The Latest: Sep 2010

Name: Matt, Zack, Dexter the Wheaton Terrier and Parker the Miniature Retriever Location: Washington Square — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Size: 980 square feet Years lived in: 10 months We first got a look into the home of Matt and Zack during Small Cool 2010. Their home did so well that we knew a full House Tour would be much appreciated. There’s something for everyone in this home, so pay attention!

Name: Dave AlbinLocation: Logan Square — Chicago, IllinoisSize: just under 5,000 square feet — 4 floors, but only 2 bedroom & 3 bathsYears lived in: 15 — own Dave basically lives in the urban home of my dreams. Having turned a vintage two-flat into a single dwelling, Dave tricked out his home with every bell and whistle imaginable.

Name: Kassandra & Jon Sommerville along with Edgar (Boston Terrier), Jigsaw (Jack Russel) and Rico Suave (Papillon)Location: Concordia Neighborhood — Portland, OregonSize: 1250 square feetYears lived in: 2 — owned Jon and Kassandra have done an amazing job making their 1950s Portland home comfortable and efficient without giving up panache. They’ve converted one area of the house into a salon where Kassandra cuts hair and styles her clients to perfection.

Name: Pong C. & Gatsby the dog.Location: Rittenhouse — Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaSize: 568 square feetYears lived in: 2 years You may remember the Pong’s Restraint entry from this years Small Cool 2010. I just couldn’t resist paying his Rittenhouse digs a visit and I’m sure glad I did. There’s nothing more inspirational than a well decorated small space — restraint is key. Not only in restraint a key to the success of this space, there’s also color.

Name: Andrew, Kathleen, and RubyLocation: Berkeley Hills — Berkeley, CaliforniaSize: 2,600 square feetYears lived in: 7 — owned It’s all about respect. It is, at least, for Kathleen and Andrew when it comes to decorating their 1947 mid-century modern home in the Berkeley Hills. When they first moved into the space they were perplexed by the layout of the home. The bedrooms were small and awkward and the living spaces were open and undefined.

Name: Rylie Beverly Scott, 7 weeks oldLocation: Los Angeles, CARoom Size: 12′ x 14′ Liz Scott is a Los Angeles based fabric designer, so it only makes sense that the nursery she created for her daughter, Rylie, is brimming with gorgeous, colorful prints on chairs, banners, and bedding. The beauty is certainly in the details in this space. From handmade plush animals to sweet vignettes carefully arranged on vintage wall shelves, Rylie’s nursery is a breezy mix of old and new.

Name: Shanan and ChrisLocation: West Queen West — Toronto, CanadaSize: 2000 square feet + 400 square foot studio (building behind the house)Years lived in: 3 — owned Take one newly renovated, 3 bedroom semi-detached home up for sale in Toronto’s West Queen West neighborhood. Add Shanan, a graphic designer who recently returned to Toronto in search of a home and workspace for her company, Linseed Projects. Wait a few months.

Name: Kerri & LukeLocation: Lakewood — Dallas, TexasSize: 1,400 square feetYears lived in: 8 months — rented Amidst the historic neighborhoods tucked away in east Dallas, Kerri and Luke have embraced their early 20th century home in a space that continues the tradition of southern hospitality updated for their 21st century guests. All at minimal cost.

What: Showtime House 2010Location: Midtown — New York, New YorkSize: 3 Penthouse apartments in Cassa Hotel & Residences, Benefiting: Harlem Children’s Zone Showhouses are a bizarre animal — and the third Showtime House is no exception. Pulling inspiration from 7 Showtime original series, the designers mix high-concept and high-design into themed rooms for the public to tour.

Name: Sharon, Chris, Julian and Larry (the dog)Location: Greenwich VillageSize: 1080 square foot 2-bedroom coopYears lived in: 1 Sharon is a fashion designer and her husband Chris is a developer and contractor. So, she wanted to go for a completely individualized look and he wanted to ensure re-sale potential. The result is great bones, and solid materials, with the most gorgeous and romantic flourishes.

Name: Tim LallyLocation: North Center — Chicago, IllinoisSize: 1,250 square feetYears lived in: 15 years — owned Knowing that Tim is a landscape designer, I had a hunch he would have beautiful outdoor spaces. And, of course, I was correct. What I didn’t know is that inside his home would be just as beautiful and tasteful as outside. Tim’s apartment has the typical layout of a classic Chicago two-flat.

Name: Patricia CaldwellLocation: Los Feliz — Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 800 square feetYears lived in: 2 months The idea of finding a new space, packing my stuff, and making it all fit somewhere else makes my head spin. But Patricia’s one-bedroom hideaway, nestled in the lovely Los Feliz area of Los Angeles makes me think again about the moving process. Three weeks is all it took Patricia to make an empty shell feel like a home.