Does Size Really Matter?

Last year, I wrote a post about Apartment Therapy’s coolest, smallest apartments for 2007 — and guess what? The contest is back! Small Cool 2008 again looks at the top well-designed small spaces, and I continue to be amazed. As the nation as a whole is moving into larger spaces, you have to give credit to these folks for really making it work with what they’ve got. For each entry, the individual living in the home is asked, “what is the advantage of small?” There are some great answers. Some of my favorites:

• We are forced to live with only the things we really love and need, whether it’s clothes, furniture, food, art or books. Yet we feel like we have everything we could ever want out of a home: everything has its place, cleaning is a cinch, and thanks to the pint sized fridge, we never find a moldy, mystery tupperware lurking in its depths. — Erin & Danny, San Francisco (507 sq. ft.)
• It’s cozy. My apartment feels lived in and comfy… I’m surprised at how many guests I’ve fit in at once. Small has taught me to release items I’m not using and consider my purchases more carefully. — Roxy, Upper East Side (270 sq. ft)
• A small apartment is like a small canvas, you are restricted in how much space you have to work with, but as many great artists have proven, it is not the size of the canvas but what you do with it that captivates people. — Matthew G, Chelsea, NY (502 sq. ft.)

I’ve included some of my favorite photos of these homes below, but be sure to check out all the entries. You can still submit your own small apartment, and can vote through April 25 on your favorite. And if you’re curious, you can check out last year’s winners here.