Never Too Small

Approaching Stella from the outside, the unassuming, undeniably Australian tin shed exterior is the first thing of note. It’s a design that sits comfortably in its environment, inspired by the most recognizable form of Australian design. But stepping inside, Stella reveals itself as a more complex and enigmatic structure, reframing what luxury truly means.

When building in Krakow, a city that is experiencing a renaissance after years of neglect, the passion and attention to detail that Karolina Chodur and Malwina Borowiec from Interior Architect firm pigalopus have applied to this home is a heartwarming affirmation of the future ambitions of this city.

Nestled in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling Whampoa Garden in Kowloon City, lies a diamond-shaped apartment (a common shape in this part of Hong Kong) that defies the traditional cramped and cluttered living spaces that one can associate with the hyper dense Kowloon City.

Bronte Beach, 10 kilometres south of Sydney is a 250sqm patch of sand and home to some of the most exclusive addresses in the world. Homes, and the land they sit on can reach astronomical prices, the median house price is AUD5.5 Million, even a small footprint home is a significant investment, and worth turning into a tranquil, luxurious sanctuary. This is precisely what Matt Reynolds from MattR Studio, the designer of beâCHâlet, aimed to achieve with this project.

Imani of Imani At Home is a home & lifestyle creator based in Washington, D.C. A thrifter, a dog owner (of Salazar Slytherin the Second) and a lover of Gin Cocktails. Imani is also a proud renter, ‘I spend a ridiculous amount of time upgrading my rental apartment and spending time with my friends and family’.

A house in the quiet coastal Kanagwa prefecture of Yokohama, designed to feel like living outside, was built by Associate Professor, Waseda University Art School Megumi, Takeshi Hosaka, also the CEO of Takeshi Hosaka Architects, who wanted a home that combined the elements of nature and city life.

Alicja Szmal-Baehr, owner and architect of Alicja Szmal Studio, lives in a cozy 42 sqm apartment located in the popular Jeżyce district of Poznań, Poland. As a lover of natural materials and colors of nature, Alicja decided to use only natural and organic materials such as wood, metal, linen curtains and woolen materials to decorate her new home.

Ophélie Doria & Edouard Roullé-Mafféïs of Space Factory, a multidisciplinary creative studio based in Paris are the creators of La suite Dolce Vita. Translating to ‘the Dolce Vita suite’, the concept was designed to offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and provide a taste of the sweet life, inspired by the Venetian palazzos and its arches, pink and green marbles, and dark woods.

Nestled in the heart of bustling Taipei City, Jungle Loft is a apartment that has been transformed from a small neglected rental, to a beautiful home for the couple that rent it. Mish and Ryan are the founders of Tangerine Living, an interior design business, and they have used their skills to completely transform this space.

With a population of 14 million people, space in Tokyo is limited and Architects are well versed in devising simple, minimal ways of living comfortably with less. Located just five minutes from central Tokyo, this 46sqm apartment is one of seven in the block built in 1979, each with a different floorplan.

Located in the quiet suburb of Saavedra in Buenos Aires, this 28 sqm apartment is rented by Enrico Cavaglia of @ir.arquitectura, (previously featured by Never Too Small for his El Camarin conversion). Cavaglia is an Italian architect who has been living in the city for two years. His goal was to find an apartment that maximises light and ventilation, and he chose this l-shaped apartment based on its two balconies positioned on opposing sides of the home. Enrico’s interior design philosophy is all about simplicity, functionality, and flexibility, as demonstrated in his custom-made furniture and attention to detail.

Located in Brunswick, Melbourne, on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People, this apartment reflects the postwar architectural elements, such as timber paneling, mosaic tiles, and terrazzo floors.

The 6 Tsubo House, located in the bustling district of Yotsuya in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is an exceptional dwelling that showcases how creative design can make even the smallest living spaces feel comfortable and spacious. Designed by Arte-1 Architects, the narrow three-story house, measuring just 56 square meters, was built for the client, a young family of four who desired a small yet open house with a connection to the outdoors.

Transforming a blank canvas into a functional, comfortable living space is a challenging task, especially when dealing with a limited area of only 35 square meters. However, interior designer Mara Manalo was able to turn a small apartment in Quezon City into a cozy, well-designed home.

Creating a home that is both utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing can be a challenge, but interior designers Jack and Jia Hui of Resistance rose to the challenge when designing an apartment in Ghim Moh Link, Singapore. The designers wanted to create a living space that would develop a patina over time and tell a story, while also retaining the original bones of the apartment.

This 48sqm cosy apartment is in the very densely populated area of Hong Kong, Kowloon and features a diamond-shaped layout, typical of large-scale private housing estates in Hong Kong.

Territorio de Arquitectura, owned by architect Jesús Huarte, was tasked with renovating a 30 square meter apartment located in the residential neighborhood of Recoleta in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The client, a sensory artist who uses different smells to create her pieces, desired a space in a central area of the city where she could live and work. However, the apartment lacked natural light, with the balcony windows being the main source of light.

An apartment that would relect the personalities of the clients. This was the goal for a recent project in Buenos Aires, where the clients, a young couple wanted to experiment with living in a unique home. The designers, Nahuel Alvarez & Florencia Aparicio of MoobArq, an Argentinian design firm were inspired by digital art illustrations with geometric designs and bold colors, and they set out to create a space that would be both functional and visually appealing.

The Marvila district of Lisbon, Portugal, has been undergoing a process of urban regeneration, with many of its old factories being transformed into galleries, creative studios, co-working spaces, and artisan establishments. Eliza Borkowska, Magdalena Czapluk, and the team at KEMA studio took on the challenge of revamping a small apartment in one of the district’s oldest buildings, which was built in the 20th century and located in a heritage-protected area.

The Jordaan district of Amsterdam was built in the 17th century as a working-class neighborhood, evolving over the years to become a vibrant and highly sought-after residential area. its layout of narrow, tree-lined streets and picturesque canals exemplify the traditional Dutch concept of a “grachtengordel,” or canal belt.

Nestled within the eastern suburbs of Paris, a two-story industrial building serves as a canvas for Zyva Studio’s architect, Anthony Authié, his wife Adele, and their beloved dog Nepal.

Situated in the heart of Singapore’s Orchard River Valley District, a one-bedroom apartment has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the creative vision of Vin Leong, the founder of Haelcyon Days Design, a prominent multi-discipline interior design studio in Singapore. With a keen focus on providing both comfort and functionality, the design team sought inspiration from hospitality venues to curate a living space that maximizes storage capacity while exuding a luxurious ambiance.

Designed by Yousaka Tsusumi of Arbol Design, this single-story house in Heguri, Nara is a testament to the belief that simplicity and nature can harmoniously coexist. With a focus on functionality and surrounding oneself with cherished possessions, this 45sqm/484sqft dwelling offers a Japanese family of five a serene living experience in a quiet residential area surrounded by picturesque mountains, rivers, and rice fields.

In a bustling city like Bangkok, finding tranquility and space can be a challenge. Mae Prachasilchai of Studio La Tarta Piccola, has managed to create a serene oasis within the confines of a limited apartment. Inspired by the calming ambiance of Japanese Ryokans, Mae incorporates elements of Japanese design, such as shoji doors, to achieve a softer aesthetic and maximize functionality.

Fourvière Apartment, located in Lyon’s picturesque Fourvière Hill, stands as a testament to the post-war reconstruction program of 1959. Designed by Maxime Hurdequint and Mary Bravard from the architectural firm MURA Architects, this apartment embodies a perfect blend of preserving the building’s original spirit while incorporating modern aesthetics and functionality.

In the leafy suburb of Toorak, just 10 minutes away from Melbourne CBD, stands a one-of-a-kind heritage listed building that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Originally constructed in 1951, the building consisted of three distinct structures—a crescent, a tower, and a garage—all interconnected by a series of sky bridges. The highlight of this remarkable building is its unconventional layout, with one flat per floor, ensuring privacy and exclusivity for its occupants.

Lush greenery and overlapping concrete buildings make a stunning backdrop to this beautifully reconstructed 33sqm/355sqft apartment, a modern respite in the midst of Taipei’s traditional Wenshan District. Drawing inspiration from the minimalist aesthetics of Japanese living, designer Anny Hong from AODA Interior Design blended natural elements with a contemporary colour palette to evoke a sense of tranquillity.

Perched on a hilltop just east of the Brasília city centre sits a rustic 57sqm/613sqft family retreat heavily inspired by traditional Brazilian farmhouses and surrounded by lush greenery. Matheus Carvalho, the founder of Coplanar Arquitetura, redesigned the original 1990s layout, embracing natural light and airflow to create an open, welcoming space.

How can we make an impact with the products we make? That was the question Dutch designers Pim Van Baarsen and Luc Van Hoeckel asked themselves when they founded social design studio Super Local in 2012. Frustrated that traditional design was geared towards serving the 10% of the world who could afford it, they wanted to explore what they could do for the other 90%.

Nostalgia meets contemporary flair in this 1970s-inspired apartment located on a former cabaret site, a stone’s throw away from the famous Moulin Rouge theatre in Paris. Home to architect Jean-Malo Le Clerc and his partner Victor, the apartment is a tribute to his favourite design era and the ideal stage to house the couple’s treasured collection of furniture from their favourite designers.

As our cities continue to grow, architects and designers are faced with the challenges of adapting and repurposing historic buildings for commercial and residential uses. In Rua dos Andradas—one of the oldest streets in Southern Brazil—a 1950s building is now home to both businesses and residents, including the owner of this 29sqm/312sqft micro apartment designed by OCRE Arquitetura.

Tucked behind the popular Lumpini Park in one of Bangkok’s upscale neighbourhoods lies the minimalist Japandi-style 47sqm/506sqft Room Langsuan, meaning “room behind the park”. Inspired by warehouse interiors, OPH Architects’ Pilin Hongwittayakorn designed a neutral space to play backdrop to the client’s collection of designer artworks and furniture.

Old fabric scraps, wooden offcuts, and discarded chairs off the street. These materials, seen by most of the world as trash, are what Nina Tolstrup and Jack Mama, founders of Studiomama, used to create award-nominated furniture collections and exclusive quirky animal-like sculptures.

An architect’s design is only as good as their understanding of their client’s needs. In designing Koka Studio, husband and wife Kalina and Robert Juchvenic had two distinct advantages: a definitive brief and a unique opportunity for close collaboration given the client was Kalina’s sister, Katarzyna.

In an age where historical significance and old-world charm are often overlooked in favour of modernisation, Borrell is a shining example of how both can coexist harmoniously in an inviting, contemporary home. When architect and owner Carlota Siverio and her wife found the apartment building dating back to 1870, they immediately fell in love with the charm and character it exuded—the rest, as they say, is history.

An abundance of natural light in a home has many benefits, from making a space feel larger to enhancing well-being. As a result, cultivating natural light is often a key focus for the architects and designers of small-footprint homes. In fact, it became the guiding principle architect Taïna Pichon, founder of Meraki Architects, embraced in her transformation of a “soulless” 42sqm/452sqft apartment into an airy, light-filled respite.

Inspired by her time as an architect in India, Clare Kennedy based her own architecture and design studio on a Mahatma Gandhi principle; to build with materials found within a Five Mile Radius of their homes.

“I believe it is important to allow the variations of life, which include a diversity of colour, largeness and smallness, straight lines and curves, to permeate through the design”. To breathe life into a once-dark and cramped space, Benjamin Chan of Sam Crawford Architects used this as his guiding principle when redesigning Stanmore Apartment, the small home he shares with his partner Rafaella.

When Marijn Kruikemeier and his partner, Liya, discovered this narrow shell apartment devoid of the constraints of a pre-existing floor plan, they immediately knew it was their chance to “live big in a small space”. Inspired by their travels through Asia, they were emboldened to resist compromise when it came to the luxuries of a larger space, instead opting to maximise every inch of their 48sqm/517sft apartment.

When situated in the heart of a cosmopolitan city, a home should be a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of it all. Presented with an empty apartment within the vibrant streets of São Paulo, architects Samuel Garcia and Delia Sloneanu from Studio Papaya wanted their client to have a flexible, light-filled respite with “personality” when he returned from his many travels.

“Recycled materials can — and should — be as beautiful as new”. That was the perspective Adam Fairweather and Rosalie McMillan took when reviving the UK-based company Smile Plastics in 2015, aiming to bring out the functionality and aesthetics of materials traditionally classified as “waste”.

Making the most of space in a small footprint home is already a challenge in itself—to comfortably fit a family of five into a 28sqm/301sqft apartment is, undoubtedly, an even bigger one. Fortunately, designer Josef Karol Egwaras of Studio Josef Karol was afforded a few advantages before embarking on the project.

When living in a city with some of the most iconic architectural monuments in the world, inspiration is not hard won. Approached with a decrepit, dark apartment dating back to the 1890s, architect Flore Gustin of Amate Architecture immediately knew her muse: Le Corbusier’s Villa La Roche. Coincidentally, Gustin’s client had once resided on the same street as this architectural icon, adding a welcome personal resonance for the home’s owner.

The charming Triana district in Spain’s Seville is the birthplace of famous flamenco dancers and home to flamboyantly painted buildings flanking cobbled streets. Architects Antonio Mora and Eduardo Tazon, co-founders of Studio Noju, were particularly influenced by the latter.

A bare “skeleton apartment” left unfinished for over 10 years might not sound like a desirable first apartment on paper, but for architect Franco Luiz Faust, there was nothing but potential. His vision for the 55sqm/592sqft space was a peaceful respite that would serve as a comfortable backdrop for unforgettable memories with his wife, Maria, with room for a growing family in the future.

There are common themes in a Brad Swartz-reinvented small dwelling: a restrained palette, clever storage solutions, and a creative touch when utilising space — and the tranquil Slow Down Apartment is no exception. The clients had briefly moved from Sydney to Brisbane during the COVID-19 pandemic and decided to make the move permanent. They felt Swartz would be the perfect fit for their renovation on the back of his repertoire of turning small, cramped apartments into warm and spacious homes.

Professor Veena Sahajwalla has many impressive titles to her name; internationally recognised scientist, materials engineer, inventor of “green steel Polymer Injection Technology”, scientia professor at UNSW, and not to mention, 2022 NSW Australian of the Year.

In the enchanting neighbourhood of Madrid’s Rastro, architect Mariana de Delás’s apartment symbolises creativity and innovation. The neighbourhood feels timeless — groups of relaxed neighbours gather on the streets and this strong community spirit has a special place in de Delás’s heart.

Located in the bohemian Paris neighbourhood of Montmartre, a stone’s throw from the historic Sacré Coeur basilica, this 37sqm/398sqft apartment ticks all the boxes needed for a bright and airy feel. Curved features, a light colour palette, and smart furniture choices — not to mention the healthy dose of natural light — were all key in transforming this young couple’s small space into a fresh and functional home.

Set amongst the cafés and galleries of Berlin’s Schöneberg neighbourhood, the home of interior decorator Kateryna Gonchar echoes the area’s eclectic, era-defying sensibilities through her personalised décor choices. This rental apartment is a testament to how thoughtful choices in furniture and layout can improve the functionality and feel of a space without having to make any structural changes.