I love this place. While I would love to see just a bit more color, the whole design is incredible. It actually makes me want to downsize even further

I remembered this apartment being featured on a few design blogs because the architects did an incredible job of creating storage and private spaces. It's amazing space, definitely, but I feel like it's got a very unfair advantage in this contest. I still really admire it, though.

Beautiful - Scandinavian atmosphere - I like it.

This is exactly what the Small Cool Contest is about-- innovative living designs. Love the screens and window shape in the living room! A little (or a lot) more color would appeal to me. I do agree that professional architecture is a bit unfair, but it is within the rules of the contest.

I love this sectional.. who makes it?

The number one thing that I think makes living in a smaller space easy, is a good walk-in closet. Check.

AMAZING!!!!!! MY DREAM APARTMENT!

I remembered this place when AT included them for storage solution. The cactus at the bottom of the staircase still gives me the laughs. I love it!

This is a fab apartment, and I respect the guy for hiring the right person to create it. But... I do think that like 90% of the entrants have created their space on their own. That's kinda what this site is about - personal expression. Not sure hiring a professional is the right angle? But again, love the apt.

Great apartment from an architectural standpoint and I wouldn't mind a tour of some of the build-ins, but it still seems too much like a blank slate for me to vote for it.

500 sq ft with a walk in closet. I could deal with that.

I like it a lot, but agree that it has an unfair advantage in that it was designed by a professional.

Winner. Hands-down.

With so little personality to the space, it doesn't seem like a home but a brilliant closet.

I find it odd that the girl can't close the door in her bedroom...

It's gorgeous, but it won't get my vote because I agree that it's got an unfair advantage and I would rather the prize go to someone who maybe needs the money. (JMO of course.)

It doesn't look as if anyone lives here. No towel on the hook, no toilet tissue on the holder. Is it a model home?

It looks incredibly spacious. Very nice.

these pictures are exactly the same posted on the architect's site, down to the people posed (link below). it's unfair, although within contest rules. but could you at least show us what you've done with the space, as if you actually live here?

http://jpda.net/projects/east-village-studio

The use and organization of the space is certainly exceptional, but it looks sterile and lifeless. There is no personality to the space.

@summerkitten - To be honest, I don't think that is within the rules as you have to actually live in the home and an example layout wouldn't count as lived in. Additionally, there might be a copyright violation involved if they don't have permission to use those photographs in this manner.

Love the all the storage ideas including the stairs which I've seen before but oh so bland. Looks like a 'set' in a home show.

wow. LOVE. So simple, streamlined. Love the white reflecting wall. The step drawers. Would be nice to see a simple framed display above the couch area though maybe?

I remember this apartment from other design pages and from being featured on AT. Love it. Knocks everything else out of the contest.

I agree with this by Yulia: With so little personality to the space, it doesn't seem like a home but a brilliant closet.

I don't think it is fair that "Michael" is posting these pics as if this was his home. These are ad pictures for the architechture firm that designed them. That is why they have no personality because no person lives there. But with that said..I really love the archetechture and wish something like that was out West.

This is a remarkable layout.

After reading summerkitten's comment I followed the link. Hmmm....not sure what to think...it is a very innovative space...seems to be within the rules...one person's lack of personality is another's extreme tidiness...

Looks like an ad.

Michael, are you "the client" JPDA referred to in this article's last paragraph? jpda.net/projects/east-village-studio
If so, good for you. If not, I think you're gonna be hearing from the people at JPDA..

awesome! beautiful

WONDERFUL!!!!

Love it!!!

Storage saved the day.

So where do you eat?

Beautiful! Perfect distribution! Awesome! :D

Worst. bed. location. ever.

Excuse me, but why are there SIX photos?? Isn't there a limit of five for everyone?

Your place has soooo many layers. I think a splash of color.........somewhere..........anywhere would be more appealing to my eyes. But regardless of color, the use of space is genious.

While that big wall absolutely screams out for some art, or color, or something, the built-in storage is lovely. Great apartment.

Love it when I saw these photos taken by the architecture firm that did all the work on all the design site and on their site. Surprised to see the same pictures here as it means either the owner has made absolutely no personal changes or the apartment doesn't actually look like this anymore. would have liked it far more if they had posted current picture of them actually living in the space.

really awesome architecture and innovative storage solutions, but where's the art? i wouldn't be able to live in a place like this. too sterile.

Perfection!!!!

Hasn't this apartment been published several times before?

Phenomenal job of carving living and storage space out of thin air on this one.

I'm not sure why some commenters here think that because an architect (Darrick Barowski of JPDA) had a deft hand in re-working this residence in collaboration with the HO that it's somehow an illegitimate entry. Lots, if not most, of the homes seen in this contest every year have been created by architects or design professionals at one time or another.

Do people think that all these bungalows and brownstones, mid-rise apt. complexes and skyscrapers the other entries occupy were designed by gnomes or what?

I do agree, however, with those who said that Michael P. the HO probably ought to have gone with more recent photos to show us how he really lives in it because it is, in fact, much more appealing now with his personal collections and artwork in place, as can be seen at the slideshow at dwell which published this outstanding reno a while back.

Genius use of space. Clean modern elements make it easy for the eye and the body to maneuver around. Maximum storage behind walls is a dream come true. I suppose splashes of color in the form of art will soon appear. This space gets my "favorite" vote because if money were no object, but space was, this is where I would live.

I apologise for my comment about the number of the photos; there are actually five PLUS the floorplan, just like everybody else's! My mistake! Apart from that, I wouldn't vote for this one, even though I do like it, because neither I get the feeling that someone really lives in there!

I'm in love withe the hidden storage in the stairs! Everything else, too!

Looks like an ad. No personality. Sterile.

I know it's not against the rules to be rich, but on the part of the resident, there's more money than imagination going on here.

If this were just a hidden-storage contest, sure, it's the winner. But that's about it.