NEVER TOO SMALL: Colourful Art Deco Micro Apartment, Sydney 27sqm/290sqft

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Set inside a 1930s heritage art deco block in inner Sydney, Architect Eleanor Peres wanted to celebrate the era and original materials in her re-design whilst making the apartment more contemporary, functional, and spacious. The most drastic change was converting the kitchen into a vibrant focal point of the apartment with the addition of two deep green joinery units, one at counter height and the other reaching floor to ceiling with a built-in bookshelf facing into the main living space. Other than a king-sized Ikea storage bed which provides most of the apartment’s storage, the rest of the furniture is deliberately simple and freestanding, creating as much open area as possible whilst allowing Peres the flexibility to easily change things up.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Ep 161
Project Name: Darley Studio
Architect: www.mone-studio.com/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Nam Tran
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: Golden Taps by Adi Goldstein and Take Me Broken - Instrumental Version by Salt of the Sound from Artlist.io

[@nevertoosmall]

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[@cheapandchic89]

That kitchen is to die for. I love it when people choose colours based on what they like and not fleeting interior decor trends that need to be changed every five years. The little ceramic tiles and interesting artwork make it all even better. Beautiful for such a tiny little place. Feels like a proper home.

[@transamination]

The one-piece steel counter and sink is so cool.

[@JeffreyMorse775]

My only concern is the lack of counter space to the side of the burner. I find it much more awkward to turn around to move stuff from a cutting board to the pan on the stove

[@muppelmuh1445]

Even if you don't remodel every 5 years because the fashion trends make it look dated in style.... You still would have to remodel every 7-10 years if at all. Why? Because modern manufacturing isn't made to last. 7 years for a modern sofa, max. Ikea kitchen? 10 years max.- when not ever moving it from one place the next. If you are on the market to express yourself and your personal taste you better cough up manifold of money for bespoke artisan craftsmanship.

[@HZLTV]

This apartment is objectively beautiful, but to me it feels more like a cute hotel room... it looks super cozy but your only seating are those dining tables... I'm someone who doesn't get into bed until it's actually time to sleep, so without even a cozy armchair this just feels like it's lacking something for long term living... Although I have neither the vision nor the expertise to even suggest what I'd do differently haha

[@dopce6018]

I spend all my day in bed. It's more comfortable than a sofa, more comfortable than a desk to work because you can change positions, and you can also eat things that are not crumbly while relaxing. I would absolutely love living in an apartment like this

[@IamnotJokic]

Probably mainly used as an airbnb

[@HomeWorkouts_LS]

I lived in a small apartment (not this small though) & had a living room with sofa but no dining room. It didn’t have space for both and lived alone so I made my choice 😅

[@IamnotJokic]

@@HomeWorkouts_LS Placing the bed where literally next to the entrance is a huge oversight. Do you realize how much dirt and grime you bring in from outside every time you step in? And then having to sleep on it?? Yikes.

[@mandlerparr1]

a comfy chair by the windows would be good.

[@djphonique]

absolutely beautiful, but nobody else would feel uncomfortable sleeping right next to that apartment door?

[@robin8966]

I felt the same. DearModern's voice was screaming in my head the moment I saw the bed next to the door like that.

[@actualangel5133]

Same thoughts… I’d be uncomfortable that any guest / acquaintance coming to the apartment would see a private area like bedroom… doesn’t matter if you use it during day

[@snow0over0sahara]

This is the perfect space for a Murphy Bed.....

[@anitavirginillo]

or a daybed@@snow0over0sahara

[@rodrigoa9969]

@@robin8966 Exactly the same thing for me!

[@MsWinterlife]

For such a small apartment, this is a wonderful result that allows people to live. Rather than having loads of cupboards / cabinets that cram in as much stuff as possible, this design forces you to evaluate what you value most in life and make choices based on that. When I first arrived in Australia, all my stuff fit inside 2 large suitcases. I remind myself once in a while that if I managed to live comfortably back then, I can do it again if the occasion calls for it.

[@LuOsorio]

I love that every feature of the apartment is intentional and not only because it looks cool (which it does as well). Also not having to compromise a big comfortable bed, a full kitchen, laundry and a full tub in a 27 sqm apartment is just unbelievable!! Very well done!

[@jesalmistry]

At the cost of a sofa 😅

[@GSutton]

​@@jesalmistry she could have a sofa in place of the dining table, but she doesn't feel the need for one so it's not a sacrifice, it's a swap - and it works for her, so no mocking emojis necessary.

[@nickles4652]

Beautiful space. I wonder why the bedroom wouldn't have been placed in the nook where the kitchen is. To each their own, but for me, it would have made more sense. But those colors and little art tile gems are fabulous!

[@nikkievans5285]

Depends on her budget. To change it would be more expensive as she would have to re-route plumbing and gas lines . She might have decided to use the existing layout to save money.

[@jessicasobian5579]

Same thought!

[@susanshannon1984]

I totally agree....It would drive me bonkers to enter my apartment right into where I sleep...the kitchen was so well thought out & beautifully designed & thus seems like an after thought ran out of money...

[@tigerkuma1011]

The exterior and entrance of that building is stunning. If you're gonna live in a small space at least let it be in an art deco one!

[@charli.7889]

agreed. This apartment is such a beautiful base because of the windows and architecture. I couldn't live in a space this small in many other buildings, but this one feels doable!

[@Eyeris625]

agreed, many tent to have high ceilings making the place look bigger than it is.

[@lolah3838]

Agreed. I was disappointed that the interior of the apartment didn't retain the deco feel. I like the green color and the bright natural light but the flow and use of space would not work for me.

[@philiq18]

I like it -- very compact, bright, and light. The deep green works well in that kitchen and joinery. The only thing I'd have done differently is a smaller bed, allowing space for, say, a floor-to-ceiling frosted glass partition between it and the entryway. 😅

[@MTMF.london]

Yeah, love the rest of the apartment but the door opening straight into where the bed does not work for me. She could have a sliding shoji screens which are no thicker than 2inches in depth, running along side the bed just to make a "foyer." She could still keep the king-size bed.

[@Lucas-vd2gx]

Plus with the headbed by that wall, you are in a direct area of any noise coming from outside.

[@gretchenknurr580]

I agree, but the practical problem that would create is that she couldn’t have a partition and keep the storage drawers under the bed accessible.

[@Lucas-vd2gx]

@@gretchenknurr580 Yeah but she could've moved the bed to where the kitchen is and vice-versa. Assuming she had the budget, a cozy nook with lots of storage underneath/around it. Having the bed by the entrance, other than the noise it also brings dirt from outside every single time you open that door and it goes right on top of your bed and pillows. Also if storage is a must, she could have kept the bed as a murphy-bed and created a builtin closet on that bathroom wall. I believe her limitation here was budget and of course, lack of space. Nonetheless, that bed by the entrance is a problem in my view but she must be okay with it.

[@carrie82853]

​@@gretchenknurr580 or maybe a partition hanging from the ceiling not quite touching the floor, so you could still open the drawers under the bed🤔

[@indiamark5625]

She's done a really wonderful job, especially with the sparing use of bright colours in her furniture, art and joinery. I used to study at the art school up the road and would walk past this apartment block every day, I always thought it was beautiful.

[@sepilokfui]

for such little space, the bathroom and the kitchen are wonderful, a little couch will make the apartment perfect.

[@kateyare4708]

I would (and do) trade the dining area for a comfortable seating area.

[@hotelierid9029]

The design is stunning. I love the apartment building as well. The green color in the kitchen is so pretty, and I love how she spread tiles with artwork on it. Its a very good design for such a limited space.

[@JS-te2vj]

As someone living in space-conscious urban Tokyo, I'm a long time fan of NTS - but this is my favourite, most modest yet senseful apartment I've seen! Really love it. Thanks for sharing!

[@Kara_2505]

Especially love the kitchen! The green, the tiles, the art tiles, the prolonged counter. Very understandable to choose for storage space under the bed (which you would not have with a Murphy bed). I would make a lounge podium instead. Still with storage space underneath, but with the possibility to sit durimg the day. And then use a foldable futon matress for the night.

[@peterpost1059]

I've been watching NTS for a while now. But this is the first time I felt welkom home in a story. I LOVE the kitchen! The mirror is brilliantly placed and the art around the house is the best. Thank you for sharing this lovely home 😊

[@Hongaars1969]

As someone who sold up in Petersham and eventually has settled and built a 35 sq m studio in Dubrovnik, I am happy to say that it is very easy to live in a cleverly designed, smaller space. I replied on pen and paper and drew up designs and plans for my builder and measured every available centimeter and was even able to install a bath and have adequate space for a clearly demarcated sitting area. Your micro apartment is very nice. May you enjoy it for many years.

[@mannhingkhor]

Feel like a murphy bed would be perfect here

[@Britbabe53]

yes! or the new chest style pullout beds that are so popular now

[@tuppence937]

Agree.

[@jonathanfgh1]

Who is this Murphy guy ? Sounds like a bit of a dropout ...

[@eszterkun9638]

She specifically addressed that: the storage space underneath her large bed is necessary for her, so it is not a wasted space. She designed the space for her lifestyle and I think there is much to appreciate about her intentionality.

[@kawo666]

@@eszterkun9638It’s a fair criticism though. Storage could still be integrated within larger joinery unit that would also host the Murphy bed with sofa underneath. In current setup you literally walk from outside straight into someone’s bedroom.

[@pranavshamkuwar]

Its a joy to watch, the video you are watching and liking, is also liked by a random person at the same time, across many miles.

[@saikogrrl]

Looove the artworks, especially the custom tiles! For such a tiny space it didn't feel small. For me personally I would have kept the original window seat for somewhere to sit and read, I think it looked gorgeous 🙂

[@anhe9127]

The custom tiles are genius!

[@dezmair1288]

i used to live around the corner from this building. This remodel is delightful - my only change would be to have incorporated a window seat for sitting at the dining table and double as a couch with storage under.

[@prissilou]

What I love about this video and others like it is that it takes me back to my youth, living as a young single girl. This apartment is beautiful, and I love the art deco details of the building. Great job, Eleanor!

[@Metonymy1979]

Yes Yes Yes. I wish there was a sitting couch on the window

[@craven5328]

I think in the before images, there was one! I like the idea too, but seems they removed it.

[@Tiamarruca]

Like a reading nook

[@Metonymy1979]

@@Tiamarruca Exactly!

[@annabelmayo450]

Love the green. Don’t know that the decor would work for me , though. i need at least one really comfy chair for reading.

[@davidhunternyc1]

Very pretty. The clean pure white walls reflect daylight and give this small space an open, airy feel. Love it. Well done.

[@16demolka]

I love it. I would use sofa-murphy bed combo and try to find another place for storage, but the style is on point!

[@62elgu]

Extremely functional and comfortable, refined and elegant. Every detail is designed to optimize space and comfort. Beautiful!

[@_MSD75_]

this might be a new favorutire! Love the green kitchen & tiling. So light and seems so spacious. Not sure about bed next to the door. I wonder if the the bed could be put in the kitcken nook and then have a large open kitchen/living but probably difficult to move plumbing/gas lines.

[@sianthesheep]

An incredibly spacious feeling apartment for its size! I love the green colour and all the unique touches like the hand coloured tiles in the kitchen/bathroom and the art piece that encloses the projector. I agree a murphy bed could be a possibility and might allow for a sofa but you would then lose the huge amount of storage under the bed.

[@chloeuntrau4588]

It's a spacious bedroom with a kitchen....

[@fredericpayan6708]

or a cosy hotel suite@@chloeuntrau4588

[@RoseAllDayyy]

I just adore the brick Art Deco builds that are so beautifully Sydney. The flat is lovely.. the custom painted tiles scattered in the kitchen/bathroom are so special. The green in the kitchen is gorgeous. I love how modern it is but also has nods to the original 😊

[@TimK-1971]

There's so much I love about your apartment. Green is my most favorite color, and I love how you've used it. I also love the sheer curtains, your candle stick holders, and the art work on the wall by the bed. Very cool overall!

[@dru8851]

Stunning. I love love love what she’s done with the space. It looks so large as the same time so cozy. Love the thoughtfulness of every item!

[@kalokagatija3368]

This space is stunning! I love the complementarity of the green kitchen and the red chair. The only thing I don't like is the bed beside the entrance door. I mean, there is a lot of potential dust near the pillows and bedsheets.

[@jo1e-de-v1vre]

I like it! It's quite the challenge to work with such a tiny space. Great use of color and materials. She makes a great point about opting for the king bed. I would have never thought of using a larger bed in such a small space as an opportunity to add storage. Great work as always y'all!

[@chriswilks303]

This place is lovely. The building is great and the apartment look so effortless with its space. Also this video is so chilled out!! It was almost a zen like experience watching!

[@aioiui]

Am I the only one who would have moved the kitchen at the entrance and bedroom where the kitchen is now?

[@gisaurora]

Me too! I don't like the front door netx to the bed.

[@aioiui]

@@gisauroraI like the house but I feel like she could have had much more space for the living area and storage

[@helensid6670]

​@@aioiuihere you have it, in the same building, to me much much better! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3TMp4mterppnqssi=L6eZvLjR0OHSZU_d

[@Julia-no1ch]

At first I didn't realize the bed was right next to the entrance. And it makes me so uncomfortable just thinking about sleeping so close to the door. Another though that popped intp my head is that Dearmodern the feng shui guy would hate this layout haha

[@dianetm8557]

Perhaps the plumbing dictated this?

[@leelandluver]

I always think it’s interesting how designing a smaller space makes you really think about your own lifestyle and needs. You have to choose what is important to you, what is useful, and what will make you happy. ^^ It’s different for everyone. I love seeing her own style and personality in the carefully curated art, colors, and choices.

[@monikaa.5373]

The color of the kitchen is mesmerizing. Additionally, combining the functions of cabinets is an idea that opens doors in the brain. Brawo!

[@WanderThisWay]

A beautifully calm, but lively and lived-in looking space. I love how she's made it entirely her own, based on her needs. Even when other people told her to use a smaller bed, she prioritized what she wanted. This space radiates positivity. If I lived there, I echo some other comments about wanting a comfy chair or small loveseat to sit in, but otherwise it's a wonderful space.

[@miriammcfarlane6972]

As I've said b4, I love the peaceful vibe of these videos. A couple of nights ago I came accross a German tiny home channel (English subtitles), which featured a woman living in a town watchtower, 134 steps to the living area (a pain if you forget the car keys!😅) and a fellow who renovated a wine cellar (one wall opened to the outdoors. It's fascinating what people do and the dedication people put in to their living spaces.

[@themrgumbatron]

love the existing building fabric and the common areas especially. what a delightful place to call home..

[@hausofhanna5254]

Love the art deco connection from the building hallway into the apartment. Also, that green🍏stunning

[@ardianworld4129]

As someone that even lives in a slightly smaller studio apartment, Eleanor's story hits close to home :) Especially her final words about making the small space works hard so that living in it feels more simple. I also love to spend much time outside, so when I'm home I have my small haven of tranquility which helps me to unwind.

[@annaferretti7704]

Such a peaceful studio it seems. Green and white vibes together always taste like healing 🌱🤍

[@SuAndFox]

Lovely tiny space. I particularly love the commissioned tiles and use of as much of the original features of the space.

[@conniebruckner8190]

Great what she did with the small space! Lucky to find a place in that art deco building! I guess I too might have chosen a smaller bed so as to put something between my bed and the door. In any case great looking kitchen!

[@kellywang7593]

Such a cosy and gorgeous flat! I love the colour layout, particularly the green wall kitchen.

[@APtherealmissP]

What an extraordinary place! Thank you so much for sharing! I am in awe of the kitchen and I think it is brillant how you displayed all your art pieces. It really is like an exhibition. 💚

[@melissab.-c.7696]

The custom tiles! The colours! The artworks! The light!!! What a beautiful space

[@dopce6018]

I spend all my day in bed. It's more comfortable than a sofa, more comfortable than a desk to work because you can change positions, and you can also eat things that are not crumbly while relaxing. And I don't own a TV because I have my laptop. I would absolutely love living in an apartment like this ❤

[@Dessert_x_Tat]

Love everything including the comfy clogs the owner/architect wears. Thank you Never too Small for another great video.

[@judithrussell9162]

Ah, the same size as my apartment but so different. Lovely, serene and personal and none of the furniture is fixed so the layout can be changed if the owner wishes.

[@erinforsyth]

Easily one of my favourite designs for some reason. The tiles maybe? Beautiful personality and thoughtfulness throughout. Inspired :)

[@miguelmonserate]

Love it! The finishes, especially those tiles! Reimagining the same footprint space with a queen-sized bed instead, to accommodate custom floor-ceiling entry cabinetry storage. Just feel that a partition between the chaotic door energy and the sleeping area would be really essential for me.

[@allie1953]

I quite like this apartment! I like the use of color and plants that do, indeed, convey a feeling of 'jungle'. (And green happens to be my favorite color!) The tile work is beautiful and unique and I think the cooking nook is very clever, especially when it comes to confining and pulling out the cooking "aromas". The tiled walls of the cooking nook make it easier to clean up. Mirrored cupboards, fluted glass and the original tub in the bathroom were also great features.

[@michelestapleton]

Green is one of my least favorite colors for home decor, but she’s done the decor very nicely. (I imagine a version in indigo, my favorite color!)

[@I_am_Lauren]

The windows are beautiful! I love how those few different tiles in the kitchen add a uniqueness to the space!

[@saldiyesha]

The paintings along the tiles is really genius. Looks so prettyyyy and macth the with mood too.

[@aspoljanec]

This is a very thoughtful and respectful redesign. Feels bigger than what it is! Nicely done!

[@adawithoutnose]

This whole place is so cute! And I love the custom tiles, they add a special artsy touch to the apartment

[@kkfox7822]

This is how I want the inside of my mind to look. Love it. Especially love the handmade tiles.

[@Fixtheproblemwithgoodpolicy]

I love this space, it feels so serene and creative.

[@ZadieBear]

I absolutely love that space along with the color scheme. I could have seen myself living in something like that.

[@inatupaz4971]

Wow... white + green colors are serene and peaceful to behold...

[@davidjamessussex1671]

I love that this is a properly tiny space and someone is talking about how they've chosen to make that work. I genuinely think nothing over 500 square foot should be on this channel (which I do love), but in particular I love these real micro flats. I think they're so interesting. And even if I might have done one or two things differently, you can still admire the beauty and consideration which has gone into it, and take ideas from it.

[@martagrossi5302]

I absolutely love the tiles idea, to have a small art exhibition around! Inspiring!

[@kerstinesbjornsson3428]

Love the tiling - with artwork tiles in both bathroom and kitchen. Wow ❤

[@novembermidnights]

Love the commissioned tile!! This small accent makes a huge difference in personalization!!

[@DavidProductions]

Thank you Eleanor, for sharing. +So mystical to have rainforest inspiration for your green kitchen!

[@mariamarshall6116]

Love how relaxed this home is. The one small criticism , no space next to the burners on the stove , when I take a pot off the stove I sometimes would like to place it right next to the stove, here I need to turn around a move to another counter to place the cooking vessel, this would not stop me from enjoying this beautiful spacious home. The bathroom is also beautiful.

[@deecunningham9719]

i fully support the king bed in the small space. it's where we spend most of our life, sleeping. it should be comfortable. beautiful design.

[@osx86x]

I think this is beautiful. the stainless top will scratch over time as with mine. so glad you didn't compromise on the bed; many would have opted for a climbover

[@FreerideTaurus]

I love the placement of the mirror in the kitchen and the smaill tile features. I would have gone with a murphy bed though.

[@ishuthey]

One of the prettiest studio apartments I’ve seen! The kitchen is luxurious for a studio ❤

[@mbf137]

One of the greatest spaces on NTS - thank you

[@valentina_vsw]

Very beautiful, but, am I the only one thinking/wishing for the bed to be where the kitchen is to not sleep by the door?

[@paulbourke6215]

Really, really beautiful. Washing machine, dryer, bathtub and great kitchen. It’s perfect.

[@avantilicious]

I love all the art works in the apartment and also the interior design is lovely, especially the kitchen is gorgeous

[@annafife9094]

Dining area over a sofa every time! If the apartment had afternoon light I might try and squeeze in an armchair, but with morning easterly sun you've got to make the most of the bed. We have the same bed and I never thought to use the inner cavity to store suitcases before! Genius!

[@catemoon]

I love the handmade tile inserts. Love the kitchen. I’d replace the bed for a bed/sofa.

[@olyraguzman3808]

¡Lo adoré!❤ Entra muchísima luz y el baño está bellísimo. Además la cama se ve cómoda aunque ocupe mucho espacio, así que vale la pena. Los detallitos de las cerámicas pintadas y las cosas que colecciones le dan un toque más auténtico y no se ve como los típicos apartamentos que parecen corta y pega, sin personalidad. Muy bonito, de verdad. Hacía rato no veía un vídeo en este canal me gustara tanto❤

[@janinegaylard9233]

Really love this. Only change I would make for myself would be a soft seating table for sofa/table and a smaller bed to include a slim low bookshelf/counter partition between the front door and bed

[@BlueSaphire70]

Great job of making the most of a really small place! The kitchen area is fantastic. The color of the cabinets is great! There is not only a washer, but a dishwasher, wardrobe, and a full fridge. Going all the way to the ceiling was key. The bathroom is quite comfortable, with a full bathtub and large medicine cabinet. The one thing I would do if it were me was get a Murphy bed instead of an actual bed. There are many models that are like transformers, offering seating and storage in addition to a bed. That way I wouldn't lose storage and at the same time gain seating without having the bed out all the time.

[@katexfob]

love the cover of the vol. 2 book, that apartment was truly memorable💖

[@user-qy2kw9kx3o]

My favourite episode. I would adore this flat. Gives me loads of ideas.

[@elgienbarera4027]

I loved how she personalized the whole thing when it comes to designs. Big space for a solo, I hope she included a lot of changes in floor planning like a separation of bedroom. But overall I love it.

[@libbypetersen3523]

That green is really glorious. What a lovely space.

[@kend8537]

this apartment is so beautiful, it feels like an art gallery

[@mybigbag2018]

The delicate details and color coordination are so perfect.🌿✨💚🪴💜

[@baobaomo56]

Really beautiful, personal and great example of how art lifts spaces

[@katharinamarschall5662]

I really like this one. It has a calm atmosphere and stands out among the other apartments

[@pearlyung]

Good utilisation of space and natural light

[@kristinemendoza7355]

Love this feature! Very functional and aesthetically pleasing. Plus I love green so I will biased. ❤

[@ohwhatworld5851]

I really like the idea of making the shower curtain floor to ceiling length to make the room feel taller. I do it with my curtains but never thought about doing it with a shower curtain.

[@silviasaribusnita3423]

she successfully expand the kitchen area which usually is a bit challenging for micro apartment type. i enjoyed so much this episode. :)

[@amandanorth6526]

Gorgeous! I was thinking of using a similar green approach in my bathroom but haven't braved it as yet - using green linen to see how it feels first. I've also used enamel paint on my bath, which was well-designed. Wonderful apartment, congratulations

[@suzanneallison6163]

I like the colors and the materials. I would have done a murphy bed that had a couch when the bed was up and put storage in the couch.

[@samuelweeks4882]

brilliant, that green kitchen is chefs kiss 😙

[@user-kp1jy7jm3y]

I love the green kitchen especially the idea of tile

[@ken_nomz]

One of my favorite spaces you all have featured! This was so gorgeous

[@happyhappyaus2128]

I live around the corner from this building and always wondered what it looked like on the inside. Gorgeous!

[@anntardiff]

what an incredible apartment! I love how functional the design is

[@camaramarcelo]

LOVE. and the inserted tiles are beautiful