Never Too Small: Reimagining Small Space Living

by Joel Beath, Elizabeth Price

What does the future of urban living look like?

Joel Beath and Elizabeth Price explore this question drawing inspiration from a diverse collection of apartment designs, all smaller than 50m2/540ft2. Through the lens of five small-footprint design principles and drawing on architectural images and detailed floor plans, the authors examine how architects and designers are reimagining small space living. 

Full of inspiration we can each apply to our own spaces, this is a book that offers hope and inspiration for a future of our cities and their citizens in which sustainability and style, comfort and affordability can co-exist. Never Too Small proves living better doesn't have to mean living larger.

Genres: Design, Architecture, Nonfiction, Interior Design, Art, Coffee Table Books

296 pages, Hardcover

Published October 19, 2021

About the author

This author is a dedicated writer and passionate advocate for sustainable living and innovative apartment architecture and interior design. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to reducing our environmental footprint, their contributions to our website provide valuable insights into creating beautiful, eco-friendly living spaces.

Reviews

[Arianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As stereotypical as it sounds, I'm a project manager, and I really, really love efficiency. I also love to see what people do with constraints, and how creativity can be born out of them. Never Too Small is the only youtube channel I've watched all videos from. It ticks all the boxes for me, and I have zero knowledge in architecture or spatial design. Showcasing all these small apartments and how they make clever use of space is amazing, and this book makes for a beautiful coffee table book and quite an interesting read.

[Mai M Ibrahim · Rating 3 out of 5]

استعرت الكتاب من المكتبة العامة علشان أتفرج ع الصور بس😂 صور البيوت وهي فاضية كده اتباعًا لفكرة less is more مريح للعين 😌

هصور الكتاب ع انستجرام 👇
@mai.designer92

[Joakim Ax · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one that finds minimalism truly fascinating both practise wise and architectual wise, this was a perfect book and eye-opener for what tiny space can be. Lots of tips and tricks for what one can do to customize their own space or furniture. I believe a second follow-up volume is inevitable.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a coffee table style book that's actually interesting and well laid out. Pleasing to the eye as well as a good read about small space interiors.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am absolutely fascinated by the design choices of small spaces. I love good storage ideas. Having the floor plans was such an amazing edition. I will note that many of these small spaces share design sensibilities. Very neutral tones and very little colour. I did like the use of rattan in one of the small spaces, as it added texture that very few of the other spaces seemed to have.

Interesting and thought provoking.

[Helen]

Nice to read about the background/context behind each place, but I prefer the videos since they give more of a feel of the place.

[Tineke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mooie foto's en plattegronden van kleine appartementen. Ik word altijd zo blij om te zien hoe vernuftig miniflats worden ingericht.

Enige kritiekpunt: ik had meer foto's per ruimte gewild. Gelukkig kun je terecht op het YouTube-kanaal.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful book but i think the youtube videos do a better job of capture the space.

[Rebecca]

I flipped through this and there are some nice pictures. Unfortunately, despite the title, the print was too small.

[Judit Bekker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited for this book but it couldn’t give back the quality of the youtube series. Maybe this concept simply doesn’t work as a book.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small-footprint design is how this movement, begun in Australia, describes itself. It has its own YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/c/NEVERTOOSMALL, and this, their first print volume, focuses primarily on diversifying, amplifying, expanding, reviving, and innovating urban dwellings for better living while retaining their small footprints. Floorplans, pictures, descriptions; most appear to be in multifamily buildings. Full title-page credits are: created by Colin Chee, written by Joel Beath and Elizabeth Price.

[Laura Haske · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this company/brand/movement (whatever it is) through a YouTube channel. They showcase creative small spaces from around the world. Many are from Australia and Japan. They do a great job finding unique spaces and highlighting what makes them work for the people living in them. I love seeing how people bring beauty and function to small spaces. It's inspiring!

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could not be more perfect. Everything from the imagery, to the descriptions of each home. It was very insightful to read how small changes can make such a big impact in a space. Hopefully there will be a second book 🤞

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5. 3.5 out of 5. The book is good in itself and provides a wide variety of design solutions for small floor plans. But since they have all the apartment walk-throughs on YouTube, perhaps it’s better to just watch their YT videos…

[Ree · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the homes featured are stunning, there isn’t much new information you can’t grasp better from the videos. It means the videos are that well made, but the book isn’t worth much. I was happy to have read this at a library.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the YouTube channel, and I adored their book! Fascinating and beautiful.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endlessly inspiring and a wonderful exploration of what is possible when small spaces are paired with good design.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and studied all of these living spaces. Fascinating! I subscribe to their YouTube channel.

[Jonii · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

[Isobel Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series, also on YouTube! I would’ve loved to have the photos next to the text though; makes it easier to understand and visualise things that are explained.

[Maria Alvarez Olmos · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an urban dweller and natural born minimalist I follow the clever use of space "Never Too Small" shows on its digital content regularly and was very pleased to see them coming out with a book!

Reimagining Small Space Living features 30 projects (all under 50 square meters) themed into five sections: Diversify, Amplify, Expand, Revive and Innovate. Each project features a detailed narrative, architectural images, the scale floor plan, and a reference guide for architects.

Check out their YouTube channel as it captures these liveable and comfortable spaces in a completely different light and perspective! https://www.youtube.com/@nevertoosmall