Fantastic Small Spaces

Cool Kitsch in a Small Space
It's back to the future when you step inside Chris Comte's basement pad in Seattle's hip Capitol Hill neighborhood. Inspired by 60s pop culture, Comte added design elements from sci-fi cinema—with a little NASA thrown in. A big collector in not so big a space, Comte fits all sorts of collections in what he calls the world's smallest great room.

Everything is about three-fourths or one-half the size of typical appliances. The stainless steel countertop and appliances also give a feeling of retro space-age kitsch. A shelving unit in front of the window provides extra space for cookbooks, pantry items and dishes. Comte cleverly displays his spice canisters on the hood of his range. Velcro tape can be used to keep things in unusual, gravity-defying spaces.