00:00I believe compact design with a natural sequence of functions and spaces creates a clear and natural
00:07floor plan. It enhances the way we live, work and feel in spaces. Each centimeter is important in
00:14each project. With a little creativity, a small space can become a fully functioning home.
00:22My name is Caroline Potter. I'm an interior architect from Belgium. I am the owner of this apartment.
00:36The apartment building is located in the city center of Antwerp in Belgium. It's on the edge of the
00:42university district and just a short walk from the central station. The apartment building was built
00:48in 1967. The apartment is 51 square meters. My budget was limited so I came up with creative
00:56solutions and where possible I did the work myself. The original floor plan separated every function.
01:05The bathroom was a dark space with no natural light. The kitchen was outdated and separated
01:10from the living space. The design idea was to create an open space with the central box which contains
01:18the bed and the shower. With only one window on the front facade, the goal was to get as much
01:25natural
01:26light as deep in the apartment as possible. I removed all of the inside walls to create an open space.
01:33Instead, I used a cabinet to divide the areas. It can be used for storage and also acts as a
01:39wall for the
01:40bed and bathroom. When entering the apartment, there is a large mirror which is also the door to the
01:47hidden bathroom. Through a small corridor, there is one side of the cabinets from the central box.
01:53It is finished in a smoked brushed large. The first cabinet is dedicated to the entrance area and contains
02:00a coat rack, boxes for shoes and bags, as well as space for keys, mail and bike lights.
02:08The clothing racks pull out and there are drawers and baskets for other items.
02:16The living room feels spacious. It is located near the front facade to enjoy the view and natural light.
02:23There is a green sofa and a side table. Two extra lounge chairs make it feel cozy and comfortable.
02:31I have some plans around the living area which helps to bring a little bit of nature into the space.
02:38The floor of the apartment is a herringbone mosaic bar kit which I installed myself after taking a course.
02:45When I want to watch a movie, I use my projector which is stored in the cabinet. I put it
02:51on one of the
02:51coffee tables and project it onto the wall by the dining table.
02:56I designed the kitchen in white with some additional texture through the terrazzo worktop.
03:02The kitchen has everything I need. There is a built-in refrigerator, a hidden washing machine,
03:08a combi oven, a dishwasher, an induction cooktop and hood. The sink also has a boiling and purified
03:14water tap which is really convenient and quite a luxury for a small space.
03:19I custom built the open green rounded shelving. It provides space for plants and cooking supplies.
03:26The counter extends to a seating bench to make space for the dining area. The bench goes to the
03:32end of the apartment and has storage built in. The dining table is a simple round table. The central
03:39table leg is second hand and I added a new table top. It is big enough to have dinner with
03:44friends on.
03:44I also use it as a desk sometimes. Above the dining table is a flowerpot pendant light by Werner Panton.
03:53A sleeping cove was created within the box. It can be separated from the living space by a curtain
04:00when entertaining friends or create extra privacy for the bathroom. I knew I wanted to create warmth
04:06and the feeling of home by using several textures and colors. The walls are kept white to create a light
04:12space and let the box pop. The inside wall of the bedroom has an opaque wall which adds natural
04:18light into the bathroom. I was able to maximize the space by raising the bed and creating storage
04:24underneath the podium. The bathroom is behind the mirror door at the entrance.
04:32Next to the door is a built-in cabinet that provides space for my makeup and bathroom supplies. There is
04:39a
04:39sink, a large mirror, a toilet and a towel drying rack. The shower is made from polyurethane. The
04:46color and niche with rounded shelves is the same green as the cabinets in the kitchen. The flooring
04:52in the bathroom is a light gray tile to make a subtle reference to the gray and white kitchen countertop.
04:59Since the wall of the shower is opaque, the bathroom is nice and bright during the day, even without using
05:06lights.
05:09With increasing housing prices, a small apartment can be an opportunity for young people to get their
05:15own place. With a little creativity, a small space can become a fully functioning home.
05:29For more information, visit www.nevertosmall.com.au
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