Ever since the preliminary posts for Apartment Therapy‘s Small, Cool contest started pouring in last month, I’ve been glued to my feed reader waiting (albiet, fairly impatiently) for each new entry. There’s nothing I love more than a well-designed space or an itty-bitty little home. Did anyone ever watch that show Small Space, Big Style? LOVED that show. I was crushed when it stopped airing a few years ago. Anyhow, AT’s Small, Cool contest (much like Small Space, Big Style did) showcases real spaces designed by real people that are quite extraordinary and all under 1000 square feet. There are five divisions to the contest – four based on sizeⁱ, and one international division – and visitors vote each round for their favourite space until only one is left standing and crowded the winner. The contest is held annually each spring, and ever since I discovered Apartment Therapy, I’ve looked forward to it. It’s so refreshing, and there are a lot of really clever design solutions. It takes a certain knack to design for a small space, and these people do it with major style! While some of these spaces have already been eliminated already (aw), I figured I could still show my extra support for them and cheer on those I love that are still in the running.

Click images to view their official entry on AT where you can view more photos of the space as well as floor plans.

I adore this office space! The stark contrast of the rich dark tone of the wood against the white of the walls makes that inspiration wall pop right out. To die for.

This cozy little sleeping alcove is flanked by long drapery panels to create a private area at night. How quaint! What I wouldn’t give for a cute little bed nook.

A beautiful industrial meets mid-century modern space.

Look familiar? That’s because I posted about this apartment in a Head Over Heels entry earlier last month. This is one of my favourites! It’s simple, elegant, and has all of the amenities you need in one itty, bitty studio apartment.

Here’s another tiny studio apartment that I adore. It just seems so cozy, and I love that the bed does dual purpose as a pseudo-office. They’d never have to leave their bed! What a treat.

Bold, dramatic, even a little bit theatrical! I love that this home owner went all out and treated his kitchen like just another living space.

Wait a minute, so I like black interiors? Maybe just a little bit…

So lovely, and feminine in a very classic sort of way. Love the sheers that surround the bed, and those super fluffy shag pillows. The texture!

Last but not least, this is the space I’d put my money on to win. It is utter perfection from floor to ceiling. The space planning is genius and the entire studio has so much personality.

Well, there you have it folks! If these don’t make you want to live in a small space, you’re a lost cause. ;) As a future small space dweller, these get me even more psyched to start designing my soon-to-be home. And perhaps someday, I’ll be able to enter my own small space into the contest.

1. under 400 sq.ft., 401-600 sq.ft., 601-800 sq.ft., and 801-1000 sq.ft. (»)