Four Designers Convert Small Homes Into Diamonds in the Rough

See how four designers transformed their small diamonds in the rough into comfortable, stylish homes.

Small Space, Big Style : Episode HSSBS-110 -- More Projects » (Continued from Page 1)
The Bachelors' Pad
Two college buddies share a 350-square-foot New York studio. A lot of imagination and organization go into fitting two people, their things and their lives into such a small space. A sense of humor helps, too. Luckily these guys are making the most of what they have. They love the studio's proximity to Central Park, and they have a place to hang out with pals. For these two friends, a nugget-sized place to call home is enough for now.
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The living room is shared space that also houses an office and a bedroom. The wardrobe often gets mistaken as an entertainment center. The classic space-saving futon couch converts to a bed once friends leave.
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A kitchenette is made more user-friendly by removing the cabinet doors. When the two roommates are trying to get up and out in the morning, they don't have to worry about bumping cabinet doors. Everything is accessible.
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A small desk delineates office space in the living room and holds everything the guys need to keep organized and current.
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Rolling out of bed takes on new meaning in a loft bedroom. Only 44 inches of headroom is the price of privacy in this studio.
Inflatable Haven
A bizarre interpretation of light and airy is the distinguishing feature of this 960-square-foot loft located in Miami's design district. Designer and homeowner Luis Pons is committed to his concept and the effect is breathtaking—literally. The loft is filled with inflatable furnishings. Pons was inspired by two factors: a design project he worked on to capture an aesthetic element of the beach and a low budget. He loves his inflatable furnishings because they're versatile, collapsible and store away easily.
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Yowza! This decor is not for the faint of heart—or breath. With a designer's eye and imagination, Pons likens the inflatable furnishings to animated objects as they're more like cartoon furniture.
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The bed is a standard air mattress raised on inflatable cubes and a suspended, inflatable float slides along a ceiling track to give a degree of privacy. Even the window garden features inflatable tulips!
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Real furniture looks almost surreal in contrast to the inflatable versions. Pons uses his loft for his home and as an office space for his design business.
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Bakery carts offer abundant storage opportunities. They also function as moveable walls. Pons covered the doors with inflatable rafts to incorporate them as an element of composition in the loft.

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Explore hundreds of ideas for Decorating Room by Room from hosts Shari Hiller and Matt Fox.

Guests
Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan
Professional Organizer, Apartment Therapy
Website: www.apartmenttherapy.com

Jacob Ward
Managing Editor, Readymade Magazine
Website: www.readymademag.com

Gita Nandan, Architect
Thread Collective
Website: www.threadcollective.com

Libby Langdon
Designer, Libby Langdon Interior Design
Website: www.libbylangdon.com

Tom Piscitello, Designer
Mogul
Website: www.mogullife.com

Liza Jernow, Food Stylist
Liza Jernow Inc.
Phone: 917-887-0261
E-mail: littlequeenliza@hotmail.com
Website: www.thefoodstylist.com

Erin Weston, Designer
Weston Farms
Phone: 919-773-9663
E-mail: westonfarms@bellsouth.net
Website: www.weston-farms.com

Rick Black, Principal Architect
Rick Black Architect
Phone: 512-472-2826
E-mail: rick@rickblack.net
Website: www.rickblack.net

Cindy Black, Associate Architect
Rick Black Architect
Phone: 512-472-2826
Website: www.rickblack.net

Brandon Specketer, Architect
E-mail: bspecketer@mac.com

Michael Solis, Design Assistant/Actor
Jose & Maria Barrera Co., Ltd.
Phone: 646-416-2143
E-mail: michael.solis@hotmail.com

Luis Pons, Designer
Aponwao Design
4040 NE Second Avenue, Suite 411
Miami FL 33137
Phone: 305-576-1787
Fax: 305-576-1788
E-mail: lgp@luisponsd-lab.com
Website: www.luisponsd-lab.com
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