Over two years ago we asked our readers to help pitch their ideas for Treehugger's founder, Graham Hill, new 420 square feet apartment. Earlier this year we gave a sneak peek at the design concept, and now the project has been completed! With tons of transforming spaces and multipurpose furniture, it's a great exercise in small space living.

If the front door is the first impression of a home, what does an unusual door say? Even with a rather typical exterior, an unexpected front door can show that you're creative, artistic or like fantasy fiction. From Pantone stained glass to hobbit entries, these doors are anything but ordinary.

When it comes to green buildings, most people think of either sleek, super modern architecture, or weird, organic forms. For the past three years I worked on a LEED Platinum home that was specifically designed to blend into its surroundings. Located in an older north suburb of Chicago, the house was surrounded by hundred-year old buildings, and this project, while using modern technology and building techniques, fits right in.

The photo above was shot by our talented contributor Bethany Nauert and was the winner of last year's first photo contest. I think we were all attracted to it not only because it's an amazing photo, but a wonderfully dreamy place. The photo is a great example of why pergolas are so awesome: the open structures help define space and create an outdoor room that is shaded during the day, and with a few vines and twinkle lights, can be romantic or festive at night.

Most of the time when we feature a furniture makeover, it's been transformed by applying something new to the surface — paint, fabric, paneling, etc. But designer William Dohman shows us that a really impressive project is when a vintage piece has been restored to its former glory.

Inspired by Nancy's great Anthropologie Etsy Challenge post, I wondered if one could furnish an entire bathroom using Etsy. If it could be done, would it be a cohesive look, and would I even like it?! The answer is, mostly, yes.

Everyone has their 'must have' list for their dream home — a built-in banquette is definitely on mine. They're cozy, space-efficient, great for weird nooks or bays, and get everyone situated right at center of the action in the kitchen. They can be round, square, large, small, high or low, custom made and built-in, or even freestanding to define a room. Here are a few where we'd love to sip a cup of coffee.

Last month we did two roundups of great inexpensive pots and planters. But if you're feeling a little adventurous, and want to try making your own, you should definitely check out this easy tutorial on Say Yes to Hoboken. Using white polymer oven bake clay, a few simple tools and templates, you can make your own adorable pot that looks like a house!

There are so many countertop options — the classics such as formica, stainless steel and granite — but over the last few years many recycled countertops have been emerging on the market. While each has their own advantages, recycled content countertops have many benefits in addition to being eco-friendly. I was recently given a presentation about recycled content countertops — here are some of the things I learned.

Here's a great example of how paint and new cabinet hardware can easily and inexpensively upgrade a kitchen. The family over at Keeping It Cozy made over their kitchen with these upgrades, and a few other finishing touches to make the space look bright and brand new — with a budget of only $1000!