Human Interest

Using sensors, algorithms, and tiny RFID tags, the smart fridge of tomorrow could analyze its own contents and its owner’s consumption habits, then “talk” to the local grocery store or an online shopping service and reorder food as needed. For now, caregivers can see inside camera-equipped refrigerators by LG or Samsung and find out what they need to purchase before their next visit.

The artificial intelligence in smart voice assistants such as Amazon's Alexa can provide helpful information, companionship, and an easy link to the outside world.

Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz

The House for Booklovers and Cats by BFDO Architects

Take it from the experts—we asked 10 tiny home owners what they wished they'd known before downsizing.

The thrill of a home renovation can quickly be diminished by unforeseen circumstances, stretched budgets, and other unexpected issues. The good news is that most of the time these problems can be mitigated, if not avoided entirely, by keeping an eye out for warning signals. Read on as we go through essential home renovation tips to consider before kicking off your own revamp.

5. "What are the top 10 most important things I must have in a home?" "If there are two people buying the home, write your answers down separately, starting with your absolute must-haves," Hoffman explains. “Putting together a list separately can give both parties and the realtor a clear picture of what the perfect home will have for both of you."

Deciding to buy a home comes with its own unique set of pressures. Oftentimes, it’s seen as a seal of adulthood, an acceptance of permanence, and perhaps most importantly, it also means that you’re about to spend a large sum of money; it makes sense that no one wants to go about it in a casual way.

Since the main living space has to function as both a bedroom and a family room, Krastev and Nikolova make do without a couch. When the family watches TV or reads, they cozy up on the bed or sit on the built-in bench, which also serves as a dining and play area. “When in a limited space, you have to really think: What do we do in this room, what do we need?” says Krastev. “Do we really need a coffee table?” In their case, the answer was no.

Creatively separating your functional needs is a key component of Good Small Design—it’s all about overlap, nesting, and double duty.

In the depths of an ancient quarry in the south of France, a solitary chef nourishes travelers’ appetites for authenticity.

“What often happens in our relationship is I come to Funn with an idea and he makes it into something livable.” —Vincent Kartheiser

A series of long stairs leads to Maison Amtrak, which is set below street level. The entranceway demonstrates Cohen’s love of Japanese design with a geometric simplicity matched only by the formal elegance of the stained Douglas fir two-by-fours.