NEVER TOO SMALL: Adaptable Small Apartment for Family of Five Paris - 50sqm/538sqft

[@nevertoosmall]

If you’re an architect or designer with a project we could feature, please share it with us at www.nevertoosmall.com/submissions Architect: latelier.work/ Cinematography: @matthieu__torres Check out our book - www.nts.store Join our community- www.patreon.com/nevertoosmall Workspace by Never Too Small - www.nts.space Website - www.nevertoosmall.com Instagram- instagram.com/nvtsmall Facebook - facebook.com/nvtsmall

[@lawngaiyi]

Inform Putin how true beauty looks.

[@lawngaiyi]

Need to aim accurately.

[@nitrojane]

I really appreciate the way your channel shows both the original and updated floor plans - it absolutely helps me understand the spaces better.

[@mrmuab212]

It would be better when they film it like a roomtour and not a video with changing pictures and voices in the background

[@cmspilates]

Me too

[@judyp.]

@@mrmuab212 I like the music and not too much conversation. But I like the tour (non-stop filming while walking) idea as well. And it would be great if you indicated on the floor plan during the video where you are! Cause I always need to go back to the floor plan for each room to understand the layout

[@abrilt5368]

It was so intelligent how they created the children's room but that bottom bunk would freeeak me out

[@maddscientist3170]

so does the top one.

[@nadiasarasati7156]

Same. Both kids’ beds doesn’t seem comfortable too. I’d prefer to minimize the closet for normal bed/bunk bed. But, to each their own. Every family is different.

[@_innerpeacekeeper]

Yes me too

[@nofurtherwest3474]

Yeah it's like a coffin. No thank you. Hey might as well through in a bedroom under the kitchen table in keeping with the theme.

[@marisamaclachlan]

Kids love cosy spaces. I wish they'd shown the bed at the top though

[@dangvo271]

In my opinion the two claustrophobically nooks used for beds should be storage spaces, and the space for the wardrobe should be used for a real double bunk bed, or murphy bed, or whatever else that you could actually sit on.( I'm a big fan of "lay out a mattress to sleep at night and put it away in the closet in the morning" ). Or at least raise the office floor to give the bottom bed a bit more head space. The whole place looks beautiful but the three children bedrooms bother me so much

[@creallyreal]

Yes, me too 🤨 😕. Maybe consider giving the older, college age child's old bedroom to the "tween" child, and scoop out extra space for the youngest child. How is this space going to "grow with the family," as the two youngest children increase in size and height?? The sleeping cubbies appear barely large enough to turn over in. This is the first home in this series that I did not feel moved to give a thumbs up 🙁.

[@rowaystarco]

@@creallyrealmy guess is that they'll probably convert the office back to a bedroom for the oldest child pretty soon. The youngest child will probably want to have the top bed space in the other room. Kids love this tiny "hidden" spaces, they see it from a different perspective than adults.

[@laetifico]

​@@rowaystarcoI agree. The kids are probably young and small enough to enjoy it for now. And they have the energy. But they will probably convert the office back whenever the kids are ready

[@gohorin]

Great project! It's nice to see a small house project for a numerous family. On the topic of affordability, I'd love to see a price range for these tiny house projects.

[@1sobre2]

I’m amazed at how much space was created within 50 sqft only. Incredible stuff. But I’d definitely change the kids beds location, would have big drawers for storage instead of the beds, and a regular bunk bed instead of that wardrobe

[@UnO0oKandaGiiert]

It's a pity that almost every apartment fails to have a comfortable sofa that's big enough... I can't imagine being a family of 4-5 with a small sofa like that.

[@jacquelineeenkhoorn-pilon1420]

Indeed, I thought the same thing. That's no sofa for a family ...

[@pedrooliveira3486]

I've got the same impression

[@ccdecker]

Yeah, ditto. I actually laughed when it was described as a "sofa."

[@TheMayleemelo]

You’re right, I wonder if it’s a cultural thing perhaps? Not a lot of time spent together on the couch, but maybe the dining/kitchen is where time is being spent together? Idk just a thought

[@Frabul14]

I used to live in a small apartment with my parents when i was in my teens, and indeed it is much more of a problem to find privacy then it is to socialize. So i would add to your comment that it might be partly cultural, where you emphasise eating together over spending leasure time together, and it could partly be a result of lack of privacy that drives people to avoid each other when given the chance. I would be fine with the "sofa" if I had a place to relax on my own.

[@ulqulqu]

I always pause and look closer at the floorplans, thank you for providing them. After the pandemic, I have started to think how families will / can operate should they all be in the same space for a long time. I watch all house tour videos with that point of view

[@illestj3990]

I pause on the floorplans too

[@kumbisiseko]

I’ve been with you since the beginning and I’m really proud of how far the channel has come. This always inspires me with home projects I want to do. One day I hope to have my own project featured.

[@lizsays3324]

Love the kitchen table for family meals and homework. That's where we spent most of our time as a family. The few times everyone is in the living you can just throw large cushions on the floor for the kids. Everyone has private space and the beds are designed so no one will be falling off and getting injured. Well designed. Except I would have put the shower and toilet separate if possible.

[@unrulycrow6299]

It's a small detail but having spent 29 years of my life in the suburbs bordering Paris (I'm closing in on 30 rn and moved to Aix-en-Provence last November), seeing the Vanves streets, similar to where I grew up, made me feel very nostalgic. This apartment too, despite being completely different from where I used to live (a 1900 building, then a 1900 house, both renovated while keeping as many original elements as possible), felt very nostalgic. Thank you for sharing that with us all. I am clearly biased but I love how this apartment has a big "home" feel to it that is very fitting of a suburb town bordering Paris.

[@silviabinatti9487]

guys the kids' room is simply claustrophobic. I understand that they needed a third bedroom but I can't imagine sleeping in these niches 😫

[@Youve-got-one-life]

I'm guessing you're from the USA and that might have a lot to do with how you perceive personal space.

[@mrdutchrain]

Clever design! I had some doubts about the separating door in the bathroom first, because it makes the space much smaller while already small. But I see, the house was used by 5 people. Privacy and time efficiency in busy mornings when 5 people needs to prepare for the day, smart solution!

[@gracefulkimberella]

I like how they found room for the kids beds in spaces not otherwise accessed. It looked like they all share the one closest. It seems to be a future proof layout for grandkids, also, to enjoy as they come. Besides the couch, I really like this layout!

[@synthiamcbride7194]

I agree. Despite the description, the couch did not look comfortable. It offered the only non-working seating space in the house, and certainly could not seat more than two of the 5 residents. So where does everyone sit if they gather in the living room? I do not understand architects preference for uncomfortable bench seating over using a comfortable couch of which there are many of a minimal design in existence.

[@liv97497]

Right? It feels like they always think of everything BUT comfortable seating. I have a bench like that (made out of wood, with foam seating) but it is not meant to substitute for a couch.

[@tinekejoldersma]

I love the light and airy space. Pity there is less comfort made for sleeping and sitting.

[@valerieann2751]

I love all the storage, and the big kitchen space. The child’s bedroom is more of a walk in closet (which I would personally love). Need softer furnishings in the living area for my taste and comfort.

[@kealani6535]

Very little thought was put into the children's beds. A good night's sleep is the primary job of a home, and even the air quality around those beds wouldn't be good. The use of natural, light colored materials is good design, and most of the storage is smart and creative.

[@leelandluver]

I love the color palette. White or cream and light wood makes a space feel so much brighter and more open. It looks super calming to me. I bet the kids would love having that little bunk bed fort area on the top. I know I would’ve. I think the large windows are also a very important aspect of the space.

[@HODAKIRYUCHAIB]

This particular project is so ingenious in the room distribution aspect and how they managed to have 3 beds and the office room the way they did. I am so impressed actually. I also love the way they used wood to make the space feel harmonious. One of my favs ! Bravo !

[@kcsivaranjani]

It's interesting to see the pattern of comments being liked by NTS despite this channel's comment section always being the most polite one ever. The commenters are mostly sweet even when not liking some design choices. Still NTS seems to acknowledge only comments that are 100% positive.

[@tuppence937]

Love the creative, intelligent bedroom solutions by building over the bathroom and under the office. I like how these small sleeping nooks give the illusion of privacy and read as a well thought out solution for children.

[@valeriegalchenko2360]

poor kids will have no air circulation and no ventilation

[@xtnabcn]

Client wants an apartment that could fit to family's changing needs. Architect decides to build *permanent* nooks on the wall for beds instead of a bunk bed that could be thrown away after the kids leave. So now you have low ceilings on the rooms and two nooks that are too claustrophobic for when the kids grow up and useless after they leave the place.

[@granny3829]

I love the colours, light and contrast! This is definitely on my favourites list 😍

[@dinadeif]

My mind is blown at the genius use of every square inch in this space 🚀 amazing 🤩

[@jroygbiv]

Love the materials. Not sure about a full family living in this space as a primary residence, but it is a cleaver use of space (if you kids are happy sleeping in those little nooks!)

[@weston.weston]

Many families around the world live in small spaces out of necessity.

[@janalavtizar4426]

Totally agree with Weston Weston. This is reality in many countries, and an intelligent choice, too, if you want to live mortgage-free.

[@catemoon]

The kids beds seem claustrophobic.

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

I wish you would film more angled shots, as the straight wall shots are disorientating when you do a jump cut because it's difficult to figure out which wall you're looking at. I often have to go back to the layout of the build to figure out where the camera is facing.

[@share_the_daily_bread_EOTC]

I like how it feels spacious even though it contains different functions. Thank you NTS for sharing this wonderful design.

[@16demolka]

One of the best designs on the channel! One thing that bothers me is the bed under the office. I would feel suffocated. But I suppose the kids likes it and when it changes they can moge to the office space ;)

[@wahnooify]

Right, the bed under the office gives oppressive feng shui vibes. Some kids might find it fun, but I wouldn't feel right letting my own sleep under there.

[@boyettuason6141]

Indeed, very bad feng shui vibes, esp for us Asians. .

[@aug1st501]

I would make a mattress drawer from the space under the office.

[@allisonkemper5533]

Hard no on sleeping in spaces so tight that I cannot sit up in them. Love everything else about the design.

[@SharpStrike]

Yeah that was the only weird thing for me about this home, liked everything else. That being said, my cat would be absolutely STOKED to sleep there to be near me while I work.

[@parshaupt6672]

The wooden kitchencabinets are gorgeous!

[@nadineireland3361]

Not to mention that it looks like a kitchen you could actually cook in!

[@l.a.3479]

They're not "gorgeous." They look like unpainted plywood.

[@doctordonnanoble]

Such a clever use of space!! Smart to separate the handwashing from the toilet, so that a full family can use the washroom to get ready in the morning without clashing.

[@l.a.3479]

No. A family of 4/5 needs a minimum of 2 bathrooms.

[@SweetManaT]

This is one of my favorite. A clever use of space for a full family. It’s comfortable and clean. I do wish they had shown the office but I really loved the design. I also would add color to the cabinetry, but that’s a personal preference.

[@juliakwiatkowski647]

I love the places you showcase where more than just one couple is living there. As part of a small family of three, I appreciate it seeing things like this. We have lived in a one-bedroom apartment with very similar square footage to this apartment, but it was poorly laid out, and the space was so inefficient. Even with our minimalistic lifestyle, it was a struggle. We did end up moving to a two-bedroom apartment, but I never thought the square footage was quite the problem. Just the way we inefficiently design spaces.

[@catarinasilva3537]

Very beautiful and gives a sense of relaxation and calm And it is nice to see that larger families can also live in small houses and apartments I would, however, not sleep in these tiny spaces where the kids beds are 😅 looks very claustrophobic to me

[@tamiweber7118]

Spectacular use of space with so much natural light 💯🌟💜🌟💯

[@synthiamcbride7194]

Very clever use of niche spaces, such as the nook by the lower bed in the child's room and the current office.

[@ladeariko7958]

Thank you for this every Thursday boost... wow! 3 bedroom in 50sq.m.🤩

[@anniinthewoods8287]

Beautiful! Would love to live in such a calm and creative space. Gorgeous design with the wood and white colour. Looks really airy =)

[@nimla]

Amazing to show how a family can live in a small space ! Very inspiring

[@williamclark1244]

...until it becomes a cluttered mess.

[@Sunflowers9191]

That’s what a lot of European homes look like :) I grew up in a very small house with my brother and parents and I loved it.

[@nimla]

@@Sunflowers9191 I'm actually from Paris ;) I would still argue that a family of 5 in 50m2 is pretty unusual here. A lot of people (who have that choice of course) would choose to go further away from the city centre to have a bigger home. That's also why I find it interesting :)

[@Erika-gm2tf]

I love the clever carving out of bed spaces. I follow NYC pre-war real estate (high ceilings) in case I live there again, and am always (in my mind) redesigning the interiors with loft spaces above bathrooms and hallways.

[@EdurtreG]

Under sofa and cove-bed drawers are a must, as wdll as in all the cupboards and closets. Besides that: je t'aime tous ça! Très bien fait.

[@claireloub]

I like most of this, especially the light and wood, but have an issue with how small the sofa is - certainly not wide enough for a family of 5 - and the bed being over the bathroom. Imagine being the kid lying in bed while someone goes to the toilet directly underneath you

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

Pretty amazing that 3BR's were able to be created in this space. I liked the light colors and simplicity of the design.

[@amyfrushourkelly4965]

This strikes me as an apartment the family might use as a secondary residence when visiting the city, while living most of the time in a suburb.

[@lauram6215]

I am european and clearly this is claustrophobic for a big family, the children’s bedroom is not comfortable.

[@bellafiore3283]

Brilliant floor plan. Very bright, crisp and clean. Nice high touch accessories.

[@lepidoptery]

i wonder how hard it is to change the sheets on the children's beds....

[@Youreonlymassive]

The children are 10 and 5, they can probably change it themselves, I think?

[@lepidoptery]

@@Youreonlymassive how is it easier for them to do it? are sheets in france different in that you don't have to lift up the mattress? the issue is that the mattress is recessed and otherwise surrounded on 3 sides (and also there's not much clearance).

[@Youreonlymassive]

@@lepidoptery yes the clearance I don't like to be honest. But I think the rigidity of that enclosure means you could be sloppier about shoving the sheets down the side and just lifting at the corner.

[@roserocks1979]

That tiny shower freaked me out. I'd need a bigger one than that.

[@zoea6953]

I'd have constantly bruised elbows!

[@Rockabebe1989]

I'm so happybI found this video, we have more or less the same space and I am looking for inspiration to redecorate our home.

[@0hn0itcame85]

They said "Heck children, let's put them in wall-cavity-coffins!"

[@niasalas4996]

Such a smart design. I cannot imagine architects I know taking this challenge to manage privacy spaces and common spaces for 5 people in 50 square meters. I think they would lift there hands, give up and claim it cannot be done. The reality of the World is people cannot afford huge spaces in the cities or the countryside. This is a great example of how reality meets style, function and price. Great channel, great videography, great architecture! Congrats to all the teams contributing.

[@GregCurtin45]

Smart use of space and the washroom/shower is well thought out considering it faces onto the main living room. Feeling a little bad for the university student.

[@B__C__]

Nice use of space though I think I might want more head room were I to sleep in either of the children's bed nooks. The one over the bathroom in particular might be difficult to sleep in if folks are using the toilet or shower after that particular kid's bedtime.

[@Kris-br4he]

Really love this design, full of cosy cubby holes for privacy. The childrens beds may appear claustrophobic to some viewers, but after sleeping in capsule hostels when travelling I found those spaces feel so much bigger when you are in them, as they are never closed off you are looking out at the space so don't feel confined. They give a safe cosy vibe with lots of privacy, and noise reduction perfect for young adults.

[@heyheyvicky1498]

that was also my first thought but I guess a kid would love to 'hide' or snuggle up in there. If you don't need to sit up in bed for e.g. reading it probably works...

[@weston.weston]

I agree with you, Kris. It doesn't feel too small. It feels cozy.

[@weston.weston]

@@mordisia It is okay if you disagree with me, thanks for your comment. In my travels, I have seen that many people (esp. in low income areas.) live in small quarters, it is a privilege to live in a large space. Also, I am the youngest of ten children (family of 12 including my parents) and I had a wonderful upbringing, 10/10. We lived in a VERY small house but I didn't realize it was a small house until I moved away for university and realized other people lived in extremely large home/spaces. I live in a larger house now but I am humbled by my upbringing and realize you can be comfortable and content in a small space. I appreciate small spaces. Living in a large space is a privilege and luxury many people don't have.

[@douglasthompson296]

But this is for full time living, not a weekend away capsule sleeping areas.

[@scottiemiller7400]

@@weston.weston l don't like the prospect of cleaning a larger space

[@caterinapansera697]

I can't image to sleep in one of two children beds: It looks like a burial niche! Crazy!

[@l.a.3479]

*imagine

[@Enryuujin]

Always looking forward to your videos. ❤️

[@doloresgiorgi5022]

Very light and airy. Clever use of space. Well done.

[@mollyheyer6056]

I'm sure, for all this money (the apartment + EVERYTHING custom made) they could have easily bought a small house with a garden on the outskirts of Paris. This may be not so posh and perfect but at least the children could have beds with breathing space.

[@CharlotteOthman]

True

[@citrusjuicebox]

Moving out of the city would increase their transportation and expenses and reduce their productive/leisure time at home. That is not worth the "savings" of leaving for a lot of people. It's especially important for children, who may partake in a lot of social activities that are only easily accessible within the city.

[@CharlotteOthman]

@@citrusjuicebox please...

[@sharr630]

Wow!! I live in 560 sq ft high rise apartment and it's just me. I can't even imagine fitting four more people in my place.

[@JC-jh4fi]

A pull out bed under the office space will be better than that bad Feng Shui " bed " design. It literally is a coffin or a crypt. Not even enough head space to sit up comfortably. One has to belly crawl or log roll or scoot laying on their back to get into the mattress. Good luck during an emergency with the lights not working.

[@Monika-qr5rd]

One of my absolute favorites on this channel! So neat, so cozy and yet so pragmatic!

[@DavorZyx]

I dont really like closed bed spaces like those in kids bedroom, makes me claustrophobic 😂

[@tia_-.-_]

This is the most realistic design I have seen till now. Thank you for sharing.

[@JohnSmith-ie1tu]

Getting some great ideas out of this build that I might use myself, although the bare wooden surfaces and kitchen units will look very worn after a year or so. Also those little tucked in sleeping areas look a bit too snug. Trial and error I guess. Love to see these small apartment transformations.

[@oleksandralesyk2366]

An interesting project. I liked that the apartment was bright and airy. However, the bed in the nursery caused surprise.

[@faba6292]

I like when "larger" places (600-750 sqft) are showcased on this channel as it more closely reflects the reality of most 1 bedroom apartments in my city :)

[@andresfernandohuertasbolan6908]

I have to accept that when reading the title I had no idea how the space was going to be adapted to accommodate 5 people, but as it progressed I can say that it seems very strategic and, above all, interesting the ways in which it is Take advantage of the space, since, as said in the video, a space like the study can also be used as an additional room in the apartment.

[@deliaunzaga144]

Muy Lindo, gracias Saludos desde Lima Perú 🇵🇪

[@JoanieTom]

The beds are so claustrophobic !!

[@GabbyRocio]

This is beautiful, and the location sounds perfect.

[@jayliao7480]

Poor kids sleeping in a such a tiny box, worse than prison!

[@Cataquacky]

The use of space in this one is really amazing. I'd be a bit concerned on how the bathroom vents though, being two rooms away from a window, and with one of the bunk beds being over it, it would not having access to vent out of the ceiling.

[@mfedin4436]

One sofa. No chairs in living room. Where do the four people now living there sit? On the floor? Beautiful design but doesn’t seem as if it’s meant for 24/7 living. So many desks…work/study space seems to be a priority. One tiny bathroom for two adults and two children. May work now but teenagers and bathrooms…wonder how that will work as they grow. And where are the clothes and kids toys stored? Unclear. .

[@arya721]

I like the the white walls and sunlight. But that’s about it

[@hanispeace8006]

This is a very clever design, when children get older they will leave to live their own lives, so having a convertible home like this is perfect for me

[@seabreeze667]

4:27 - its so sad and depressing to see a coffin-like hole in the wall as bed

[@noblepolygon8694]

I would have loved to have my home on this channel but its 94sm but I we got so many ideas from this channel to organize our home.

[@Moving_Forward247]

Beautiful! The bunks though…it seems like the air flow wouldn’t be great. I think that should be storage space and the beds out more. Also the cough. I mean couch lol. Not comfy enough I think! But overall I think they did a great job packing a lot into the space while still keeping it airy!

[@mariacanassa1556]

Lindo e prático!!! Um sonho!!!

[@Pilpiltxu]

I rather sleep on the living room"s sofa than in those beds.on the children's room!

[@l.a.3479]

You wouldn't be able to lay down on that "sofa." It's really just a bench.

[@sophanarachay4917]

Crazy and absolutely game changer.

[@l.a.3479]

For worse

[@hamiamiam]

Vanves is my home town! That is a sign I was waiting for

[@maddscientist3170]

the 2 beds in the kids bedroom are cramped spaces. You cannot even sit up in the bed.....Imagine if the "kids" were teenagers. Better off with 2 bunk beds in place of the one on the floor & the upper cubby could be used as seasonal storage.

[@chancemcclendon3906]

That kids bed under the office in the little cubby gave me anxiety just looking at it

[@namitajain68]

Nice but kids' sleeping spaces are claustrophobic.

[@weston.weston]

I ❤ this home tour. This is an excellent KZbin channel, such high-quality content.

[@nome1629]

The space looks lovely, but too claustrophobic for a family of 4/5. The biggest problem for me are the children's beds, they're difficult to access, the ceilings are too low and in the one above the bathroom there would be little air circulation. I would have also kept a door, maybe a glass one, to separate the kitchen. With so many people they could be doing different activities at the same time and with a door there would be less noise interference. I've seen many complain about the sofa. While it doesn't seem the most comfortable, I think they chose it to add storage underneath, which for 4 people seems lacking

[@l.a.3479]

The sofa is actually a bench. Not realistically comfortable and not big enough.

[@danielpanos171]

I’ve been following your channel for a couple of years now and this -THIS- has become one of my favourite projects so far. Incredible, playing that way with the height to obtain extra space for sleeping in that kind of layout is just Superb!

[@gpnryou]

The kitchen lamps are really nice.

[@fshah1000]

The living space, parents bedroom was saved by the bright light and lightness of the space. The bathroom was decent. The kitchen is lovely. And while the office space looked like a decent enough pod-like bedroom for a child, the other two "beds" for children were just disturbingly bad .. reminiscent of catacombs.. nightmare.

[@Youve-got-one-life]

I think they're rather cozy. There were many conversations around the needs of the family and what felt right to each child.

[@AfricancoolChic]

I echo the same sentiments expressed by others. For these places to work you need comfort, where is the comfy sofa? Also, 🪜 ladder-like stairs are not ideal at all. The kids beds were not thought through, look claustrophobic.

[@liebingf]

... beautiful space !

[@andreacontreras2278]

Beautiful. I don’t even mind the children’s cubbyholes but… how on earth do you change the sheets on the top bed?

[@rubyx07]

I love seeing the alternate layout and how they made the different areas. But, what is up with these designers and architects using wood that looks like cheap plywood for cabinets and furniture???

[@l.a.3479]

Thank you!

[@katherinekelly5380]

Like the highly functional design - the plywood doors, cabinets etc drive me crazy - you can see how worn it looks where hands touch it - I doesn’t look sealed - I’d have to paint it all

[@helene7672]

The living room could use a larger sofa for a family of 5. The bed over the bathroom is closed off I'm wondering how it gets heated or cooled off. Other than that I like the layout of the apartment and using plywood throughout the apartment.

[@l.a.3479]

The living room needs a sofa, period. What's in there now is a glorified bench. The light wood looks like cheap, unfinished plywood.

[@rosecolouredglasses]

the kids' bedroom is so creative! And ther's even room for an office!

[@l.a.3479]

*there's

[@kimprice1864]

Very nice but I would prefer a comfortable sofa with arms instead of bench in livingroom.

[@MrGwizyadig]

great video. fyi, that's not OSB, it's plywood

[@gonerogue3836]

Quel cauchemar! 😱

[@zlatan_2197]

Very clever and pretty apartment. Personally I love this combination of colours and materials. White walls paired with light wood really makes the space feel fresh and spacious.

[@SR-nm2xu]

More family homes, please!