Monday, March 13, 2006

It's not the size, it's the style

This is my favorite feature on Apartment Therapy: the "Smallest, Coolest Apartment Contest."

Given that my own current living space is less than 250 sq. ft., I just love seeing ideas on how to make the most of a tiny apartment. And it's fascinating to see how many of these places are actually occupied by couples! Most of them don't seem to have spent enormous amounts on decorating and renovation, but even if they have, their total housing costs are still going to be relatively low. I wish that was a feature of the contest, or perhaps some sort of auxiliary prize-- the Smallest, Coolest, CHEAPEST apartment!

8 comments:

Single Ma said...

Yea, I think it's cool the way they make the most of small spaces. I watch a show on HGTV (forget what it's called) that's similar.

How in da heck do you live in 250 sq ft? I thought I was cramped in 850 (LOL). I can't wait to close on my house (1850 sq ft)! Aren't you buying soon?

. said...

Oh, Madame X, this post is speaking to my soul. I have a passion for small spaces. I'm so glad you shared introduced me to the Apartment Therapy web site. I just reviewed all of the entries and I'm buzzing with jealousy! I have an 800 sq ft condo and it feels way to big. I owned a 600 sq ft house before and I much preferred that space to the one I own now.

Anonymous said...

We lived in about a 200 square foot studio and it was small to say the least! When we moved into it, we sold everything and it barely left us with enough space. We ended up just finding things with dual purposes. An ottoman that stored stuff. Instead of tables, we got trays that we could put on the bed.

Everything we bought had to 'fit' in our apartment. So being frugal was a necessity!

Anonymous said...

That DWR store looks pretty cool, but $150 for a single stacking stool?! With that kind of money, I'd go out and get some more sq. ft. =)

James L said...

Madame X,

This is my favorite one too. I really dig the custom made bed/storage system. My gf is renovating her new alcove studio and this layout is one we're likely to follow.

mapgirl said...

Now I feel like my 500 sq ft are pretty luxurious! 250? I'm not quite sure I could do that. In fact, I know I wouldn't. I turned down the opportunity to buy a 400 sq ft unit in DC whose asking price was far above my bigger place. (And no parking!)

Caitlin said...

I am in love with small spaces! Like singlemom I am a devotee of "Small Space, Big Style" on HGTV and we are seriously considering downsizing housing costs by moving somewhere smaller but with a better layout (and not taking the clutter with us, clearly!)

I LOVE Apartment therapy and I keep forgetting to visit that site...thanks for the reminder!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I don't know how all of you do it. I downsized from a 1300 sq ft 1bd apartment to a 950 sq ft 2 bd, and its ok, but the rooms feel cluttered. I dont want to sell my stuff because it's all expensive big stuff. 200-250sf is crazy!