NEVER TOO SMALL: Bondi Beach Functional & Luxurious Apartment, Sydney 50sqm/538sqft

[@hotcha]

a note for undercounter fridges: you cannot conceal them in closets like this. the doors dont have proper toekicks for ventilation, these appliances will break within 6 months. there are some undercounter fridges ($$$) that are panel ready, the ones in this video are not.

[@JamesHK19]

Going back to some of the first videos on this channel, anything Brad Swartz is involved comes out so beautiful. Always the most thoughtful, considered spaces. He’s a real gem.

[@virginiadominguezcarrera8816]

I was about to comment the same, I really enjoy his team's work

[@MangoBells]

The pull out dining table reminds me of a mortuary slab, not exactly beachy vibes! Also no blinds or curtains on the windows? In Sydney heat? That's... a choice.

[@el_micha]

Looks like in the bedroom they removed a roller blind from the window for shooting the film. There's holes in the wall that mimic a fixture of those...

[@rbroccoli_]

Faces north so its indirect sunlight right?

[@MangoBells]

North facing gets a lot of sun here

[@rbroccoli_]

@@MangoBells okay. I googled it and didn't seem like it would but I don't live there :) thanks for info.

[@philiphoekstra9193]

LOL I thought it reminded me of something. Nice place though to debone a fish :-)

[@facisseJ]

At first glance, the kitchen looks like it was designed for someone who loves to cook - the counter space alone is massive, there’s a dishwasher, oven, etc. A lot of items i see skipped in other videos. But the kitchen is functionally designed for someone who rarely cooks. Someone who only needs two mini fridges, needs that large of a kitchen? Two doors to open one fridge? It’s odd for such a small space to prioritize the kitchen, but not actually make it useable. I don’t really get it. But the bathroom is gorgeous. Warm and inviting. I love that it has a tub. Most people seem to opt for a shower only, which is understandable, but I would miss having a bathtub myself. I think more tiny spaces should go the Japanese soaking-tub route! And this one is lovely!! I would have loved to have seen more of that vibe throughout the rest of the apartment.

[@水-n4v7s]

It looks nice and pretty. But I kinda miss some old NTS episodes/ flats so much. They had much more uniqueness like something I can’t find from normal fancy interior design magazines. I could find a lot more cool/ smart ideas of using space efficiently and picture how urban residents have their daily lives/ moments in those flats.

[@JamesHK19]

“Want my old shit, buy my old albums”

[@marpjc]

@@JamesHK19but when subsequent work drops in standard and is repeated more than any of the original good quality work simply to cater to a broader group of people because it has less chance of offending people’s taste then if it was true to itself and what captured the minds of people to help it become successful in the first place it’s frustrating

[@JamesHK19]

@ I hear that. I also think more is more and that there aren’t necessarily enough case studies to explore with such a limited criteria aperture. Broadening the scope doesn’t erase the old case studies as well as the continued showcasing of small spaces to this day, but the widened aperture also exposes the audience to some larger spaces as well.

[@adamliwinski2449]

I’d love to see a “a couple years later” episode for many featured apartments, including this one. In those episodes the owners / actual inhabitants - not the architects!!! - would describe what they love and what they hate about the design choices. Pretty certain the absurd fridge ergonomics and nightmare to clean bathroom tiles would win here.

[@SLR-SLR-SLR]

The finger prints on all the stainless steel too!

[@studiohhemant]

really superb suggestion - i also want to know how thing age !

[@allie1953]

@@SLR-SLR-SLR 😆

[@funnkyfunk]

The fact the fridges are not opening with the door in front of them would drive me mad, plus the finger prints on the stainless steel! Also that fact it looks like a staged apartment and not lived in at all. No space to put even a book in the living room! Totally agree with your comment, this would be top of my list to see in a few years when the crack have started to show

[@allie1953]

Yes- I'd like to see if the owner/occupant would put more plants in the window boxes under the windows that face the brick walls of the next building and let them attain some height. It certainly would help to soften the "view" and add an organic feel.

[@Lea-bw9wj]

Such a stunning building with all the art deco features, it's a real shame they have been stripped out of the unit.

[@auspiciouscloud8786]

@@Lea-bw9wj Shame has nothing to do with it. Clear, intelligent objectivity and wisdom are muttled by feelings.

[@daan260]

@@auspiciouscloud8786 your home interior is all about feelings. You want to live in a space that feels like home and feels like it expresses your personality. This historic building influences the vibe of the apartment, so mixing these styles can feel very off actually. Every time you enter your modern white apartment you have to walk up to and through a moody historic art deco style building. That's a very abrupt change, so I don't think that works particularly well.

[@auspiciouscloud8786]

@daan260 so you're saying that your opinion is more valuable than all the others in the comments on this video? 🤭 If you look beyond your feelings, you will see that yours are ENTIRELY different from a majority of others, so HOW does that make you an authority? It doesn't.

[@daan260]

@@auspiciouscloud8786 when did I say anything like that? why are you so mad? I'm just telling you what interior design is about and why feelings or vibe matters to people. I never said my opinion is more valuable and neither did I say that I'm an authority. Take a break and go for a walk outside maybe?

[@auspiciouscloud8786]

@daan260 ignorance will not help you. Your memory, rereading skills or your inability to notice that you responded to my comment, are not my problem. Arrogance and ignorance are not a good look for you. Your next comment will likely be narcissistic, as your gaslighting has failed to work.

[@ninaotan7811]

I’ve seen European appartments of the same period and similar size. The charm was there, as was comfort. If there were some here, both were killed by renovation and successfully converted the place is something looking as an operation theatre.

[@MTMF.london]

I think the renovation was done very well. It looks clean and modern - I don't get the clinical or cold vibes.

[@meowkat4043]

The kitchen is not made for someone who cooks. I would hate to be polishing those stainless steel surfaces all the time.

[@toohhy]

you don't need to polish a matte surface, from what I heard people don't regret having stainless steel countertops

[@2hotchKISS]

they could be coated

[@sandermeuwese2185]

I get that you’d want a bespoke finish for the kitchen but I would not accept the double doors for both fridges. I am missing the sensible in this…

[@synnae1]

I've had a custom designed stainless steel countertop for 20 years. It is really easy to clean, smudges are barely visible and it is crazy durable. I obviously love the aesthetics of this kitchen but practically it is a disaster. Little storage, double doors for the fridges (WTF?), a plank blocking the window view, and imo an island that blocks the flow due to the table.

[@julien.2573]

My concern is more about where the fumes go when cooking, not to mention that all the items stored on the top shelf will be stained.

[@aditikumawat1944]

The slide-out table is a nice design, but I’m not sure sliding it in will actually save space because the chairs will still be there, making the area look cluttered with chairs just lying around without a table. And having to move the chairs to another place will feel like added work.

[@S-jq1yk]

Nothing says earthy, beach vibe like stainless steel

[@matthewcooke9306]

If you go to any public beach in Australia, stainless steel is a heavily utilised material. From outdoor showers, taps to wash your feet, water fountains, outdoor sinks, BBQ areas...etc, etc. So while it doesn't immediately seem to be an obvious thematic choice, it's actually entirely appropriate for this material palette :)

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

@@matthewcooke9306 excellent comment 👏 👌 👍

[@el_micha]

@@matthewcooke9306 Having been there myself I can second that. For hygienic and vandalism-proof purposes you see stainless being used a lot there. Given that the material palette fits the surrounding area/context. Still for me a relaxed beach vibe! isn't connected with stainless steel at all. For methis case is more of an intellectual connection than a vibe/feeling.

[@Sabena-pl3cw]

@@matthewcooke9306Even the toilets are stainless steel.

[@valarya]

The materials in the kitchen are quite beautiful. It's a shame it takes so many touch points to access the fridge space; that was a huge miss for me.

[@Eva_OrtizLopez]

A fantastic Art Deco building, I think that style should have been included in the apartment.It's a pity. 😅

[@auspiciouscloud8786]

@@Eva_OrtizLopez pity has nothing to do with it… you don’t have to like it obviously, but it becomes immature for you to need to add “It’s a pity”. I love this apartment just the way it is.

[@muertaqueen]

4:25 you're telling me you can sit 4 people with that 30cm slide out? are people sitting on each other? genuine question 4:52 you can already see fingerprints on that stainless steel fridge door. 5:04 2 under bench fridges that will absolutely destroy your back because the architect wants to "create a sense of space". It looks cheap as well. 5:08 4 movements to open/close 1 fridge. 8 movements for 2 fridges. If you just put a normal size fridge at appropriate place, it will be 2 movements lol. 5:47 In what universe is that a large sink? Yea, this NTS episode is a miss buddy.

[@Charliesmum2016]

Hahaha you’re speaking the truth.

[@mundesley2348]

Totally agree. A family lives member lives in the same building, renovated the 2 bed flat and kept the Art Deco features. This fool completely guts the flat 🙄🙄🙄

[@Terri_MacKay]

Two "extra" drawers. Extra, in addition to what?? There's virtually no storage in that kitchen.

[@Terri_MacKay]

​@@mundesley2348It breaks my heart to think of all the Art Deco features were stripped out of this unit. I'm glad that your relative was smarter and kept the features that give this building character. I'm sure their unit is beautiful with all the AD features they kept.

[@theresabu3000]

The only thing I really liked about this apartment was the wardrobe with the open shelf. Such a beatiful artdeco building - and nothing in the flat seems to remind you of that. I disliked so much stainless steel in the kitchen - at least the table/desk out if wood would be nice.

[@I_am_Lauren]

I also have an unnatural hate for stainless steel. haha

[@AndthenonedayIbecameanEXO-L]

same! the whole space was so sterile, uninteresting, no personality, apart from that table opposite sofa.

[@Mo-mu4er]

That mirror-backed open shelf breaking up the built-in wardrobe is incredible. Best 'unique' feature in the place.

[@SN-sz7kw]

Beautiful. Sincerely. But my OCD tendencies would have me constantly wiping smudges off the stainless, esp the desk/table & cringing over the buildup in the bathroom grout. Also wondering why they didn’t use cabinet incorporated fridges to avoid the 4-door hassle. Still lots of great ideas - slide out table & luxury touches. Extra note: just learned epoxy grout “repels” staining & mold. Perhaps that would be a good pairing with these kind of tiles. Costs more however as it requires specific expertise to install.

[@fayepeden1059]

agree with your three points. The apartment is beautifully designed but for these.

[@diegaah]

I think it was more economical to use bar fridges than custom built drawer fridges. Not entirely practical

[@SN-sz7kw]

@@diegaahMaybe - but even Ikea sells affordable fridges that incorporate into the cabinet door (not a drawer). They open together. Perhaps these were a temp fix.

[@tiggertay]

Spaces with windows in each room allowing for natural light and ventilation will always be a win in my eyes. When absent, they can never be compensated for, regardless of how good the interior designer is.

[@rudalsxv]

Opening and closing up to 8 times to get to a fridge item…and the kitchen has no storage?

[@lickmyenvelope]

Thats what happens when architects are involved lol

[@MangoBells]

Yeah if you're going to do underbench fridges do them right-- properly integrated with the cabinetry. Looks lazy otherwise.

[@sampeddy3854]

the fridges and no pantry seem like an afterthought compared to the beautiful sliding table and custom cabinetry.

[@deecunningham9719]

i assume the owner has to buy the appliances that would allow for integrated look but that might be much pricier.

[@riseevolution]

😂i dont like that ..

[@paulbourke6215]

This is so beautiful. Brad you’re a genius, everything you do is always so thought out. I love this apartment, it feels so calming.

[@leoseven216]

Minimal luxury with fantastic intentions. I love about this video.

[@Sonya-k2b]

I think bending down every time to get something out of the fridge would be hard.

[@Ирина-и8щ3м]

Fridge drawers needed.

[@AurinneA]

I really would like to see more small spaces that are designed considering people who don't have good flexibility and mobility!

[@pamelalapierre6678]

Agreed !! Looking back at my younger years , I know I never thought about what life would be like in my older years . I don't imagine many younger people think about life as an aging person and you are correct . Even simple daily chores become more difficult . Taking these thoughts into consideration when designing could make quite a difference in how much comfort is incorporated in ones life -- or NOT . Like those ridiculous refrigerators .

[@fayepeden1059]

bending is good exercise. I live in Britain and until recently, everyone had under counter fridges. Unless you have mobility issues, bending is like taking the stairs. Why pay to go to a gym and not incorporate basic movement into every day life. Besides, even with tall fridges, you have to bend to get what at the bottom!

[@lysan1445]

Don't worry. I am 63 and have been doing it all my life. It keeps you flexible and counters your innate laziness. I am a big fan of incorporating exercise into everyday tasks. Otherwise, I would hardly have any exercise. I am not a gym guy.

[@aldyrinc6870]

Beautiful space. Pull the stickers off the appliances 😂

[@MangoBells]

stickers on appliances drives me mad, why do people want their house looking like a JB HIFI showroom ffs

[@malbemen]

Anyone wondering about the kitchen storage? Is that shelf and a couple of drawers really enough for storage? The fridge, the dish washer, laundry machine, the oven, bin storage is already taking almost ALL of the space. 🤔

[@Coromi1]

Doesn't a fridge need airflow? Doesn't a washing machine need airflow to dry properly after washing? Also, it's annoying to open and close two doors every time you reach into the fridge. This kitchen has a cold, uncomfy professional look of stainless steel combined with a lack of function.

[@njb7911]

fridge only needs airflow if you want it to run vaguely efficiently! this kitchen is a stupid design

[@elephantintheroom5678]

Gorgeous bathroom, and bedroom! I love this architect's work.

[@valeriefridson]

Brad is fantastic. All his projects are unique. Thank you NTS!

[@adultswimbump]

space is generally underrated so I appreciate the sensitivity to it shown here

[@I_am_Lauren]

That kitchen island countertop is so nice! I am also a big fan of uplighting and warm ambient light.

[@riseevolution]

the size of the apartment is really good. the blended kitchen is the best

[@MTMF.london]

It helps that there are windows in every room.

[@MTMF.london]

Great apartment and looks much bigger too because of all the windows in every room. Very modern and clean without feeling cold and clinical. Love the combination of travertine and stainless steel in the kitchen.

[@samuelbock8550]

Brad Swartz is really, really good at this. I remember watching him very early on in NTS and being impressed with his work.

[@andipot.x]

fav. achi designer in here

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

I really like this approach to FURNITURE. As nice as custom casework can be, if your needs change or if there's a new resident, being able to change or replace the furniture gives so much more FLEXIBILITY. The kitchen, on the other hand, looks hard to use. I assume the client does not cook. Even then finding anything must be a challenge. Looks cool though.

[@cindyboughen9933]

Lovely and bright! I love the travertine/stainless steel combo in the kitchen😍

[@CherryAdora]

Gorgeous kitchen! And the slide out table is a really clever way to maximise the space 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@michaelaronsohn3624]

I love this apartment, it has enough kitchen storage for me and I think it's beautifully designed and crafted

[@roquemarcelomusic]

I love the travertine elements, the Moroccan tiles in the bathroom, and the built-in lighting fixtures throughout. I am not sure how functional the kitchen actually is, but it still basically has everything a person would need to make and enjoy a meal. I also wonder if the wall that encloses that home office/extra bedroom could have been taken out in order the maximize the space overall. This could have expanded the kitchen a bit more while still keeping that area available for a study/home office. (A fold out bed/sofa could still accommodate a guest in this case.) This is a beautiful renovation overall for such a small space.

[@nadiamiravete5337]

Relaxing, quiet, beautiful, I love this one too! 😍😍😍

[@philiq18]

Nice project. Blend of materials works well together. The Moroccan tiles were a good option. Well done, Brad and team.

[@fabrifibraa]

Brad is amazing, love all his projects

[@jennycampbell5236]

😎Beautifully bright. I love the bathroom and and all the storage. Perfect design for the beach.

[@pippalewisNYC]

What a great space! It's so smart. I really like the materials used, the lighting, and that dining table is awesome. I'm really inspired by it.

[@Dessert_x_Tat]

Everything ... but the exquisite design by Brad Swartz and the kitchen with that expendable table! BONDI Beach is the cherry on the top. Thank you never too small. :)

[@Horus69ss]

Some smart space planning. I dig it.

[@weirdwurld]

Those bathroom tiles are gorgeous!

[@gus473]

This is a fantastic makeover, in a great building, in a terrific place! I get a "Santa Fe meets San Francisco" vibe with the furnishings! Excellent in my view! 😎✌️

[@2hotchKISS]

the bathroom must be hell to clean no?

[@AndthenonedayIbecameanEXO-L]

Everytime I see tiny tiles in the bathroom, especially showers, all I can think about is all the grime getting stuck in the crevices and hell to clean.

[@fayeashcroft7066]

Tiles and the tile laying is woeful Looks like the floor tiles and the wall tiles are sitting up

[@sarahrbarber]

​@@fayeashcroft7066 I think that is deliberate

[@njb7911]

white grouting - clearly the designer has never cleaned a bathroom themselves

[@Terri_MacKay]

And that's the most uncomfortable looking bathtub I've ever seen. The interior has straight sides and hard corners, no sloping edges.

[@mikej243]

Im totally in love with the tile flooring and borders. Although the bathroom moroccan floor tiles seems a bit too sharp and jagged for a space you're often barefooted for showering.

[@konstantinasnavardauskas4495]

Beautifully integrated lighting!!

[@Erin_Wilson_Studios]

That is a beautiful, beachy bathroom.

[@thefineletterco.7199]

Beautiful! Love the use of materials!

[@preachizzle]

I don't get it when I see most of these people working from just their laptops. How much work can you really accomplish without a dedicated monitor or dock? None of this seems functional besides the bedroom.

[@Swagg3r3d]

Finally, a decent 2 BR that’s a small space. Excellent design. I’d be worried about cleaning under the retracting pull out table. Hopefully it extends all the way out/can be pulled out completely

[@anonanon1791]

Beautiful bright and airy apartment.

[@dru8851]

Stunning! The little details like the tiles are so good.

[@meremeth]

I loooooove the bathroom! Its beautiful! I luke the stainless steel in the kitchen too :-)

[@Luzpormillones]

Qué bonito trabajo. Es un placer ver este departamento varias veces.

[@EzinOz]

I love the lighting. ❤

[@mariaferreira7535]

It's amazing, full of class in the middle of so much simplicity... congratulations to the architect and owner!

[@theaprileighth]

love the aesthetic of this place.

[@alekseikovalenko6316]

I really like Brad'style!

[@anne-mariebiorci5453]

Love the bathroom💐

[@Karj1991]

This apartment is sensational, I really like the bathroom

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

A tall refrigerator between the kitchen and lounge window would give stand-up access from the kitchen bench top. Also fridge access without going into the kitchen. A tall narrow refrigerator right hand hinged. 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@tuppence937]

The stainless steel pullout dining table is well designed, stylish and incredibly unique. I agree about minimizing the use of built in furniture - as I like the option of changing both the furniture and the layout over time.

[@jordancohen2355]

Wow!!! The flat is gorgeous! defo one of my favs on this channel. The bathroom design is amazing.

[@danielefascendini565]

The simmetry is terrific!👌🏼

[@thegraciefighter102]

I really like the aesthetic and it’s great for people who don’t own a television

[@chloeuntrau4588]

My favorite till now!

[@cannedangel8550]

beautiful design, love how it turned out. and the furniture looks perfect for the space.

[@TheMarizanebogdan]

The whole apartment needs more storage but the stainless steel kitchen is fabulous! Easy to clean and durable, hygienic and gorgeous.

[@gabrielaines]

Fan fan de NTS !! Necesitamos episodios mas seguidos ❤

[@Aquachick65]

Well done. Love the materials used. ❤

[@donyzi]

Stunnin, love it !

[@cuentaparamovil8925]

Una reforma luminosa minimalista, y en cuanto a estilo perfecta ❤

[@helensid6670]

I love those handmade tiles ❤ they create a warm bathroom 9:00

[@maquestiauartandmore]

my absolute favourite ever! everything is perfect! 🥰 ps that kitchen table is genius!

[@SJLA]

Gorgeous!

[@michelestapleton]

I like that this apartment leaves some space for the owner to bring some of his/her own favorite pieces of furniture. I have a lovely antique walnut wardrobe I could see in that living room. It would break my heart to have to get rid of it.

[@silviamonarchi1696]

Love the travertine ❤

[@colbyreed24]

Beautiful design for a locker room shower

[@tt-ez6eq]

Making a kitchen not feel like a kitchen. That makes a lot of sense.

[@inspiredidler]

Love this space ❤

[@nikcreu795]

The shelve in front of the window killed it.

[@pinkiewinkie1548]

OMG, Wish my son (30) and I (65) could live there!!! I love the sea/ocean (the smell, the sound, the vibe)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We live in Europe and far from the sea/ocean!! We can not get there bc of our illnesses and we do not have a car. Australia is one of my fave places to live! Maybe in a next life? Or one of my next lives hihi bc Japan, Canada and Svalbard are also on the list ;-) So many lives to life LOL!! Thanks for another fab video, sweeties, warm greetz from an old (rebel), Pinkie

[@susannehakanlind2942]

Wow…Beautiful apartment!! 👏👏👏

[@dianebaker5243]

A beautiful design ❤

[@marinarehren7076]

Impressive and great details!!

[@elephantintheroom5678]

Gorgeous kitchen!

[@JOAODESOUZADIONISIO]

So cold!

[@gus473]

Reminds me more of SW United States, like New Mexico, Arizona, California..... ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

[@logophilelyss4390]

"When dealing with an old apartment, the walls are almost never perfectly square" yeah and my 2010+ house has the same problem- worse than this apartment, I can tell you that for sure. The walls literally look wavy and the floor curves up near the walls.

[@Charliesmum2016]

The pull out bench is genius. The nook in the wardrobe is stunning. The fridge is a big mistake! Imagine paying well over a million for an apartment and having two tiny bar fridges.

[@saikogrrl]

Love the bathroom design, but confused why you would take out a gorgeous hallway arch

[@keithronson2624]

Yet another classic, premium Brad special! The No 1 Architect for small spaces..As always use of materials and lighting. Excellent! The quality and design is obvious. Personally I would update the sofa ( modern on legs and declutter the living area). Good to see a reduction in built-in furniture. As always thank you for sharing and indeed providing so much inspiration. ❤💯👍👌

[@waterbitten]

This is a truly beautiful home. I can imagine myself living here! I'm totally jealous.

[@cyndy338]

Perfection!👏👏👍🤩😊

[@Hongaars1969]

Whereas the use of space generally works, the kitchen is not deigned for someone that cooks at home.

[@SmilingMana]

I don't get picture frames leaning against walls. Thanks to the pictures on the floor the study looks kinda like a storeroom.

[@badger9156]

I wanted to love this like all your other small space designs, and it’s Bondi. I love how they had opened up the rooms, but not sure they are maximised for space. Also,thought there were too many types of tile. I don’t like the tiny mosaic floor tiles with light colour grout. I imagine stubbed toes. I don’t understand the pull out table, the house has an office with a window, I’d rather sit at a nice stool at the bench, or have a round table in the corner where they’ve placed the PK22 (great chair, just again, watch out for stubbed toes). The sofa placement feels off, unless there is a hidden tv. Fridges seem like an afterthought, and stainless cabinets are smudgy. Saying that, I’d totally live there, I’d just wear slippers ❤

[@mitterpe]

I love everything - except for the fridge accessability.

[@davidhunternyc1]

Minimal, yes. Stunning too but, most importantly, it's easy, comfortable living. Not cold but warm, cozy, and inviting. The adjectives are just as important as the nouns. The simple striped rug adds a welcome bit of plushness to the space. The wood coffee table, and rattan seating softens the severity of the architecture. The detailing is insane. The colorful artwork is not merely decorative but tie the natural world to the mind and body.