NEVER TOO SMALL: Paris Architect/Book Lover's Cozy Tiny Apartment - 25sqm/270sqft
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- čas přidán 27. 09. 2022
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Inspired by her love of books and her time in Japan, architect and engineer Marlice Alfera redesigned her 19th century 25 square metre apartment to facilitate her need for more living space and a dedicated place to work. Reducing the size of the apartment's bedroom by encapsulating it in a shoji inspired box allowed her to add a new workspace including a concealed desk and additional storage. Constructing the box from plastic panelling and plywood cleats also allows light to still pass through to the now enclosed bedroom. This also facilitated the expansion of the living area, adding a low bench that functions as both a TV stand and storage unit, as well as an enormous shelving unit to display Marlise’s collection of books. A new kitchen featuring a full complement of hidden appliances was then built into the nook created next to the bookshelf. With her frugal approach to redesigning the space, Marlise’s work on Apartment with a Shoji shows how much is possible even on a smaller budget.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Project Name: Apartment with a Shoji
Designer: m-a-a-x-i.com/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director/Camera Operator: Matthieu Torres
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music:
Shifting by Sun Wash
Best Summer Ever by When Mountains Move - Jak na to + styl
If you’re an architect or designer with a project we could feature, please share it with us at www.nevertoosmall.com/submissions
Architect: m-a-a-x-i.com/
Cinematography: @matthieu__torres
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Superbe !
I wish to apply to your site...
there being closet access on both sides is such a small detail but so smart
More so because access to the closet from the bedroom is so limited without having to stand on the bed.
@@douglasthompson296 If the entry to the closet were on the end with a slide out rack it would make for much easier access. Especially for an older adult. I would also have made the bench doors open from their center and swing outward. Either having them hinge and open down causes one to have to lean forward or hinging them upward would hamper access.
@@nancibishof6462 Or keep the bench cabinet doors as they are but put a box on a drawer slide inside of each so the whole contents of the cabinet slides out to you for easy access - on top of the doors when they are open.
Yeah, love that! Loved how she was so casual about it. It's awesome
I love that she just found the coffee table on the street, and that she kept the bathroom as is because it was completely functional. So many people insist upon putting in all new things for the sake of style, when what they already had would work just fine with a little refurbishing. She is promoting sensibility and pushing back on wastefulness, and I'm here for it! I also love the bookshelves. I have a huge number of books, and if you're going to collect anything, it's my opinion that books should top the list.
There's nothing more exciting than finding a really nice piece of furniture on thr street. I've found among other things, an original Emeco chair, a pair of Herman Miller Pushpin tables (1950s) sold those for U$S1000.00.
This girl is a genius! what a beautiful approach in design. Simple, clean, warm. Love every bit of it! brava
You said it all, she’s a genius! Her approach is innately sustainable and functional
do you have a job for me?
@@Timeculture what's sustainable about enclosing bedroom w polycarb panels (and allowing NO AIR) to the space where you spend 10 hours a day?
@@valeriegalchenko2360 You sleep 10 hours a day?? Look at 00:13 it clearly has space above the door, which isn't tight door, its a goddamn panel with a latch FFS.
Thank you Javiera !
I also live in a small “appartement ancien” in Paris, and I absolutely LOVE how she transformed her space! Old French apartments can be really constricting, because of how the space is divided up and how many doors there are for such small spaces. Privacy and demarcation of space is tantamount in old/traditional French homes, and it can be a challenge to open them up in the way this architect has done with hers. I love the marriage of Japanese and Parisian aesthetic here-it works beautifully, and the visual flow is flawless. Just gorgeous! I feel inspired to finally knock down a couple walls in our place to achieve a similar effect!
Go for it! But get an architect friend like me😅 to take a look even if it’s just photos. It would go a long way for you.
Thank you Deb !
That shoji wall is genius.
Using transparent colour on the polycarbonate (watered down acrylic paint should work and be wipable when fully dry) could be used. Simple additions to the framing for a Mondrian inspired wall would be easy. A traditional stained glass on perspex would be possible for the artistic.
Just an idea. I'm an artist who can't live in a plain white space, I have to have plenty of colour and interest points.
I loved (and didn't notice at first) the lack of a TV, the fact that she didn't remade things that were already functional and the amounts of storage the small apartment has.
In a small space, there’s no need for a tv any more. You won’t have crowds over to watch a movie or football. For one person, an iPad does the job, saves tons of space, and allows for more options in room layout as the sofa no longer need face the one wall, the only wall you probably have (where the tv would otherwise be mounted).
@@jpp7783 I think is a matter of preference, I love watching TV, movies and play videogames, with company (usually one person) or not, I can do on my computer but for me is not the same thing... So I found really cool that she doesn't have a tv but left a space to put one in case any future resident wants it (which a lot of people do)
I never had TV and this since I live alone, fourty years ago... now ! A lot of other interesting things to or to share. Inddeed young people are trying to find new ways of life without all functional machines we used to have. That' a point of view.
By far, this is my favorite space NTS has ever shown! I love how this channel showcases designers/architects from around the world, but Marlice Alfera is the first black woman (that I’m aware of) on this channel and I couldn’t be more thrilled by the representation! The Shoji is an exquisite example of making the most of constraints in available materials and designing something beautiful and unique. I LOVE the fact that she owns this apartment (goals lol) and was thoughtful enough in her design to create a bench that could function as a tv stand for future tenants if she ever wanted to sell/rent. It’s such a small but intentional detail that brings the space together. Well done Marlice! NTS please continue to showcase black designers & architects, it’s such an inspiration to viewers like me :)
I need to jump on this bandwagon - more Black folks please! And not just because they're Black - but bring them because they're talented and Black like Ms. Marlice. 🤩
I thought the same about this smart TV bench!
Thank you very much Imani. Representation matters !
@@marlicealfera6680 You’re a genius. Love what you’ve done here. What’s your studio called?
This is perfection. Clever, affordable and actually tiny apartments like this is what draw me to the channel in the first place. In love with the simplicity of the solutions. Nothing here feels incredibly expensive or unrealistic minimalist. The finishings are great
Thank you Antonio !
I absolutely agree. Well done!
We worked together for my apartment next to Paris and it was great! Thank you Marlice :)
Merci Maïwenn !
I think this is very beautiful - and also quite affordable to do. I also love it when there is a properly tiny space. My only worry would be airflow into the bedroom space. But I suppose you could just leave the door open!
It looks like the partition wall doesn't go all the way to the ceiling.
@@myladycasagrande863 I watched again and partition wall GOES all way to the ceiling, but doors have some space above and under them, and also doesn't seem to feet perfectly to the wall, so there should be enough of airflow
@@MaraMara89 thanks for the correction!
This is one of the best designs in the channel. Like I can really see myself living in her apartment!
Thank you Msy !
Her creativity and expertise in pulling her space together is really inspiring
This is one of the designs I respect most out of all videos, it's very clearly practical, affordable and gorgeous
Thank you Tasha !
I love the use of the polycarbonate in place of traditional shoji screens. Very calm space.
Yes, the quality of light it produces is really pretty! I think it might heat up like a greenhouse if you had southern exposure, but who knows- maybe it's a great passive heating solution to an otherwise drafty old apartment.
Brilliant!!! She crammed everything in this small space - separate bedroom, work space, functional kitchen, storage and proper sofa!!! And it does not look crammed. And she didn't redo the bathroom as it was good/functional enough which I love. And i think poly-carbonate instead of true shoji screen actually works way better. And I think I also saw foldable bistro table in there somewhere. I love this place!!!
Most realistic "Never Too Small" episode yet. Simplicity is gorgeous. Thanks!
I love the interpretation of the screen.
I actually enjoyed the gentleman talking about the sponsor (Meyer). Although, I usually hate ads for a list of reasons, this one was really fun and convincing.
This has to be one of your best videos. This young architect’s design is so completely well thought out without feeling heavy-handed or forced. I love it!
Thank you Jeff !
Thumbs up to this engineer/ architect for her top-notch design. Her home is cozy and functional although it’s tiny. Home sweet home! I wish her all the best!
This is a fantastically functional apartment for 25m2!
This place is amazing! The space looks much bigger than the sqm would allow. There're 5 separate areas in the apartment. I love how the office space is isolated and completely out of sight when not in use. Great job! The bench which can be a tv stand shows foresight and makes the place dynamic. I can't see how you'd improve the apartment given the space constraints. I was not keen to stand on the bed to access the wardrobe, but you thought of that too!!!
not a smart use of space. 1) enclosed bedroom has no air circulation, 2) ugly bench needs to be replaced with open skinny vertical partition (bookshelves). 3) kitchen stove is positioned too close to unprotected kitchen wall and needs to be switched w/washer. very basic moves that any architecture student needs to know. p.s. nobody watches tv nowadays, use projector instead.
@@valeriegalchenko2360 not the brightest comment the day. Everything you're saying she needs to do is what you want. She did what she wants. She lives there. And nobody watches TV anymore? Lol. Depends where you live. Everyone watches TV and no projector where I live.
@@valeriegalchenko2360 The bedroom is a pod and has polycarb walls and open access from study via the wardrobe, not a 'enclosed bedroom with no air circulation' FFS. Your subjuctive view of ugly, 99% of the comments love the bench. I have no idea what you mean about kitchen stove its a two ring induction , any architecture student knows the difference between having a induction and gas. As for nobody watches TV , I don't know where you live , but in Paris and London we all do or our Macs.
@@MartyMart134 99% of commenters are not licensed architects with 20 plus years of experience. stove is too close to exterior wall. you'll normally allow at least 18 inches of clear space. washer never goes in the middle. polycarb panels provide excellent insulation and zero air. design is weak.
@@-greentoad i see at least 2 code violations there without even looking @ detailed plans. architecture is NOT art. as architects we have certain strict rules we have to follow, like i previously mentioned bedroom/living/kitchen connection design is weak.
One of my favorite apartments ever featured in this channel
I love her approach to change only what needs to be changed. Everything she did had a purpose and made the appartment more livable.
Lovely. Modern, yet not sterile and cold.
Now this is an incredible use of space! It's so functional and comfortable and looks much larger than 25sqm. The dual access to the cupboard is genius! and that little desk is so clever. She's truly made such a gorgeous and liveable tiny space.
imagine how beautiful the apartment becomes when the bedroom turns into a lightbox at night
I am beyond impressed with your kitchen design! That is so perfect for a one person apartment… You couldn’t ask for a better design! Marvelous!
Love her simplistic yet very functional apartment!
This is simple and functional but also beautiful. I especially like the bedroom as a lightbox
I love her approach to refurbishing her apartment with a balance of design and budget in mind. It’s an example that well designed homes can be affordable and unique to the owner
this apartment looks bigger than 270 sq ft. love the simplicity of the design. great job!
Multifunctional - neat and soothing
You know the creator has done a good job when the design feels simple, but a closer look let's you know that everything has thoroughly been thought out. From the designs, to the materials, to the multiple uses a single object can have.
I loved, loved, LOVED the fact that she mentioned where and why she was focusing more on certain areas than others. For example, prioritizing the general area (living + been room) design over the restroom since it had recently been worked on.
She really covered all bases for me. She kept the design light and bright while managing to bring in warmth (as opposed to the stark, all-white designs for small spaces we've seen countless of times). And I was really excited that she made it a point to be smart with her money. Designing spaces CAN be done on a budget, and I'd really wish more creators could catch on to this idea.
Within the first 5 seconds I already love that space. I am a fan of being able to close a door in my bedroom and this translucent thing (ok, it's a Shoji) is perfect for such a tiny space but still getting light into the bed"chamber". Love it! The only thing I would add is a little kitchen table and two chairs in front of the windows. Maybe one of these French coffe house tables with iron cast legs and a marble top.
Look at 2:30 :-)
I love this one! So simple, no over the top or expensive materials, just simplicity
Love it! Only thing I would change is I would add a small two seater dining table near the window and the orientation of the bed so you don't need to be over the bed to access the wardrobe.
I love seeing the work of talented designers with truly small apartments (25-30sqm), more of this please!
She is very resourceful. Incredible.
Such a cozy warm space that you totally forget how small it actually is!💛
♥♥
I think is the smallest and it IS way more functional.
'Loved this video. Her apartment is a home, efficient, and sustainable. The idea for the bedroom to be a light box at night is great. Plus she's so chic. Bravo.
Thank you Simon ☺
Now THAT is a beautiful tiny apartment alright ! What an efficient design for such a small space ! I especially love the bedroom storage that can also be opened from the outside, so often storage above the bed is difficult to access and would be just annoying to use over a long period of time. It's also quite clever of this architect to have thought of a space for a tv for future owners even though she doesn't own one, and it makes for an additional sitting area until then (adding a few flat pillows on it would probably be a good idea). I really love this one, I know my time spent in a small flat in Paris would have been even better if the flat had a smart and elegant layout like that.
The overall look is stunning and peaceful. I would paint the bedroom some warmer colors to make it more cozy.
Yes! I’m thinking earth tones.
She’s a genius btw. She really knows her stuff
I'd want my favorite color,. Cornflower blue.
Agreed, the bedroom is a little bare
I’d like to keep the walls light to allow light to bounce around, but I could see achieving what you describe with a very small wooden shelf as a night table and a headboard, just a flat panel on the wall. That, for me, would finish off the space.
@@jpp7783 Same, I would install a headboard that runs to the ceiling down to the wardrobe, but keep all other walls white.
This is such a beautiful, well-designed space! I love how she didn't "overdesign" it to where it looks more like a showroom than a flat someone actually lives in. Lots of smart little details and a keen eye for a light, bright, airy aesthetic. Love it!
Love the partition for the bedroom and the use of polycaronate sheet. Excellent apartment.
I love this apartment. Economical, smart & uncomplicated. Such clever use of the tiny space. I was astounded to see such a functional kitchen with a washing machine AND dishwasher. Accessible storage. Really well done ❤
The kitchen is quite amazing, given its great look and full functionality! Must have required good coordination with plumbers, electrician, cabinet installers and any other trades, as well as meticulous planning! Nicely accomplished! 👍🏼😎✌🏼
@@gus473 I’ve re-watched this video so many times. It’s a favourite. The simplicity is perhaps far more complex than I realised. You’ve raised a great point that this tiny kitchen with all its functionality likely required a heap of coordinating with tradespeople 🙌
Wow a well thought-out space does really give it that spacious feel!! I could totally see she enjoys more 'me time' at home and I love that she focused mainly on what she values the most, books. I would have loved to actually see the cozy lightbox effect of the bedroom partition. Since one of the bedroom wall is totally empty, I'd put a projector against it and enjoy some good movie nights :-)
A wonderful and functional tiny home. Congratulations!!
What a fantastic design and solution.
The closet is such a smart idea
One of the most livable designs I've seen while being one of the smaller spaces. Bravo!
This is one of the best I've seen so far. Love it!
Wow, wow, wow. One of my all time favorite personalities and spaces featured thus far. Bravo to this woman for a beautiful space and approach. The double sided cupboard is amazing! Love love love 💕
The apartment is spacious and light, beautiful, and functional. I like how she brings light into the bedroom yet still maintains privacy. The pine looks good and ties in with the Japanese-inspired look.
Love watching never too small, which allows to visit different places and shows how people live there, making the most of what they have! 25 sqm is really small, but with incredible prices in Paris you ve got to do the best of it!
i love how she transformed her apartment. the bedroom acting as a light box, made it refreshing and seems spacious!
The bedroom walls are brilliant! I can perfectly imagine how cozy it must be at night to have that warm light-box effect. Brilliant, responsible space design.
Marlice - what a brilliant person you are! So thoughtful and mindful about how to invest your resources and reutilizing items that others discarded. Bravo Marlice!
What a lovely, beautiful, intentional space! I love the granite in the kitchen, the closet with double access, and the trash to treasure coffee table.
I love her philosophy and approach to the design! It's the kind of small space that many people could realistically live in
Many of the designs featured on this channel, though gorgeous and inspiring, obviously require a significant amount of time and resources. I really liked that this one was more approachable and doable for someone trying to re-do their own small space without much money. (And the realness of deciding not to re-do the functional but not particularly aesthetic bathroom. So relatable.)
Love this space. If I were to buy it, I would change only one thing: I'd add a thin cushion to the bench in a warm, red leather for a little bit of colour. (Like the owner/architect, I don't own the television.)
This is the best apartment you've covered so far. I would move in today if i could. And... it is actually small!😄 Amazing ideas and i love the Japanese influence! Well done
I live her ideas! That fold down desk corner and closet accessible from both sides! And i love how light can enter/come from the bedroom through the polycarbonate. She is a great designer!
This apartment is SO clever and inspiring. It looks like something achievable and affordable. Loved the bedroom and the studying space. And it has a nice couch!!
Simply stunnning!
Fantastic! Finally a small apartment for someone who has books :) Plus a normal comfortable sofa and the double sided wardrobe. And the semi transparent bedroom works well here.
I totally love this space which actually seems within reach for those with limited budgets. I am also so grateful to see shelves with books and no TV. For me that's life. Beautiful!
Marvellous Marlice! Your (what you called) frugal approach is very sensible and beautifull at the same time :)
I love the design - open area, 'light box' bed pod, bench, storage elements, concealed desk, streamlined kitchen. It all fits, flows and works perfectly! Excellent job! Bravo! G Ire
Thanks !
A dishwasher and washing machine as well as enough kitchen storage and a kitchen that looks like it functions well despite the tiny space. That is just brilliant. This young woman is a fantastic architect of such a tiny space. Probably the only thing missing is a bedside table and I would have made one on a piano hinge fixed to the wall so it could sit flat to the wall if not in use. Other than that a wonderful use of space.
This is a lovely little apartment. I particularly like how it feels open and airy yet cozy at the same time, plus the wardrobe you can access from both sides is just geniuses! 👏👏👏👏👏
that more modern take on the shoji walls is so cool, i've never seen polycarbonate look like that before! i feel like if i just heard someone describe it i'd expect it to look tacky, but the material actually almost looks like it's glowing, really makes things look even lighter in the apartment. i like how purposeful everything in the design of this space looks. i'm also a big fan of the colour of the sofa, it makes that main area look a lot more cosy/homely instead of super sparse/harsh
This is a lovely and cosy place ❤️ it's so nice to have a practical place, especially that reuses and recycles. The only things we would add would be a fold up table attached under the window by the kitchen, and 2 folding chairs hung on the empty wall in the kitchen, possibly with some artwork painted on them, practical and pretty too 👍 oh and a curtain on the inside of the bedroom clear wall, for those times you need a darkened room.
I love what she did with such a small space. Her "shoji" style bedroom walls are perfect for keeping the place light and airy, with just enough privacy. the nook with storage and pulls-down desk is nice too. The bathroom is set-up nicely with the privacy wall that gets you to turn a corner see the toilet. She really left the living room and kitchen open and bright by keeping the area in front of the windows all along the wall clear and uncluttered.
Love the design! Creative and sustainable :D I think the wardrobe that can be opened from inside and outside the room and the working nook are my favourite parts. I also love to see how she turned a small kitchen into an open comfortable space while keeping the privacy of the room.
I would put small floating shelf as a night stand next to the bed and I am missing any form of wall art,but I understand it is a preference.
I love the the simplicity and high-functionality of the entire floor space. The bedroom design and the bench are my favourite parts of this space. Kudos!
Alfera has a beautiful space!
I would love for NTS to work with architects, owners, and designers to share even more detailed designs in their second NTS book. (Have they announced a second one? No. But one can dream!) I LOVE my NTS coffee table book, and I would love to know more about what went into this apartment. For example, I would love to read an in-depth interview about materials choice and supply issues around the modern polycarbonate shoji! Did they design the kitchen, the living room, or the shoji / cabin bedroom first? What electrical issues, for example, may have inspired preservation of some of the original layout? Many questions!
I also bought my NTS book! But sadly they didn’t include my favorite house( czcams.com/video/lFfT6zbcKIg/video.html ), instead they added one of the boring Lego house in Sg.(oops)
Omg the closet that can be access thru bedroom and outside. That was really genius.
One of my faves! I'd definitely live here, what a dream Alfera has made into a home : )
Looks comfortable. The kitchen is really impressive, packing so.much I'm.
I really like this cute apartment. Couldn't imagine how it looked with all those walls in such a small space. So glad she tore those walls down and opened up the space.
The separation with plywood and polycarbonate is genius!
The most common theme that I noticed in every apartment shown here is natural light, and especially how well designers had worked with it.
I'm really amazed about that.
Just wanted to add that this is (same as everyone else apparently ) my favourite NTS episode so far! The designer seems so sweet, down to earth, and thought of some clever space saving /design elements. Would love to see more of her work 💕
Begeistert von diesem gut durchdachten Appartment Bravo an die junge smarte Architektin. 👏🏽
Brilliant design that makes the best use of a small space.
I love the polycarbonate walls that surround the bedroom. @5:03, my parents had that very same shower enclosure in their house. That is a thoughtful design, as you would expect from an architect, and Marlice is making the space work in an expensive city such as Paris.
Now this is what my Euro self would also call small. Love it. The furniture are amazing, all of them.
I am so impressed how these folks take a 300 sq foot closet and make it into the most elegant home.
What a charming home! The way each section of the apartment still feels separate and in terms of views also stays unique is a great little detail that can make a huge difference. Kitchen and mini office are observed with your back to the main room, which makes them feel more contained: In the kitchen you focus on food preparation and cooking, at the hidden office table you're focused on the work in front and the window next to you. When you sit in the living room, both of these parts are slightly hidden. Even in such a small apartment it's still important to have these mental separations of the space imo
Such a well-designed, lovely, cozy place!
For such a tiny space, it is so full of characters and sunlight as well. Each area is divided nicely but also connected together seamlessly. I love how practical, easy to maintain yet homey and easy-to-personalise it is that you can really tell that the individual will enjoy living here and it's not just aesthetically pleasing but impractical.
(And can I say that the sponsorship ad is adorably entertaining? Now I'm compelled to get one and I don't even need a new pan!)
Beautiful studio. Really well done. I literally loved everything in this studio. I hope we can see more of this in the future. Super cute.
This was a really great one. I love the shoji concept and the attention to multi use
I love what you have done, the sogi, the 2 way opening wardrobe, the low carbon footprint approach. Thank you
Such a beautiful apartment, congratulations to the designer. This is an example of how less is More
Simple living surrounded by beautiful materials and design.
is a very consistent project, using minimalist and sustainable elements, help us to create a more peaceful and functional environment. I love these kind of houses, they are non-aggressive and understand the space occupier.
I'm in love with this appartment! I can't even highlight the favorite parts, as all the rooms stole my heart!
The architect has a great philosophy when it comes to construction and maintaining the apartment.
Modest, bright, functional, and beautiful. Well executed!