NEVER TOO SMALL: Self-Taught Interior Decorator’s Cozy Rental Apartment, Berlin 50sqm/528sqft

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In Schöneberg, Berlin, interior decorator Kateryna has transformed a cosy 1912 apartment into an intensely personalised space without making any major structural changes. Creating separate living, dining and sleeping spaces within the apartment's largest room has been neatly accomplished with the addition of a set of large IKEA cabinets that split the space in half between living and sleeping, allowing for a large amount of extra storage and display shelves, as well as serving as a bedroom closet. The entire room has also been painted beige to create a sense of openness, with tiled mirrors across the cabinetry to enlarge the space; an approach that also elongates the home's entryway, where a vintage writing desk serves as both cat bed and additional storage. This vintage aesthetic continues into the kitchen and bathroom, where unique pieces complement Ikea cabinetry fitted with custom doors. For Kateryna, storage space and a sense of personality were key to living in a small home, achieved with patience and the right selection of furniture.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Ep. 156
Project Name: Kateryna Gonchar's Apartment
Interior Decorator: ekaterynago...
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Sebastian Hilgetag
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
AI Translation and Dubbing: Eleven Labs: www.elevenlabs.io/?from=partn...
Music: Chevalet by idokay & Fleeting Colours by Wav Two from Artlist.io

[@daniellebissonnette3304]

I love this unit, because it is so representative of the great majority of small unit dwellers: as rental dwellers, they cannot make structural changes to the layout and have to work with what is already there, no matter how quirky. The designer did a great job maximizing the space and making it feel like homely.

[@dolly.uwu.]

didn't she say she renovated the entire kitchen and painted the bathroom? there's no way anyone would be able to make their rental look like that unless it was already a very luxurious apartment. sad but true

[@Girl95szia]

@@dolly.uwu. I think the rental culture in Germany is very different. Ok that we are in the same online space, but we come from very diverse parts of the world, so we should be cautious with our assumptions.

[@katharinamarschall5662]

I like that this is more affordable with lots of furniture made by IKEA. Well done.

[@Cinephile-gy6fb]

The fact that I cannot figure out the size of the apartment shows what a great job she did

[@Jarkkokyy]

The Instagram shows it's around 50sqm

[@artsteadman2230]

​@@Jarkkokyyor 528 sq ft

[@jayspot8894]

Could also be due to the compositions that the videographer chose.

[@adoyer04]

really??

[@jayspot8894]

@@adoyer04 Absolutely. Where you put the camera and what focal length you chose will change how the space is presented. Small spaces like this usually require wide lenses making them appear larger. I photograph interiors so I am familiar with this. I do think the layout contributed to it as well.

[@deegee.m]

I think this one's my favorite from this series now. She used a lot of second-hand furniture and created her own space without taking down walls or touching on too much of the things she will be leaving behind once she moves out. This feels like the most practical, and easiest to do for us, non-designers.

[@grigorisgirl]

Yes this is really homely yet uncluttered. Love it.

[@MTMF.london]

It helps that the space is very well laid out - she didn't need to take down walls (and was not allowed as this was a rental) to make the space seem larger. She just used furniture and storage solutions to delineate separate spaces. Very clever.

[@faithds5155]

Same, it has character, coziness and convenience all in one🥹

[@theresabu3000]

Yes, you've got to get creative in a flat you rent. I think the IKEA furniture + second hand/unique pieces also complented each other. I particularly liked the cozy, but still light living room. The mirrors gave illusion of space - and reflected light where it was sparse. And the bed nook with the closet with sliding doors are a neat solution for a lot of storage in a small space.

[@oleg_kagan]

This may sound odd but contrary to many home design videos, when watching this one I didn't find myself asking: "Is this person a monk? Where's all the stuff??" Because in Kateryna's home, there it was, tastefully arranged. Well done!

[@rebeccacartier153]

I love the format of this video.. usually it’s a designer explaining what they did for a client, but she made this for herself and you can see her choices and personality in everything she choose.

[@zsombee11]

I really liked her style of mixing antique furniture with new.

[@yael9137]

Absolutely love the repurposed marble slab on that IKEA kitchen island! This is such a typical Berlin apartment, with the slim kitchen and bathroom and a living sleeping room, and she furnished it perfectly! Relatively attainable and so chic!

[@virginiadominguezcarrera8816]

Love this combination of vintage and modern furniture. And this space feels so real and comfortable I could live there. Beautiful!

[@emrald13]

One of the best spaces ever on the channel and A RENTAL. So much personality and personal style, nice neutrals but plenty of pops of color to make it not boring. I love this apartment.

[@eattherich9215]

Good to see a flat where the first space you walk into is not the kitchen. I love the division of the living and sleeping spaces with all the available storage.

[@jpp7783]

Yes. Too often, hallways are eschewed as being wasted space, but having a dumping ground for coats, shoes, bags, and everything allows the smaller interior spaces to be enjoyed free of clutter. Dining next to your raincoat just feels like living on a subway platform.

[@lybrichwieringa5922]

Inspiring to see a rented space and maximum ikea creativity. So tastefull!

[@09ledm]

Love that she purchases simple pieces and alters them herself.

[@user-oy8fy8ee8i]

So many small apartments don't have as much storage as I would like. She has managed to put in ample storage without the apartment feeling crowded. Well done.

[@JD-vi7pk]

I love how cosy it is. This lady did an amazing job with the design!

[@pedrofanti]

I enjoy how real life this feels. I'm an illustrator and just moved into my own 23 square meter apartment in Copenhagen (never too small indeed), once I re-do the kitchen and wc, y'all should come by.

[@TheSharkasmCrew]

The curtain to hide the space under the kitchen counters (opposed to the usual cabinets/drawers) always provides such a cozy, warm vibe for some reason. You see it a lot in Japanese homes too.

[@rrenatabp]

omg her kitchen is literally so cozy, roomy and organized. I love it

[@vivibutbetter]

I love how elegantly she used mirrors to let in more light and create a more open feeling space

[@philiq18]

It shows that she's an interior designer. It's a well-thought-out space that manages to feel lived-in, elegant, and organized all at once. Everything has its place.

[@maddscientist3170]

the use of mirrors was a great idea to "expand" the space

[@berlinorama]

How fun to see an area close to my neighborhood in an episode! She has done a lovely job on this apartment. It is lucky the kitchen and bathroom are so spacious (for a Berlin apartment).

[@TheRomaEdition]

I was thinking “damn it’s a small kitchen” 😂

[@lanamelonakos-harrison9606]

This apartment is both realistic and inspiring. Love the combination of the warmth of the wood with the metals and stone.

[@sandrah5405]

Very good work for a rented apartment. I am always amazed to remember that a lot of rental apartments in Germany do NOT come with a kitchen and you have to supply your own cupboards and bench-tops. I find that really odd!

[@chegu613]

it depends on where you are - built in kitchens are uncommon in Berlin for example, but not in the south. I am from the south and almost every rental has a kitchen - oftentimes landlords replace old kitchens with brand new ones just so they can raise the rent.

[@catemoon]

I wish we had the same in the US. So many small rentals have old and grossly kitchens. I’d have bought a kitchen years ago and moved it from rental to rental.

[@filenotfound6203]

This is an amazing space-- warm and inviting, but completely functional (with lots of storage). I very much like how she mixed older pieces and modern touches, and the living space created by bookcases is ingenious. The gorgeous kitty is just the cherry on top!

[@Tonderkowa]

I love the wardrobe-mirror idea, for a few seconds I did not even notice there was a wardrobe, well done!

[@user-kv3rj4cv8i]

Schön. Unaufgeregt. klassisch, elegant, hochwertig und auch bodenständig. Mag ich sehr!

[@alixromefort4768]

Such a great twist in what you normally showcase : thank you very much for showing a type of setting and of decorating that could be done without the work of an architect. It proves that any kind of small space can be improved and made awesome to live in, even if we don't redo everything from floor to ceiling.

[@beaudene2021]

A typical NTS episode starts off with a person introducing themselves with an exotic name then, "I was born in Brazil and grew up in the Cech Republic and a few years ago moved to New Zealand. Love that about this series. ♥☺

[@TheRomaEdition]

One day I wanna be interviewed like that by NTS: born in Ukraine, lived through my 20ties in China and moved to Argentina a year ago 😂

[@beaudene2021]

@@TheRomaEdition 🤞I'll keep an eye out.

[@Filizcrystal]

I was born in Turkey . Grow up in Berlin . Live there 26 years. Then moved to USA and been here for 31 years. And hopefully moving to Turkey to spend some time there now

[@shiftyourperception]

the warm colors, the light filtered by the curtains through the large windows, the invisible line between old and new, the combination of elegant and practical... i wouldn't change anything, everything is perfect.

[@JudgeyJudgeyable]

I love her use of mirrors. I think this is the most achievable small space I've seen on the channel

[@gabhizinhaa]

The different ways she basically revamped some basic IKEA staples is so inspiring! The mix of harsh, modern materials with classic ones is incredible! ❤

[@marialauravidoz]

This may be my favourite space from the series. Love how cozy yet clean it is. And her cat is adorable too

[@dimasnaufalpratama4812]

This is a stunning apartment, all those natural colors from the antique furniture blend with more modern pieces. I love this so much

[@marvinraphaelmonfort8289]

sublime use of mirrors and shelves! cute sofa and outdoor lounge, too!

[@JenShea]

Wow… everything in this is perfect for the space! Especially as a rental. The colours she chose, the bed/living area… and she has that fantastic balcony! It’s all so cozy and extremely organized! Bravo 👏🏻

[@philipmcp]

Repurposed IKEA is really exciting to see here. Makes these ideas more accessible. Love this space.

[@SandiD1959]

This is beautifully done. Not cluttered, but cosy, bright and organised. I could quite happily live here. Well done!

[@humminbirrrd]

This is actually perfection.

[@tkcldk]

i love the vibe of this apartment, it looks so cozy

[@zenaidekey]

I could watch this video again and again and again. It’s so peaceful and beautiful.

[@siro4239]

Beautiful! The space has lot of character and and i like that the person has collected stuff like books etc :-)

[@elena_a-2023]

I love the simplicity and beauty of this apartment. She has strategically placed furniture to create various spaces. I love how she uses modern and antique furniture. I think this is my favorite apartment so far and I am inspired by it.

[@jenniferaltadonna2051]

Love everything she did to the space, and the mix of new and vintage pieces. Each space feel so comfortable visually. 👏

[@GradKat]

It’s lovely. I particularly like the clever use of mirrored tiles. The apartment is both elegant and cosy. An excellent arrangement of a small space.

[@tdelioncourt1268]

It looks like my dream place! 50sqm is a comfy space for 1 person and I love the clever use of funitures!

[@natashafigueroa9198]

To echo what others have said, this is my new favourite. Minimal without being cold or austere. I am taking away a lot of great ideas from her!

[@ajvintage9579]

What an absolutely adorable, stylish, restful place! I am in love with all of it.

[@LORRAIN-lz3wn]

I love what you did with your apartment. It’s so cozy. I really love the dining area. It’s unique and goes well with the style. You really did a great job.

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

I really like this one. Built in furniture is great, but if you already own furniture or things you've collected those apartments will rarely work. This is an apartment I could actually live in.

[@tymonbelcarz1539]

I is a pretty nice apartment . But i think that 50sqm is big especially for 1 person(and a cat :) ). I would love to see some smaller apartments, to see how people can overcome the difficulties that such space presents

[@Houseds]

You arrange the space neatly and delicately, it is truly never too small. Everything is just enough and convenient at hand. Thank you.

[@SIC647]

My new favourite! Such impressive ways to divide the space, and extremely clever use of tiles. And I like that it is a rental. I feel I can recreate this. While I will never have the option to buy, and then rebuild for €150.000. It also feels like a place to live in, unlike much of what I see, which are more of art pieces than places to live in.

[@ryn_young]

this is so gorgeous and her personal taste is so beautiful!

[@LaLadybug2011]

Beautiful design-functional and still comforable. What a wonderful home she has designed-loved it!

[@insanalfarizy6569]

That's a crazy good interior design and placement.

[@davidjamessussex1671]

This is lovely. Working within the structure she has. Creating rooms but keeping things open. I think the kitchen is the biggest triumph.

[@magikboxi]

One of my favourite videos! I love her clear understanding of what and how she needs in her space. Thoroughly thought through ideas and still super personal, cozy, and unique. I love her use of quality vintage furniture. Beautiful, thank you very much!

[@IndigoCosmic]

Her apartment has so much character. I luv the design.

[@saikogrrl]

So elegant and beautiful! Excellent use of the small space

[@tati_oak]

Beautiful apartment, love it!

[@bexski579]

I know cost is relative but I truly would love to see practical, affordable small apartments that don't cost a ton but also, don't sacrifice design. Loved this episode!

[@francesgraham5411]

I absolutely love this apartment, you have made it perfect, character plus plenty of storage, and the balcony area is great.

[@onestoryhero]

What a wonderful way of decorating a small space! Bravo!

[@lana7422]

I loved the coziness of the living room with the shelves surrounding the small sofa. Really like that look! Loved her choice of colors in the apartment.

[@garlicgirl3149]

I love how she used the mirrors!

[@megb7491]

SO many great ideas in this space ! I think they'd translate well to any home.

[@aviajarehema7393]

I like this apartment layout and organization. The way it was decorated with a sort of modern twist works in parts with some vintage works as well.

[@kaktusdesiberie7196]

So beautiful. She was patient at collecting beautiful pieces and used everything with creativity and practicality. Very lovely!

[@trisnaekowiyatnikawaii3860]

this lady has a really good taste in everything! She can transform a basic mundane space into an exquisite gallery look like cozy space without break the bank ! Something that you see in AD coffee table book

[@lyndalou2892]

This apartment is beautifully decorated and very practical and functional. Your cat is precious ! Best of luck to you with your new life in Berlin ! 😺

[@palindromoelale]

Love the color and the lighting! feels very cozy and warming

[@I_am_Lauren]

I'm getting Hygge vibes from this apartment! SO cozy!

[@coralgardiner6695]

Such a cosy and classic little space. She made it really beautiful

[@flamefox8989]

I love this diy. Its interior decoration accessible to anyone prepared to have a go.

[@pippalewisNYC]

So beautifully done, a lovely home. I'm inspired by many things but I really like the use of mirrors on the partitions/closets as well as the use of partitions/closets. Great work!

[@panamaveggie]

This is one of the most beautiful, well-designed spaces I've seen!

[@mariastathopoulos744]

Lovely apartment. The layout optimises zones and storage solutions. Brava!

[@dianashypula]

beautifully done! Love it!!!! 💛💙

[@prissilou]

I love your apartment, and the way you have customized it. I am like you, I would want my sleeping area to be separated from the living area, and the way you have done it is perfect! In fact, everything you have done is spot on and I couldn't have done it any better! Beautiful!

[@jetblack044]

Катю, дякую, що поділилися своїм домашнім затишком, у вас чудове атмосферне житло)

[@dogood7337]

Simply BEAUTIFUL! I would be delighted to live there! Much love to Kateryna & her work!

[@janellebatta4126]

What a beautiful job! I love her design solutions to the space. The decor and furniture is so curated.

[@di4085]

Love the floor to ceiling window in the kitchen that let in lots of sunlight. My favorite is the balcony. I love those chairs! ❤

[@cassandraralph5906]

Delightful and beautifully designed and decorated apartment!!! A real pleasure to visit!

[@howaboutnooo00]

it seems oddly small for 50m2, no? My flat is also 50m2 and it has a separate bedroom, bath, kitchen, hallway, and a sizeable L-shaped living room which could be divided into two rooms, if needed. None of the rooms is tiny (well, maybe the kitchen, but I make do). It seems odd that a 50m2 apartment wouldn't have a separate bedroom.

[@miss_xenia_]

You wouldn’t be allowed to have a bedroom without a window going to the outside. So you could only make it a storage space. And in old apartments you generally didn’t have bathrooms without a window either because of the ventilation 🤗

[@janson2911]

LG marketing department really knows their segment, now I’m really intrigued by it. Also, congratulations on that name, LG stand by me, what a brilliant product name.

[@katmaskow3168]

What a beautiful cozy space. All rooms were done to perfection and the kitchen island is a gem!

[@kathypeterman2886]

What a beautiful space you have created. It is so cozy, relaxing and personalized! I especially love the island in the kitchen...clever use of parts together to create this.

[@fibiolahusely5700]

She make a beautiful space with mostly loose furnitures. Love how she use the secondhand furnitures and combines with everything else in the apartment, make them a soulful, cozy and homey space. Definitely inspire me

[@jgator6694]

What an AWESOME, cozy and lovely space. Perfection!

[@patj4952]

What a fantastic space she created. It has the appearance of being much larger. It is warm, cozy, filled with light and decorated beautifully. Thank you for sharing.

[@catemoon]

Lovely space, especially the kitchen and bathroom. I’d move the couch against the wall so that there’d be a view of the window from the left side. Nice to see an apartment on this channel that looks some someone lives in the space.

[@rutemalumadance4449]

So beautiful Kateryna , really well done!

[@xpsxps1339]

Elegant, doable, eclectic, lovely and personal. Well done!

[@barbaraquaye9273]

This is a lovely home. I really like the way Kateryna designed her place to be immaculate yet affordable. Her cat was adorable. It's one of my favorite episodes.

[@rintohabsari656]

love the design & vibes

[@arlenehutchinson9259]

Rest ❤ love it. So well thought out colour is gorgeous and I love that kitchen ❤ Thanks for letting us in.

[@sondrahannan]

Beautiful space. The kitchen and living room are especially gorgeous. Minimal but not sterile at all. Warm and inviting.

[@janepage3608]

Very clever use of mirrors. All very relatable. Excellent video