20080515pig1.jpgNot just Small Cool, tiny cool. The photo above is (we kid you not) an oversized birdhouse. This small structure called a pigeonnier was built on the grounds of a Louisiana estate around 1750. Its original function was to house pigeons which, at that time, were considered haute cuisine.

Jump down for more photos, including a shot of the fairy tale exterior and an unpublished (!) bonus pic...

20080515pig2.jpgAs the years passed, and pigeons were no longer raised, the pigeonnier turned into a very pretty storage shed. When Angèle Parlange, a fabric/fashion designer and author of Creole Thrift, returned to her family home, she decided she needed her own space.

20080515pig4.jpgAngèle's brother helped in the renovation by replacing the beat-up brick floors on the lower level with hardwood. He also designed the custom ladder which lifts one from the sitting room to the second floor bedroom. Angèle decorated with goods and textiles from her worldly travels and tons of pink, as she believes one should always "use feminine colors in excess."

20080515pig3.jpgBONUS PIC: The cozy second floor bedroom still retains the earthy brick floors and the built-in bookshelves previously held pigeon nests.

We're excited to announce the winners of Small Cool 2008 at tonight's wrap party and we love this example because it shows just how small you can go (minus a bath and kitchen) and how very cool it can be.

Photos: Cottage Living (Thanks, Rex!)