're not a better person just because you put stuff where you can't see them the house is clean and well-cared for. how are you more tidy just because you put things behind doors?

[@PeachPollux]

Amazing how the space brightened up by removing those heavy wall segregations. The items in the home are a lot, but it's very visually placed so it still looks very beautiful.

[@Fjord_]

Lots of ideas to keep in mind: to have a nice loving fluffy cat around, the foldable incredibly spacious kitchen cabinet, the fact that several tall white cabinets are on wheels -meaning you can easily move these around as you need, also the fact that these white tall cabinets on wheels have an uniquely shaped raised-top -> kind of oblique, letting light pass over, and occasionally constituting the ideal place to lay a hat 3:38. (The only no-no for me would be the open shelving/displaying of shoes at 2:27)

[@llllllllll270]

Those aren't just shoes. It seems to be a sneaker collection. :P

[@amc4412]

i’m amazed by how they were able to make it to much brighter than it was originally

[@Fjord_]

@@llllllllll270 yes, the majority are sneakers, but not all.

[@MaraMara89]

top of those cabinets also looks unfriendly to cat - so s/he will not lie there and have problems to go down (cat owners struggles) XD

[@Fjord_]

@@MaraMara89 True but the cat has... alternatives: Premium cat tree (0:04), plus the wooden spacious kitchen cabinet to explore. And fluffy Whitey seems to be okay with the loft-like-layout...

[@sarahclarke7372]

OMG that cat!😍 It's really helpful to see a maximalist apartment, I love the clean lines and elegance of minimalism but I know I can't live like that. This apartment has similar feels but the clients obviously enjoy creating a space filled with an intentional, curated collection of objects that hasn't compromised the space. Thank you😀

[@skogsra5252]

As someone with ASD, I find these videos incredibly relaxing when I'm in a state. I seriously think this channel has become my special interest. Thank you so much!

[@tobias-hastings]

Absolutely love this apartment. It's so open and bright, the space is well thought out and the furniture flexible to allow for changes whenever they're needed.

[@ryebee64]

Im so in love with the amount of soft natural light and how its just one big space, but also allows small pockets of privacy when needed.

[@feliciaiskandar]

I love the brown cabinet to keep all kitchenware tidy and out of sight. It also keeps the dust away.

[@TrishhMakes]

I actually love this place. it look lived in, not like most places we see. I also like very much how they implemented the safety of the cat into the design.

[@kyuuness]

Some of y'all need reminders that western minimalism as an aesthetic rather than specifically a lifestyle choice to consume less is a form of peak privilege to not be required to have things around and the ability to purchase/discard them at will because cost is not an issue :) If a person's lovely-designed home which is clean and well-cared for is giving you an anxiety, maybe you should ask yourself why having less stuff is apparently a form of superior aestheticism?

[@Soulstice1319]

k.👍

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

You can definitely tell that this home was designed and not just drawn, as there's a real creativity of function left up to the owners. The open 'loft vibe' of the space is also a nice contrast to the buzzing life of the city and the exterior design of the building itself. I would have put in sliding doors rather than curtains as space dividers, so the sound would also be isolated, but on the other hand the curtains adds a much needed softness to the space. Overall this is really well designed! On a side note, it's pretty crazy that this guys door number is over 8000! lol

[@MultiAng3l0]

that number doesnt represent the number of apartments tho

[@firminamino1566]

It's 8th floor, unit 214. It usually reads #08-214. Owner customized that.

[@mariesong729]

Very nice use of space. I like how the cat was determined to be in most of the shots

[@mridul7639]

Some people are being too mean. I like that you feature a range of different living spaces. This apartment isn't perfect (not minimal like a show home, some mismatched furniture) but realistically most homes aren't perfect. It's okay if you don't like it personally but don't be too harsh, it's someones loved home. Also, its asian culture to not have a bare house.

[@shopgirl6183]

No, it's not always Asian culture to not have a bare house. A lot of Singaporeans here actually prefer minimalist/scandi homes. This homeowner has a lot of items because of their job as mentioned in the title and video. They collect things because they love design. Not all Asians, or even people, are as artsy. If you don't live in Singapore, don't speak for us. Thank you.

[@matthias8122]

I love how much everyday life stuff we can see in this apartment. Some of the places on here look too stark or hotel-like. I often wonder if the owners remove all their personal items before filming or if they just don’t have any personal items.

[@linjaysha]

That gorgeous cat was everything! 🐈😻💖💓🧡

[@tuppence937]

Someone sign that cat up now to a modeling agency! I agree. That cat is everything - and more!

[@daniellebissonnette3304]

This concept is all about the clever furniture pieces, which can be moved around. This enables the owners to adapt the space to their evolving needs. How clever! The white terrazzo floors tempers the maximalist decor. I like it, it feels homey.

[@miccocruz]

Would love more of these! It's great to see designs that account for our type of heat and humidity

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

I had to watch again - the first time I kept looking for where the kitty went.

[@ArkayeCh]

Didn't expect maximalist showcase here. This is so cool!

[@victoremisho9432]

Weird that this had to be the video to bring tears to my eyes. Such a beautiful home and well done video. ❤️

[@gayatoro2332]

In Singapore, at last!!!! I HAVE BEEN SO IMPATIENTLY waiting for this! Ok, let's calm down and watch it first😉

[@nevertoosmall]

Hope you like it!

[@gayatoro2332]

@@nevertoosmall I DID, I loved it! Man, those cabinets are real treasure! Even though the 70s is not my taste at all, so I struggle with the brown shade and the tiles, but hello, the apartment has turned into a spacious, open, inviting and livable space. It is soo amazing to see the former narrow, sad, dark and closed up rooms turn into a real nice space! Good job! Oh and the cinematography and editing is just ....amazing! So calming to watch! Watching Never Too Small is my way to relax and reset.

[@veryclaro]

I am watching this again. This project makes me smile everytime I watch this video. :)

[@smallsp525]

I like that this apartment actually looks lived in. You can see the residents' stuff in ways not usually shown in architecture videos.

[@TamaraJoy7]

I am a huge fan of furniture on wheels!! I’d wake up everyday and think “ooo cool! How am I going to configure my space today!?” I loved the pointed top on those white cabinets, the white floor and the lighting! It’s so much fun and very interesting to see how people live in different parts of the world and of course all the clever designers ideas!

[@SF-ru3lp]

I really do love the concept of movable storage elements functioning as space dividers BUT the 'styling' of this apartment wouldn't be to my taste. I would find the apartment would scramble my brain because so many random items are on view the whole time. The openable kitchen unit is ingenious! (There was a mention of a curtain to hide 'unsightness'... sorry, the curtain wouldn't hide enough for me to feel calm in this apartment). Nice concept though. I do appreciate the videos. G Ire

[@plannerheaux]

i think it's nice for a change that a place looks actually 'lived in' with things thrown about as opposed to past places that look like stale display suites in magazines. i appreciate the realistic home in this video.

[@SquirrelNutkins]

Yeah. Looks like an early childhood education centre.

[@shionmoon384]

Yeah, I also share the same view as you.. those space is nice, however I don't think I want to raise a family in there. Me and wife is good, but +children in there is not ideal for me

[@emziegirl1977]

@@SquirrelNutkins true 😅

[@juanadearco6356]

Large moveable storage furniture wouldn't work in earthquake prone locations. Luckily Singapore doesn't fall in that scope.

[@von186]

omg finally a house that looks more lived in, like it didn't come from a magazine shoot. so much more relatable for my cluttered nature

[@notoriousfierce]

Glad to see this house isn't trying to impress but to maximise the spaces they have. Realistic and smart!

[@Lisatheecologist]

I love the scratching posts on the bed frame

[@wwaxwork]

I love the cabinets, the sloping tops made them blend into the walls more r than a more traditional flat top and made them look like built in units. It's a very clever idea. There are a few things I would have done different decor wise, but you can tell it's a young couple and it's decorated to their tastes. The design is very clever and I love the idea of having such a large space to do with what you wanted by just moving things around. It made the small space feel huge.

[@LaSorciereFeuillue]

I love how homey this place is; even with a 'resale white' floor. A lounge that looks like people actually relax on it. Very clever strategies to maximise the space.

[@352marshall]

Very generous of the cat to let the hooman stay in as well

[@theallybelly]

Perforated sheets at the windows - also prevents mosquitoes and insects from flying in. Love it.

[@crashlikewaves]

I really loved the lighting in this apartment - the lightbulbs and the way natural light was used.

[@CK_1144]

Love the two rolling tables/desk to fit into a larger dining table for guests!

[@amyoungil]

Has a feel of a display shop, to me. Like a store that's white so the colorful objects are the focus. I really liked the artwork in both black and white frames.

[@geriattrique7141]

What a dramatic transformation, especially with the impact of light! The bathroom is amazing! And I’m happy to see the client’s personality infused in the space. While I like minimalism, not all of us live that way! And this reflects a creative person’s space. The cat looks happy, too!

[@jsd4544]

Marvelous. Unlike a lot of other examples on this channel, this looks like it's actually being lived in and used. The concept of the space seems like a concrete success rather than a pleasant abstraction.

[@MissRichox]

this was not my style BUT I totally see how this designer really worked to the clients wants and needs. The found a functional and multipurpose way to structure the entire space and that is truly amazing!

[@YT-GuestAccount]

I don't mind the clutter bc I love when there is room for personal style/(furniture) additions, but 1) it's pretty spacious and 2) the open bathroom and kitchen concept is a screaming no-no (although I like the glass block design) - how could anybody think it's a good idea?

[@olderandwiser333]

I love this. It's a real home instead of a showplace. And it is still beautiful and stylish, as well as functional.

[@evirosy5531]

Wow...so family friendly-kids,pets,so futuristic...love It as lot!!!

[@aluap9079]

I LOVE the kitchen and bathroom. The deconstructed thing really works

[@zeusfajardo9800]

This is home. This home evokes emotions, story and artistry.

[@lynnblack6493]

Well done. Seemed very spacious and light!

[@Anare7]

Thanks never too small for showcasing ways to reimagine small spaces

[@kaisquared3867]

This was charming. It feels lived in, which you don't get a lot.

[@inggitanotosusanto6448]

furnitures and space design are brilliant. love the solution for the cat (the bathroom space, the kitty litter), also the little things like the kitchen shelves and the bathroom mirror. love the way the interior designer also talk about the neighborhood and the purposeful trend of ppl living in old buildings to enliven the hood.

[@ap85jp87]

This has to be one of my favorite spaces - the storage is phenomenal!

[@WVWArchterior]

This is so cool! I like the brightness of the room with lots of windows. It is beautiful and stylish, as well as functional.

[@ShweMyaukMyauk]

People mistaken lived in with clutter. There’s a difference.

[@MisterLooKass]

As much as I appreciate the various practical elements to this, and the fact that it wasn't just another overly minimal white box space, this just looks chaotic to me. Nothing matches except for the modular furniture, whose starkness and movability, along with all the stuff everywhere in seemingly no set place, make the space resemble a charity shop. I think this may be the first time I've ever preferred the 'before' photos!

[@rainbowl4745]

The cat clearly approves and enjoys the design❤️

[@annyaty5408]

Now we talking, i have waiting for singapore hdb flats to be review for so long in this channel. I love the bathroom idea, it looks spacious and privacy. Exactly the same house type i have, cool.

[@pascalejacquelinepetit5131]

Great brightness and use of materials; happy to see the owner is also a Tintin fan!

[@bugiz187]

I really love the peacefullness of the videos on this channel!

[@ac444]

although this design isn't my style, i like that it looks lived in and has distinctive sections within an open space. i kinda wish they had gone for semi-sheer white curtains though so the light could partially come through. and of course, the cat is perfection 🖤

[@LogicvsLuxury]

i want those cabinets! the pitched roof for dust is a brilliant add.

[@brendawhite3156]

Love the all white. Looks very clean, crisp and refreshing. Love the glass-tile blocks too!! 👍💖

[@ookamichan16]

I love this one. It's nice and open, but I love that it is truly lived in. There's a story and personality behind every item in the home and I love trying to read it

[@eatplaydecorate]

Those storage units are such a great idea. Opening up the space really helped to brighten up this apartment. Great job 👍

[@butterflymoon6368]

Singapore is SO CLEAN!

[@julielawson5971]

This apartment is wonderful and must be a joy to live in. The LED lighting looks great. The cabinets are fun, as well as the tall cat tower. I've never been a fan of white (a renter's standard colour) but here it's really effective. Of course the muggy is the star of the show.

[@shonafordyce3864]

This is incredible! Love the design. Looks so bright and practical but also cosy.

[@mikiyachi2]

Finally a maximalist home to contrast all the minimalist homes 🏠 Cat seems to really enjoy it as well

[@Frondlock]

Small space does not need to be minimalistic. It's a great example. As always, thanks for your work

[@yogeshwarihozumi8980]

Full of practical ideas 💡 Looks cozy and stylish at the same time. So nice!

[@margotp.6291]

Finally one video showing a house where real people actually live 🎉. Sure, to me it seems pretty packed with stuff - actually satisfying that not everyone is on zero owning level 😊. Nit sure if I really like this design but there are lots if very interesting points there.

[@AngeliqueFelice]

The client has GREAT taste in art and cats!

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

Yes, this apartment is cluttered but the owner is a graphic designer so that makes sense to me. All that color and texture works for him and I appreciate that the apartment actually looks like someone lives there. The kitchen and bathroom are lovely. The one thing I have never liked are curtains to divide a space. They always look like an afterthought, especially the one in the kitchen in this case. If covering up a mess is the goal, some type of frosted plexiglass sliding panels would make the space look more polished and still allow light to the other spaces.

[@LitteJeanie]

I covet that timber cabinet. What a beauty.

[@irisaguilar5073]

Finally, a maximalist in a tiny space. This is by far the home I relate to the most.

[@lrchan6180]

Cant take my eyes off from the cat... what a cutiiiiieeeee

[@Nath_CM]

Absolutely beautiful, so full of life!

[@tamiweber7118]

Very nice and so many unique features 💯🌟💜🌟💯💯

[@kiwiAF]

good to finally see something that is not the sterile minimalist spaces designed for instagram rather than for living

[@sumar207]

Very interesting housing solutions for this type of high-rise. Gorgeous cat, too. Really liked to see those townhomes with the colorful spiral staircases, it would be lovely to tour one of those!

[@startpage717]

Beautiful how the space was redone but there (to me) is a lot of stuff and random things around...

[@奥田千佳子]

Clever ideas...How flexible spaces created by wheeled modular furniture. The monotone colour scheme, apart from some wooden ones also helps not being cluttered.

[@tannyainthecity]

ooohh that is probably in my top five bathroom design in this channel. it's so well-lit and perfectly tucked in the corner like a solved rubik's cube. if the owner of the house see this comment, please pet the cat for me! that floofball stole my heart!

[@tricialow217]

I like how beautifully cluttered this home is. Very lovely, thanks for sharing this treasure box with me!

[@wojciechwilimowski985]

Very refreshing after all this minimalism