Even when I was little, I was flummoxed by friends and relatives that would keep the TV on in the background: are you watching or not? Why add noise to the world? I held onto that point of view for decades, but now, after three years of living alone, I find myself soothed by the sounds of Liz Lemon's misadventures unfolding in the next room...

A New York judge has ruled that Airbnb violates the city's illegal hotel law, which prevents residents from renting out their homes for less than 29 days. The law was originally meant to prevent landlords from turning residential properties into hotels. Airbnb responded, "87% of Airbnb hosts in New York list just a home they live in — they are average New Yorkers trying to make ends meet, not illegal hotels that should be subject to the 2010 law."

In other news, Flickr gets a redesign, and check out miniatures of the Golden Gate Bridge. See the headlines after the jump.

The orbit chandelier from Patrick Townsend, now in brass.

Cardboard dragon from d-torso.

Little red stool from Intense Living by RS Barcelona.

Like this Small Cool 2013 contest entry? Favorite it below!

Name:

Valentino

Location:

Rome Italy

Square Feet:

350

Division:

International

What I Love About My Small Home:

The light. It faces south and it is full of warm light. And the fact that it is mine, my little nest.

Candace Jackson just wrote an interesting piece for the Wall Street Journal about luxury, over-the-top spaces for kids. It's tempting to focus on the money being spent on these elaborate bedrooms and "teen lounges," but what I find much more interesting is the reason many parents cite for creating these teen havens at home and how it may affect kids and the family dynamic. 

Like this Small Cool 2013 contest entry? Favorite it below!

Name:

Amal

Location:

San Francisco, CA

Square Feet:

419

Division:

Tiny

What I Love About My Small Home:

The openness of the space with the tall ceilings, as well as all the natural light that comes in through my main windows. I also love the old Victorian details with the original molding around the archways and windows. Every once in a while I have to pinch myself to remind me that, yes, this is actually my wonderful home!