Welcome to Nicole, who's trying out for a spot on our editorial team. Enjoy!
Whether you've just bought your starter studio in Manhattan, are converting your garage into a living space, or are just tight on room in spite of high ceilings, remember that sometimes expansion doesn't require growing out of anything. The lofts featured here are great lessons in maximizing—in fact, often doubling—your space without growing out at all. True growth begins within!
Shown above the jump, from left to right
1 Via McComber Architecture Firm
2 Via Burr & McCallum Architects
3 Via Danny Broe Architecture
4 Via Hogarth Architects
5 Via Pfau Architecture
Thanks, Nicole!
(Images: as linked)
Small Cool Lessons: Discovering Small Space Design Ideas That Really Work
Marisa and Peter's Playfully Eclectic Home
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Z2 iPod Dock and Wi...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
How to Make Fresh Pasta Dough in the Food Processor
Love the look of the first photo, but it would be totally impractical for someone with a small baby. Unless they wouldn't mind going up and down the stairs a few times each night.
Perhaps a fireman's pole would cut the stair usage in half.
I love #3, with the stairs and bed supports doubling as storage. Though I think it could use safety rails of some sort.
Love #3, the bed supports and stairs doubling as storage is brilliant. Safety rails on the bed would be a good idea.
I agree with SamIAm, I would totally roll off that bed. Love all the space though.
Love the first and last one. Good roundup.
I would love to see a house tour for that first photo. What an amazing loft bed. Good post.
I believe the first photo has been featured on Re-Nest (or maybe AT) before - I distinctly remember it causing a lively debate concerning the baby crib being underneath...