The first-ever Small/Cool Experience At Home is a virtual home design event brought to life by Apartment Therapy. We challenged 20 designers to create 20 unique Small/Cool spaces featuring the biggest 2020 decor trends. Many of the rooms include smart designer ideas you can incorporate right now, while others are investments you might want to file away for the future. No matter what you’re looking for, we invite you to explore their creative spaces from the comfort of your home.
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The Small/Cool Experience is brought to you by Apartment Therapy in partnership with
ABOUT
DESIGNERS
GET TICKETS
FAQ
Small Spaces. Cool Design. From Your Couch.
PARTNERS
Carmen
René Smith
Carmen René of Aquilo Interiors is an eclectic designer who bends the rules, using culture, art, color, and pattern to tell a story unique to every design. Classically trained in both Architecture and Fine Art, she unites functionality with innovation to create a well-designed space. Her body of work includes the design of high-end residential homes, kitchens + baths, hotels, restaurants, bars, and spas. Carmen René’s designs are the embodiment of fun and function.
20 SPACES. 20 TRENDS.
Abbe Fenimore
Angela Belt
Caitlin Murray
Carmen René Smith
Dana Ferraro
Danielle Blundell
Emily Henderson
Gabriela Gargano
Gunnar Larson
Hilton Carter
Jamie + Fillip Hord
Jennifer Carter
Jessica Brigham
Kelley Carter
Mallory Fletchall
Max Humphrey
Michelle Lisac
Mikel Welch
Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent
WITH LIVING SPACES
WITH AMAZON HANDMADE
Orlando Soria
Shavonda Gardner
Apartment Therapy's first-ever Small/Cool Experience is coming to your home. In response to the continued concerns around COVID-19, our team decided to cancel our June event at Industry City. The world looks a lot different than it did when we started this project, but home is more important than ever. With that in mind, we decided to present our experience virtually—the same inspiration, design, and excitement all accessible interactively from the comfort of your home.
Starting May 15, you can explore the Small/Cool spaces created by our designers at apartmenttherapy.com. Plus, join us live over @apartmenttherapy on Instagram May 15, 16, and 17 for a full slate of Small/Cool events. You can meet some of our designers, get ideas, learn DIYs, and participate in giveaways and games, all weekend long. We’ll see you there—sign up for email reminders here.
Preview for Industry City employees and tenants on April 3
Orlando Soria got his start in the design world working as a set designer for films and music videos. His break into TV came 10 years ago when he was cast as Emily Henderson's assistant on her HGTV show, Secrets From A Stylist. He published his first book, Get it Together! in 2018 and hosts the HGTV show Build Me Up, currently in production and airing in mid-2020. Orlando lives in Los Angeles where he continues to work with private clients and write his blog.
Orlando Soria
Mikel Welch is a self-made interior designer that worked his way from the suburbs of Detroit to a successful life as an interior designer in New York City. While he specializes in luxury interior design, he is also an expert at creating that luxurious look for less. Aside from his successful career as an interior designer, Mikel is making a name for himself on television, appearing in multiple programs including TLC’s Trading Spaces.
Mikel Welch
Gunnar Larson is a New York City-based interior designer that works in residential and boutique commercial spaces. Gunnar’s style is rooted in discovery and storytelling. His goal is to find the perspective that becomes a client’s paradigm shift of how they view their home and space. Gunnar’s aesthetic falls in line with the Scandinese movement while bringing in layers of texture and color.
Gunnar Larson
Michelle Lisac, a seasoned interior designer recognized for her approach to modern California living, founded Michelle Lisac Interior Design in 2014. From new builds to renovations in high-end homes and boutique commercial spaces, MLID’s intuitive methodology ensures that interiors are as beautiful as they are functional, all while blending modern and classic design aesthetics.
Michelle Lisac
Forever an enthusiast for artful living, Black Lacquer Design founder Caitlin Murray’s eclectic personal style is a manifestation of modern sensibilities and an homage to distinctive design from decades past. Her candid sense of color has earned her a reputation for daring interiors that are equal parts whimsical irreverence and polished chic. She lives in Los Angeles in a 1920s era Spanish-style abode with her husband, eccentric vintage artwork and their cocker spaniel, Color.
Caitlin Murray
After playing bass guitar in a punk rock band signed to a major record label, New Hampshire native Max Humphrey determined a career change was in order. In 2016, he moved to Portland to launch his own firm, where he has designed everything from estates on the historic registry to log cabins to a food truck. Max has a line of American-made wool rugs and will be launching a wallpaper collection in 2020.
Max Humphrey
Horderly Home Organizing, started by Jamie and Fillip Hord in 2015, has been viewed as a group of magicians creating functional systems where space or clutter is an issue. Jamie grew up type A, organized to the T, and Fillip caught the entrepreneurial bug in grade school. This dynamic duo (and their team!) have taken on every organizing challenge presented—from the most cluttered city in America (NYC) to some of the largest homes in Beverly Hills.
Jamie and Fillip Hord
Stylist, designer, writer, and TV personality, Emily Henderson launched her blog 10 years ago, Style by Emily Henderson. She proceeded to win HGTV's DesignStar, hosted her own style show, Secrets From a Stylist, and is author of the New York Times bestselling book, Styled. She lives in LA with her husband, two kids and works with her incredible team of ladies at EHD, making daily content to inform, inspire and entertain their readers.
Emily Henderson
In 2016, Gabriela Gargano established Grisoro Designs, a full-service interior design firm in New York City. Her style blends clean lines with rich textures and eclectic pieces, referencing art, and vintage design. The team's process is anchored in a deep understanding of each client's design goals, functional needs, and lifestyle. By implementing a transparent process, they can provide a seamless experience, resulting in a beautiful and functional space that feels like home.
Gabriela Gargano
Shavonda Gardner is passionate about small space living and believes that just because you live small, it doesn't mean you can't have big, bold style! The award-winning blogger, interior designer, and social media influencer discovered her love of design after serving in the military. She believes great design is achieved when spaces are created with intention and reflect the lives of those
who live in them.
Shavonda Gardner
Mallory Fletchall is a Brooklyn-based interior stylist and founder of Reserve Home, a home decor and lifestyle blog. Originally launched as an outlet for her small textiles business, Mallory has since transformed Reserve Home into a space that celebrates her modern, layered, and warm design aesthetic. Mallory has been featured in a number of endemic print and digital publications.
Mallory Fletchall
Dana Ferraro is the Principal Designer at Molly Patton Design, originally founded by the late Molly Patton. Taken way too soon, Molly left behind a stylish legacy that Dana continues to fulfill by using her visual eye, unique aesthetic, and knack for styling. Focusing on “neo-traditional” designs—a unique mix of old & new, blended with high & low—Dana creates refined, yet comfortable retreats for her clients in the suburbs of Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Dana Ferraro
Dallas-based interior designer Abbe Fenimore founded Studio Ten 25 in 2008 and has been transforming full homes and individual rooms, residences, and commercial spaces ever since. Recognized for her bold color choices and play on patterns, Abbe’s work is a lot like her personality: playful without sacrificing sophistication, elegant yet accessible, and completely and totally luminous.
Abbe Fenimore
Kelley Carter is a multimedia storyteller, interiors stylist, and designer. Since 2003 she’s been influencing culture as a producer and style editor at top publications. Currently, she spends her time creating inspiring and innovative content, images, spaces, and events for large scale clients. She divides her time between South Carolina and South Brooklyn with her cat, Tom Ford—named after the song, not the designer.
Kelley Carter
Jennifer Carter is the Principal Designer at Studio Envie. In 2012, she launched a business in personal organizing and home decorating while also starting the Parsons interior design program. In 2014, she began focusing solely on interior design and collaborated on the launch of Studio Envie, an interior design firm that specializes in major renovations for residential and commercial clientele in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
Jennifer Carter
It all started with one plant... a fiddle-leaf fig named Frank. Hilton Carter is a plant/interior stylist, director, best-selling author (Wild Interiors: Beautiful Plants in Beautiful Spaces, releases in April 2020) and fine artist. He shares his knowledge of plant care and styling with the green-loving community on social media and in Apartment Therapy’s series, Plant Doctor. Hilton lives in Baltimore with his wife, their cats, Frank, and 200 other plants.
Hilton Carter
Jessica Brigham is a lifestyle blogger and interior stylist based in New Haven, Connecticut, who inspires readers with big, bold, and colorful design right from her eclectic abode, affectionately dubbed, The Glamazon. With a steady mix of striking hues, perky patterns and greenery galore, Jessica’s playful approach to design aims to help readers hone in on their personal style to craft the cozy, magazine-ready home of their dreams.
Jessica Brigham
Danielle Blundell brings over a decade of experience in publishing and design to her role as Apartment Therapy’s Home Director. She's a graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism and has appeared as an on-air home decor expert for popular shows like Today and The Doctors. Her strengths lie in trend forecasting, storytelling, and squeezing every square inch of storage space out of her small New York City apartment—and writing about it.
Danielle Blundell
Celebrated interior designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent are known for their elevated, timeless and livable style that has endeared them to high-profile clients and design lovers alike. Together they have created Nate + Jeremiah for Living Spaces, a line that includes living room, bedroom, dining room, and more. Their new collection launches this spring.
Nate Berkus +
Jeremiah Brent
Angela Belt is the principal designer of Angela Belt Art and Style. As an interiors stylist and a freelance market editor, she has a keen eye for what is on trend. While her work has been featured in multiple publications and pop up events, Angela herself has appeared as an interior design expert and panelist at High Point Market and the Brooklyn Design Expo. Residing in Connecticut with her family, Angela works on residential and outdoor projects.
Angela Belt
@_angelabelt | angelabelt.com
ABOUT
DESIGNERS
GET TICKETS
FAQ
PARTNERS
Angela Belt
Angela Belt is the principal designer of Angela Belt Art and Style. As an interiors stylist and a freelance market editor, she has a keen eye for what is on trend. While her work has been featured in multiple publications and pop up events, Angela herself has appeared as an interior design expert and panelist at High Point Market and the Brooklyn Design Expo. Residing in Connecticut with her family, Angela works on residential and outdoor projects.
Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent
with living spaces
Celebrated interior designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent are known for their elevated, timeless and livable style that has endeared them to high-profile clients and design lovers alike. Together they have created Nate + Jeremiah for Living Spaces, a line that includes living room, bedroom, dining room, and more. Their new collection launches this spring.
danielle blundell
Danielle Blundell brings over a decade of experience in publishing and design to her role
as Apartment Therapy’s Home Director. She's a graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism and has appeared as an on-air home decor expert for popular shows like Today and The Doctors. Her strengths lie in trend forecasting, storytelling, and squeezing every square inch of storage space out of her small New York City apartment—and writing about it.
jessica Brigham
Jessica Brigham is a lifestyle blogger and interior stylist based in New Haven, Connecticut, who inspires readers with big, bold, and colorful design right from her eclectic abode, affectionately dubbed, The Glamazon. With a steady mix of striking hues, perky patterns and greenery galore, Jessica’s playful approach to design aims to help readers hone in on their personal style to craft the cozy, magazine-ready home of their dreams.
Hilton Carter
It all started with one plant... a fiddle-leaf fig named Frank. Hilton Carter is a plant/interior stylist, director, best-selling author (Wild Interiors: Beautiful Plants in Beautiful Spaces, releases in April 2020) and fine artist. He shares his knowledge of plant care and styling with the green-loving community on social media and in Apartment Therapy’s series, Plant Doctor. Hilton lives in Baltimore with his wife, their cats, Frank, and 200 other plants.
Jennifer Carter
Jennifer Carter is the Principal Designer at Studio Envie. In 2012, she launched a business in personal organizing and home decorating while also starting the Parsons interior design program. In 2014, she began focusing solely on interior design and collaborated on the launch of Studio Envie, an interior design firm that specializes in major renovations for residential and commercial clientele in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
kelley carter
Kelley Carter is a multimedia storyteller, interiors stylist, and designer. Since 2003 she’s been influencing culture as a producer and style editor at top publications. Currently, she spends her time creating inspiring and innovative content, images, spaces, and events for large scale clients. She divides her time between South Carolina and South Brooklyn with her cat, Tom Ford—named after the song, not the designer.
Abbe Fenimore
Dallas-based interior designer Abbe Fenimore founded Studio Ten 25 in 2008 and has been transforming full homes and individual rooms, residences, and commercial spaces ever since. Recognized for her bold color choices and play on patterns, Abbe’s work is a lot like her personality: playful without sacrificing sophistication, elegant yet accessible, and completely and totally luminous.
Dana Ferraro
Dana Ferraro is the Principal Designer at Molly Patton Design, originally founded by the late Molly Patton. Taken way too soon, Molly left behind a stylish legacy that Dana continues to fulfill by using her visual eye, unique aesthetic, and knack for styling. Focusing on “neo-traditional” designs—a unique mix of old & new, blended with high & low—Dana creates refined, yet comfortable retreats for her clients in the suburbs of Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Mallory Fletchall
Mallory Fletchall is a Brooklyn-based interior stylist and founder of Reserve Home, a home decor and lifestyle blog. Originally launched as an outlet for her small textiles business, Mallory has since transformed Reserve Home into a space that celebrates her modern, layered, and warm design aesthetic. Mallory has been featured in a number of endemic print and digital publications.
Mallory Fletchall is a Brooklyn-based interior stylist and founder of Reserve Home, a home decor and lifestyle blog. Originally launched as an outlet for her small textiles business, Mallory has since transformed Reserve Home into a space that celebrates her modern, layered, and warm design aesthetic. Mallory has been featured in a number of endemic print and digital publications.
Shavonda Gardner
Shavonda Gardner is passionate about small space living and believes that just because you live small, it doesn't mean you can't have big, bold style! The award-winning blogger, interior designer, and social media influencer discovered her love of design after serving in the military. She believes great design is achieved when spaces are created with intention and reflect the lives of those who live in them.
with amazon handmade
Gabriela Gargano
In 2016, Gabriela Gargano established Grisoro Designs, a full-service interior design firm in New York City. Her style blends clean lines with rich textures and eclectic pieces, referencing art, and vintage design. The team's process is anchored in a deep understanding of each client's design goals, functional needs, and lifestyle. By implementing a transparent process, they can provide a seamless experience, resulting in a beautiful and functional space that feels like home.
Emily Henderson
Stylist, designer, writer, and TV personality, Emily Henderson launched her blog 10 years ago, Style by Emily Henderson. She proceeded to win HGTV's DesignStar, hosted her own style show, Secrets From a Stylist, and is author of the New York Times bestselling book, Styled. She lives in LA with her husband, two kids and works with her incredible team of ladies at EHD, making daily content to inform, inspire and entertain their readers.
Jamie + Fillip Hord
Horderly Home Organizing, started by Jamie and
Fillip Hord in 2015, has been viewed as a group of magicians creating functional systems where space or clutter is an issue. Jamie grew up type A, organized to the T, and Fillip caught the entrepreneurial bug in grade school. This dynamic duo (and their team!) have taken on every organizing challenge presented—from the most cluttered city in America (NYC) to some of the largest homes in Beverly Hills.
with makespace
Max Humphrey
After playing bass guitar in a punk rock band signed to a major record label, New Hampshire native Max Humphrey determined a career change was in order. In 2016, he moved to Portland to launch his own firm, where he has designed everything from estates on the historic registry to log cabins to a food truck. Max has a line of American-made wool rugs and will be launching a wallpaper collection in 2020.
Gunnar Larson
Gunnar Larson is a New York City-based interior designer that works in residential and boutique commercial spaces. Gunnar’s style is rooted in discovery and storytelling. His goal is to find the perspective that becomes a client’s paradigm shift of how they view their home and space. Gunnar’s aesthetic falls in line with the Scandinese movement while bringing in layers
of texture and color.
Michelle Lisac
Michelle Lisac, a seasoned interior designer recognized for her approach to modern California living, founded Michelle Lisac Interior Design in 2014. From new builds to renovations in high-end homes and boutique commercial spaces, MLID’s intuitive methodology ensures that interiors are as beautiful as they are functional, all while blending modern and classic design aesthetics.
Caitlin Murray
Forever an enthusiast for artful living, Black Lacquer Design founder Caitlin Murray’s eclectic personal style is a manifestation of modern sensibilities and an homage to distinctive design from decades past. Her candid sense of color has earned her a reputation for daring interiors that are equal parts whimsical irreverence and polished chic. She lives in Los Angeles in a 1920s era Spanish-style abode with her husband, eccentric vintage artwork and their cocker spaniel, Color.
Carmen René Smith
Carmen René of Aquilo Interiors is an eclectic designer who bends the rules, using culture, art, color, and pattern to tell a story unique to every design. Classically trained in both Architecture and Fine Art, she unites functionality with innovation to create a well-designed space. Her body of work includes the design of high-end residential homes, kitchens + baths, hotels, restaurants, bars, and spas. Carmen René’s designs are the embodiment of fun and function.
Orlando Soria
Orlando Soria got his start in the design world working as a set designer for films and music videos. His break into TV came 10 years ago when he was cast as Emily Henderson's assistant on her HGTV show, Secrets From A Stylist. He published his first book, Get it Together! in 2018 and hosts the HGTV show Build Me Up, currently in production and airing in mid-2020. Orlando lives in Los Angeles where he continues to work with private clients and write his blog.
Mikel Welch
Mikel Welch is a self-made interior designer that worked his way from the suburbs of Detroit to a successful life as an interior designer in New York City. While he specializes in luxury interior design, he is also an expert at creating that luxurious look for less. Aside from his successful career as an interior designer, Mikel is making a name for himself on television, appearing in multiple programs including TLC’s Trading Spaces.
WITH AMAZON HANDMADE
GET UPDATES
In response to concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and guidance from local authorities, the Small/Cool Experience has been rescheduled from April 4 - 5 to June 13 - 14, 2020. We look forward to celebrating the best in small space design with you in June.
Please reschedule your booked sessions for the June weekend here, and contact smallcool@apartmenttherapy.com with any questions.
At Apartment Therapy, our top priority is
the health and safety of our community.
LEARN MORE
BENEFITTING
The first-ever Small/Cool Experience is a shoppable home design event brought to life by Apartment Therapy. We challenged 20 designers to create 20 unique Small/Cool spaces featuring the biggest 2020 decor trends.
official paint sponsor
What does “Small/Cool” mean and how did it get started?
The Small/Cool contest was invented in 2005 by Apartment Therapy’s founder and CEO Maxwell Ryan. The goal: to find the smallest, coolest, real-life space in NYC (and eventually, the world!). The popular contest ran for more than 10 years, before sunsetting in 2016.
Since then we’ve heard from our readers loud and clear: Bring Small/Cool back! So we are. In 2020, the contest will make its return! We’re also hosting a major live event: The Small/Cool Experience.
What exactly is the Small/Cool Experience?
The Small/Cool Experience is a shoppable home design event brought to life by Apartment Therapy. The Small/Cool Experience will be held at Industry City, home to the Brooklyn Design District, from June 13 - 14.
(The event will be open on June 12 as a preview day for Industry City staffers, press, influencers, and others.) We challenged 20 designers to create 20 unique Small/Cool spaces featuring the biggest 2020 decor trends.
Where is the Small/Cool Experience?
The Small/Cool Experience will be held at Industry City, home to the Brooklyn Design District. The event will take place in Industry City’s Five Two A event space located in Building 5. Enter into the dedicated lobby of 33 35th Street and take the stairs or elevator up to the second floor.
Industry City is a 6 million-square-foot mixed-use complex comprised of 16 buildings spanning 35 acres on the waterfront in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The property’s ownership—led by Belvedere Capital, Jamestown and Angelo Gordon & Co.—is transforming the complex, while cultivating a diverse tenant mix that fuses today’s burgeoning innovation economy with traditional manufacturing, artisanal craft and home design. With the addition of destination courtyards, experience-driven dining, retail, and unique event venues—Industry City’s sprawling campus is an inspiring home for creatives and visitors alike. Hence, making it the perfect backdrop to host the Small/Cool Experience.
How do I get to Industry City?
Getting to Industry City is easy!
Via NYC Public Transportation: Take the D, N or R train to the 36 Street Station, just 1 stop from Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center. The Small/Cool Experience at Five Two A is a short walk from the subway stop.
Via Taxi and/or Rideshare: Input address 33 35th Street, 2nd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11232, Brooklyn and your driver will bring you to Industry City.
Via Personal Car: Parking is available in a designated lot. There is also street parking, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once you arrive at Industry City, enter into the food hall located in Building 2 and cross through the courtyard to the Small/Cool Experience in Five Two A.
How much does it cost to attend the Small/Cool Experience?
The Small/Cool Experience is FREE to attend.
Should you wish to buy any of the featured items that you see at the event, you can easily do so via our mobile shopping site, made available to you at the experience. At that time, you will be prompted to enter your personal credit card information to complete your order. All purchases will be fulfilled via the online transaction made directly on the individual retailers’ sites. Any and all questions regarding your purchase, transaction, shipping details, returns/refunds should be directed to the retailer/brand that you made the purchase with. Cash is not accepted on-site for items; no inventory is available at the event.
Is the event open to the public?
Yes, general admission is Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14. Each day will have four 2-hour sessions: 10am, 12noon, 2pm, 4pm. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. We suggest registering in advance and arriving early!
(Note: A private preview will be held for members of the press and Industry City tenants and employees on Friday, June 12.)
How do the individual sessions work?
Guests will have the chance to register for their preferred session on either Saturday, June 13 or Sunday, June 14. Sessions will be two hours in length, with start times at 10am, 12noon, 2pm, and 4pm. Upon arrival you will be prompted to scan custom signage (don’t worry, our team will be there to assist!) to enter the experience, which will unlock your shopping adventure.
Will food be served at the event?
Food will not be served at the Small/Cool Experience, however Industry City boasts a 40,000 square-foot Food Hall with delicious options. You won’t go hungry, so after you get inspired by our designers’ spaces, grab a bite.
Who can attend the Small/Cool Experience?
The entire family is welcome to attend. The more, the merrier! (Unfortunately, no pets are allowed.) To avoid a long wait upon arrival, we suggest registering in advance and creating your unique User ID. This will expedite your entry process and get you shopping the trends in no time.
What designers are participating in the Small/Cool Experience?
Each of the 20 small spaces will be dictated by 20 trends forecasted for the year by Apartment Therapy. They’ll be brought to life by a mix of renowned designers and Apartment Therapy editors, including: HGTV hosts Emily Henderson and Orlando Soria, celebrated interior designers Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent with Living Spaces, celebrity interior designer Mikel Welch, Abbe Fenimore, Angela Belt, Caitlin Murray, Carmen René Smith, Dana Ferraro, Danielle Blundell & Horderly for MakeSpace, Gabriela Gargano, Gunnar Larson, Hilton Carter, Jennifer Carter with Garnet Hill, Jessica Brigham, Kelley Carter, Mallory Fletchall with Urban Outfitters, Max Humphrey, Michelle Lisac and Shavonda Gardner with Amazon Handmade.
Will the designers be present at the event?
Select designers will be attending the Small/Cool Experience. Interaction with fans is at each designer’s individual discretion.
What happens with all of the furniture and featured items when the event is over?
Apartment Therapy will donate the majority of the featured items to our nonprofit partner, Habitat for Humanity New York City.
Habitat for Humanity New York City transforms lives and communities by building affordable homes for families in need—and by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing. With the help of thousands of volunteers each year, Habitat NYC builds and preserves homes for families across the five boroughs. Learn more at www.HabitatNYC.org or follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @HabitatNYC.
How much time do I have to shop at the event?
Your Small/Cool Experience ticket will be for a two hour session, which you will select upon registration. You will have from the time you arrive until your session completion time to shop the furnishings, soft goods, decor items, and more in real life. But don't worry if that’s not enough time! All of the items will be online until August 15, 2020 for you to review and shop once you leave.
Can I take photos and/or videos of the designs that I love?
Yes, please do! We want you to be inspired to shop and share all the Small/Cool Experience excitement. If you post on social media, don’t forget to use #SmallCoolNYC so we can see your pics.
Please note that we will be taking photos, too! When you enter the Small/Cool Experience, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Apartment Therapy Media and its affiliates and representatives.
What brands will be available to shop at the event?
Some of the brands available to shop will include 2modern, Annie Selke, Apt2B, Bassett Furniture, Bed Bath & Beyond, Blu Dot, Behr Paint Company, Brooklinen, Brooklyn Candle Studio, Chasing Paper, City Foundry, Coyuchi, EQ3, Frontgate, Garnet Hill, Micòl Ceramics, Minted, Mitzi Lighting, Pottery Barn, Pyar&Co., Rent the Runway, Rifle Paper Co., Serena & Lily, Snowe, Society6, The Inside, Tuft & Needle, Urban Outfitters, West Elm, World Market, and Z Gallerie. There will be many, many more, so be sure to attend so you don’t miss the opportunity to snatch up 2020 home decor must-haves.
Once the event is over, how can I purchase the items on my Wish List?
Purchasing items on your list is easy! You can log in to the Small/Cool Experience shopping site with your unique user ID created at registration. Your Wish List will auto populate and you can make purchases directly via participating retailers’ sites at that time. (Note: Wish Lists will expire on August 15, 2020, so we encourage you to make your purchases sooner rather than later. Enjoy your new items!)
Can my non-NYC based friends buy any of the items featured at the event?
Of course! We want all design enthusiasts to have the opportunity to shop the spaces featured at the Small/Cool Experience. Apartment Therapy friends from coast to coast can view all of the designer vignettes and shop the items directly at site.smallcool.com.
What is the Small/Cool Contest, and how can I enter?
The Small/Cool Contest is one of Apartment Therapy’s signature franchises—and it’s back and better than ever for 2020. The 2020 Small/Cool Contest will open on April 3 in accordance with the event and submissions will be accepted through April 24. Participants will upload a set number of photos and answer a few questions about their space as part of the entry. The contest has four brackets, broken out by size based on square footage of the home. Voting begins May 5 and concludes May 31 with a winner from each bracket receiving a cash prize. The grand prize winner will be chosen by Apartment Therapy’s expert panel.
Is there someone that I can speak to about the Small/Cool Experience and/or the Small/Cool Contest?
For general event and/or contest inquiries, you can contact us via email at smallcool@apartmenttherapy.com.
For press inquiries, please contact apartmenttherapy@dkcnews.com.
FAQ
What exactly is the Small/Cool Experience?
The Small/Cool Experience is a shoppable home design event brought to life by Apartment Therapy. The Small/Cool Experience will be held at Industry City, home to the Brooklyn Design District, from June 13 - 14. (The event will be open on June 12 as a preview day for Industry City staffers, press, influencers, and others.) We challenged 20 designers to create 20 unique Small/Cool spaces featuring the biggest 2020 decor trends.
Where is the Small/Cool Experience?
The Small/Cool Experience will be held at Industry City, home to the Brooklyn Design District. The event will take place in Industry City’s Five Two A event space located in Building 5. Enter into the dedicated lobby of 33 35th Street and take the stairs or elevator up to the second floor.
Industry City is a 6 million-square-foot mixed-use complex comprised of 16 buildings spanning 35 acres on the waterfront in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The property’s ownership—led by Belvedere Capital, Jamestown and Angelo Gordon & Co.—is transforming the complex, while cultivating a diverse tenant mix that fuses today’s burgeoning innovation economy with traditional manufacturing, artisanal craft and home design. With the addition of destination courtyards, experience-driven dining, retail, and unique event venues—Industry City’s sprawling campus is an inspiring home for creatives and visitors alike. Hence, making it the perfect backdrop to host the Small/Cool Experience.
How do I get to Industry City?
Getting to Industry City is easy!
Via NYC Public Transportation: Take the D, N or R train to the 36 Street Station, just 1 stop from Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center. The Small/Cool Experience at Five Two A is a short walk from the subway stop.
Via Taxi and/or Rideshare: Input address 33 35th Street, 2nd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11232 and your driver will bring you to Industry City.
Via Personal Car: Parking is available in a designated lot. There is also street parking, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once you arrive at Industry City, enter into the food hall located in Building 2 and cross through the courtyard to the Small/Cool Experience in Five Two A.
How much does it cost to attend the Small/Cool Experience?
The Small/Cool Experience is FREE to attend.
Should you wish to buy any of the featured items that you see at the event, you can easily do so via our mobile shopping site, made available to you at the experience. At that time, you will be prompted to enter your personal credit card information to complete your order. All purchases will be fulfilled via the online transaction made directly on the individual retailers’ sites. Any and all questions regarding your purchase, transaction, shipping details, returns/refunds should be directed to the retailer/brand that you made the purchase with. Cash is not accepted on-site for items; no inventory is available at the event.
Is the event open to the public?
Yes, general admission is Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14. Each day will have four 2-hour sessions: 10am, 12noon, 2pm, 4pm. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. We suggest registering in advance and arriving early!
(Note: A private preview will be held for members of the press and Industry City tenants and employees on Friday, June 12.)
How do the individual sessions work?
Guests will have the chance to register for their preferred session on either Saturday, June 13 or Sunday, June 14. Sessions will be two hours in length, with start times at 10am, 12noon, 2pm, and 4pm. Upon arrival you will be prompted to scan custom signage (don’t worry, our team will be there to assist!) to enter the experience, which will unlock your shopping adventure.
Will food be served at the event?
Food will not be served at the Small/Cool Experience, however Industry City boasts a 40,000 square-foot Food Hall with delicious options. You won’t go hungry, so after you get inspired by our designers’ spaces, grab a bite.
Who can attend the Small/Cool Experience?
The entire family is welcome to attend. The more, the merrier! (Unfortunately, no pets are allowed.) To avoid a long wait upon arrival, we suggest registering in advance and creating your unique User ID. This will expedite your entry process and get you shopping the trends in no time.
What designers are participating in the Small/Cool Experience?
Each of the 20 small spaces will be dictated by 20 trends forecasted for the year by Apartment Therapy. They’ll be brought to life by a mix of renowned designers and Apartment Therapy editors, including: HGTV hosts Emily Henderson and Orlando Soria, celebrated interior designers Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent with Living Spaces, celebrity interior designer Mikel Welch, Abbe Fenimore, Angela Belt, Caitlin Murray, Carmen René Smith, Dana Ferraro, Danielle Blundell & Horderly for MakeSpace, Gabriela Gargano, Gunnar Larson, Hilton Carter, Jennifer Carter with Garnet Hill, Jessica Brigham, Kelley Carter, Mallory Fletchall with Urban Outfitters, Max Humphrey, Michelle Lisac and Shavonda Gardner with Amazon Handmade.
Will the designers be present at the event?
Select designers will be attending the Small/Cool Experience. Interaction with fans is at each designer’s individual discretion.
Apartment Therapy will donate the majority of the featured items to our nonprofit partner, Habitat for Humanity New York City.
Habitat for Humanity New York City transforms lives and communities by building affordable homes for families in need—and by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing. With the help of thousands of volunteers each year, Habitat NYC builds and preserves homes for families across the five boroughs. Learn more at www.HabitatNYC.org or follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @HabitatNYC.
What happens with all of the furniture and featured items when the event is over?
Your Small/Cool Experience ticket will be for a two hour session, which you will select upon registration. You will have from the time you arrive until your session completion time to shop the furnishings, soft goods, decor items, and more in real life. But don't worry if that’s not enough time! All of the items will be online until August 15, 2020 for you to review and shop once you leave.
How much time do I have to shop at the event?
Yes, please do! We want you to be inspired to shop and share all the Small/Cool Experience excitement. If you post on social media, don’t forget to use #smallcoolnyc so we can see your pics.
Please note that we will be taking photos, too! When you enter the Small/Cool Experience, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Apartment Therapy Media and its affiliates and representatives.
Can I take photos and/or videos of the designs that I love?
Some of the brands available to shop will include 2modern, Annie Selke, Apt2B, Bassett Furniture, Bed Bath & Beyond, Blu Dot, Behr Paint Company, Brooklinen, Brooklyn Candle Studio, Chasing Paper, City Foundry, Coyuchi, EQ3, Frontgate, Garnet Hill, Micòl Ceramics, Minted, Mitzi Lighting, Pottery Barn, Pyar&Co., Rent the Runway, Rifle Paper Co., Serena & Lily, Snowe, Society6, The Inside, Tuft & Needle, Urban Outfitters, West Elm, World Market, and Z Gallerie. There will be many, many more, so be sure to attend so you don’t miss the opportunity to snatch up 2020 home decor must-haves.
What brands will be available to shop at the event?
Of course! We want all design enthusiasts to have the opportunity to shop the spaces featured at the Small/Cool Experience. Apartment Therapy friends from coast to coast can view all of the designer vignettes and shop the items directly at site.smallcool.com.
Can my non-NYC based friends buy any of the items featured at the event?
The Small/Cool Contest is one of Apartment Therapy’s signature franchises—and it’s back and better than ever for 2020. The 2020 Small/Cool Contest will open on April 3 in accordance with the event and submissions will be accepted through April 24. Participants will upload a set number of photos and answer a few questions about their space as part of the entry. The contest has four brackets, broken out by size based on square footage of the home. Voting begins May 5 and concludes May 31 with a winner from each bracket receiving a cash prize. The grand prize winner will be chosen by Apartment Therapy’s expert panel.
What is the Small/Cool Contest, and how can I enter?
For general event and/or contest inquiries, you can contact us via email at smallcool@apartmenttherapy.com.
For press inquiries, please contact apartmenttherapy@dkcnews.com.
Is there someone that I can speak to about the Small/Cool Experience and/or the Small/Cool Contest?