apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I can't wait. BUT I must say, I am extremely disappointed that you didn't listen to our requests for a super small category. I'm not sure how well my rented 260 sq. ft apartment can compete with an owned 650 sq. foot apartment.

Will there be any kind of pre-screening this year to weed out the places that really should not be in the competition? It would eliminate a lot of tears (remember Diane's Downtown Nest from last year?) and competition fatigue as well. There are often so many entries in it gets exhausting really fast. If all entries had to be in by a certain date and only the 50 or so best ones were up for review it would be great.

Laura and Sydney,

We're only choosing 40 in each city this time, which cuts the field by 1/3 from last time and we're vetting them before we post any.

This should raise the quality and - as far as super small goes - don't think that your super small can't win. Super small always wins sympathy and we always look favorably on the smallest of the small becuase it is the biggest challenge.

Also, remember that last time rented apartment made the finals more than owned ones did.

The biggest secret to winning is taking GOOD PICTURES. they make all the difference.

Don't be scared, jump in!

hmm.. do you think the earlier posted entries will garner more votes (due to time) and therefore tip the competition?

also- very small kink but the past contests don't correspond with their respective links (2005 and 2006 are switched). no biggie, though. :)

Hi Maxwell,

In an outline of the criteria for entry it says you must have designed the dwelling.

Do you have a broader definition of what you mean be 'designed'? For instance, is furnishing and decoration enough, or is an entry required to have some custom architectural features?

Thanks.

I think he meant that he doesn't want to see someone's place who hired a designer.

What if you are a designer?

Please don't feel intimidated to apply. If you have what you think is a great space, then it is worth submitting to the contest. Extra small can easily compete with sort of small. All submissions are welcome. We just ask that if you are a designer, that you live in the place you designed.

This contest is what got me hooked on AT 2 years ago.. I'm already so excited to see this year's entries!

Having run some primitive statistics on prior contests -- the "voting fatigue" effect has always been so small that the new procedures should make it insignificant.

I'd bet on a super-small apartment to win over a merely smallish one. Remember -- your voters aren't your coworkers in McMansionland who are amazed that anyone can do without a fourth bedroom and a mudroom. The regulars here live in small-ish places ourselves -- we know that 650 sq ft can be a non-cramped-feeling 2-bedroom if you have a favorable floor plan. It's at 300 sq ft that we start gasping for breath.

So reading the info, I'm guessing only readers from the USA can apply? :(

Bring it on!

Will only registered AT readers be allowed to vote, or is voting open to the general public like usual?

From the rules section:
"The Smallest, Coolest Apartment contest is a contest for all small apartments and homes in the world, under 650 square feet (60 square meters)."

I am so excited that it's time for the contest again. When i first signed the lease for my 648 sw. foot studio i had NO clue about decorating... this was the first place i didn't have to share with a roommate. This site has taught me SO much about decorating in your OWN style... maybe I'll share some pics of my little abode this year! :D

Archie -from "How to Enter":
"(and put "EAST COAST" "MIDWEST" "PACIFIC NORTHWEST" or "SOUTHWEST" depending on what fits you best geographically, in all caps, in the subject field)". Thus its not clear which part of the US London (or wherever) comes under - and feels a bit like 'stealing' an allocation from locals. I and my flat are in any case not worthy but I'd love to see some other UK entries

This year I'm going to enter! Yay!