must....see...more...apartments! i get such a kick out of this AT community, wanna see more of how we're applying the tips and senses of style!

arg! I wish the contest was next month. My kitchen is still getting remodeled and won't be done til the end of april. my little 450sf studio will just miss the cut this round. boo!

Anyone know where I can get more info in that cool orange chair?

yes, the orange chair and the print next to the tv, pleeaaase!

chair is the Commander Swivel from EQ3

http://eq3.com/cat-eq3/process/locale/en_US/currency/en_US/3060-303.html

I'm not impressed with this years crop of apartments at all. It's nothing but "I live in a small apartment and I've decorated it in this certain way." The contest used to be about creative ways to live in small spaces but I haven't seen anything that goes beyond painting, throwing up some art, and buying a couch.

mscot, the apartment with the projector could be considered one of the smart ways of incorporating an entertainment unit in a small space. It uses the wall to project and image, and, if repositioned, could actually be a moving image/headboard type deal no?

But yes, I agree with you, there's been lots of entries where contestants are getting by with images of vignettes, furniture pieces and decor style. They are almost all very beautifully done I must say, but still, I would much prefer to see creative ways to work around small spaces.

I agree with mscot. Most of the photographs are more "artsy" but don't showcase how the space is utilized. I too live in a small apartment, but I come here looking for ideas on storage to maximize my space. There needs to be less pics of peoples art and collections and more of the actual rooms and how the space is arranged.

My feeling is that having more active moderation/babysitting of the comments would help. There's the usual sprinkling of helpful/positive comments, but there's a significant population who are just insulting and/or unnecessarily cruel. Even if my flat was in a fit state to be entered, there's no way I'd be throwing it open to this gang. It would be helpful to "remind" people of the rules of the game and ask them to play nicely or get out of the sandpit.

Laurita, I completely agree. The inevitable cruel comments are enough to make anyone reticent to enter.

Btw, I'd like to edit my comment: "insulting and/or cruel". It's never necessary to be cruel. :)
Seriously though, the argument that "people who enter these competitions know what they're getting into" really riles me. There should be a certain level of respect displayed for other people's choices, houses and feelings, and I think that that standard has really slipped at the moment.
That's all. Back to work...

I agree with Laurita. Although I think mine is a small cool apartment, I would never consider entering the contest. My choices may not all be highbrow, but I made them deliberately, and I'm happy with them for the most part. I don't need a passel of nasty comments from holier-than-thou design snobs about my home. Obviously that label doesn't apply to people who know how to leave intelligent suggestions graciously couched in compliments about what works, as opposed to snarling solely about what doesn't - for them, viewing a photo, and not actually occupying the space.

I was here for the first Small, Cool. Lots of entries. I don't think everyone really knew what to do. I know I didn't. I'm still not sure what kinds of comments are welcome. Or if we are allowed to ask questions about someone's space.

That first year was confusing and brutal. Word gets around.

I don't think there will ever be an abundance of entries again.

Maybe there could be "rules". Like people are complaining about what various photos are showing. How about 3 of the 5 photos having to do with eat, sleep, excrete?

Where do people cook or dine? Where do people sleep? And what to do with those tiny bathrooms?

The other two photos could be main living areas. And then the floor plan. Total of 6 images, 5 photos, 1 floor plan.

And many of us come here for those unique solutions to common challenges. Right? Bathrooms are often forgotten here, because they are so small and if we are renting we can't exactly tear anything out and put in new. How to make a tiny 5'x5' room with a tub and toilet "attractive" when it seems impossible?

As it is, I can sit on the toilet, stand on or in the toilet, straddle the toilet, or climb into the tub to close the door. The only thing that would make that room "cute" is to have a live Angora bunny that would cooperate as a toilet lid cover.

I can't even use the pretty shower curtains as there is no light above the tub/shower and using anything opaque will put me in the dark in the tub.

I want to see what people do with their SPACE. Not so much of a close up on what pretty objects they have.

And maybe a best "before and after" category. When people move into a new space, and do something with it. I'm not really sure what people are JUDGING the images on.

Some people don't like the photos themselves. Or the paint color used in someone's home. Or even the way someone has worded their entry. That kind of makes me sad. That people might win or lose based on what words they use to describe their home.

I love the idea of before and after!

I'm actually ok with judging based partially on the entrants' descriptions. Homes are an extension of personality, and so are words and opinions. If we shouldn't factor that in, they shouldn't include the brief commentary from the participants. I love hearing about what inspires them or why they chose certain elements.

And I think the critiques on photo quality is fine too - if someone is going to take the time to enter a contest, I appreciate that they make an effort to submit the best possible representation of their space. I'm not saying they all have to display photographic brilliance, but having photos not be blurry doesn't seem like too much to ask for.

I wonder if lack of entries has to do with factors outside of criticism. The Internet can still be a creepy place, and I personally wouldn't feel comfortable posting detailed photos of my living space. Although admittedly, I'm happy others do - this is my favorite part of AT.

lol, is that the edge? awesome.