The book's drawback is that it's written for an American audience. American apartments appear to be big, purpose built and devoid of 'original features'. None of the concerns of listed buildings with odd-shaped conversions hacked out during times of property boom. In addition, the Americans seem to love beds in their lounge that flip up against the wall - hey presto, no need for a bedroom. Great if you are obsessively tidy, but convert your 1 bed flat into a studio this side of the pond and you are looking at financial suicide.

However that said, it's refreshing to view real-life, functional homes encompassing a diversity of taste (though not all of it good!) rather than a designer show-home. All in all, a fascinating read but not easy to put into practice.


A book to aspire to be in   November 11, 2003
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

As someone who can unfortunately currently only aspire to live in a studio apartment with a nighttime, or daytime rooftop view of the Empire State Building, this book is a find. Wonderful, innovative uses of space (for example, beds which roll back into walls), beautiful views and buildings make for an excellent read. An essential purchase if you dream about living large in a small space.


Food for thought for the flat dweller   August 16, 2003
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Interesting spaces from a 100 sq. ft student room up to a 1000 sq. ft. apartment.

An interesting foreword covers some more theoretical territory, but much of the rest of the text is too breathless and cheesy.

The best thing is the clear photographs which for once look like places that are lived in and loved (even stylishly cluttered!) The acccent is urban, and modern american in particular, with plenty of different styles and lots of character.