How Two Sydney Creatives Transformed Their Small Apartment, 55sqm/592sqft
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After years of dreaming about renovating their 55sqm/592sqft apartment in Sydney’s inner west, creative maximalists—artist Kirthana Selvaraj and community worker Vicki Papa—teamed up with designer Nicholas Gurney to create a calm, creative home that that still delivers “big house energy”. Gurney reimagined the layout by removing internal walls and introducing clever custom joinery to streamline storage and define flexible zones for working, resting, and entertaining. A multi-functional dining and work table slides neatly beneath the kitchen benchtop, preserving a clean, open look when not in use. Clever details like circular cut-out handles and mirror panels enhance flow and function, while the couple’s personalities shine through curated art, colourful accents, and “The Everything Room”—a vibrant guest and creative space filled with books, hobbies, and personal treasures.
00:00-01:15 Introduction
01:15-01:39 Location
01:39-02:10 Entrance
02:10-04:17 Living Room
04:17-05:45 Balcony
05:45-08:18 Dining Room
08:18-09:54 Kitchen
09:54-12:17 Bedroom
12:17-15:37 Bathroom
15:37-17:06 Creative Studio
17:06-18:52 Conclusion
Artworks mentioned in episode:
2:36 Artwork in living room - Vanetta Nampijinpa Hudson
https://yaamaganu.com.au/?s=vanetta
2:49 Artwork in the living room - Moss Hopkins
3:38 Artwork in the living room - Douglas Schofield
https://www.instagram.com/dougie_scho...
8:55- Artwork in the kitchen - Vicki Papa
https://www.instagram.com/topjobjob/
11:59 Artwork in bedroom - Karen Black
https://www.karenblack.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/karenblacks...
12:06 Artwork in bedroom - Paul Donald
https://www.paulcdonald.com/
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
How I Live Small Ep.7
Owners: Kirthana Selvaraj and Vicki Papa
https://www.kirthanaselvaraj.com/
Designer: https://www.nicholasgurney.com.au/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director & Cinematographer: Nam Tran
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Jessica Ruasol
Music: Artlist.io
Capao da Canoa by Amos Ever Hadani
Flat White feat. Mantrick by Yestalgia
Matcha Latte by Aves
Cruise Control by LOLEK
Crème by Barrell
Driving Slow by intomuffins
Weekdays in Blue by Simon Berggren Ballads
Vanille by Notize
Smooth Lab by Simon Berggren Ballads
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