I’ve Been Embarrassed to Show You My Apartment | House Tour! 

I was reluctant to share this, because as designers we have this expectation of living in this beautifully crafted space, and this isn’t my forever space. although this is just my temporary space for now. I can’t wait to fully design and customize my own home one day. As always thanks for watching 🥰 it’s all of you that will allow that to come true

When you keep apologizing for your space (I know it's a very Canadian thing to do but still lol) it diminishes from the hard work you did to make the space your own! You have a really beautiful home and really looking forward your journey and seeing how you use all those pieces in your future space :)

I am so proud of how brave you are to let us into your private and personal space. It shows that you are genuine, and actually use/live in your space. No pretence ❤

I never comment but I watch your content all the time. I love the vulnerability and confidence it took for you to post this and share. I think it’s so important that people see realistic spaces. I think you’ve done a great job with applying design elements and principles in conjunction with your style. Our style evolves over time and also Home takes time whether it’s temporary or permanent so thanks for sharing! Not disappointed with it at all! Not that my opinion matters lol ultimately it’s about you and how you feel in your space.

Don’t be embarrassed! We weren’t expecting anything super lavish, if anything it Helps give more realistic tips for the average person. Thanks DD!

The pillar! I love how much you hate it. I also love that your dog is more important to you than the visual of her "home."

I can relate! I'm a Professional Organizer (of 23 years) and our 1000 sq ft condo is fuller than I'd like it to be. I can list a hundred Organizers who are more minimal than I am. I have an abundance of jeans, shoes, protein powders, vases, etc. and my husband and I practically hoard outerwear. (I even keep some at my mom's.) People love seeing "real" homes. BTW, your "real" is quite beautiful. You ARE walking the walk. Thank you for this! You have nothing to apologize for.

“Start the car, start the car” I can tell you’re a man of culture 😂😂😂😂

It’s refreshing to see this so thank you for sharing! A realistic space that you’ve made beautiful, despite the limitations. Love you and your content! ❤

You did a fantastic job with the space you have. It's refreshing to see a real apartment instead of designer palaces.

We don’t expect you to be fake perfect/unattainably rich, etc. We watch you because you keep it real for normal people with good taste. Most of us don’t have a budget that matches our creative imagination. Thanks for being vulnerable. 👏🏾😎

I LOVE that it's colorful! So many have these all white or mostly white canvases and I'm so over it. Not even a white sofa - go you! Just because ya have to live in a builder grade bore, does NOT mean it needs to look like one! You can decorate the boring out of the space with some color and style. Well done!

I loved this 1. A light bulb moment occurred when you mentioned using an upper cabinet as storage. I was able to find diy blogs that use this idea to construct built-ins. and for the next hour, I was on the Ikea and other big box sites viewing upper cabinets. 2. I loved the pendents in your kitchen and bedroom, and I was able to find something similar 3. The way that you were able to partition the storage cabinet to organize your items was brilliant. I will utilize that idea 4. no part of your living space was wasted 5. So many design youtubers showcase extravagant , expensive and flamboyant and expansive design ideas, that don't represent the builder-grade homes that we all live in. I appreciate your practicality and commonsense that you express in all of your videos.

I think this is wonderfully inspiring when so many of us are renters or new home owners trying to deal with features and elements in our space that we hate! Thanks for sharing!

You've proven with this video that the "flaws* in contractor builds and flipper grey abodes can be worked around and even celebrated by layers and redirections. Too many show only perfect set ups instead of the cookie cutter base options we rent or settle for buying. You're a design genius to take the mundane and transform it to subline. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Thank you for showing your space. It is great and I love that you were forced to innovate since it isn't huge. I really get sick of videos that look like mansions. They're everywhere. We need more designers like you with creative/innovative minds and solutions to small space problems and problems like how to deal with pets, etc. Most of the time I think designers pretend they don't exist or just edit them out! Who wants a world without dogs? Love that metal artwork too!

i'm late to the party, but what are you even talking about? Your box in the sky is awesome, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. i can't be the only one who's happy you shared this with us 😊

Love that you have so much gratitude. Appreciate your humbleness to show your space. It is good for us to have you show us how your real life translates to your insight. This drives it home why you are so good - you know how to prioritize.

Your potty mouth just makes me bust a gut at times 😂❤. When you showed that "big ass..." column it bent me over!!! Thanks for being, Oh So Real, and showing how creative one can be in their own spot without breaking the bank. That's smart and intelligent. Been listening to you for some time now. Keep up the great work, as you are truly gifted in interior design!

I'm a huge fan! It's not embarrassing at all. You shared so many useful tricks that we all could use, especially in limited spaces. All the items you chose have amazing tastes and are very Design Daddy. And I can clearly visualize you will own your all customized dream house one day very soon, as you are certainly climbing the ladder of success. Thank you for sharing!

I predict that you just connected with so many more people by sharing what a real home looks like and how you apply your talent to that oh so relatable space. I was fortunate enough to be able to build a home in the burbs a few years ago so I have a little more space , but once you commit so much of your income to that space there is not a lot for expense decor, but I like your style, use of finishes and small details. I love my backsplash, but I also love that I've broken it up with a combination of layered cutting boards just as you showed. And yes honey, do keep the tissues and lotion out of sight. 🤭

It's nice to see you commenting on famous mansions. But this kind of content is not only more relatable but also potentially more useful for your viewers that don't have millions in the bank. Loved the solutions you've incorporated in your place that are also rent friendly!

You know what, I love real people, real home, real things and probably this real life living is my favorite video in your channel. Congrats and thank you for share with us your personal place, by the way I LOVE IT. 👋👋👋👋

Loved that this was so real. Sometimes it feels like the house tours you see on youtube are so out of reach for ordinary ppl. Most of us are lucky if we can have one piece of high end furniture piece never mind a houseful of designer brands or custom pieces. You manage to make something so elegant thats still doable on a budget. Beautiful work!

You were apprehensive about something you needn't be. You let us in, showed us your beautiful home and we are very appreciative. I love all the textures and colors you used~ fabulous. What is the old saying; Brave is being fearful and doing the thing anyway...? Much respect, Design Daddy ♥

Mr. grey, thank you for keeping it real. This is real life interior design. This is a job well done for real life clients. And I admire how consistent you are between your videos and your own space. Kudos

Your rented space is beautiful. The couch is lovely.

There’s nothing embarrassing about it. It’s your home for now and it providing you with shelter and a place to live your life and make memories. It’s beautifully put together even with the space constraints. I understand the feeling as we bought an our first home and given the market it’s not what we had in mind but we are grateful given the circumstances. I am trying to figure out what to do with the spaces and layout. If you ever decide to give pointers of your followers homes and spaces I will volunteer!! lol 😊❤ So happy for you and that you invested in yourself 🤍

Hi DD! Thank you for showing your home. Don't be ashamed of the size - that condo unit is considered as "large" in my country. Studio units are around 20 to 24 sqm. In this economy, most ppl are feeling the pinch & have to live small. Btw I'm glad that you didn't have a painting/ artwork above your bed - that's bad feng shui. I know you don't practice FS but for those of us that do, we notice those things. Lol. You decorated your condo unit beautifully. Take care & stay blessed. 💐

This video is awesome! With the way housing is going, more and more people are renting with all the limitations that it entails. Seeing how you worked with the negatives in your space is enlightening. I think you’ve done a great job

Thank you so much for sharing your home! For those living in a condo / it was filled with fabulous ideas ❤

Ya kiddin' me? Your condo is SWEET! When you get the home you love, it's going to be *fabulous.*

You have done amazing things with this space, following your tried and true designer tips and tricks. I still found a few things (especially lighting) that I am going to hunt for. You shouldn't be ashamed of your space. It's beautiful and comfortable and you definitely have done a lot with what you had to work with. Letting us in to take a peek at how you live takes guts. I cannot wait to see how your future space looks.

Your space is beautiful. You are very skilled. It's not about the space, but what you make of it; and you have succeeded at making a small apartment look very beautiful and functional at the same time. Bravo!

Enjoyed the tour. So nice to see someone talk about a small space that is actually a small space. So tired of the 'small kitchens' or living areas that are larger than my entire house (800 sf, 3bd/1b). Really like your entry setup. Gave me ideas. Now that my nest is empty I'm reorganizing using a lot of info I've gleaned from your videos. You do have a beautiful space and nothing to apologize for. Love the metallic wall art.

Hey DD, Really enjoyed your from the heart home tour of your Condo. You have totally rocked the small space living style and it looks stylish and cozy and inviting and well thought out. There are plenty of design nuggets in this video to help those who live in condo's or rentals. It's not about size, its about being able to design a truly comfortable, beautiful home wherever you live and with whatever budget you have. Well done and thanks for sharing with your viewers.

We have a dog crate next to my bed. Vinnie loves his own “bedroom”. Am so glad to see an interior designer has one too!

understand your reluctance to share T.O. condo rental reality but kudos for being open and authentic - it does endear you to us .... especially prioritizing dog over design! YES! ( and yes, loved the IKEA ad reference)

Wow Phoenix, you shouldn’t be apologizing for your Apt space. You have worked your magic to make it look comfortable and. Functional without looking cluttered which is often seen in small rental units. However, I think you live in Vancouver if not Toronto, where the rental rates are top dollar. I’m sure if you had a nice sizeable deposit, your mortgage payments would be less than your rent. I would be very happy to live in your apartment! It really shows your creativity. I adore the gold Art you have displayed in your living room and the blue one in your bedroom too. 🥰👏🤗🇨🇦

Dear Phoenix, Thank you for sharing your home tour video!! Your place is sooo lovely and tasteful!!! You're so sweet and cute being shy to share it, but you shouldn't be. You're really talented! I wish you all the best in your business and life ❤️

Thank you for sharing your personal space with everyone. I know it’s not ideal but your sense of style and decorating elevates it to another level and it’s an elegance that would be lacking if you didn’t design this yourself. It showcases all the things you love and recommend. It’s nice to know you do as you say ❤

It's beautiful love! You are just starting, never be embarrassed for what you have, you have acheived so much! The most impressive thing to me is the ability to delay the immediate gratification of buying to build something long term. Takes a ton of character that seems quite rare lately. Lot's of love from a TX farm girl ;)

Thank you for sharing! social media can be such an illusion and it's rare that creators show us how to work with interior design in real life spaces! You did such a beautiful job on your home and you should be proud :) your space has so much personality! i will be taking notes lol

No need to apologize. You managed to make it stunning. Love it. 😊

Thank you so much for sharing. We all start somewhere. Your place is very well curated. You also made very good use of the space. And I absolutely adore the blue walls. Honestly, I think the decoration of a small space shows your true talent because everything has to be intentional and serve a purpose.

I love your space! You show that for anyone renting, or with limited funds, you are still able to give your space personality with other design elements.

HEY! I love that you live in a relatable space! You have given me so many great ideas for my tiny--I mean COSY!--space! Thank you! Thanks also for validating my bed pillow adoration.

Thank you so much for sharing this real and realistic video. I live in a condo less than 600sqft with a toddler. I struggle to find space for our day day. The idea to have the sofa on rollers is game changer…I have been complaining about not having a space to work for months/years. I will implement this pronto. Thank you so much for letting us into your personal space❤❤❤!

That was fun, thanks. No reason to be ashamed, its yours and it looks great. You don’t always need to spend alot of money to be creative.

It is brave, putting yourself on the line but don't worry, your place is cool and well thought out. Love the exact spacing of your hangers.

I think your space is great looking. I love the dark green, dark blue and black as well as your art pieces. It makes the space look welcoming and very liveable.

Your apartment looks great. I like how you use texture instead of pattern. I think you are definitely reflected in your space.

It looks great!!! A lot of people live in small apartments but it feels like a home, that’s the most important thing o think.

Suggestions: to warm up the kitchen space consider your backdrop (in the kitchen section your camera angle really shows off your balcony) - add a plant, for your location maybe a swirl topiary evergreen? in a wooden pot. Under the TV, replace the black vases (the black against the navy makes the vases disappear) with warm metal or wood vessels or a finish like your wall disc. The exciting Ikea light find (just 2 days later) is such a perfect warm accessory. Both your "foyer" and your under-TV cabinets are beautiful. Can you hide the desk cords more? Love the rubber tree but wish the pot was warmer color. For your makeshift bar, love the amber but wish there was only three large objects instead of 3 groups of 3. Who cares about the dog-bed in the middle of everything because dogs are important and you have a tiny space. Love the colbalt blue in the bedroom, pothos & fluted glass cabinet in the bathroom. You definitely need a larger place - good on you for investing in your future/dreams - I am sending positive energy to the universe that you have such success that a large place comes soon and you can have space for the large furniture you need (all 6'4" of you), an actual walk-in closet, and no huge pillar in the middle of everything.

Apologies?? Au contraire found it totally inspiring and completely relatable since many of us are starting with places we are far from in love with. Major respect for the huevos to keep it a buck & lay it all on the line as you did. You just earned even more street cred DD!!! ❤ You rock bud

You are marvellous! Such an standard space, and you created magic. I love you art work. And who thinks we like that kitchen?Developers?

Your home is calming and beautiful, and your pup 🐶 is a cutie 🤗🩷

It’s lovely, DD. The couch on wheels was a brilliant solution. I love your art work! When I saw all your designer bags, I had a chuckle thinking, “he could have a larger unit for the cost of all those bags.” The reason I think that is because I have them too and was thinking, I could have a golf cart if I sold a couple bags. I live surrounded by golf courses, so it makes sense. Will I sell any? Probably not.

What you’ve been able to do with this space, and transform it to your own is brilliant! Next video, bag tour. Pretty please? 😉

Thank you for sharing your home and all your wonderful suggestions for small space living. This may be my favorite of your videos because of the real talk. I also have grey floors and it will be years before I can consider changing them, and it really helps me to see a design influencer living with floors just like mine.

Nice to see that you do in fact practice what you preach; everything is organized, attractive, and well - considered.

I love that your entry cabinet is full of beautiful bags. It looks like you have some really cool views. I love your place.

I appreciate how relatable and accessible this is

I love your space!! Thank you for your honesty. ❤Not everyone can afford large spaces. And so to see how you have styled your own I love to see!!

Hey Mr we have all lived and many still live in less than ideal spaces. It is actually empowering to see your space and how you make it work. Maybe do a small space virtual make over, as in how to solve the gloomy long corridor and or the cupboard kitchen

I really like what you have done with all the limitations of renting. I look forward to seeing what develops in the future.

Thanks for sharing!! You made it work! And beyond!

I just love your authenticity and honesty ❤can’t wait to see your true home 😊

I love your space and am so glad you shared it. It gives me so much inspiration for my small temporay space. I wish there were more videos showing how we can work with temporary small spaces.

I really love the way you made the apartment your own. Kudos for making the space your home, no need to apologize!

Pheonix...Yes, you have BM Hale Navy, and I love how you've done your space. As far as the kitchen, I don't see gray, grey, or however it's spelled (but the concrete gray) unless my screen is showing something different, but it looks greige to me, and I love greige. How many people don't like Greige here? I have BM Revere Pewter as a transitional color to Hale Navy. I think it's a gorgeous space and well done from one OCD sufferer to another. If a picture is crooked, it drives me absolutely nuts. I have to fix it immediately.!! 👏 👏 👏 Phoenix and thank you so much for sharing.❤ I had to come back to say you're genius.

You have a beautiful place! Appreciate you sharing❤

Well done!

Love it! Well done. I live in a small space. So inspirational. Thank you for sharing your home.

You have a lovely apartment. Thank you for showing it to us. You've given me so many ideas for my own place.

Thank you for sharing!!

Thanks for sharing your personal space I love it and it just makes you more relatable,your very talented and someday you will be showing us your fancy designer space until then enjoy what you got❤

Thanks for letting us in, it was interesting to hear the design choices you have made.

Hey Phoenix. Never be embarrassed of anything you have achieved as this is a bus stop not the end of the journey. It's lovely just like you and your doggle. ❤

TY for sharing your home, explaining decor choices! Even homeowners have to live with the major choices the prior homeowner made, so nice to see how you made them work for your personal style

We all have to start somewhere….wish you much more success so you can have your dream home one day ❤

I love it!!

🥰🥰🥰✨ Love realistic content!

❤❤❤ love your space

Thank you for inviting us into your space. It is beautiful. And it is even more beautiful because you are there.

Never apologise for your home. It is your home. Even if it is rented. You have done a maximum to make it your own. Regarding buying your home, consider it work in progress. It will happen for you.

I’m an artist. A textured white and cream long painting would like nice over the bed. Bring some needed texture but not too strong. It’s a nice space.

I love the space ❤ and I totally agree with you 😊

I think it’s a lovely condo. You’ve made it pretty!

Why were you reluctant, you have a great home & I love the wall art, & the green marble in the kitchen & living room ❤️ great space Phoenix 🔥🇬🇧xxx

You did such a good job with such a limited space! ❤ Thanks for sharing it gives us all insights into making our spaces better too!

Finally ❤️😍🥰 we get to see your apartment. Really appreciate it

I am so grateful of you. You have the perfect way of doing things and have the best tips and tricks! Yo😅 humor is fun too. Love you DD!

I think it looks great!

Beautiful space Daddy. I wondered where you store your extensive wardrobe. Well done!

Thank you so much…I enjoyed watching and learning how you designed your condo …great job

Thank you, love it!!!

It looks very much like your design advice! A beautiful space!

Phoenix, your home is amazing and we can really feel the passion and the love you had to make you apartment your very own space. I know the struggle of shoebox city units because I live in Paris and i lived for 7 years in a 23mt2 apartment where everything was lumped and with a grey and bordeaux lacquered kitchen ( i know... don't ask...) I hope your businesses can grow and grow stronger and you can have the house you desire and deserve for all the hard work you do everyday! P.S. Your bag collection is ❤

I would love to see more of your art 👌👌👌