Inside a Sydney Couple’s Small Home, Public Library and Shop, 60sqm/646sqft

In the heart of Sydney, artist and DJ Mason Kimber and writer and arts consultant Mariam Ella Arcilla have transformed their compact micro-terrace into Magenta House—a home that doubles as a creative and communal gathering space. Designed by architect Adele McNab, this 3-metre-wide terrace seamlessly blends private and shared living, hosting everything from communal meals and workshops to reading sessions and street parties. Thoughtfully designed storage, modular furniture, and adaptable layouts allow the home to shift between personal retreat and community hub. A curated in-house library invites guests to explore, while the courtyard and DJ booth reflect their love for hospitality, creativity, and social connection.

00:00-01:44 Introduction
01:44-03:00 Location
03:00-05:11 Library
05:11-06:47 Stairway
06:47-09:08 Bedroom
09:08-10:46 Bathroom
10:46-13:05 Kitchen
13:05-14:46 Courtyard
14:46-17:43 Shop
17:43-18:46 Back Alley
18:46-19:14 Conclusion

#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign

How I Live Small Ep.6
Project Name: Magenta House

Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director & Cinematographer: Nam Tran
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Jessica Ruasol
Lets Dream by Vladislav Kurnikov
Sensual Hold Muzakby Lance Conrad
Itabashi by Magiksolo
Too Old to Fly by Skipp Whitman
Mack the Knife by Amos Ever Hadani
As Much as I Love You by shu
By Your Side by Yestalgia
Villa Cannoli by Jamie Bathgate
Around Everywhere by Vladislav Kurnikov
Mulholland Drive by NOOMA
Your Glow by Vladislav Kurnikov
Direction by Barrell
Saturday Morning by Vladislav Kurnikov
Mist by Dor Ben Lulu

Magenta House image credits listed by order of appearance:
Library Visitor Photo: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Filipino Pot-Luck at Magenta House: Justin Cueno
Setting up at Magenta House Shop: Anna Hay
Bin Alley Biennale: Anna Hay
KANTINE Supperclub by Zosia Cooks & Leonie Bouchet: Justine Hornoy
Magenta House Drawing by Library Visitor Hyo: Hyo
BEST BEFORE Lunch-Table Gathering: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Magenta House Programs Montage: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Setting Up the Library: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Library Visitors: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Exploring Food Recipes at Magenta House Library: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Library Visitors: Mariam Ella Arcilla
BEST BEFORE Lunch-Table Gathering: Aphrodite Delaguiado
KANTINE Supperclub by Zosia Cooks & Leonie Bouchet: Justine Hornoy
Fine Print Magazine Networking Day: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Filipino Pot-Luck at Magenta House: Justin Cueno
Filipino Cook-Up: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Oyster Shucking Workshop: Mason Kimber
Chef Aheda Cooking Class: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Magenta House Programs Montage: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Five-Spice Girls Supperclub: Mariam Ella Arcilla
BEST BEFORE Lunch-Table Gathering: Aphrodite Delaguiado
KANTINE Supperclub by Zosia Cooks & Leonie Bouchet: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Mariam Setting Up Magenta House Shop: Anna Hay
Magenta House Shop Visitors: Isabelle Melody Moore
Bin Alley Biennale: Isabelle Melody Moore
Bin Alley Biennale Montage: Mariam Ella Arcilla
Bin Alley Biennale: Anna Hay

[joleh]

I love what the couple is doing for the community. I'm starting to see people open a small part of their property to the public and it's a really wholesome idea. Just a tiny space and a little heart to share.

[rickylam]

Inspiring and lovely couple, their energy to connect with the community makes even this introvert want to be more social. Speaking as a designer though - some very smart ideas to optimise a small house, and the style, while aesthetically pleasing, feels rich and personal rather than ‘magazine-sterile’, bravo.

[nysavant]

Imagine how nice it would be to have this lovely couple as your neighbours. Seem like a real asset to the community and a great home as well.

[conniebruckner]

Congratulations to the architect for the great design and to the couple for making the most of it to suit their personalities!
A fantastic example of how living small expands your future!

[TamaraJoy]

This home and its occupants exude love, joy, happiness, fun, contentment and community! I love how such a small space has been divided so cleverly into different zones. Absolutely love the courtyard connecting the back studio. So versatile! Loved the earthy tones throughout and all the storage! Just Wow!

[lap]

Beautiful little space, and beautiful people. It is the delightful couple that makes this place so special, instead of just another staged inner city Sydney terrace that has had a lot of money thrown its way.

[paulathistleton]

what a great house, fantastic use of space and I can understand why the neighbours would be keen to visit. Mason was one of my art teachers- the best teacher. I always appreciated his direct feedback and his ability to give me insight into my work and directions as to where I could take it.

[HoNow]

First episode I actually love. It is as much about the space they live in as it is about the space they are creating and help building around them!

[dianagyuro]

I do hope, that this example will be followed by the younger generation as the perfect way of living and socialising instead of isolation and hate. Bravo ❤🎉👏👏👏

[histoirettes]

The best part of this video is the community and the neighborhood that makes this tiny house a "home". I think it really encapsulates "Never too small" concept.

[erickespinosa]

the house is cool but the real star of this place and the video is the couple - which i think is a great insight into what makes a place cool: the people in it and their personalities!

[andotherwrittenworks]

What a beautiful home! Sharing this space with the community is wonderful. After watching the video, I sense that Mariam and Mason remain quite private despite opening their home to the public.

[phristo]

Such good vibes and what a rich video. Definitely when you grow old. this is one of the homes that you would reminisce. "Remember that era?"

[roquemarcelomusic]

This might be my favorite of the homes you have showcased thus far. It's always been a dream of mine to have an interior courtyard. It's like having a secret garden that is hidden from the rest of the world. I love that this house has one! It's such a sweet detail. Mainly, the versatility of this home is what I love. Getting to invite friends for dinner and hanging out is so wonderful while having private spaces makes for good living. The library that is shared with the public is such an amazing gift for the neighborhood. What a dream! The place is light and airy, functional, and has lots of storage! What's not to love? (I'm also Filipino, so I appreciate the sensibilities on display.) Thank you for sharing this special place with all of us!

[danieladeutsch]

I love this appartement. I think, that when you come inside it "hugs" you and you feel being at home. The couple is very sympatetic and cute, I wish them all the best!

[marcowijdenes]

Who doesn`t want these two people as youre neighbours?
It`s really great to see how they use their own space as an open community centre for all of their friends or anyone who likes to drop in.

[sundancita]

Really wonderful to see a warm vibrant couple living tiny AND embracing community in their small space. I love their design but even more, their kindness and love.

[jenniferj]

This is absolutely my favorite NTS tour yet! The house, decor, focus on shared community experiences and a small footprint combine to spot-on perfection. My dream living space

[Back_To_Basics]

This space exudes warmth, love and kindness. Such a beautiful couple ❤

[fionaludbrook]

Brilliant use of space and love how it also brings the community in by the couple's choices and design!