NEVER TOO SMALL: 1970's Timber Accented Small Apartment Renovation, Melbourne - 42sqm/452sqft

[@nonotthaone]

At this point, never too small should do a series of people starting their small home reno projects and document the ins and outs of their project. That'll be a great series of videos!

[@sunidhisharma6509]

Yes that'd be so cool

[@sarahheartsmakeup8167]

Yess!!

[@organizstylist7732]

I think this channel has a goal to feature the work of architects and designers to encourage those who work in the industry to design for small spaces. Another goal would be to repurpose older buildings by renovating the smaller apts while also showing how easy it is to adapt to a modern lifestyle.

[@Sidandemily5423]

Great idea! Id be glued to this channel if they did.

[@Julie0Grundy]

I’d love to see a few like that, it’d be really interesting

[@brandonnguyen7266]

I read the entire Ryan’s kzbin.infoUgkxGqOCINHE0Z0E5gxzSdNi9NWGugRY5Hm2 Plans and was able to make a shed plan. Using Ryan’s Shed Plans alone, the shed itself is great. Where I wish I knew more is with respect to ground preparation and foundations. Maybe that's beyond the scope of Ryan’s Shed Plans.

[@filenotfound6203]

I adore the light in this space, and the materials used really play up the natural light. The whole space is so bright and airy-- it's a lovely retreat!

[@jessisoffline]

Everything about this apartment screams 20th century Australian architecture and I love it. So beautifully thought out and considered, especially in uniting a variety of styles and surfaces!

[@gus473]

Couldn't agree more! And given the building's age and configuration, think how many places could be upgraded to another 50 or more years of pleasant living! 😎✌️

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

Sunlight makes so much difference lol. We have a lot of this kind of architecture in the UK but it's always so depressing, even when it's updated. Our cloudy/rainy days are much better suited to more traditional architecture imo.

[@elsa_g]

I work in construction (in the US) and the amount of waste is truly astounding. Props to you for designing around an older building and making minimal changes while still meeting your needs in an apartment.

[@ppbur]

It's difficult to recycle old buildings when most structures are made of 2 by 4s

[@elsa_g]

@@ppbur it can be challenging depending on the building, but I live in a building that’s over 90 years old, in an earthquake zone, made with wood framing. In my area, existing, functional buildings are constantly being torn down to build new ones that can be sold/rented for more, and perfectly good office buildings are gutted and the insides completely rebuilt, for what seems like mainly aesthetics. The part that really strikes me is how much waste comes from bringing in all the new materials, especially on commercial projects. The amount of packaging waste is insane, especially that I’ve never been on a job where they even have a place to recycle cardboard. And we deal with so much cardboard! And then you have the mindset of throwing away perfectly good, new material because the manpower to sort it costs more than it’s worth to them, or they don’t want the shop to see they ordered too much since that makes them look bad, or the shop doesn’t want it because if it’s at the shop it counts towards their worth when they’re being taxed. And we have to be circumspect if we take any of that material before it goes in the trash because if they explicitly allow workers to take it, that could encourage the foremen to overorder on purpose. Basically, at least in my area, the incentives are not aligned towards looking at what is still functional and only rebuilding spaces or buildings that aren’t, and then during the construction there’s so much waste it’s mind bending. I’ve worked on some buildings where I thought they would be better off just starting new, but that’s nowhere close to most of my projects. I really admire the make-it-work attitude that can look at the downsides or challenges of a space and find a path towards still being happy and accomplishing what you desire.

[@epvs8373]

@@elsa_g Lo que usted sigue es el camino duro y árido de la BIOCONSTRUCIÓN y digo con mayúsculas porque empieza desde la base. Reutiliza materiales desechados. Yo también creo que solo con eso, mucha ayuda y personas con mi misma convicción podría autoconstruir el módulo que termine mi proyecto. Pero tropiezo con los mismos impedimentos y sin ayuda de otros. Buen camino. Mejor vida. Hasta más ver.

[@a24-45]

Nice work, Alex, especially the balcony, bedroom and bathroom. That was a bold move, keeping the popcorn ceilings! and it's lovely to see red and green used together. Some observations: >>the black buffet is the apartment's focal point on entering, but it's so close to the door that it makes the apartment feel smaller than it is. The buffet would stop being the focal point if it were a lighter colour. That would allow the more effective focal point to be located at the farthest point from the entry, which is in the kitchen corner (where the green bowl is). A black painting here, next to the kitchen window, would bring the eye up from the black oven, (which is, as black ovens usually are, unfortunately not in the best position to be the kitchen's default focal point). >>The 2 sofas feel overly close to the TV, and the walkway into the TV area feels cramped, relative to the wider walkway into the kitchen and the kitchen's larger floor space. I would suggest moving the big pot plant on the floor (below the window) next to where the little pot plant is on the floor near the TV, and pushing the lounges back right against the pantry. That would open up the living area, and give the living area more of a sense of flow to the balcony. The big plant would create a focal point close to the TV, (which would give more visual impact to the TV wall). And by taking up some of the blank wall space on the window wall, the plant would also act to help balance the visual weight and bulk of the kitchen cabinetry, which fills the other half of the same wall.

[@el_micha]

Very accurate description. It would really help the space! I second this.

[@janedoe4316]

We need to stop destroying old buildings & houses & adapt them. Modern builds are so cookie cutter boring, they lack face... older homes & buildings can be so beautiful...

[@emidala1]

This is on of my all time favorites. I love the bathroom and how spacious the rooms feel, and the color palette is joyous and calm at the same time. Great job!

[@vickimaiorano5763]

What a great adaptation. Looks spacious and comfortable. Love the old flats around Melbourne and great to see them being upgraded.

[@gracefulkimberella]

I'm thankful that he showed the storage area and mentioned his mop bucket. I've been considering going very small (not tiny) and I've learned to look for those places (trash, vacuum, laundry, closet space, storage space) while considering possible layouts. I really like how all the water is in one corner of this unit too.

[@jpp7783]

That’s something that always strikes me in these small places-there’s nowhere for the vacuum cleaner, the broom, an ironing board, all that boring stuff that we unfortunately really need. I’ve found most small spaces would benefit from even sacrificing some living space in favour of storage.

[@vientetres]

We use a robo vac instead of a traditional vacuum, it's low profile enough to live under the couch. We have a handheld folding dustbuster for spot cleans and upholstery. The robo vac has a mop function but we also have a spray mop. Both the dustbuster and the spray mop fit into a very narrow cupboard.

[@Nwadiogo]

@@vientetres the robo vac is a great idea!

[@MTMF.london]

@@jpp7783 But those small places have already minimal living spaces - I think it's better to get rid of stuff except for the absolute necessities. Most people have far too many stuff that they can live without.

[@Gwaycee]

Only thing missing in this apartment is two kittens. 😊

[@maddiek1980]

I love how he made it up to date while retaining its integrity. I too want to retain the design history of a space while making it suitable for the way we live now. Beautiful job!

[@canyoudoitagain7978]

He's super proud of the kitchen "table" design but I think it's flimsy and very small. There's plenty of space behind the couch for a small table and couple of stools. Would make the space feel more welcoming too. Me thinks anyway 😅

[@marid.2874]

I never in a million years would've thought of the pieces and colors Alex chose for his apartment, and yet, they speak to me. It's a gorgeous space, so calming and endearing. Great job, Alex.

[@n-on]

A new NTS video is all i wait for every week!! This is such a cool project, love that there is an external storage unit

[@melissakenealy8868]

I really like this apartment. The use of textures and colour makes it not only visually appealing but makes it look larger than it is.

[@lau.e.3316]

Very nice because it looks affordable but clean and airy ! The apartment is quite large too, very cool place

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

Lovely apartment, especially with the natural light and deck area. The tiles in the bathroom are a perfect color. I would have chosen a smaller couch, or a different layout, and the pullout table is beyond awkward. There seems to be more than enough room for a more traditional table and chairs or stools. Can't see myself pulling out the deck crates every time I wanted to sit at the "table".

[@leonore3349]

That table is beyond sad.

[@melindadouglas1673]

This is an absolutely gorgeous, well designed, very peaceful home. Everything works together in harmony and it’s very functional for everyday living. I love the indoor/outdoor feel with all the natural lighting. The location and outdoor patio is perfect. Job well done!

[@luciascanlan-bloor2567]

I love it... except for the ceiling. Also, I had always loved the koala bed but thought it was too wide. Great idea to chop it down a bit!

[@JP-fe1vd]

Surprisingly I didn't mind it. I don't think anyone walking in would even notice the ceilings given how great everything else looks. It was probably freshened up giving it a clean new look too. This channel and apartments like this one have made me start thinking/looking for an older apartment building in my area. In the new buildings you can hear your neighbors dog scratching itself

[@bonriver9420]

Absolutely love the bathroom, the green tiles, the sink, the window. That balcony has a gorgeous view to nature and is so serene looking. Very nicely done.

[@lilibayou]

Love the tiles and colors used. It’s a lovely combination

[@mk.am.]

The small table holding the plant pot in the bedroom strongly reminded me of the vintage olive oil tin cans that we have in Greece. Noticing the owner's (Greek) surname, I can't help but wonder if that was the inspiration behind choosing that piece of furniture. Lovely apartment btw, I think it's one of my favorites of the channel. 🤎NTS, I never miss an episode, thanks for the great content!

[@gus473]

😅 I wondered the same! 🇬🇷😎✌️

[@nekpap9345]

Μe too

[@Echo-l8r]

Fluted glass is ace 👌🏾

[@Harry-fk5of]

The lens choices really make the entrance to the balcony look like a corridor from one angle and a step away from the entrance in another

[@cmitchell7347]

Thumbs up to the luscious sage wall tile in the bath, the complementary burgundy and foliage greens, the open airiness of the space. The one thumbs down...the impractical, tiny sink in the kitchen. Didn't appear to be the result of needing more work surface (of which there seemed to be sufficient). Lucky to have storage so readily available, facilitate eliminating visual 'clutter.'

[@douglasthompson296]

Hi, the guy doesn't need a large sink as he has a built in (small) dishwasher, simples. However a regular sink and a pair of Marigold rubber gloves would solve his problems of energy use and detergents use on the environment, but I'm old school 😮. Cheers DougT 🇬🇧

[@roundedosu]

really loving apartments showcased on the channel lately

[@tkcldk]

i always love apartments with balcony like this one

[@Sidandemily5423]

Amazing. Inspiring because this beautiful design doesn’t scream impractical, expensive and out of reach. Instead its curated with simple, natural, beautiful and creative elements. Love all the plants!

[@paulbourke6215]

Really, really beautiful. I love everything about this unit. Congratulations Alex you’ll created something really special.

[@mariastathopoulos744]

Bravo on preserving and working with the design of the building and spaces. I really like the burgundy and sage green to highlight and zone the spaces. Storage solutions have also been thoughtfully designed. Personally l'd add a rug in the lounge area to ground the couch with chaise, and a small round side or drinks table as a substitute for a coffee table. A surface to place a drink and snack when sitting on the couch.

[@lic2910]

Love the colors used. Burgendy with sage green and the wood color warm the apartment up in such a sublte way.

[@elisekhoury7718]

It's my favorite small apartment so far! The use of light, materials, design the whole thing is just perfect and yet very simple. Great work of art!!!

[@크와왕-c5f]

I think the point of Never too small is that natural is around there. If not, it looks stuffy

[@robfj3414]

Would someone explain to me exactly how the early ’70s qualify as “post war?” (Unless Australia was involved in a war no one told me about😉) What are they teaching these kids in school?!? On another note… Great apartment remodel! So light and open.

[@reply_off]

Maybe Vietnam war although that ended in mid 70s

[@jonahanderson9101]

Ahh I love you NTS!

[@nevertoosmall]

Love you back!

[@jels.7889]

I live in the same area and this is basically my dream! I'd choose different colours/materials than the birch wood and make a few different choices for my lifestyle, but I love how it fits perfectly with what he needs. This is so well done and I'm so inspired by it

[@captaincommodore8901]

Ceiling plaster looks horrific... otherwise very nice

[@troydonaldson]

Awesome unit! Love his dedication to retaining the post war aesthetic. First time I've ever seen someone keep popcorn ceilings for their aesthetic value! lol

[@frostedbutts4340]

Haha he might have been just saying that to avoid paying for asbestos removal

[@christineperkins8582]

🫶🫶🫶 a great presentation love its textual feel and design well done! Very proud you chose an older space very classy. NO to demolishing old treasures ! ❤️ NTS you show off very classy designs. 🪷

[@fridayschild1566]

There are many things to admire about post-war architecture. Popcorn ceilings are not one of them.

[@swicheroo1]

I live in an MCM house. Popcorn ceilings in my city--Los Angeles--are never original. They were developed as a way to disguise cracks that came of houses settling. They also sealed in asbestos.

[@curlych33z3]

Totally didn't choose it cause he loved it lol

[@____Ga]

It is one of my favourite projects on this channel. Beautiful but functional as well and retained some original features. I like the use of natural and neutral colors.

[@jonnyhaw]

Beautifully thought-out apartment, and the storage unit provided in this apartment block is genius - every building should have them!

[@conniebruckner8190]

Good adaptation! I like the doors which let light shine through; Works best if you live alone. I also like how you've designed the kitchen. The balcony is a big plus to this flat as is the storage room!

[@Devils-advocate78]

Looks like a basic unfurnished council flat 🙈 super basic, super bland and super boring. People in the comments gushing over it are either insane or blind. Either way, the comments aren’t meshing with the cheap nasty plywood cupboards

[@richiesd1]

why is the popcorn ceiling still there? I really hate old dirty popcorn ceiling. Oh, he did explain, but popcorn ceiling as a "historical" element is questionable IMO.

[@ReganAtSea]

well... 70's is technically "post-war" i guess, by 25 years. i mean everything is post some war or other. nice, practical remodel tho.

[@ellen9018]

Reminds me of the Amy Sedaris line in Broad City “it’s a pre-war building, built right after the Iraq War”

[@tuppence937]

Love the secure storage space external but adjacent to his apartment. So practical. And that view into the green internal courtyard in the apartment complex is gorgeous.

[@sqd8r]

It's amazing how spacious that place is when you remove clutter from your life. I did that, removed clutter, during the pandemic and it "saved" me selling a space that was more than big enough for me and my dog.

[@bethbatt2081]

but..but..but..wouldn't the popcorn right over the shower absorb steam and fall down in bits on the showerer's head?

[@pandajojowilson7833]

spacious and bright, do not feel tiny. Like the green tiles in the bathroom :D

[@marieleriche4505]

Lovely! Maybe, the Kitchen area a little too big?! 🤔

[@dermotstanley2761]

So many different lenses used its impossible to work out the size of this unit. Frustrating. Boring

[@IndigoCosmic]

The balcony is very cute with all the trees surrounding.

[@annaeeee7516]

I love the entire apartment, but the sage green tile in the bathroom gives the room alboth an airy and peaceful feeling. Fantastic job remodeling this place! 😄

[@Buddhababe2]

I like how everything is covered in the kitchen.

[@mortiftw6378]

I'm not too sure about that. The door in front of the fridge would always be open if I lived there.

[@Buddhababe2]

@@rob-oe4wr True. That’s what I have in my house.

[@kochcraft]

but the advertising block is in the videos way toooooooooooooooo lomg... looks like the channel is moneyhorney

[@dianebaker5243]

The design in this apartment is beautiful throughout love the colours on the balcony bathroom and kitchen tiles. 😊

[@claudiastockman8438]

You need to release Never too small book. Maybe 2 volumes........ So many are gorgeous and are not selected for the book

[@tequilamockingbird2895]

When you have to restart the vid because you are shocked your Brunnie neighbour is featured. Beautiful job Alex

[@jerrysimas2040]

I love this series and this is one of the finest examples of design I've seen for small spaces. It is tranquil and has amazing flow. Looks so livable and comfortable.

[@m.d.o3360]

My friend please what is the brand of your white sneakers?

[@createandbuildcorporation]

Clearness, Colorfulness, and perfectness. I luv this space.

[@jocelienjimenez9821]

AWESOME Apartment it looks very inviting and calming feel to it Wonderful Work. L❤VE IT 👏👍✌👊 Thank you Millie🌻

[@thisgirl5539]

Really great job and a realistically liveable space. It’s so refreshing to see a home with a tv too!!

[@aldretaldret4310]

J' aime beaucoup le côté seventies. Good 😊

[@ОльгаКоролева-в3ч]

Замечательный интерьер - просторно в небольшом пространстве, функционально, красиво и в гармонии с природой.

[@mive9503]

I love this. the only things that gave me pause were the pull out table (with no leg support) and storing the seating outdoors (due to the accumulation of dirt/dust/moisture and exposure to the weather). Neither is a deal breaker. :) I would happily live in this apartment.

[@rainbowl4745]

But the popcorn ceiling is just ugly 😢😂

[@TruthQuest4700]

This is a great example of successful renovation in that it upgrades the function and aesthetics for contemporary living without over compromising the integrity of the space's design history!

[@ritayaghi140]

Perfect design 🤍 functional, neat, minimalist, organic interior style complementary of the exterior courtyard, inviting natural light 🤍

[@michelestapleton]

This apartment feels quite large and the kitchen quite ample. The glass doors are a nice, airy touch. Bravo.

[@Syamala-qj6jb]

What is size of width and length?😅

[@sandrah5405]

I think the reason he decided to keep the popcorn ceilings is that they most likely contain Asbestos and that is very expensive to remove safely. But leaving them there is dangerous too, as little bits of them can fall to the ground and then get mixed into the air. The cheapest and relatively safe method is to put another ceiling below the popcorn, thus locking it in the void.

[@Alicia-ij6gt]

Units of this era often only had 2.4 metre high ceilings, so there may not be any capacity to add additional insulation.

[@liszaf3976]

I love that you have worked with some of the original elements of the apartment, we are in the process of renovating a very small apartment and due to the walls being so old, made of stone and mud, we are having to think outside the box and try to work with some of the original materials and the original layout as much as possible, to not disturb the old building. Once again thanks for a great video and greetings from Crete, Greece!

[@pedroyalrededores]

My 10 minutes of calm ❤

[@louise-marie]

I really like the style and simplicity of this apartment. I could easily live there.

[@szfrj]

I really like it overall very tranquil… but the sofa placement!! 😱 noooo

[@crisjb7185]

Want to know the importance of what type of lenses to use? See 6:27 window looks small but at 6:33 window looks big.

[@sidedoor38]

Yes, it’s difficult to tell the actual size of a place with those camera lenses. Always used in home listings. At least in the U S.

[@vlvtgoldmine]

same with the black buffet at 3:19 and 3:24

[@richiesd1]

i am American so I need a dryer? where do people dry their clothes if there is no dryer? I supposed the machine could be a washers/dryer combo, but those don't dry well at all. I tried already in my small apartment, and those combo units don't work well at all. I had to install a stack washer dryer unit.

[@frostedbutts4340]

... On a washing line? A block of apartments like this will usually have some shared ones anyone can use. I live near this house and probably use a dryer maybe a dozen times per year.

[@richiesd1]

@@frostedbutts4340 , what a good idea to have shared dryer lines! Here in USA, there is no such shared lines - line drying is usually not allowed in multi-unit communities.

[@TamaraJoy7]

Loved the green tiled bathroom, the blond timber in the kitchen and how the white sink and tap ware just blend effortlessly into the design… it’s all beautiful ☺️❤️ except for the popcorn ceiling… I grew up in the 70s and it was everywhere. For me, it would have to go.. 😞

[@Alicia-ij6gt]

Sometimes it’s necessary, where it is used as part of the reduction in noise transference between units. It’s a flaw in their design. They were usually only 2.4 metre ceilings, so no capacity to add an extra layer of SoundCheck.

[@harkendoich2]

Hmmm I like some things about this one and other things not so much.. All subjective of course, so irrelevant really. Likes.. - Materials used for kitchen cabinets. - Pull / foldout dining table. - Green tiles to an extent. - The wardrobe. - The balcony isn't too bad. - The TV unit. Dislikes.. - Open plan living space. - All the white walls - needs some colour. - Too many green tiles in the bathroom - would be good just used in the shower area and maybe along one of the walls. - Grey tiles on floor. - The doors - The popcorn ceiling

[@daboundy]

OK ... "internal courtyard" .. means "internal" ,.. not outside .. 2. a dining space would have been nice, not that carppy pull out shelf; 3. "pantry" is more than 2 shelves in a cupboard ..... oh I could go on ... btw "diet" may be a 4 letter word, but go with it .. 😩 (btw ... "grammar")

[@tedhuang5458]

I don't really like this trend of hiding the refrigerator behind a cabinet door. I think it's actually visually more appealing to have the refrigerator visible instead of having the whole wall covered with cabinets (especially in a small space!), not to mention it's just more functional.

[@mevisual]

Hi! I'm currently studying architecture, could you please tell me what softwares are used for plans in Australia ? I would love to have my first experience in Australia, since architecture there is incredible! TY for your help!!

[@richiesd1]

The steel fluted glass doors are beautiful. They are also expensive. I would have used larger terrazo tiles for less grout lines, and less cleaning. White grout?! Good lucky cleaning. I bad idea with timber cladding... imagine dirty greasy fingers. BTW, I am an investor/renovator of small furnished units and I speak from experience renting apartments to tenants.

[@mattskull16]

That's clearly an Ikea PAX wardrobe. Not complaining, just observing.

[@tiaggot]

Loved the hidden table idea. It would totally fix my problem at my apt. Any idea on how to make it? Tutorials or final product? Tnx! ❤

[@stephneygreen]

It is great, love the flooring and the doors. Too bad that the balcony is not bigger! I probably would have put a foldable table on the wall opposite of the kitchen sink. So much kitchen space!

[@fuyuindia]

I like reddish color of those window frames. Did you paint them ? Or purchased/changed all the window ?

[@Dark_Aeon]

I love how open it is to the environment. I guess the one issue I'd have living in this space is the entrance door. Psychologically, it bothers me to constantly see it. I like the entrance area to be separated from the living space. I'd probably install some sort of curtain to hide the door 😅

[@rzuue]

What I have realised living in small spaces: large kitchens are overrated. Especially when you can have space for a proper table instead - be it a full table or one for sitting on the floor. Generally, sitting on the floor is underrated.

[@konstanlyk]

When he said: "it's easier to vacuum", I laughed... so Greek of him! I know, I am Greek too

[@GregCurtin45]

Tough apartment to design.

[@fungt89]

Lmfao. Spent money on the wrong things. Ceiling has obvious mould and leaks but loves that post war housing !

[@giannamicha3122]

I really liked this one. Every single thing is delicately designed. The colors are eye-catching. I am not sure about the dining table, though.

[@johnvarjohn2549]

Very nice place. 07.24 maybe a bit tight for such an important moment?!...

[@treylennon4858]

Love the design in this apartment! I especially love the tile in the bathroom, such a beautiful color and really love the way the floor to ceiling tiling makes the room feel.

[@MichaelTzanakakis]

I dream of someday being able to buy my current apartment and the one below (both of which belong to the same landlady) and transforming it into something that could be featured on this channel, but I'm a broke student so I don't think that dream is gonna become a reality any time soon lol