Despite being one borough in a big city, Brooklyn has much to offer those who want to live green. Our Brooklyn coverage this year included a few Green Tours, a shout-out to two Brooklyn companies selling amazing wares, and a look at some inspirational outdoor spaces courtesy of our Small, Cool Outdoors contest. Brooklyn really wowed us this year.

TOP ROW
• 1 Steve Burns' New Brooklyn House
• 2 Gary and Ellen's Storage-Savvy Apartment
• 3 Jackie's Brooklyn Kitchen & Bathroom Renovation
• 4 Wallpaper Designer Kimberly Lewis' Brooklyn Alcove
• 5 Hammersmith Copper Cookware Made in Brooklyn
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If we didn't know it before, we certainly know it now: small outdoor spaces can be incredibly cool, thanks to an abundance of creativity, color, and smart space planning. Out of 48 entries posted to our Small, Cool Outdoors Contest, six distinguished themselves and worked their way into the hearts of our readers. And now, announcing the Grand Prize winner and the super-awesome runner-ups. Drum roll, please! More

This is it! We're pleased to announce the six finalists in our Small, Cool Outdoors Contest. Click on the thumbnails above to view each entry again, and then come back and vote for who you think should be the WINNER. Voting is only open until 11:30am EST on Wednesday, August 31, so don't delay!

We've seen it all: small interior spaces, small kids' rooms, even small kitchens. But now we're moving outside to celebrate your beautiful and creative small outdoor spaces! If you've got a balcony, a porch, a terrace, a rooftop garden, or a backyard, and it's under 250 square feet, we want to see it! If our readers vote you as the favorite, you could find yourself cruising around town in a brand new bike from PUBLIC. Intrigued? Get all the details below:
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Name: Julie P.
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 110 square feet

Your Favorite Thing About Your Outdoor Space: I love that even though there are many neighbors close by, it really feels very private. I'm up on a hill, and the view is wonderful. I sit and watch the sunset most every night.

Name: Sheau L.
Location: San Jose, California
Size: 78 square feet

Your Favorite Thing About Your Outdoor Space: Our little one has been enjoying her "Casita and Cocinita" (little House and kitchen in Spanish). She has been cooking, making tea with chamomile and singing birthday songs for the little frog planter in her space. It is very satisfying to watch her interact with her space. Seeing her imagination unfolds and transferring what she experienced in real life into pretend play.

Name: Steven K.
Location: San Anselmo, California
Size: 220 square feet

Your Favorite Thing About Your Outdoor Space: We now use our "pool" everyday. Our house fronts to a busy street so being enclosed in the pool walls reduces the road noise. It also creates a sense of being in an outdoor room. And now even our cat can enjoy the pool. In the evening we enjoy the glow from solar lanterns. We also put in raised planting beds alongside the "pool" which are easy to harvest from the deck.

Name: Kalyani C.
Location: India
Size: 250 square feet

Your Favorite Thing About Your Outdoor Space: Coming in out of the rain. Whether I'm on foot or on the scooter, when I get home and open the gates, I'm in shelter, away from the elements, and this gives a good feeling. The loud patter of rain on the roof magnifies the feeling that I am safe. And I can fish out my keys, out of the rain.

Name: Cassandra G.
Location: Santa Monica, California
Size: 96 square feet

Your Favorite Thing About Your Outdoor Space: This multi-purposed space starts the day for me with yoga and ends with me enjoying an evening cocktail with my husband. During my at home work days it also provides plenty of escape for getting some sun or taking a break to get those creative juices going again. Being only a block from the beach it stays bright but breezy, and feels like an oasis away from an oasis. And the best part? Everything was DIY right down to the pillows and furniture - all re-purposed from other materials. Very green!

Name: Kimberly H.
Location: Palm Harbor, Florida
Size: 140 square feet

Your Favorite Thing About Your Outdoor Space: I love how soft and light the space feels. When it finally cools down here at night I will enjoy sitting out front reading a book. I also enjoy watching the curtains blow softly in the wind. It is a very peaceful but inspiring space.