apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

clean, crisp, and refreshing. absolutely love that kitchen! well done!

where's that green piece of art over your bed from?

My favorite entry so far! Great use of space and unification! The light wood makes the space feel breezy yet warm and full of light. Dig it!

I want the bar in the first picture!

Otherwise it's a beautiful space and really nicely put together.

Good luck!

Wow wow wow!

i think it's wonderful. great use of the space, and it actually looks livable!

Wasn't this in a magazine?

Sensational. Crisp-and-clean-and-no-caffeine. Seriously. The photos are clear, beautiful and you can tell exactly what is going on in the space, and what's going on is to be lived for.

This contest is seriously going to be a Sophie's-Choice-O-Rama.

gorgeous

have i seen this place before - looks familar?

OKAY Hasnt some of this being in that HGTV Show Small Spaces Big Style. Cause I could swear I have seen some of this small spaces.

They are still beautitul and gives me wonderful ideas on how to make my small place a great place

Love it!
I think I remember this from Small Space, Big Style.
Beautiful photos.

This is exactly how I want my place to feel. Light, airy, organized and calm.

Fantastic.

Great space, but it was just featured as a design winner in METROPOLITAN HOME (MARCH 2006)...

Not to rain on any parades, but once you've been featured as a prize-winner for the same space and same pictures in a great, national mag, I say give someone else a chance to win.

Your space is beautiful. Don't be a prize hog.

Perfect!!

My favorite too. It makes me want to move to Miami. Just beautiful. And I love the pink bike.

By the way, which Flor tiles did you use?

I'm not a fan of blonde wood or carpet but both work in this space. Feels much bigger than it is. And I'm also drooling over the bar!

hi, this is my space, yes I was on HGTV's small space big style. (i think some of you saw me...) Caroline: the painting is one I did about 2 years ago. Space Monkey X:the green chair and bar were pieces I designed and make while in college.

thanks for the kudos!
alison

(the photos were done my mike butler, incredible photographer, he get's the credit there)

The entries are rolling in fast and furious. At this rate the Coolest Smallest Apartment Contest will have a cast of thousands. Paradise for a house voyeur.

I love them all (almost), it must be time to raise the bar.

I love this place. I loved it when I saw it on SSBS and I love how well it comes across in the photos now. Great jobs alison and mike!

Great use of colors and great furniture design. For ppl that did not see SSBS (and this may be obvious to some already) but that TV can be turned around to be viewed from the bed also.

That room divider and where it is situated is really the best part of this apt IMO. The "bedroom" is sufficiently delineated with a multifunctional piece of furniture while still retaining a very open feel to the whole place.

Love the bar also and am very impressed with your design and craftwomanship!

I automatically "oooh-ed" out loud. Maybe a TINY bit too perfect, but hey, if you have such great style and taste, that's not your fault!

i hear ya, lulu. BUT there's nothing to say a winner can't go for another win. without a doubt, this is the finest small apt. i have seen so far...the shelving unit that divides sleep from waking life is excellent and doesn't feel boxed in or divisive. i wouldn't mind a glimpse further into that walk-in closet. is it used for more than clothes? also, i'm a sucker for old fans. looks like we may have matching ones: is that an Eskimo manufactured in boonville, mo. i see?

yah I don't think this gal is qualified to be in the contest...
she was in a national mag already! I think it needs to be disqualified from this contest...but very lovely and deserves to be posted on the site in another fashion.

Where did that room divider / storage come from? I'm definitely going to look into picking one up.

Love it! Love it!

Eli, she designed the divider herself.

I really like the placement of the large mirror, as it gives the appearance of another doorway.

I agree with everyone else that the custom room divider is wonderful and looks great in the space. I think too many of us have the instinct to stick the bed in a corner to make room for other things, but here Alison shows how the bed can be placed centered on a wall and still feel airy. My only issue is that I'd be afraid of kicking the room divider over and making it fall over in my sleep!

I have been in this space believe it or not for drinks and parties... and is incredibly confortable, spacious and cool... it deserves each and every award it gets... and i would encourage the owner to put it in as many competitions as she wants because it is very very cool!

Beautiful use of space, light, and color.........Superb in every way!

professional photography makes a HUGE difference in seeing the whole space

really fantastic work all around,
esp. the bed/room divider

but I too am uncomfortable with "hot off the pages of Met Home." Delighted to see the space, but more of an Inside Out, I think . . .

ahh the only rule is that she can't win the AT contest more then once, so if she wants to enter let her.

one big advantage she has is that many of use have seen the whole apartment on SSBS so we know how it all fits together better then 5 pictures can do, but she's not breaking the rules.

just because her entry is so outstanding doesn't mean we can exclude her!

Whoever said that this is turning out to be Sophie's Choice is right, this is a beautiful apt. How can we choose?

It's beautiful. Just saw this in Metropolitan Home and was awed. She is a furniture designer, iirc.

Very nice job!

Also, I don't mean to be paranoid, but perhaps her name and address (esp. apartment number) should not be on the entry? Makes me nervous, since she is a young woman.

I love the way the bookcase defines the area. You see the bed but it isn't "in your face". I also love the platform of the bed. Excellent color choices. So when are we invited for a party? Nice, clean, friendly place.

Enjoy.

Wonderful job, girl...this looks place looks so warm and inviting...I would love to see more pictures..

Job well done!

I saw this on SSBS and Met Home too...and while I admire the efficiency, it's almost too efficient or something for my taste. I know no one is going to agree with me, but it kind of feels like a hospital room or something to me. i do admire the room divider, bar, and shelves over the sink, though.

Fiona,
I thought the same thing

Maxwell,
we know you're busy but how about bluring that address on the plans? This entry is sooooo going to the finals and the archive.

There is nothing i want more than that room divider...

There is nothing i want more than that room divider...clean

I like the calming effect it has, the continuity between spaces is great as well. I love it when furniture devides a bedroom from another space so that the furniture splits up 2 spaces, the bedroom and the living room, and the bed splits the desk area from the closet area. The ambiant light from the window treatments and the paper globe light assist the calming effect. Great work!

Where would one find a fan similar to hers on the room divider. I did search ebay and craigslist under antique fans. THanx

Christine, you took the words out of my mouth.

Good layout - and strike of luck, too, that there was exactly right distance to accomodate queen bed and the divider (although it might give in depth) for a perfect alignment with the bathroom/dressing wall.
Like: the bar, light pallette, oil paintings (although I'd switch the yellow frameless picture and the butterfly in the black frame)

Dislike: thin metal legs everywhere, look of house on stilts. Bleh grey carpet. Millwork lip around the mattress.

Contender num. 2,in my book (after the 2-level apartment).
It gets more and more interesting.

This space has such a feeling of lightness and calm. The decor is beautiful, you did a lovely job with your small space. You also are a very talented painter, the work over your bed is superb and the placement of your bed in general is just perfect. I also like the mirror leaning against the wall. Since it appears to be frameless, it makes one think that it is the entrance to another room. The kitchen is so well organized.

May I ask, where are you located? NY or?

Holly

This space is beautiful! I love the airy feel (it's personalized yet uncluttered), and the great pieces of artwork. I was lamenting over my white walls, but you've made the white walls work in your favor, with your color choices for furniture and art.

Nice. Saw it in Met Home.

no oven?

"Not to rain on any parades, but once you've been featured as a prize-winner for the same space and same pictures in a great, national mag, I say give someone else a chance to win. "

i'm inclined to agree. but no one said she's won ;)

WELL DONE!! Awesome use of space... So clean and mimimalist, yet still manages to pay attention to detail and have personality. I love the walk-through closet and that everything has a place out of sight (even the fridge!) The ability to rotate your tv from the bed to the living area is brilliant! I bet it is easy to entertain... great bar cabinet! I want it all... you should start selling some of these designs...seriously.

rs...Don't playa hate learn to decorate.

I don't think the contest rules bar anyone from entering the contest if they've been in a magazine or on TV or won another contest, do they?

Not loving the kitchen countertops or back elevation (too much open storage for my taste) but really love the full effect of the place.

Also think you'd get one notch closer to Zen by hanging that painting lower, so the top horizontal picks up the top horizontal of the cabinet at the foot of the bed. But that's just picky.

Congrats on all the exposure so far!

The grey flooring that some find unappealing...is great. The invisibility of the floor allows for the couch and the bed covering to just POP! smart idea!

I too would like to snag that room divider. Luvit Luvit Luvit!

This entry is my first choice.

Good Luck you guys!

I have also seen this place and the designer in Met Home and SSBS.

While I kind of agree with Lulu, the designer is allowed to enter whatever contest she chooses.

All of us have the option to vote for her or not, on whatever basis we choose.

Some entrants are going to be architects, some will be diyers, some will have styles we don't particularly like...Maxwell has established the ground rules, and from there, well, it's a contest!

I am just excited by the chance to see so many cool interiors (home-voyeur that I am!)

Alison:

Two questions: did you use FLOR carpet tiles? And where is that awesome large mirror from (surely not eBay...)

Thanks!

I seem to recall that she not only used Flor tiles, but she made an area rug in front of her sofa but inserting flor tiles that were a different color/pattern from the surrounding tiles - i think she could also switch them out so she could have a different pattern or color for the area rug. do i have the right place?

I must have seen this on SSBS

i kinda have to agree....SSBS *and* Metropolitan Home? it sorts stinks to enter this contest too. professional photography does make a huge difference. also, i saw the MH and even the text was the same! but, it is a great space.

I have not chimed in yet... and I see the same controversial topic/argument I fathered last year is back... In my opinion only, so take it for what its worth... Professional designers don't belong in this contest... Especially if they've already been published... Come on.

I love this apt. No. 1 so far IMO.

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think SSBS or Magazine write-ups pay anything. Give the girl a chance to benefit from her hard work.

PS - I believe the mirror is from DWR or somewhere similar:

http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=4612

Repeating MissyE's question: I am seeing no oven; how are the pies being baked?

Oh my god, the bed / living room divider is stunning.

Yowza!

Well done!

This room is awesome and deserves NUMBER 1 even if you were previously awarded for your space. Why should anyone else care that you have been seen on TV or awarded for your true passion and decication to.......PERFECTION!!!!!

I really love the wood/glass bar. Looks like a custom design piece. I love to build furniture in my spare time and a piece like this would work nicely in my new home. Also nice job on the demo and finishout of the space to maximize it's potential.

Best of luck.

I also saw this on HGTV and in Met Home and loved it then and still do. I'm almost sorry it has appeared elsewhere (sort of like not quite virgin), but certainly inspiring to the rest of us less talented non-designers.

Slash and MissyE: if you look at the plan, in the kitchen area, the 2-burner is placed diagonally at the corner of the counter.

Saw this beautiful place on SSBS and became immediately envious. Plus Alison is very attractive.
Missed it in Met Home. What issue? I'm a subscriber.

I remember this was on SSBS but question if you are in bed and the TV is facing the living area what exactly are you looking at? Wires?

marc,

simple you can turn the tv around :)

i'm pretty sure it rotates.

Breathtaking! I don't usually like spaces that are so clean, but this one manages to have just enough going on to make it feel personal. I love all the small splashes of color, the items on the kitchen shelves, the artwork, the fan, the bicycle. I like how the bar adds a touch of glamour without taking up too much space. Very clean and beautiful.

I think the point of the contest, for me anyway, is to voyeuristically peer into other people's well-designed spaces--to think about what I like or don't like, and to hopefully to get some ideas. I would hate to see the most gorgeous entries disqualified!

this was my fave of the met home feature, too.

While I really like the ideas behind this apts design, I'm afraid the results are just, well, sterile and kind of boring. I have to disagree 100% with the advice of using the same wood tone throughout. I used to live by it, but my spaces always turned out terribly boring, big or small, and tended to look like they just popped out of a catalogue. I still have a hard time getting myself to use variety, but when I do, or more so, when I see others do it, the results are very successful, sometimes even the thing that makes a space work.

Not that it is requisite for this contest, but so far as my own judgement goes, the most important question is "could I imagine myself living in this space?" and I can't even come close looking at this one.

I'm so torn! I like so much about this entry, and yet it just doesn't look like a comfy place to hang out. I can't really put my finger on why, because objectively the space is lovely, furnishings are lovely. Nice and clean and uncluttered, and I am totally jealous of how little "stuff" she manages to live with.

... and just because the rules don't say you *can't* enter your previous prize-winning apartment, it doesn't necessarily mean you "should* enter. I would have loved to see this featured as one of the regular house tours.

I like the idea that exposure on *this* site turns into exposure elsewhere... where print and TV come clamoring to Maxwell and AT for hot leads. The way it should be.

It's less sexy to me when it's the other way around.

Still doesn't diminish that this is a smart looking place.

But it may impact my ultimate vote.

i think a place this inspiring should get maximum exposure.
our culture doesn't restrict creations from possibly winning more than a single award, so why should we?
but really i'm very glad to see this in the contest for those of us who missed it in Met Home, or are without cable tv.

Being all too familiar with South Florida heat, another reason I like this space is because it looks "cool" (temperature-wise). I would be very comfortable here, even in the August doldrums, air conditioning purring...

I too had drooled over this very cool apartment on SSBS and in Met Home, and so it's nice to see some additional views. Love it. Whine, whine.

Love the room divider and the open shelving in the kitchen.

This is the best so far and is far better than the ones last year. classy, clean, calming. absolutely beautiful. I dont care where this apartment has been shown, its fabulous.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! This is the most appealing to me, so far. I spent the first 33 years of my life in Florida, and this place is *perfect* for the climate. I think it's important to remember that Miami isn't New York culturally, that the requirements of life there are different, before you call the place too cold. It's a fine, fine example of editing and puts the emphasis on people who inhabit/visit the space and their ideas. Bravo!

I like the artwork and the colors. It's hard to imagine getting comfy there though, it has the feel of a really cool hotel where I'd be afraid to touch anything.

Jonathan A, the met home thing was a contest with prizes, not a normal write up.

As far as the oven goes, I remember on SSBS, Alison saying that she had a convection oven which was really convenient (left hand corner on the counter in the kitchen shot)...so probably not a whole lot of pie baking or cooking going on. Another reason I could never live in this room. Actually, I said before "hospital," but it actually reminds me of this dorm room my friend lived in in England. Granted, it was smaller and not as well designed, but the overall feel is the same.

Christine: Do you think she got the convection oven on eBay? And what about that swiveling flat screen tv? Meow.

Hey all you pie lovers, I guess you would be a little concerned to move into a place such as the one that a friend of mine lived in. He had a working oven but used it for shoe storage.

Loved this when I saw it in Met Home. Of course she is perfectly entitled to enter this contest, although having seen this win in Met Home, I for one, would like to see a new winner. Still, if it's the best it should and will win. If AT wanted to exclude entries which had won previously elsewhere it could say so.

Jennifer, I wouldn't put it past anyone getting anything on ebay...a lot for offer out there! But, I concur with what you're implying--that we're not exactly talking "bargain basement." That was my general feeling I had the last two times I saw this place...and if someone wants to call me jealous or catty, they're right!

Beautiful!!! Where did you get the divider & bed??

I saw the burners and the toaster oven. didn't realize that that *was* the oven

Just wondering why people don't read previous posts to avoid duplication of questions. Poor manners, in my opinion.

I agree with Aquarabbit. There's a point where someone shouldn't be entering contests. This entry deserves to be featured as a showpiece, but it changes the dynamics of the contest. How can anyone compete with someone who paid more for photography than most of us pay for furniture? Note that second picture. Move the camera inches to the right and you're looking at the back of a TV.

Then again, maybe the contest is for the pros. Maybe the people who own Design Within Reach should be entering rather than everyday people? I bet that will happen more each year.

I wonder how many olympic athletes play on neighborhood softball leagues. Maybe they should. They'd win.

What about the people who were on SSBS but ARE NOT designers or architects...should they be excluded because they were on TV?

Like I said, I'm not sure. It's a moot point now. The contest is over unless another designer comes in to up the ante.

Not Sure,
pop back to the diagonal bi-level place from the first day of the contest. Pretty pretty pretty.
This thing is just getting going!

you can't bake pie in a convection oven?

How many shoes will fit?
If it can't fit at least 3 pairs (one brown, one black and one pair of sneakers - that's all men need) then I agree with the pie eaters: only having a toaster oven is load of rubbish.

I am continually baffled by why people think "money *automatically* = taste/style/smart solution." Um, you HAVE seen how The Donald lives, right? That may be money, but it sure ain't "taste."

And I REALLY don't know why the question comes up here... I mean, c'mon, the table is from CB2, which ain't exactly the pricepoint of Ligne Roset (nor is BoConcept). And I think I spy some Ikea Magiker...

And I've seen some gorgeous looks from dumpster-diving. I had the opportunity to meet a great Park Slope couple with such an incredible space, much of which came off the streets, and it blew the doors off most Dwell/Domino/Met Home spreads..

And then I've seen some cases where the stuff looked better IN the dumpster...

I also think the challenge with having an unlimited budget is knowing when to stop, ESPECIALLY in a small space.

It's about having an eye, and how to pull off a mix. Let's stop checking the price tags, and/or holding budget over people's heads, pretty please?

WHOOPS!
That comment was meant for another entry (hence those furniture references, which don't apply here).

But I stand by the budget discussion part, here as well.

I need a cocktail.

Jamie Pup!!! That comment is hysterical! This kitchen is definitely a place to keep your pie hole shut, because there's no pie.

PIE!!!!!!!!!!

Who doesn't want pie? Assuming you've removed your shoes first.

Ha ha patrick (the other one) I am loving your mis-post!

Almost makes me feel better about being the evil poster who was the only one who said bad things about the green paint in Minneapolis attic-guy entry.

Jennifer--
I hate it when the soapbox is in the wrong room! :)

i think this space doesn't have enough personality. kinda boring.

Alison,

I bragged about your beautiful space on my design blog, decor8, today - I'm so very impressed! Love it!

Click on my name to take a peek!

Holly

i must cheer (gosh, here i go stating the obvious again, but i must respond): between that divider!!! the off the ground floaty parts, and the way the light hits the couch, this place, every inch smart + fit, quietly radiates mental health to me, where getting out of the shower and drinking tea on the couch, or sending cards at the desk could be sort of rapturous; that's what's so cool about it.
It also reminds me of a spatial equivalent of when designers say "the garment doesn't wear the person...", and since she's a designer of course maybe she craves a space w/ some neutral elements, as some creatives say they need...anyway
i just think it's so lovely, i would love to live there, thanks folks...

I really admire how tightly designed this space is, but I have to admit that it feels like a catalog shot for FLOR carpeting--it doesn't look lived in, and I consider that a glitch. The design elements are a little too consistent, everything a little too matchy matchy. I think other entries show a better sense of individualism and uniqueness. It's time to push the envelope and this just doesn't do that for me.

Too clean? Of course it's clean! Don't you clean before a photo shoot? I know I do ;)

Aloha Y'all,

Nice divider for the bedroom, wonderful closet, lovely kitchen and great bar.

This is not a criticism, but I'm amazed at how many people can do with minimal kitchen storage.

If I am allowed to enter in 2007 (I'm in Hawaii), I imagine that will be the focus of my entry. Dealing with a love a cooking in a small space.

Thanks for sharing your entry!

Cooking Cajun

Uh, holly, can't you say you like something without making it all 'bout your own blog?

Not me,

A random plug might be out of line, but she talked about this entry in her blog--so what's the harm? Besides, nothing wrong with a little marketing, imo.

I have closet envy, but that's about it. This apartment just doesn't look at all comfortable. How could you possibly read in bed with that painting hanging so low? I'd constantly be banging my head into it. Maybe I'm just a super-spaz, but I think I'd hurt myself in this place.

I saw this home featured in Modern Home a few weeks ago. The designer works in the industry and it shows. Looks great.

Wow! Your apartment is amazing. I love how you believe that everything has it's place. I think you have done an excellent job of using the space provided to you. I also love how though so small, there is a simplicity to it too. Great job!

The modern home is so destructive, I think, because it is a generalization, a product of factory and fashion, an everyplace or a noplace. Modern houses, like airports, are extensions of each other: they do not vary much from one place to another. A person standing in a modern room anywhere might imagine himself anywhere else- much as he could if he shut his eyes. The modern house is not a response to its place, but rather to the affluence and social status of its owner. It is the first means by which the modern mentality imposes itself upon the world. The industrial conquistador, seated in his living room in the evening in front of his TV set, many miles from his work, can easily forget where he is and what he has done. He is everywhere or nowhere. Everything around him, everything on TV, tells him of his success: his comfort is the redemption of the world. His home is the emblem of his status, but it is not the center of his interest or of his consciousness. The history of our time has been to a considerable extent the movement of the center of consciousness away from home.
Once, some farmers, particularly in Europe, lived in their barns- and so were both at work and at home. Work and rest, work and pleasure, were continuous with each other, often not distinct from each other at all. Once, shopkeepers lived in, above or behind their shops. Once, many people lived by "cottage industries"- home production. Once, households were producer and processors of food, centers of their own maintenance, adornment and repair, places of instruction and amusement. People were born in these houses, and lived and worked and died in them. Such houses were not generalizations. Similar to each other in materials and design as they might have been, they nevertheless looked and felt and smelled different from each other because they were articulations of particular responses to their places and circumstances.
Wendell Berry

loved the place in Met home.... which is why it got my "no" vote.

I understand the debate about accepting the entry in this contest. Although I didn't see SSBS or MetHome, my reaction when I read this was to eliminate it from the running.

However, I think this is a very different avenue from MetHome (granted, with some overlap in audience) and all the hard work that was put into creating this great space should be rewarded the votes go that way. Doesn't it say something about the quality of the entries that you can have a MetHome winner in this contest, and still not be an automatic winner?

Let the people speak....with their clicks!

(and yes, this is one of my personal finalists)

I haven't read all these posts so please forgive me if this question was already asked:

How did you deal with the wiring to make the TV viewable from sofa and bed?

love the closet that leads into the bathroom. totally reminiscent of carrie bradshaw's apartment (which, by the way, would make a great entry in this contest).

Very nice Alison! I could live there anytime, and especially like the kitchen! Mine needs some modernizing.
Good luck with the contest!

Can someone explain the rubber floor mats on top of carpet? I'm confused. This apartment is lit and photographed so much better than the others -- and I like the low furniture with carpeting, which give the sense that it's "safe" to stretch out. I like it!

Now that's what I'm talkin' about!!!!!!!!!
The winner by a mile.

Smart design, but due to it's professional exposure I will not give it my number one vote. I suggest that others who would like to see the contest have a bit more of an amateur feel proceed in that way as well.

That is very S. FL! I don't like the black tile in the kitchen, it seems out of place.

-t

Jose, no way.
One false move, one overly enthusiastic boning session and that bookcase is going RIGHT OVER MY FRIENDS. And then say goodbye to your flatscreen, and any of your other overpriced crap- I hope that fan doesn't saw your legs off in your sleep. Because disaster is striking this place, in the form of some very terrible fongSHWEEE.

Wonderful job, very clean and beautiful use of space. You mentioned you made the bar and green chair, are you still making furniture?

Clair

So much DWR stuff! Your space is tasteful and well designed. I like that you have personal things out, and art on the walls. I like that things are up off the ground, and that there is a slight Japanese feel to the design. You move to the next round for hitting all the right points. Personally, I don't like too much unity in furniture design in a small space (and I have seen so many spaces here where that is true). Makes it look like a showroom or a magazine shoot. I like spaces that look as if they evolved over time. But Miami is all about being new and slick. I agree that the bookshelf does not look safe (but I live where there are earthquakes).

Love it. I wish i lived here!

way too sterile, way too much grey. Come on people!

Very nice, great balance between modern/clean/austere and warm/informal/inviting (or should I say ginviting?).

this is the first apartment i've seen here that has enough desk space for me . . . and it looks like that desk space might be expandable if the work required it . . .

has anyone seen other great desk/work spaces i missed?

Where is your refrigerator? An under-the-counter model perhaps?