NEVER TOO SMALL: Light Filled Scandi Style Apartment, Paris 37sqm/398sqft

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Set inside a 1960s building in the bohemian Paris neighbourhood of Montmartre, this now bright and airy apartment features a light colour palette, curved features and smart built in furniture and cabinetry throughout. By removing all of the internal walls and enclosing one of the apartment’s two terraces, architect Bertille Bordja of ovo/ studios expanded the floorplan, creating space for a separate bedroom and a more contemporary and functional living space. The compact but fully equipped kitchen is finished in Okoume wood, chosen for its interesting grain and featured in other cabinetry throughout the apartment. A built-in L-shaped sofa bench with integrated storage wraps around the corner of the living room and doubles as an extra bed when needed. In summer, The glass sliding doors of the remaining terrace are opened creating an extension of the living space.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Ep: 155
Project Name: Marie
Architect: www.ovostudioarchi.com/bertil...
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Matthieu Torres & Rem Burger
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: Canco del Lladre by Yuval Vilner and Then There Was You by Beneath The Mountains from Artlist.io

[@nevertoosmall]

For more information about LG StanbyME, visit here linktr.ee/lgstanbyme

[@luisvalladares3515]

love it!

[@oceanwonders]

Subtitles need to be checked. Some really obvious things are incorrect (e.g. "electric box" is not "electric books").

[@Khigha87]

Please show us what the apartments look like at night to also showcase the lighting choices! 😁😊🤔. Most of us spend daylight hours away from our homes.

[@jaycarver4886]

Excellent point. I believe that lighting is the most important thing that influences how a place feels. Unfortunately, it's usually an afterthought and isn't budgeted for adequately.

[@jiba6327]

It is a good idea! I agree it!

[@bearchow1723]

What about those who live in these homes though? Just to satiate other people’s curiosities, they will get inconvenienced at night. Perhaps the reason why we get to see some of them is because they or their neighbors are away during the day. It doesn’t seem thoughtful.

[@IamnotJokic]

What an odd request..

[@eloisedricotdagneau3712]

Good point!

[@m.gorssa]

This apartment really feels more like a house, really. The terrace gives the impression of a natural extension, almost as if you are just stepping out into the cottage garden.

[@TorontoJon]

Here is yet another impressive small space where the architect made full use of a light and airy colour palette as well as ingenious ways to maximize storage while keeping that impressive terrace space to make this 398 sqft Parisian apartment feel like an 800 sqft apartment. Bravo! :)

[@jennycampbell5236]

I really love this apartment. So spacious and light. Lots of storage. The fact that this building was redesigned for today’s living appeals to me. In Australia too many old homes apartments are being demolished. Maybe governments around the world should offer incentives for home buyers / owners to engage an architect to redesign existing properties if they are structurally sound. That is just my thinking alone. Demolishing buildings is such a waste of resources.

[@misst.e.a.187]

Except for that tight bedroom. You could squeeze a mouse around the sides.

[@jennycampbell5236]

⁠Yes I do often wonder how the bed linen is changed in alcove beds.

[@MTMF.london]

A lot of old buildings are badly built and poorly insulated with little thought of sustainability. Unless they are of historical importance, sometimes it is better to tear down and bulid from scratch using better materials and superiour technology.

[@louise2209]

@@MTMF.london Some buildings yes, but many are also built to last and with proper care and maintenance, they stand the test of time. There are many stories (in the U.K.) of contractors cutting corners and new buildings are pretty much unliveable within a decade. That is not sustainable nor a good use of resources.

[@MTMF.london]

@@louise2209 Many buildings can last for a long time with proper care but a lot of them are not fit for modern lives or purposes. It's no good if they are there as museum pieces with very little use for a large sector of the population. Stories of rogue developers and contractors putting up shoddily-built housing is not just a thing in UK only - every country has them.

[@anut7998]

Alvar Aalto was a Finnish not Danish architect.

[@MoutinhoNuno]

Was coming here to write this. Weird that she‘s an architect and doesn't know Aalto is Finnish?

[@Gulliotta85]

Yeah, my eyes when I watched this 😳

[@aggiehjorth]

To be fair, I think she might have meant that she liked danish architects, alvar aalto and american mid century architects.

[@MartyMart134]

@@aggiehjorth She said 'I love the works of Danish architect Alvar Aalto', no plural and she speaks good English. I think she got her Nordic countries mixed up, but this is a pretty bad faux pas for an architect channel!!!!

[@MartyMart134]

Just re-watched, you may be correct, I did hear an s on the second listen

[@Swagg3r3d]

The original two terrace design essentially had more space outside than inside? Excellent job from the architect on this small space. The built-in couch appears to be such an excellent way to build in storage and comfort. Those nooks by the pillar look so cozy.

[@philiq18]

I'd love a terrace that size in the city. There's so much potential to make it an extension of the indoors. Beautiful home. The wood finishes makes it feel very lived-in and homely. Every space is the right amount of everything.

[@emilie.b7020]

What a view on Sacré Coeur!! Absolutely stunning with this terrace! I particularly enjoy watching the episods made in Paris, because I love this city and hearing the French accents of the architects! I liked that the apartment has the same African Okume wood all over the place! I am absolutely inspired by Never Too Small content! Always a big fan of your work!

[@user-qv3zl7zk5p]

I love the design of the space. It feels a lot bigger than it is, yet very cozy. The big terrace is such a plus! I’d love to live in this one.

[@karenstanislaw8912]

There is dynamism here, for sure, and the addition or impact of that gracious terrace - gives even more flow, soul. The present apartment is both stark (the bright white on many surfaces and walls), but is as well - soft, organic in feel with all the wooden surfaces and detail. Think this place ,overall ,is handsome, and quite frankly - lucky .

[@Khigha87]

I loved the couch very well designed and the little blue tiles in the bathroom. The terrace is awesome, I'm glad it was kept. I need to access my bed from the side 😅🤣, but an awesome place other than that!

[@jaycarver4886]

I don't like those boxed in beds either. You can throw your back out trying to change the sheets.

[@conniebruckner8190]

@@jaycarver4886 Exactly! That bed is made for very nimble people.

[@PostImperfect]

​@@jaycarver4886changing the sheets is exactly what I considered too

[@Peachu_n_Goma_Home]

U need to have space to squat when changing bedsheets, simply bending and exerting is how you get a bad back as you ages.😉

[@misst.e.a.187]

The bedroom space is much too tight and not properly thought out. Otherwise, the rest of the apt is lovely. Some window dressing for the terrace doors would be appropriate, imo

[@conniebruckner8190]

It looks way larger than the given 37 sqm. Good job! It does look difficult to make the bed, and I hope they have good airing vent so that bathroom humidity doesn't affect their wardrobe nor the wood used for these. Is there a way to close/ curtain off the kitchen to bedroom window at times when privacy is wanted?

[@lorettatayor5840]

really, that's what i was thinking. don't want to get your groove on and someone watching through the window!

[@RealConstructor]

I think without the bedroom the apartment is 37sqm, the bedroom is in a covered terrace and doesn’t count as sqm for a house maybe?

[@charlie1567]

The architect mentioned that they deliberately chose to keep the window between the bedroom and kitchen but then mentioned that they added shelves so „ items can be put on for privacy“ well why then keep a window in the first place? Just make a nice kitchen cupboard out of that internal window and close it up,

[@solidstate9451]

@@charlie1567 Or use frosted glass. Light travels but is dispersed so you can't put a picture together.

[@elizabethatkins2519]

I think this is my favourite apartment I’ve seen on the never too small channel. Absolutely fab 👏

[@dianawalker5946]

You beat me too it, I totally agree ❤

[@michelestapleton]

One of my favorite living rooms. Plenty of comfy seating.

[@MTMF.london]

Brilliantly designed space with a very modern and stylish look. The colour and grain of the wood make it very warm and inviting.

[@extrememinimalism]

i love the sofa idea! that would work so well in my home!!!

[@WolfgangPBaum]

The architect did not raise sustainability as a motivation for small spaces specifically, but this is what interests me most when watch NTS videos. Therefore, the use of Okume wood from West Africa, which not only travels thousands of kilometers to Paris, but is also considered vulnerable by IUCN, stands out negatively. The apartment is beautiful, but I am sure it would be equally nice with a more sustainable European hardwood.

[@JuliaCima]

good point

[@AL-uv7lt]

Exactly. This is the reason why I hate this partnership with the silly polluting device from LG

[@vitornogueira8025]

My thoughts exactly

[@AgentAO7]

There’s no such thing as sustainability. Even so-called sustainable materials have gone thru different processes which damage the environment in one way or the other.. You really think a simple use of local European wood in a tiny apartment will save the world? 😅 Sustainability is just branding/marketing like labeling foods as Organic. It’s just less evil. But still evil.. 😂

[@Coromi1]

I disagree. European wood looks different - this one is very nice. The furniture is veneered, so little Okume wood needs to be used. It is probably shipped. And it can last long. The impact on the environment is tiny in comparison to buying liquified fracking gas from the US instead of buying gas from Russia. Or compared to any wars, or just armament. We should put our focus on the things that really matter, not on some veneer in a tiny appartment or slices of sausage on a workers sandwich.

[@peterwhitey4992]

Lovely apartment. Here in Copenhagen, that would be considered at least a standard sizes apartment. Also here, the sqm count of apartments always include the balcony, part of the common areas, such as the stairway and it's measured to the outside of the walls (or middle it's a wall between apartments). So when an apartment is listed as 40 sqm here, the actual floor space is more likely around 30 sqm.

[@Janine6564]

Beautiful space that seems so very spacious. I love the patio space. The choice of natural wood is the best part. ❤

[@davecahyo]

Very effective use of a small space. I love how the white sofa become the background canvas for the colorful pillows

[@marig9236]

I love all the natural light coming into this space. Heavenly

[@alexanderk.3056]

Very light, very airy ... super livable, so beautiful! 😍😍😍

[@tebec3624]

I especially ove the sofa and outdoor space! Once again, a wise and impressive renovation. Beautiful, comfortable and functional.

[@agiejones7651]

I love this space, my tiny house is exactly 37m2 so lovely to see a different solution. It's very elegant and practical

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

A light and warm space like this can contribute to you inner peace. 🥰

[@melissamartinez8509]

Beautifully designed Scandi-style apartment that makes incredible use of light and space. Despite its size, the apartment feels open and airy, showcasing how effective minimalist design can be in a small footprint

[@nilscelrau]

such a beautiful apartment! but I don't understand the choice of artificial plastic grass on the terrace... that kind of flooring shouldn't exist, or even take into consideration when are so many other alternatives for an exterior space

[@MTMF.london]

It's a personal choice. It gives the impression of grass without the bother of upkeep or pests/insects.

[@bellareid3488]

It's easy to keep, relatively easy to install and not overly expensive depending on the size needed. Other options are much more expensive. Maybe budget isn't a concern for you unlike the rest of us What's the problem with it "existing" Jesus, calm down

[@martinkasemsan9099]

What a beautiful space. I love how neutral and serene it seems.

[@annepoitrineau5650]

amazed at how much is squeezed into that space, without feeling cramped in anyway.

[@miyayume_eclectic_dream]

Love how much light it has. And the sofa

[@Harry-fk5of]

Love the wooden cabinetry, very beautiful to look at without making the space feel cramped.

[@pdx_fashionista]

I love everything about this apartment. The mcm touches, the neighborhood and the green terrace.

[@yuukihoffner8433]

A VERY beautiful apartment designed by an excellent architect. Thank you! To live like that in the center of Paris is a dream come true. 😊

[@elspethfougere9683]

How beautiful. Its so considered. Im inspired, the way a full bath has been fitted, thw dining room around a pillar, the couch around the old fireplace. These obstacles can be really difficult without a good designer, its great to see the relaxed feel possible without cramming everything in an awkward way.

[@gus473]

Based on the last couple episodes (the ads), it appears Colin is at home anywhere in this world! Really at home! 😅 Nice!

[@elisekhoury7718]

Love the light and colors in this apartment!

Everything here is just so well felt and thought through. Space feels like harmony.

[@9481xyz]

There's no way this apartment is 37 sqm... I live in a 33 sqm apartment and it would be impossible to fit everything they fit in this apartment. I understand the open floor plan might give an illusion of space but it still looks impossible to me for this apartment to be only 37 sqm. And I've come across this issue on lots of never too small videos, the measurements seem very off, and I don't know whether it's because they want to give the impression that the space is small or because they didn't actually correctly measured the space.

[@Ema-ew5bw]

I think the apartment was 37 sqm before its extension. Now, after the arrangement of the bedroom, I think it has 55 - 60 square meters, as it can be seen on the diagram.

[@captainsayang]

@@Ema-ew5bw in that case, it is very misleading. I agree with @9481xyz

[@Ema-ew5bw]

@@captainsayang I say this because I lived in a 30 square meter apartment and then I lived in a 55 square meter apartment. The initial scheme had 37 square meters + 2 terraces.

[@lordking-kl5dl]

They make good use of the space, they are very correct with the decisions regarding the fact that it is a small space

[@insertyourquarters]

A unusual but interesting space. That terrace is fab.

[@sophiaisabelle0227]

We appreciate your effort and hard work. Keep it up as always.

[@katbar6066]

Amazing use of a tiny space. What a luxury to have the beautiful terrace as an extension of the living room.

[@juliecaron7569]

Beautifully done AND comfortable. Wow!

[@mybrainisuseful]

Oh I love this one! I love them all but this one with the light and the terrace is immaculate. Amazing work! 🤍

[@dianashypula]

Beautiful home ❤ so much light and interesting elements!

[@glitzerfisch8565]

it is absolutely breath-taking! Thank you so much for sharing! Regards from Düsseldorf.💚

[@MsGnor]

Wow Bertille, beautiful job! Gorgeous outcome. My fav spot is the kitchen, living room & terrace combo. Dreamy! Phenomenal location, Paris magic on their doorstep 💖✨

[@anterokivikoski363]

Yeah thats really strange thing coming from an architects mouth. Alvar Aalto is A Finnish architect. And the movement started 1930 -

[@MoutinhoNuno]

😅....I know right!... bit embarrassing.

[@Brian-jv8iy]

a history lesson they maybe had like any other, forgot like elementary school history about romans or whatever shakespeare was about and told in high school... People dont have to be remembered, there are thousands and milllions more important people to every archotect than knowing where that guy is from, or even that he exists.

[@katie.r.vannuys]

Such clever design! Love the bathroom tiles and layout.

[@FaveWasteOfTime]

fabulous design - love the white contrasted with the wood and the curves are luscious. I would happily live here.

[@brianparent4882]

Love it so much. Sleeping nooks are my favorite.

[@justinistanbul]

Best flat ! Descent size, lot of storage, lot of light and beautiful colors ✨️

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

I love all the built-ins stops you from over buying furnitures❤ Its hard to find good contractors these days.

[@melindadouglas1673]

This is a gorgeous, well designed, very livable apartment! I love all of the design choices. Everything is calm and easy to live with. I LOVE the terrace with outdoor dining and all the natural light in the main living space! The only change I would make if this was my home is to separate the bath from the bedroom and have more space for the bed. I understand the client wanted a full tub but to save precious space I would have a shower, smaller sink and toilet together. I’ve been to Paris and the location is perfect!

[@Dinki-Di]

As someone who lived through the 70s it was never like this. Far too tasteful. I dare someone to bring back the huge swirling orange and purple patterns, sunken conversation pits in tasteful teal… and the shag pile.

[@knycxjourneying]

A modern and realistic design with some smart elements to bring in light and comfort. Would love to live there 😊

[@SusanBradley-nx3hq]

Beautiful apartment and ingenious use of space and materials.

[@eattherich9215]

@6:48, I love that and so unexpected when set against the wood and pale walls of the rest of the flat.

[@fluffer4049]

Best redesign I’ve seen. Love it!

[@livezurichlovekarin7089]

It looks so much bigger as it is! Perfect!

[@delphineauer]

Nice work ! I love the ambiance and the new floorplan :)

[@erinmiddleton9522]

I love all the offset angles of the space. it seems more spacious because you can't see everything at once.

[@SonoraD.]

One of my favourites so far!

[@dariavuistiner1103]

Cet appartement est vraiment incroyable, on dirait qu’il est beaucoup plus grand! Magique les détails ❤

[@dianebaker5243]

Beautiful styled apartment throughout ❤

[@sikachukuning2473]

Impressive space! Love it

[@deecunningham9719]

very strong design elements. I love the en suite bathroom/bedroom.

[@michelfortier9563]

Well done! Shows how you can make a small place liveable.

[@longloismariam7767]

Excellent design, well thought and organized ! 👏 bravo !

[@tdb7992]

I find it interesting noting the differences in taste between the places in Australia and in the rest of the world. The Australians tend to like bold colours and natural materials, whilst being somewhat understated. Other countries seem to like a lot of white (but with a few bold accent colours). I think the Australian spaces are more "moody". I am not an expert though so maybe I am wrong :)

[@fw2231]

An interesting point! Australian sunlight can be really harsh, so I think sometimes we want our homes to be a retreat from that brightness (whereas other parts of the world might want their home to be a retreat from grey weather).

[@tpar83]

such a great idea for the living room

[@paulafigueiredo7834]

I loved this design!!! ❤

[@FrankdTankytchannel]

I love this architect!

[@jackieclark817]

The layout and use of space really hides the fact that this is only 368 SF. Well done!❤️

[@samiaafra7330]

Love all of the light and the white sectional

[@talaibabao7302]

Beautiful!

[@Yabadab]

In addition to the Danish architect Alvar Aalto, I also admire the works of the German architect Le Corbusier!

[@edwarddelehanty4967]

...and the Australian architect Frank Lloyd Wright?! Good amusing comment Yabadab as most architects know Alvar Aalto was Finnish and Le Corbusier was Swiss/French..

[@adelheidvoilill5163]

@@edwarddelehanty4967 In the video the woman says that Aalto was Danish. Which of course he was not.

[@mm49439]

Alvar Aalto is FINNISH. ;)

[@GeraldWeinand]

Finnish not Danish. Eero Saarinen's father Eliel was from Finland too. Check them out.

[@Brian-jv8iy]

@@edwarddelehanty4967 most architects definitely do not know that, and donàt care, besides not even knowing him, where he is from

[@jiba6327]

Well done! I like it! Congratulations!

[@annakozoriz]

Love your work! Bravo!

[@marcogijsen5508]

Excellent, excellent job!

[@lrang]

Such well thought out

[@VenusRadha]

Great apartment in a fabulous location! So lucky!!!

[@ChrisVidouras]

love it!

[@whitemoon3317]

What a beautiful sunlight

[@Mariangeles-vh3rt]

Maravilloso!!! El aprovechamiento del espacio, el almacenaje, los colores cálidos... Y la terraza!!! Así, si viviría en París !!!❤

[@Fingolfin1970]

Magnificent Small Space.

[@faragraf9380]

that balkony makes it more huge. the kitchen window is great idea, makes space.

[@dianapatterson1559]

Many of the designs on this channel, like this one, has a bed squeezed against three wall. How does one make such a bed?

[@jaycarver4886]

You don't. You have to hire a contortionist! And they don't come cheap! 😁

[@conniebruckner8190]

😄😉😂@@jaycarver4886

[@LedPage]

Awkwardly for making a video and then never again. I would have used a murphy bed.

[@solidstate9451]

You climb on the bed, use your strengh to bend the corner of the mattress upwards, put the fitted sheet on and do so on the other side. I have pushed my (about) queen sized bed to a corner in the bedroom and it is the way my husband changes sheets. I push the bed from the wall, put the sheets on and push the bed back to the wall because I'm not as strong as my husband. I crawl in and out of the bed. When I had my slipped discs, I let my husband push the bed from the wall because there was no way I could enter the bed when it was at the wall. But I find it cozier in the corner.

[@doloresgiorgi5022]

Beautiful space!

[@TenTenJ]

What a gem. 💚

[@mesovogue]

This is gorgeous

[@jeanong7694]

Great use of space. Airy and bright. I love the dinette set. Nice to enjoy a proper dinner even if alone. Most tiny place don’t have this. It can’t be comfortable eating on the kitchen countertop or the sofa.

[@aynriggs4704]

Great job!!!

[@citizenearth71]

Très joliment réalisé !

[@danidero]

Gorgeous 🧡

[@elgardellenbogen1093]

I love everything !❤

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

I SO LOVE THIS SO BEAUTIFUL 🧡

[@leonardogarrido]

Beautiful apt but the LG stand by me is what I need in my life. Manifesting!

[@HiKasandra]

I love the wide sofa. ❤😊