NEVER TOO SMALL: Amsterdam Couple’s Luxe DIY Apartment, 48sqm/516 sqft Amsterdam
See why we love using Milanote by trying it for free here: milanote.com/nts4
Home to designer and carpenter Marijn Kruikemeier and his partner Liya, this once-empty shell in the heart of Amsterdam was completely transformed into a bright, contemporary space filled with full-size amenities and a seamless flow between spaces. The couple addressed the challenge of a narrow floor plan by adding a series of custom-built furniture throughout, the stand-out being a curved slatted oak wall unit opposite a full-size galley kitchen. The unit cleverly conceals a hidden bathroom, larger kitchen appliances as well as a series of storage niches for smaller items. The unit flows seamlessly into the living room, where a floor-to-ceiling cabinet spanning the length of the room houses a hidden TV that emerges and disappears via an electronic lift mechanism. At the end of the apartment, the sunlit bedroom featuring a built-in terracotta-coloured wardrobe surrounding the bed, leads to the tranquil backyard, a welcome extension of the couple’s living space in warmer months.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Ep 147
Project Name: Project Jordaan
Designer: www.marijninterieurs.nl/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Rem Berger
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: The Leaves Are Changing by Miles Kredic & The Woods by Jon Gegelman from Artlist.io
If you're working on your own project Milanote is well worth a look: milanote.com/nts4
Really glad with my KZhead Sponsor Blocker :)
I love how the dining space feels like you are sitting in the window of a café! Such amazing vision, look how far you’ve taken the space. Especially love the materials chosen and the way you planned for natural light to travel throughout the entire space. Also love the powder room under the stair! Well done 🎉
It's extraordinary! How often has someone tried to enter, thinking it was an upscale, low-key cafe? 🤔😧😄
I thought of this as well! Very clever and forces you to maintain tidiness 😅
10:04 and the beautiful dog sitting in this wonderful dining space. Stunning house. Congratulations. ❤❤
@@gus473That’s what I was thinking I would accidentally do 😂
@@seracessna 😂 I am not sure if I would have gone before or after you, but there's a good chance I might have tried it! 😎✌️
I hate to break it to everybody but 48sqm is actually a sizable appartement in Amsterdam. The design is gorgeous but the focus on ‘wanting to have full sized x and y’ makes it seem like it’s a teeny tiny house. As if there’s not thousands of Amsterdam people living in ~30sqm like it’s the most normal thing in the world.
yessssss i agree all these huge storage cupboards and furniture feel like a waste of space
hahaha, totally agreed. Now I have upgraded to 77sqm and feels like a mansion :-)
The layout matters. The flat is long and narrow, such shape makes it a lot more difficult to utilise this space and make this home comfortable, visually appealing and functional
I supposed the 48sqm includes the garden too?
yeah it's kinda true. i'd say in most capitals in europe no apartmen over 35sqm is considered "small."
Definitely one of the more aesthetically beautiful apartments this channel has featured! And incredibly functional for the size. But this must have required some pretty hefty investment 😬
Agreed. LOVELY, must be small yet expensive. Amsterdam is beautiful.!
Absolutely. Yes. Aesthetic. 👌🏻
Agreed. Stunning Apt. but likely pricey (and worth the investment!).
yes...stunning, sleek, natural
Yeah this is still for rich people 😕
We live in Amsterdam now and so we might be biased, but this is one of my favourite homes! Love that the couple still has a full sized, functioning kitchen in such a small space. We once viewed a newly renovated, 60+ sq m home with a BAR fridge - shows how that designer was not thinking about function for a modern family.
I know this issue well :')
@@Swameh lol!
This is probably my bias, but I find it shocking that designing a nearly 50 sqm flat to accommodate a couple (1 bedroom) is considered a challenge and a small space. And a bar fridge in a 60+ sqm place? 🙉
@@nataliatkaczyk8631totally! When I read the title I was like "That isn't small!"
I don't think it "shows the designer wasn't thinking about function for a modern family", I think it's just cultural differences. No matter what space I have lived in, I have never had anything other than a bar sized fridge. When I was a kid, my family of four had a bar sized fridge, and it was no problem. You just go shopping twice a week instead of once. I live in a 88sqm home right now, and I still have a bar fridge in my kitchen. When you live in a city in the Netherlands and there is a grocery store around every corner, you don't need one of those humongous american fridges that stores enough food for a month.
Such an elegant layout, the wooden finishes along with the white walls and ample sunlight make for such a pristine look. The kitchen storage (with the hidden shower) is definitely the highlight for me!
Great use of space. Love the layout. Dining area next to entrance to chill and see the street scape. A more private green sanctuary at the back with another outdoor dining space. Kudos!
Super clean lines, minimalistic without the need for too much. Love it.
Why are the dutch so good at everything?! Electronic music, beer, and apparently interior design. Very well done. Looks cozy.
And partying!
the dining table by the window gives me a sense of sitting by the cafe window, while working on your laptop or reading a book. what a comfy layout!
No real work gets done sipping a coffee at a café. If you can do that: I’m sorry to have to tell you, but you’ve got a bs job.
That was spectacular. Not a thing they didn’t consider, the layout is wonderful, the finish is impeccable. If ever I had money I’d commission them. The interior has a warmth to it. Splashes of colour applied perfectly. Such a warm living space.
10:20 "With a small space, you are motivated to declutter and focus on essential items." ✨️ well said 👍🏻
It takes a special type of person to be able to live in a home where a main window is street level on a busy street.
😂 agreed, but that’s Amsterdam for you, meaning people don’t even close the curtains at night
the type of person needs to be dutch 😂
@@tommathys2 they should've gotten solar blinds that can open from the top for more privacy.
The back streets of the Jordaan, whilst being so central, can be surprisingly peaceful.
Amsterdam culture values transparency. We don’t close our curtains to indicate we have nothing to hide. It’s very normal
I am so utterly in love. The dining area feels so much like a café. The use of space is sublime. If I lived in Amsterdam in that apartment with a partner, I think I would be set and happy for life.
hope you enjoy breathing in nasty canal air, ew!
@austin.paquette, I can already imagine you there sitting by the window smoking weed :)
easily one of my favorite ones I've seen on here so far, so cozy.
The perfect apartment doesn’t exist- 🤯🤯🤯
This episode might be one of my favorites. Their place really feels like a home. The window by the entrance gives such a cozy vibe, the pop os colors in each space, beautiful work all around. And I just love the detail of their names engraved on the tv rack.
I know that this is the norm but I can't help admire the risk taken with the large windows on both sides in a ground floor apartment - giving a perfect view into the home from the street and making it obvious that they are a decently well off home. I lived in Edinburgh for many years in an affluent area and watched from the first floor as burglars broke into the unit below mine many times. Usually they just smashed the window (a similar beautiful period bay window as the one in this apartment), ran in, grabbed what they wanted and back out again. But sometimes they broke the door too (takes longer than the fraction of a second needed to break a window) and it was a door exactly like this one. This apartment is beautiful but some choices were definitely made which take safety for granted.
Yes, as a South African I was also astounded at the lack of visible security, e.g. burglar bars.
You get used to it. It's the price for living in Amsterdam.
I'm from the UK and have been to both Edinburgh and Amsterdam quite a few times. In Amsterdam I noticed that lots of people would not close their curtains in the evening and was told by the locals that crime wasn't that bad there and it was the norm 🤷🏾♀️ I wasn't complaining, I got to be nosey and get a glimpse into some really interesting homes 😅
I guess that's why they hide their TV and appliances. Also in such a small space, it would be hard to steal anything large...so there's that...
If I'm correct, I've heard Amsterdam doesn't really have super high crime rates in terms of home theft. That's kind of just the way people are around there. Amsterdam isn't just a regular old city; it's got an entire culture to it, and part of that culture is frequently depicted as "party vibes" and "kindness". Besides, crime rate is different everywhere. Tokyo, for example, is probably way safer than most cities you can think of. The overall crime rate in Japan is one of the lowest in the world, and Tokyo accounts for nearly 1/3rd of the population, so I think it's safe to say you wouldn't have to worry too much about a burglary in a bustling city like Tokyo. Of course, this is mostly due to Japan's general culture. Amsterdam is kind of the same way.
The kitchen alone is probably about 40k Euro.
I'd say kitchen was €80,000 at least.
@@x1achilles99 at least 80k euros with currect pricing indeed. This is a custom, designer kitchen. This apartment might be small but I'm sure that ridiculous amounts of money was spent to make it look like this.
Um my tiny kitchen cost 40K to remodel - and their kitchen is about 10 times nicer.
Just WOW! This brings so much joy! One of the best videos 🙂
Beautiful space! Well thought out and functional.
This is absolutely beautiful!
Wonderful use of space and clean design. I think the entrance is a bit tight but love the center console and how functional it is! The window connecting the living room and bedroom is amazing. Cohesive but varying spaces and design elements!
Beautiful layout. Thanks for sharing
Beautiful home! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful colour palette and great layout! I love the green wainscotting and marble wallpaper in the 2 piece! Lovely vintage vibe! Also so cool the couple narrated this together!
Love the design of this one, specially the fact that is has a garden and an easy access to the Amsterdam street ❤ The material choice is also very interesting !! Great episode as always 🎉
MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SO FAR
this is one of my favorite homes ever!
This is the my favorite of all the spaces you have featured in this channel! So well planned and beautiful!
There's something I love about skinny buildings. The customary cabinetry is amazing. I think the the location of the bathroom is very smart as it helps to zone off the different rooms. Great job!
Wow this is one of my favorite ones so far! 😍
Loved the interiors and all of the joineries are well thought of
The colours are just gorgeous, and the lovely garden adds so much space as well as functionality. This is one of my favourite homes on the channel.
Such an amazing apartment! Probably one of the best I have seen so far :)
This is the best so far!
Gorgeous design!
Beautiful use of the space. I loved the wooden finishes and how light and airy the entire space looked.
This has got to be my favourite home featured here. Every single feature is not only intentional but also beautiful. The colour scheme is so calming too
I am in love with this space.
What a warm and inviting home!
This is one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen! Love the usages of heavy, wood blinds and curtains. Job well done 😍
Again, a fantastic example of small scale living with style and elegance. Love everything about it. Such clever solutions and beautifully executed. Bravo! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Loved the TV pop-up feature!
This is my favorite projects from this channel 🎉!
Had to watch this twice!! This is the most clever and beautiful design I’ve seen on here so far. The full height smart unit holding the fridge etc., is brilliant. The finishes are precise and high quality. Having a separate toilet, full size appliances and sofa really make it more livable. Nothing worse than compromising with pokey uncomfortable furniture. Exceptionally well done!!
Lovely design. I love how the dining room can also function like a café table with sidewalk and street view during coffee time. Also love the backyard.
Beautiful apartment. Stylish with a very personal and cozy feel.
Beautiful and functional!
This is my favorite NTS apartment so far! I love how you utilize the space. I am inspired to bring elements like these into my own apartment 😍
This is a gorgeous home in the heart of one of my favorite cities! I got to visit Amsterdam this spring and fell in love with it. I love the minimalist, very unique and functional design of this apartment. All the built-ins showed such craftsmanship. I love the TV that disappeared into the wall cabinet. I saw the same thing done in a Usonian home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright built in the early 1950’s in Illinois. I think he was the 1st one to come up with that idea. Thank you for sharing this beautiful home!
beautiful
Wow. This is gorgeous! ❤
Congratulations on a superb design! It is amazing that you have been able to integrate so many beautiful and practical features into a long, narrow space. Absolutely great design! What I love most, are the materials used in the space to make it both elegant for entertaining your guests and cozy for everyday living. Thanks for sharing your small space.😊
I love their approach to such a small space. It feels like a true home, so warm and inviting, compromising on nothing. The window detail by the bedroom was such a charming addition. This is definately among my faves.
oh my, this is stunning.
What a perfect living space!
Fantastic design!! the wood work is a masterpiece!! It looks light, airy and simply beautiful! The garden a premium detail.
The apartment is beautiful. I love how they designed it.
Ugh this is soooo good! absolutely love it and so inspirational.
I love the red of the bar, orange or the bedroom and the WC decor ❤
love this beautiful house! so well designed and really tells you what is important to this couple…that beautiful garden out back is just icing on the cake. love this 👍♥️
THIS is the reason why I love Never Too Small! Absolutely beautiful work and an inspiration!
Well, seeing the location and the quality of the materials, you'd at least need to invest a million+ to make this inspiration a reality. This channel slowly became a collection of apartments for high upper class people.
@@DoggieB92 I am inspired by design - beauty, creativity and really intelligent use of space. It doesn't matter to me whether I can afford to live there myself.
@@DoggieB92 All big metropolitan cities are expensive to live in. You need to prioritise what is important to you. People could choose to live in towns that have affordable housing but they would be missing out on the kind of diverse cultural attractions that big cities provide. The people featured are not necessarily "high upper class" people. They could be just plain middle class, professional, inspirational people who have saved enough to get the kind of life they want to have.
I love this one, it's AMAZING!!!!!
Elegant, refined, perfection. 💕
Beautiful to see a home so connected to the city through its front facade, yet so peaceful and green at the back and calm and cosy inside the home itself. I love the hidden powder room, hidden bathroom and the functional curved kitchen wall. Marvellous 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I love everything about this. Such an elegant and soothing palette. Combining ingenious space efficiency with a luxurious feel! 😊👏
Looks amazing!
Such a beautiful calming space! Well done!!
This might rank in my top 3. It made me wonder if condo developments could offer the option of the open floor plan with potential buyers having the opportunity to tailor their own layout. This was beautifully executed. Practically flawless.👏😏
Absolute genius design! This home checks so many of my own personal boxes: separate w/c from the bath, everything is on the same floor, small garden/backyard, lots of light, the dining room is a comfortable alternative to other than just dining, outdoor lounging and dining options. I also love their choices of materials and colors. The only downside for me is that since I'm not a sociable person, that kitchen is too big for my use and I have no need for a bar but that is by no means a minus for them. It's incredible that they not only fit everything they wanted and needed, but did so so elegantly! If I were to personalize the space, all I would do is make the office space bigger to fit my gaming rig, remove the bar (for storage?), and remove that wall of appliances in the kitchen. I can probably fit everything I need in the one side and now I can probably waddle down the kitchen without having to shuffle sideways! 😅
Fantastic video. This illustrates beautifully how little space we really need..
One of my favorites on this channel. Love all the hidden storage. Great job, guys! 👏
This is really beautiful. I commend the owners for turning an awkward, dark space into a cosy home with a touch of glamour (that bar!). I also love the creative way they have turned a street facing window into a dining space creating a cafe vibe. I agree with others here - it is definitely one of the nicest spaces that have been featured here. Well done!
Beautiful apartment. I wonder if it would be possible for Never To Small give a rough estimate on the cost of each renovation.
It would also be nice to see more technical detailing behind all that fitted bespoke furniture units (e.g. ironmongery used, types of veneer and finishes etc.)
@@kawo666yes, this would be a great expansion of the channel. Something I’m sure many of us would be happy to pay to access.
Of course they could but then you’d realize that all these projects are done by rich and well off people. That’s not the core audience of the channel. The working class has to be able to dream that they could ever afford something like this.
Absolutely amazing!!!
This might be my favorite yet! Incredible.
Probably one of my most favourite homes so far. I really want a living space that is small but neat as I envision myself living alone. All of my dreams are in this. Ground floor with small backyard, right in a walkable street where I can see people walking outside and living life, dining room with cushioned seats, long ass kitchen with practically everything (oven, coffee machine, dishwasher!), bookcases in living space, bedroom with cute and functional headboard things. My goodness. I'm in love. Also, I have a thing where I always pick a spot where I think I'd frequent the most in any space/room that I go. So here I think it's the corner space of the dining table where the window meets the wall. I'd people watch for hours, with my coffee in hand, smiling at people if they see me and waving at little kids. Way to beat the loneliness while still enjoying my alone time. Orrr that couch at the back garden! Reading nook done right.
Love it, only thing I'd do differently is paint the wardrobe a different color.
Oh me, oh my, this is my FAVOURITE!!! 😍😍
this home has a great flow. i love all the light coming in and out.
One of the best small spaces you have featured on here. Beautiful colour palatte, perfect use of spaces, and full sized furniture too. No wobbly tiny custom seats or spindly tables- this apartment was designed to be lived in, not photographed.
Wauw, ik zou hier ook graag willen wonen. Ik vind het echt prachtig wat jullie hebben gemaakt van deze kleine ruimte. Er valt veel natuurlijk licht naar binnen, en de styling is toch sfeervol!
Masterpiece!
Beautiful design with so much storage. I loved it.
Love this apt, and especially the location. Looks like a very expensive renovation project for someone who does not have woodworking experience. Love that it was a DIY
Actually, one of the owners of this place is a designer/carpenter whom I believe transformed the space himself. I am pretty sure he also planned and designed the custom-built furniture throughout including the slatted oak wall unit. It is in a sense very much DIY, but a highly professional one.
Beautiful, practical, elegant! One of the best!
They created such a beautiful and productive space! Love it!❤
this is my absolute favorite of all time here on NTS. focusing on essential items as Marijn stated is the key. this is so perfectly created with thoughtfulness, love, respect and appreciation in every single detail. i am beyond impressed and love every square inch of this incredible HOME!! thank you for sharing
48 sqm is not such a small area as you might have thought. In my country since recent time developers erect 20-40 story buildings with flats of 19-23 sq m - all amenities in one room - kitchen, bedroom, toilet, entrance, office, dining room, etc. Price for this "doghouse" is about 100 average monthly salaries.
Very good understanding of what enough for living. I admire this way of thinking and designing! Wow
Gorgeous layout, color palette and custom design -- WOW.
This is a narrow space used to its full potential. Love the colors, the concept of the table next to the window, the flow of the apt, the fact it has all you need to live comfortably and the patio space is a treat
what a gorgeous home! I love how easily it seamlessly flows from room to room and how bright it is. I would freak out that everyone passing could look in though. Is their a filter on the window that makes it more one way? so you can see out but it is not so easy to see in? I would still move right in tomorrow. You need to grow some veggies out the back - tomatoes for sure!!
Very eloquent, tasteful, and practical. Love it!
This is sleek and adorable.
This is one of my favorite Never Too Small homes. I really love the cafe feel of the dining room (looking out over the busy sidewalk) combined with the serenity and privacy in the rest of the place. i really wish budgets were attached to each video!
Would only add some garden cover over seating areas for weather & privacy from all the overhead windows. Another thought is a blind in the front window that expands from the bottom up to give adjusted privacy without completely blocking the window. Otherwise - really brilliant!
Dutch people like to keep their ground floor windows blind and curtain free during the day and evening!
I love, love, love the layout and furniture. Certainly one of my favorite small spaces!!! Very well done!!!
Gorgeous space!