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NEVER TOO SMALL: Tokyo Architect’s Tranquil Small Apartment 46sqm/495sqf

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Set in a small block of 7 apartments in Setagaya ward in Tokyo, Small Design Studio’s Kumiko Ouchi re-designed this small apartment into a combined home and work space for her partner and her cat Cochi. By removing most of the interior walls, Ouchi opened up the space and created areas that are connected but also function independently. Placing the bedroom at the back of the apartment for optimal quietness and privacy, and an office space in the hallway that leads to the open plan living and kitchen area. The living room, which is a step lower than the rest of the apartment, contains a custom built 2.2m long window bench seat and a bioethanol fireplace. The adjoining L-Shaped kitchen with accompanying dining table is made from wood finished with water resistant plastering, giving it a concrete-look finish. With this simple, warm and comfortable home Ouchi has designed a space that feels more spacious than its 46m2 footprint and is truly attuned to the lifestyle and needs of its inhabitants.

#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign

Music: Plant Your Fields – We Dream of Eden

Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director/Camera Operator: Nam Tran
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Jessica Ruasol

28 Replies to “NEVER TOO SMALL: Tokyo Architect’s Tranquil Small Apartment 46sqm/495sqf”

  1. One of the nicer apartments that I have seen. Well thought out and designed! Not sure about the lack of color but that's just me.

  2. I like the minimalism of the space and the 2 terraces. But for me, the living room felt cold and soulless. I think if she had carried the look of the office space with it's wood floor, wood desk and bookshelves into the living room it would've added some warmth. Also, for me, losing a bedroom was not a good idea from an investment standpoint. I would've turned the 2nd BR into an office/guest room, and created the kitchen where they have the office area now.

  3. I absolutely loved the energy in this beautiful home. She did a great job designing it. 😍

  6. Thanks for being my favorite channel on YouTube! Always inspiring with the less is more philosophy🙂

  8. This is a dream apartment for sure! Love what you did with the space. It looks so serene

  9. I think this marries the minimalist and Japanese Zen sensibilities very well. There's a bit of stuff yes but cleverly tucked away from sight though not overly so that they detract from the clean, tidy look. Hard to believe the space is just 46sqm – speaks volumes on how good the design is

  10. amazing that this tiny little house can fit so many (albeit small) rooms! wonderful functionality and truly shows the designer's thoughts for the future!

  11. The cat is a hoot! I love its expressions when walking or running by the videographer! Most of which are, what the heck are you doing and why here in my space?? LOL!

  12. Lovely and peaceful apartment. Like so many apartments on this channel, it only needs a comfortable armchair and ottoman. And I love the idea of separating the toilet from the bathroom. This was done in Victorian houses and it makes sense for a small apartment shared by two people.

  15. who went back and watched the cat run back and forth at the beginning? 🙋‍♂️

  17. Lovely design. It doesn't look suffocated even with the small space. Love all of the storage, and it seems like you are definitely putting all of it to use.

  18. One of my favourites so far, not a fan of the office space but I love the whole flat

  22. I like the attention that has been paid to small real life living, like the hidden place for the appliances, the storage and the make up area. Often "designer" small spaces seem to forget about things like this.

  23. I think it's cheating to put books and cat to the same place, then I cannot criticize it 😀 I would probably kill myself on one of the steps in the first hour, but otherwise it looks very nice and useful and huge.

  25. Now this is an amazing design. Everything about it has functionality and design incorporated to suit the owner/designer's needs/wants.

  26. I love the international videos! we have seen the whole world through the never too small movements point of view.

  28. This is one of few designs that incorporate a large workspace. The apartment looks so cozy with a lot of storage. The design is aesthetically pleasing and realistic and caters to the owner's needs.

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