NEVER TOO SMALL: Attic Conversion to Elegant Micro Apartment, Paris 25sqm/269sqft

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Two adjacent derelict attics, with no bathrooms, kitchens, or plumbing have been completely transformed by talented architectural duo FRÈRES VOIRIN into a functional and modern micro apartment. Removing the false ceiling created space for a compact bedroom and shower to be added, accessed by a central geometric staircase, painted white like the ceilings and walls. The staircase incorporates a hidden washing machine, toilet and integrated storage. The ikea-hacked kitchen, tucked neatly under the upper floor, can be closed off with a movable, groovy shaped three-panel partition. The living room features a large double-height bookshelf and built in L-shaped sofa with a reading corner in front of the window overlooking the rooftops of Paris.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Ep. 182
Project Name: CAPSULE
Architect: www.freres-voirin.com/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Matthieu Toress
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Jessica Ruasol
Music: Taj Mahal - No Drums by Crazy Paris, Penance & Better Off by warmkeys. from Artlist.io

[@jamjiwi]

This has "Take your little brother with you" energy

[@anniechan3333]

omg coffee everywhere lol

[@ayerimsoto9311]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@stj8088]

This place is too small for this dude

[@OpenHLZFocus]

Wowwww très sympa 🤩👍🤍🤍🤍

[@rabbitsandphilodendron]

i love the apartment but the way the architects are all professional and in suits and the presenting person is just like "AND I WILL DO A BACKFLIP HERE! FRONT FLIP THERE! LOOK WHAT I CAN DO! lift me up guys, so i can dangle from the ceiling!" has me cracking up

[@zoilahinson2702]

PARKOUR!

[@SixFingeredAmish]

I did not expect a Never Too Small video to start with a backflip

[@Cristina-bv4el]

i couldn't stop laughing with all the acrobatics omg. and the architects making appearing and disappearing, felt so much like a wes anderson movie. very clever use of the space despite the smallness.

[@xAndiiix]

my thoughts exactly

[@YotamGuttman]

and mine haha

[@paulathistleton1339]

I thought it was distracting & try hard!

[@xB-pp3nn]

Definitely a distraction, I'm very confused with the need for this Tom Holland wannabe Peter Parkour's appearance in this video when he's neither the designer nor home-owner of this project..

[@sidedoor38]

@@xB-pp3nn yes, the scribbling acrobat was annoying.

[@BBJGC.12024]

Downstairs neighbor : Cool flip bru . Le stop it .

[@Britbabe53]

Hahahahaha

[@lepatientzero9637]

I'm French, I live 500 meters away from that place and I love your comment. "le stop it'. Will use it from now on.

[@cilibalint3169]

😅😅😅

[@stardresser1]

😂🎉😅hilarious! You win this today.

[@Soozelove]

The architects helping him up to the beam, the handstand in the kitchen, the backflips... what a video. I love how the architects were just like 'oh this is what he does, lets show you the apartment...' haha

[@LizzHarty]

I can hear Michael, Dwight, and Andy screaming "PARKOUR" in the back of my head. 😂

[@jessicamou]

I like the look of the room, but having an open shower space next to the bed is a bad idea 😂 I've stayed in small hotel rooms like this before where the dampness and humidity made everything unbearable, especially the bedding which smelled terrible and felt damp.

[@cpav9062]

Yeah, also I didn't notice any heating/air conditioning unit.

[@nadjak3410]

​@@cpav9062 Central Europeans usually don't have AC

[@cynmalin5728]

if the skylight opened, it would air. if not, wipe the walls/floor down w/ a face cloth, or squeegee. i do this especially in my humid summers. keeps the mold/bacteria down.

[@a.m.6586]

I agree! I don't like the idea of damp. Plus, I would have spared the sink. They have a sink in the kitchen downstairs which could technically have the same function. No need to take up more space in the tiny bedroom for that.

[@user-go8oj4dl4w]

I can't see it being a problem if the skylight is opened after showering. I bet there's a massive through-draft if it's combined with opening a balcony door as well. Perhaps in the hotel you stayed in many guests had really long showers combined with not opening a window.

[@Howulikethem23apples]

I am always intrigued to see these apartements. However, i would also love to see the people who actually live there or see places that have not been redesigned by architects, but just re-imagined on a smaller budget. But that’s just me. Because i love seeing what you can do without breaking the bank. Having said that - maybe thats just not the concept of NTS and thats fine too. It’s also great to see architects who do smaller spaces get a platform to shine. Over all, as a European, i love to see smaller spaces represented in any way shape or form. 🤗

[@birding_sarah]

it's not only you. yes, those apartments looks nice but are only for rich people. show me a rental that was redesigned with a normal people's budget....

[@sonyjumper111]

What do you think was the budget for this re-design? I would be interested in this transparency. I would guess around 50-80k?

[@anapontopina86]

Knowledge, skills and creative ideas have a price tag. Because regular non-architect person most likely does not achieve such a design. It's added value to the quality of living. I find it already generous that they share these designs free of charge in KZbin, we all can learn kits here and there😁

[@manuelacaravane]

Unfortunately NTS doesn't allow me to link a video. Just have a look at the best viewed videos, you will find a simple renovated apartment in Paris

[@2big2fail47]

I mean it's an airbnb for sure

[@quietestkitten]

I love how each section has its own space, so you're not just looking at the same thing all the time.

[@kongyih4894]

I wouldn't say this is the best design but certainly the most entertaining episode by far !😂

[@I_am_Lauren]

The exposed wood beams are such a nice contrast to soften up the white space.

[@kimberleyrigg7503]

I like the majority or the design but the shower just feels like a after thought that has been shoe horned into the space.

[@RickyMcSpanish]

Yeah surely they could have just made the toilet room into a wet room to give even more space in the bedroom

[@bf9436]

Yes and I would NOT want my shower literally IN my bedroom!! Gross.

[@bellareid3488]

@@bf9436 Agreed

[@Cathiina]

In some apartments in Copenhagen the shower is .. how to put it. Literally ON the toilet?! So you have very little space to shower or you can poop and shower at the same time. So they could have made the toiletroom into a wet room with shower 😊

[@bf9436]

@@Cathiina Sorry, but that sounds gross! I hate ‘wet’ bathrooms!

[@TamaraJoy7]

I liked quite a few design choices in this space. The bookcase, the compact kitchen with its soft yellow doors, the washing machine hidden away with the toilet, (but it’s too close to the kitchen ), the window seat, the all white interior, and the capsule bedroom. However I got anxiety seeing the shower cubicle stuffed into the corner up there. The moisture and steam from showering so close to the bed would not be practical unless it was fully enclosed with a strong extraction vent!

[@fredericpayan6708]

there is a skylight which can be opened when showering

[@mayamyu]

There is a window in area, you can open after showering 😅

[@mayamyu]

There is a window, which can be open after having a shower😅

[@tovep9573]

There are dryer climates and places that are constantly slightly damp and the considerations change by location.

[@alexbernatzky5646]

hmmm shower in space surrounded by fabric and no real separation, I can smell the mustiness and mold from here

[@monicarose2135]

Yeah, why not switch the toilet for the shower?

[@charlie1567]

Absolutely plus when he pulled that curtain back next to the bed and there was this gap and drop in height...image you making your bed , one wrong move and you are experiencing a deep fall. There should be some railing or protection or opaque glas etc.

[@mariamarshall6116]

The skylight can open for ventilation.

[@krGt_]

@@charlie1567 there is already a glass put there for safety .

[@littleblue88]

​@@monicarose2135the toilet needs to be accesible for visits

[@miriam4235]

I love the art on the kitchen cabinets idea.

[@Mulberry792]

Wow! Such a tiny apartment. The architects did a great job.

[@venyapo]

Parkour is a french word for a reason

[@france4me117]

Did you mean parcours? Which for us French basically means “the way through,” or “the path.” ...

[@Kara_2505]

They mean parkour, the urban sports discipline ‘invented’ and named in France.

[@MartyMart134]

@@france4me117 NO PARKOUR ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmekgGCIncZ6lZY

[@france4me117]

This is absolutely beautiful as it appears to function well and yes, the fact that it's not one of those design and you have to fold, open, pull and so many gesture that you'll need to do! Very well thought and it's simplicity really suits the small apartment. Well done to both architects :)

[@gail1249]

The problem I would have is steam from the bathroom shower in the sleeping area. Also, mold could develop with not enough air flow.

[@conniebruckner8190]

Especially in winter or on cold rainy days, when one doesn't want to open the skylight window.

[@chezmoi42]

Has no one heard of a dehumidifier?

[@joycenodav]

I would love to see a night time version of these beautiful apartments.

[@gregh378]

I went on holiday to this area of Paris last year. Whenever I go back to Paris I will only stay there now. It's a vibrant and lovely neighborhood.

[@Erika-gm2tf]

I love this space and the acrobatics that can be done within it! Hilarious❤ and informative video. I see some people complaining in the comments, that this would have been an expensive reno, and it's true that MOST people cannot hire an architect, but there are multitudinous youtube channels with helpful dollar store diy's which are totally legit and inspire mamy of us. On the other hand, I love that these architects mostly took volumes away. That's the MAIN thing they did and it's brilliant! I'm impressed with the simplest of shelves--the library. Then they painted everything white! Only a couple artistic details: the upper kitchen cabinets with the middle door referreing to the inspirational observatory dome, and the movable kitchen screen. Perfect touches that incurred some expense, but EVERYTHING else is simple, smart, functional design, just tucking the necessities in exactly where they fit, using the simplest materials: curtains, doors, minimalist stairs, and white paint to make it happen. And then, the coup de gras, totally exposing those gorgeous nail studded beams! Mm. As a designer and an artist, this reno makes complete and utter sense ro me. And I agree with many here; I do wish you'd provide cost details on this channel. I know it wouldn't be the most classy thing, but it would be respectful to consumer/humans. Consumer/humans want to know! (I love how Bryce always respectfully asks how much the owner's tiny build cost on his channel, "Living Big in a Tiny House." And it's SO satifying to hear them answer! SO satisfying.) I have to watch this great video again. Thanks!

[@Hunter357mag]

This is exactly what I would have for a permanent apartment. I love the mix of the old beams and rustic finish with the sleek and modern new finishes. The compact layout with high ceilings makes the whole place feel so cozy, but yet filled with natural light also. This is my favorite place i've seen yet on your channel-or any other for that matter.

[@KIMCHIBABee]

So much French energy…

[@Kara_2505]

Wow how clever to turn two dilapidated dark spaces into a bright design studio! 👏🎩 I liked the parkour presentation. 😄 Something different.

[@lisettevandegraaf6901]

Love the use of art on the upper kitchen cabinets!

[@KendallM0219]

I think the little life performance they did was really interesting to watch. I just wish he didn’t leave that sock print on the kitchen ceiling. It felt like art. Thanks for the video 😊

[@Geezman1977]

All Never Too Small apartments/domiciles are beautiful in their own ways, but this one in particular really got me. I would love it living here. The architects, the acrobat, and the clients own personality through the soft touches in the place really brings out the unique utility of the capsules of space in the apartment. Love this so much

[@ahumanbeing812]

The bookshelf by the entrance, the window that opens towards the oldest functioning observertore in the world, the L-shaped sitting bench just below the window, the creamy white wall-length curtain, the wooden beams from the original building, the kitchenette that is tucked underneath the upper floor and the portion used to hide it when not in use, the skylight in the upper floor, the storage wall and the curtain that hides it -- everything in this apartment exudes a classic Parisian elegance. It is a very successful renovation project. I love this renovated Parisian apartment, except one thing: the bed is next to the bathroom. Humidity can be a problem. It is not mentioned in the video, but maybe they have installed a ventilation fan in the bathroom or a dehumidifier in the space. Thanks for sharing!

[@mukagedek4010]

the apartment design is proof for never too small to do a backflip

[@lysannelynn]

Really enjoyed this place, I like the flow and how it totally feels it’s someone’s home. I like the clever laundry space and the fact it has proper stairs to a bedroom loft.

[@SrinidhiPadukone]

Fav renovation in a long time. I am not sure if the acrobatic element was just for this video or will be part of the future videos well but it suited the vibe of the video very much. Never thought I would chuckle watching a NTS video 😂

[@YouCanCallMeChrys]

I like this apartment! The redesign makes it feel bigger and the pops of color save it from being boring and bland! Also love the gymnastics 😄 What a nice change of pace for NTS videos.

[@pjlacey3990]

Nice use of space and the white paint everywhere really opens up the space and allows the light to travel well. The divider for the kitchen was totally a waste. People expect to see a kitchen in an apartment. The beautiful art work is now hidden.

[@mameh4243]

Not when there's dirty dishes in the sink...

[@carlbooberg51]

These people are looking so french! and i truly mean that as a compliment! Good looking people and good looking home!

[@mariamary65]

NTS videos never cease to amaze me in how so much can be thoughtfully incorporated in what seems and impossible space. Clearly also a gymnasts dream too. Another beautiful space.

[@alicialopez9469]

So far this place honor "the small place to live", i simply love it, very smart way to use every single nook and it has a cohesive way overall. Great!!!

[@eleanornelson5810]

The design is amazing! I loved how every angle was thought out - from both seated and standing positions. The “Cirque de Soleil” living element was refreshing. Great video!

[@ionaannin7241]

This small apartment makes me feel claustrophobic just by looking at it. I appreciate its clever design.

[@andronicemarinis1072]

Being European, I like this apartment and it's location above all.

[@elspethfougere9683]

Absolutely beautiful. It has such a good mix of comforting softness and spacious minimalism without being personalityless. I love it. Saving this for reference later.❤

[@SCANNO21]

really cosy and comfy, and sooo nice and funny: feels like a children hideaway hut ! Clever, bright and funny... Love it !

[@lyndaster46]

feels so fresh and amazing for such a tiny space. Very wonderful spot.

[@lolab.8362]

This whole place is sooo thoughtfully designed…love love love it!

[@danimaquestiau5834]

lovely aesthetic and ok for possible mon - fri work only, escape at weekends to actual comfy sofa!

[@pippalewisNYC]

I really like the design concepts for this space, the simplicity, the use of colors. This video has a fun Wes Anderson style approach to it.

[@Greenway1234]

Very clever design. I love where they put the toilet and the washing machine. The space is like a little work of art. Love it!!

[@mariamadalena7495]

Simply wonderful. Thank you

[@bellareid3488]

No matter what they say, a bed next to a shower must get damp,

[@yeenar]

Very cool as always. Though--maybe I'm just jaded--does it seem to anyone else like the more ingenious uses of small space have been less common, or said another way: the earlier videos seemed to be more clever and problem-solving-oriented compared to "merely" being just beautifully and elegantly done. Maybe it's just that those were the videos I gravitated toward when I found the channel. Just seems more like "these are nicely designed apartments" now whereas I feel like I remember it used to be like "Wow I never would have thought of that feat of engineering, that's mindblowing". Anyway like I said it's still really cool

[@ilLOLminati]

Totally agree, there used to be lots more innovative ways to use the space while still making it look really stylish and comfortable. This is cute, but it doesn't really wow me as much as some of the others.

[@tiggertay]

It could be that the more NTS videos we watched, the more we'll get a been there done that feeling, while the earlier ones will impress more because of the novelty factor.

[@supersnail5000]

Honestly I think it depends a lot on the demands of the client. Early small living concepts were often very utilitarian, often apartments designed from the ground up with integrated furniture, cabinetry, and wash rooms, designed as low cost living spaces, or in places like Hong Kong and Tokyo, where space is a luxury. This expanded internationally as small sub-let spaces in places like new york became more common, and is where the trend began to blossom online. Then we began seeing people apply some of these concepts to make slightly more luxurious spaces, but still incorporating a lot of functionality to create a fully featured home within a tiny space, or to create more open space to entertain when needed. Meanwhile an apartment like this likely isn't designed to be the clients only dwelling; they probably have a second much larger house out of the city, so considerations like storage, kitchen space, or the abilities for spaces to transform aren't required - it basically just functions as a slightly better equipped hotel room, which you don't need to be all that smart with to make work in a small space. It's designed more to be a pleasant and comfortable space, dedicating a lot of space to things like a large bookshelf, larger circulation spaces, and no need to transform furniture, which is almost a complete rejection of how the trend began (ie the gentrification of tiny homes).

[@yeenar]

@@tiggertay totally

[@garancebellaiche]

Love that episode

[@janinafisher101]

This is a really lovely transformation, and a great use of space! The white paint everywhere, contrasted by the wood of the old beams, makes it very restful, and at least from the video it doesn't feel as small as it actually is.

[@donovanreimer2324]

Quirky and practical. Both the video and apartment. Wonderful.

[@sanchosoftware]

Great, awesome! I find this tiny apartment as very cozy and functional👍

[@missilecustoms]

Probably the most creative studio apartment I’ve seen presented here. Just amazing.

[@nahaiatours]

I love that in France the toilet is usually separated from the bath. My house also has it (you enter to the bathroom sink and vanity and have a sliding door to the left for the bathtub, a sliding door to the right for the toilet, that we usually leave open when not in use) and it's so nice to be able to use them separately, especially when we have guests.

[@carlmathisen]

Loved the energy and vibe in this episode, lol

[@loisk6186]

I always loved Rep Bowman and now I love him even more. We must reelect him this year!

[@ACCOMPLISHEDSHEIS]

This channel reminds me of “Small Space”. I was so hooked. Now, I’m enjoying this channel.

[@Diasatia]

I enjoyed how detailed this design is. Great job

[@GradKat]

Fabulous little apartment! I love it!

[@valeriyatsvetnova6162]

Wow, such a clever use of space under the stairs, kudos to the architects! It literally made me gasp 😅 I would probably opt for a storage instead of either shower or bath, but what a luxury to have both!

[@itsserhioball]

Great project and excellent performance! One of the best videos on this channel!

[@GarzaB]

One of the best use of every single square inch that I’ve seen! Bravo!!!

[@c.t5136]

I love the art on the kitchen cupboards.

[@jcgoldsmith6515]

Great space with the limitations. Nice work, fun video.

[@wandadabrowski8745]

Brilliant! Love it.

[@paulaeksteen951]

Stunning apartment, clever design and entertaining video!

[@sasabinz7331]

This is so much fun! And a very cute apartment!

[@lostzack]

In general good use of space and also looks so bright However the shower and sink beside the bed is a big NO for me 😅

[@nicolacubeddu6897]

This is definitely one of the best projects in this channel.

[@anniechan3333]

Love these guys-what a great presentation!

[@croatoan8143]

Francoise was serving the entire video, he is so well dressed! Love the pants that cinch at the waist in particular.

[@rianamohamed300]

How very clever, the apartment has everything thats needed. I love how they put some thought into the toilet downstairs, but shower and basin upstairs. Usually one wouldnt think to separate these elements of a bathroom. My bedroom alone, not counting the attached bathroom, is 25 square meters. So its a really tight but well thought out space.

[@zhirsr]

brillant! very insperational. Retaining the old beams brings warmth and variation into this small space. It make the space visually interesting yet functional

[@eilis23]

Beautiful functional design - Vraiment formidable et certainment j'aime ❤

[@jiandaguo4978]

beautiful and calm

[@zaQba]

I love this apartment. Everything is in the small space.

[@patboudotlamot]

superbe design excellente réalisation et de l'humour

[@ihatehandles111]

I love it... so gorgeous and I love the kitchen.

[@doloresgiorgi5022]

Wonderful apartment, great use of space ❤

[@MelanaC]

What an excellent episode 😂 Brilliant ❤

[@kittydeleo4043]

Great sense of light and space imbued in such a small apartment with limited window real estate. Well done

[@MMC179]

what a gorgeous space - space very well used

[@margotjolly9560]

Love it!!!

[@mero0809]

Wow!!, this is one of the smartest designs that I've ever seen; bravo!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼⭐️

[@marieleriche4505]

Well done! Beautiful, bravo! 👍🏼

[@miriamrios9450]

This is the best living design I have seen ❤

[@vianeyruelasvelazquez7860]

Excellent and cinematographic video ❤

[@victorylee5381]

Wow , what an introduction 😂 that back flip 😂

[@ALENAKAZATO]

Excellent !!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@paulafigueiredo7834]

Very very interesting and beautiful space! Congratulations!

[@christineperkins8582]

❤❤ love the apartment the space is just right inner city living ❤❤

[@Silviayoutubella]

Never seen before! Amazing apartment! You can jump and fly !

[@monicawarfsmann4672]

what a cute little apartment , love it

[@EbonyMarwells]

Very cute!!!! Thank you👍

[@cata5351]

Beautiful!

[@mameh4243]

Super bonne idée, les peintures, François! Cela donne tout de suite un supplément d'intérêt à la cuisine. J'aime beaucoup ce projet. Bravo!

[@Khigha87]

I liked a lot about this place! The acrobatics were a little annoying at first but they do give a sense of size and space. The toilet door right in the kitchen is a bit weird lol. Other than that, this was great, given the size constraints they got all the elements to work. Having a shower in the bedroom work, i loved the entrance cupboard and library shelves and corner window bench!