Top 9 One-Room Wonders in Our Small Space, Big Dreams Home Awards

This small (approximately 9' x 11') extra bedroom is the hardest working room in the house. The built-ins are designed to serve the needs of overnight guests, kids doing homework or crafts, and parents desperate for storage in a closet-challenged 1930's home. The craft wall stores photos, gift wrap, art supplies, a sewing machine pull-out as well as a telescoping craft table that magically extends to 30" long. An adjacent shallow storage wall fulfills the duel needs for a backup TV and overflow pantry storage--everything from swim towels to wine glasses to bulk-sized snacks. Finally, the remaining wall houses a work table with adjacent magnet board and a comfy queen-sized murphy bed with adjacent pull-out nightstand and reading lights above.

Once an awkward, dark attic is now a place for quiet and relaxation. The homeowners were able to create an open, sunset-facing respite space/guest room high in tall cedar trees by removing the second floor office ceiling, installing space-saving alternate-step stairs, and adding skylights and a roof window deck. Bookshelves are also a bannister, the ledge around the open ceiling creates a display area for collectibles, wicker trunks add additional seating, and all allow for more storage. The roof window deck opens up to create added floor space and lots of fresh air. As you climb the stairs up to this cozy loft, you leave behind the day's stresses.

Thoughtfulness and creativity were keys to turning this 6’x6’ space into a fully functional kid's bedroom. The leaded glass windows set the stage, so placing the bed up high takes advantage of the view and leaves ample room beneath for a lit-up reading hideout that doubles as a sleepover bed. Pale aqua on the walls and white easy-access storage and furniture keeps the space feeling airy and helps tie the vintage dresser in with more modern pieces. The homemade headboard, artwork, magnetic whiteboard, and accessories reflect the personality of the sweet girl who inhabits the space.

Despite the predominance of curves and angles, the use of off-the-shelf cabinet boxes with the addition of a few simply made touches allowed this small kitchen to be economically feasible.

Library by day and theatre room by night, this space has room for everything. The movie screen rolls over the mirror on the wall facing the couch. The couch is a sleeper and an extra bed for sleepovers. The factory cart center table rolls to a corner and the floor opens up for yoga sessions for three. The space is the entry room to the home, and yet adds much more functionality.

In this small condo kitchen, the owners designed curved cabinets that included a window seat for dining and storing dishes, while cabinet doors above store dried food, small appliances, and larger cookware. Glass and plastic furniture also help the space appear larger.

This compact space wears multiple hats: home office, guest bedroom, and music room. Among other clever space-saving tricks, the wall bed converts to a queen-sized bed from a desk surface, without needing to move anything from the surface.

This ultra-modern room, controlled via smart phone, glides outside with interior creature comforts doing double duty as outdoor furniture.

This 1,000-square-foot barn includes a compact living and dining area with kitchenette for relaxing and entertaining.