NTS RENTERS: Interior Designers’ DIY Loft Apartment, Taipei 57sqm/613sqft

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This tranquil and dreamy jungle themed rental in the heart of Taipei is home to self taught interior design duo Mish and Ryan of Tangerine Living. Free from the usual constraints of renting an apartment the couple completely transformed the space by doing most of the renovations themselves: adding handcrafted and restored fittings and fixtures through-out, removing the entire ceiling and replacing it with plywood panels, extending the loft above the kitchen to create a separate bedroom and adding a custom staircase that doubles as storage. The custom kitchen includes a narrow, raw timber breakfast bar, painted with their own custom paint mix, Milk Tea, and a reclaimed glass sliding door they got for free that leads into the bathroom. A large walk-in closet alongside the kitchen doubles as an office, complete with a fold-out Murphy desk they built by following a KZbin tutorial. Mish and Ryan’s home shows how imperfections can add quirkiness and personality to a space and the way embracing them frees you up to focus on creating something exciting.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Project Name: Jungle Loft
Renter & interior designer: www.tangerineliving.com/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Alek Vatigan
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: Sundown by Liquid Memoirs
, Recalling a Memory by Marshall Usinger

[@catemoon]

I know most people think it’s crazy to spend money fixing up a rental, but this where you LIVE, and waiting until (if ever) you can afford to buy should mean you are never living in a space you love. But getting a long-term, fixed rate, lease is essential. I’ve had a couple of experiences where I fixed up and apartment and then the landlord kicked me out so he could rent at a much higher rate. My advice is, if you do this, never let the landlord see the space!

[@wallflowernook]

Oof. Fixing up a rental only for the landlord to kick you out is awful :( At least in this case, it seems the tenants and the landlord were able to agree on a lease. I hope you were able to find a kinder landlord in your next place.

[@kierand9410]

Better to draw up a contract before starting the work and include a hefty early termination fee in case the landlord does want to be an asshole.

[@Erika-gm2tf]

​@@kierand9410 Yes. A hefty termination fee for the LANDLORD.

[@evraalexandrite3770]

Or rent it for at least 5 years

[@alysonlofgren3328]

As a military spouse who has rented for 14 years, we have had amazing luck securing cheaper rentals and offering to help upgrade things to make our space nicer. Landlords jump at the chance, we save on rent, and we get to make our space to our liking for our 3 years living in them.

[@jessicahailey4763]

This is a good book. Does provide a step by step introduction to how to build things kzbin.infoUgkxhgbP-6hUnXu_QRaoHgLztgsI0YF3HqR0 , also does offer some steps. Includes pictures to give you ideas for layouts and such. If you are looking for a guide, this is not exactly what you want. But if you are trying to familiarize yourself with the way that pole barn building and other out buildings, are made, then this will work just as you need it to. A few things in this book are a barn (of course), detached garage, storage building, and coops.

[@jessisoffline]

The floor plan and layout reminds me of the loft-style bed layouts of tiny homes (I'm thinking Living Big in a Tiny House). So sweet and humble, and the outdoor space really sells it for me. The whole entire apartment feels well-worn and accessible.

[@slyfox8953]

So true of the comparison to tiny house!!!

[@bqpdobqpd]

3:13 I love how casually she said so and how surprised I was, because I was so used to hearing people describe where a TV was, despite the fact I don’t even need the information since neither do I own one🙃🙃

[@fandacooking]

Wow, this is so gorgeous. This goes into my “I would happily live here” category. I wish this couple every success with their interior design business, they deserve it.

[@AmyAnnetteHenion]

It's so much fun to see an apartment with a hand-hewn, DIY quality. So homey, cozy, and cute!

[@jennycampbell5236]

I love everything about this apartment. It's truly great when landlords/landladies let you renovate for a cheaper rent or long term rent. Who knows, she may even let you buy it! I would live here i a heartbeat.

[@rubikclub]

As someone from Taiwan, I am amazed by how a 「頂樓加蓋」 got remodeled into a loft like this! Can’t wait to see more projects they do in Taiwan.

[@j03150315]

Second!!! Also from Taipei. Incredible renovation

[@DadInTaiwan]

They did an excellent job! I live in a similar sized 套房 in Taoyuan and I wish my place was this stylish, but my landlord would never go for it.

[@thornyback]

Can you tell us a bit more about this kind of house? I'm so eager to learn :-)

[@hanhan1025]

TPE +1

[@Mish-yr6pw]

Thank you so much for your kind words @Mengshin 🥰 we really appreciate the support!

[@keenalou595]

Tiny home vibes!!! it even has a little walk-in closet/office!!! It looks so fresh with the soft palette large windows and the hidden storage. What a gem!!

[@gus473]

In addition to the terrific apartment makeover, let's hear it for the production crew! Excellent videography and naturally flowing edit! Well done, as usual! 😎✌️

[@lailisima]

Well.. kuddos to NTS for presenting an "alternative approach" to some of the fancy remodels you often highlight. Yay!

[@LovesRock]

LOVE this sustainable narrative. Want more of it from NTS!

[@tuppence937]

Love this jungle themed apartment. The outdoor terrace area looks both attractive and comfortable. The walk in robe/study creates a really functional dual purpose space. For Taipei this looks like quite a good sized apartment but the designer has utilized ideas that appear transferable to more modest apartments.

[@RichTechCorp]

This creates a mutually beneficial outcome, enhancing the quality of life for the tenants while simultaneously increasing the value of the landlord's property.

[@gus473]

Would hope more owners would see things this way! Seems unlikely that a corporate owner would be open to it..... ಠಿ⁠_⁠ಠ

[@RichTechCorp]

It's understandable that you value your principles and beliefs over potential material gain. While increasing the value of a property may have some benefits, it's important to consider the ethical implications of doing so. It's important to act in accordance with our values and morals, even if it means foregoing certain benefits or gains. Ultimately, it's up to each individual to decide what is most important to them and to act accordingly.@@amandak.4246

[@RichTechCorp]

You're right that corporate owners may prioritize maximizing profits over ethical considerations. However, it's important to note that there are some corporations and individual property owners who do value social responsibility and ethical behavior. It's also possible to advocate for ethical practices in the real estate industry by supporting companies and organizations that prioritize social and environmental responsibility. In the end, it's important for all of us to do our part in promoting ethical behavior and values, even if it seems like a daunting task.@@gus473

[@sdmsdm7926]

That’s incredible! That Landlord sure got lucky with such creative tenants lovingly redoing the entire space so beautifully!

[@lysan1445]

Here comes the sun, indeed! I am blown away by its beauty! The colours, the accents, the simplicity, and the DIY all come together so well. Minimalistic, but not sterile. Calm, but not dull. Exciting but not overloading. I feel like breathing more easily and deeply just by looking at it. You wouldn't expect such a lovely apartment when looking at the building's exterior. Even though I find most of NTS places beautiful and interesting, I usually can't imagine living there - but this one? Oh yeah, I could live there.

[@hannahkny5639]

This project is so beautiful and cozy! It's certainly one of my NTS favorites ever!

[@kayelle8005]

Agree

[@xhelloxmaryx]

So lovely! Wish we could do this in Australia. I tried once to paint and improve eyesores of an old home. The landlord neglected the house and didn't do repairs for years...and when asked if we could paint and patch some cracks, the agent said no and then reminded us we agreed to live in the place as is ... 🤷‍♀️

[@plumpony770]

Every time a place is featured from Taiwan on NTS, I feel such nostalgia. This apartment layout is not too dissimilar from my home in 新北市, but has so much more character! Also reminds me of my first apartment in 景美 which was also a rooftop apartment.

[@metislamestiza3708]

this is bright, cheery and full of light and color. what an incredible transformation! and i LOVE their outdoor space - they nailed everything here. well done!

[@Mish-yr6pw]

thank you so much 🥰🙏🏻

[@tkcldk]

i love the color of the apartment!

[@Nath_CM]

This is absolutely beautiful, extra points for using second hand!!!

[@FernandaU24EVER]

How creative and smart layout! I absolutely love it and see functionality in everything they have built/recycled.

[@xyverjaze]

I love how REAL this looks. If only social media contents have this level of authenticity. Great job.

[@junehulton9776]

Well done...a great use of space ....very bright fresh and clean.... good functionality of all areas...love the outdoor seating areas too another room.👍

[@zoelee8471]

Thank you for sharing. Love all the DIY elements and re-purposing materials for a more sustainable future. This is amazing! 😄

[@caitdavies993]

Love the recycled, re-used and hand made aspects! Really considered and practical

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

Beautiful atmosphere! So light and bright and organic and cozy.

[@smithjames722]

First time see never too small Taipei version. so great!

[@janellecrandall]

So beautiful thank you for showcasing

[@pollytiks3885]

A beautiful home and excellent use of space! So bright and airy. Your landlord is very lucky to have such creative renters.

[@kayelle8005]

Fantastic. Congratulations on creating an amazing space. Wishing you all the best with your new interior design business.

[@ludovicgarcon8915]

GOOD JOB, VIBES ARE SWEET. 🙏

[@conniebruckner8190]

I like what was done using recovered materials. Very good sense of decorating. So happy for you that you have that terrace and all those plants.

[@Chingleton]

Loving the style of this place. Such a lovely chill looking space. Very well thought out and hats off for making a lot of the stuff. Loving the milk tea paint colour too.

[@filenotfound6203]

Beautiful, so peaceful and light. Really like to see how renters transform spaces!

[@rachelyamada2794]

I love this one so very much! BEAUTIFUL color palette, such confortable and homey vibes. They did and amazing job!!

[@MsV123m]

so cute! awesome that it was diy!!!

[@lisagarwood-cross773]

I love how much was upcycled and DIY in this property!

[@artemaeus]

Very cool! So nice they were able to work together with their landlord to make a space they really enjoy!

[@ONEGOODDREAM]

what a lovely space! it's really a win win agreement. good landlord, good renters! thanks so much for sharing it with us!

[@I_am_Lauren]

I really like the vibe of this place. It is trendy but would appeal to a wide range of people. This interior decorating style is very trendy in the US.

[@gnarbeljo8980]

Great job, a very lovely space for a young couple! Love that you recycled material and thrifted, did most of the work yourselves, very down to earth and shows what's doable on a budget! Great video, good luck with your new business! 👍 Jo in Sweden

[@julieswiss1]

Beautiful, full of light, spacious, excellent solutions, except for the ceiling.

[@atcolombini]

This is the best content in the channel, in the world we live today most of us relate to people renting their homes than multimillionaires, though is great to see both.

[@Prinseskiki]

I think this is my favorite feature on Never too small! Very interesting use of space, use of thrifted materials and it looks so beautiful and inviting. It is also very spacious, it doesn't feel cramped at all. Very good job!

[@maritsaappollis7966]

Such a beautiful space! My favourite part is that they did it themselves by being so creative, thrifty and upcycling things. That is so clever and so much more cost effective. I would think that landlords should want this kind of thing and be willing to negotiate because ultimately they get better tenants - tenants that love their space so much they are going to take care of it better and stick around for a good long time, which gives stable rental income without the property being neglected. But I suppose not everyone sees it like that.

[@insertyourquarters]

I'm not into white or close to white space but this place works in every aspect for me. Very well thought out and everything has a place but also it feels loved and lived in. A winning combination.

[@lisawaters2585]

Oh, beautiful home! Thanx for sharing!

[@Spud_E_Buddy]

Love what they did with the space! That's amazing that they were able to partner with the landlord for a win-win situation. Kudos to all!

[@selenapb5243]

Love the natural light and energy in this stunning space! I'm loving the new series of renter spaces. I think it's such a great idea to try to negotiate a longer lease with a landlord, and would love to hear more about how they were able to do this.

[@ceciliatassara159]

Lovely way to transform a small and irregular space into a bright, cozy home

[@Mish-yr6pw]

thank you 💛💛🙏🏻 yes the space was difficult to work with the narrow layout. appreciate this

[@shnuggumz]

Looks amazing! They made excellent use of the space, making it practical and uncluttered without sacrificing the beauty. They made great use of the enormous amounts of light pouring in, with the plants and design aesthetics. I have to wonder what level of building experience each of them had. It must’ve been quite challenging to replace everything like that!

[@rebekahbardsley5947]

This is a wonderful apartment and great use of space. My apt is 610 SQ FT but I am limited to what I can do because I am in a historic building. This is the smallest space I have ever lived in and I haven't much closet space. I am overwhelmed here and this was not my choice to come here. In my bathroom I have plants also that love steam it seems like but my bathroom is on an outside wall and I haven't any heat in there and it's bitter cold when you get out of the shower. All my lotions have stuck in their bottles and will not come out. I am on the 3rd floor and no one is above me and the washer and dryer are in another building and the money machine you have to drive to. I have a disabled leg so living here has been very tough but due to covid the apartments with elevators were not taking new residents. I love all the DIY this couple has made. I also do not watch TV and have not for years. I love to read, sew and make other crafts. I am interested in how much this couple pays for rent and I am interested in what people do for a living. Neither of these 2 are seldom told on these apt shows.

[@jeanetteh.9240]

Get a tiny space heater for the bathroom, even if you have to use an extension cord. Get some under-the-bed storage bags for out of season clothes and shoes.

[@missragsdale]

This is so lovely! Small but feels roomy with the high ceiling and light color scheme.

[@FaveWasteOfTime]

what a beautiful transformation!! also a nice way to show clients what you can do. I would move in tomorrow.

[@_________4292]

Awesome, look like cabin on top of apartment building. beautiful palette of colors and textures

[@albagurza1806]

This apartment is really fantastic!!! Great Job!!!

[@oPeRa1923]

I love this. It's simple, homey and a smart design. 🥰

[@karenstanislaw8912]

Really lovely, lite place - with some pretty intelligent details/textures. Good job. Doable, human, comforting.

[@jenohogan9254]

I love this, it's cozy and stunning.

[@fatimaayesh7]

She's sounds so determined about the space she visualized before it came to life. Well done!

[@crocus5632]

Love everything here , the colours are so light ! Love the bathroom and the plant shower especially! And love how you used so many second hand materials!

[@giuliarodriguesviana7294]

Soooo lovely!!! It must be a pleasure to live there!

[@mxrored]

This is one of my favourite apartments I've ever seen, I would love to create a space like this one day 💞

[@simonthomas1672]

Wow, this is so beautiful. And just when I was thinking "But where are their clothes?" she opened the doors to that stunning office/closet!

[@larsstougaard7097]

Wow incredible design, love it so much 😍

[@houndsofvalor]

This was a great video! Really shows the viability for this type of strategy for renters, and recycling and repurposing to save $ ! 😊

[@jennifersutton3115]

This is a beautiful home. A labor of love 👍

[@kittydeleo4043]

Gorgeous! Great job guys!

[@melissakenealy8868]

This is just lovely. They have done an amazing job. It's light and airy and a little oasis from a busy city.

[@Mish-yr6pw]

🥰 appreciate your kind words! so glad you like it

[@enidd451]

Def one of my favourite!

[@AndrewStocker]

What a transformation!

[@n-on]

This is so beautiful

[@felicitywillboughby6901]

The landlord is an elderly lady living in same building? .. Reminds me of the movie Duplex 😊. Lovely new decor. 👍💕💃

[@marylbullock]

A lovely apartment. Well done video.

[@user-kc1xv9vf9y]

I really like your interior, the mezzanine bedroom and green terrace! Great work

[@whydoncha]

Brilliant

[@archTRENDS]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@christineperkins8582]

I like the design and space the couple have made its relaxed uncluttered looks beautiful. Well done. 🫶

[@anigroeg]

what a fantastic work!

[@SCANNO21]

Just lovely ! Really well done

[@sonjabutler250]

Love this, what initiative. Loving the rentals.

[@Carloso6547]

Wonderful! Best wishes from Germany 🌻

[@lucindabutler1100]

💖Beautiful and very well done!

[@carolinestanczuk]

Absolutely amazing! It's breathing and jaw dropping that you did it!

[@Mish-yr6pw]

🫶🏻 thank you so much Caroline!

[@lizzie1897]

Love your shower! And colors in kitchen

[@tamiwithani]

This is very much my style. Great job 😙😍🌻

[@liszaf3976]

You have created a beautifful home, I love the use of second hand things, greetings from Greece!

[@jnbond]

I can appreciate all the repurposing and reclaiming of wood and such. Well done. Only change I'd have done was put the bed opposite in the bedroom so I could walk around the bed and not have to crouch down or crawl across my partner sleeping in the bed. Overall very impressive using what you could find.

[@odinthorson1830]

Beautiful.

[@adrnjgr]

Oh, I love this one. Well put together.

[@bucketofbarnacles]

It’s a wonderful space. The walk-in closet is a difficult space to make the most of.

[@nathaliej3768]

This is amazing!

[@MedianaDhea]

This is cute and smart choice at the same time 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@LKK_aayy]

頂樓加蓋改成這樣真的太厲害了！採光和通風都很好，尤其那個加建的小浴室我可以想像原本有多簡陋，你們把它翻新的舒適又漂亮，太讚了！

[@julietphillips1991]

First impression...I like it!

[@notoriousfierce]

THIS IS LOVELY!

[@gonsalomon]

It's amazing that renting, you were allowed to modify the space so much. It usually doesn't happen where I live at

[@sergioaustin7232]

this is simple and amazing

[@jennieanderson5291]

The light in this place is so wonderful! Having lived in a tiny apartment at one point, I can tell you that ventilation really matters because your entire home will smell like whatever you cooked last otherwise. All the windows in this place, and on opposing sides too, are wonderful. It must feel so fresh and airy in there!