Metropolitan Home sorted through hundreds of entries from some of the savviest homeowners in the nation, and selecting the Met Home of the Year wasn't easy. The submissions represented all kinds of spaces from once-cramped apartments to wide-open floor plans, each offering solutions to a range of spatial, aesthetic and budgetary challenges. But on the hunt for the best, we narrowed it down to spaces that truly inspire with six honorable mentions, five finalists-and finally, the coveted Met Home of the Year. Take a look at the highlights from all of the winning homes; from the most enviable glass house to the most PETA-friendly design solution, these modern marvels have all the décor details that make a winner.
Swankiest Small Space Finalist, Anu Suebsawangkul
This Clayton, Missouri apartment shows that high-style can thrive in small spaces and on thrifty budgets. Anu Suebsawangkul is a restaurant worker and self-proclaimed "Do-it-Yourself-er" whose extreme resourcefulness and passion for decorating bring spunk to her 408-square-foot space. "People in my circle of friends find interior decorating a luxury, but for me it's about personal statement and a really fun hobby." Suebsawangkul's smart design decisions and careful accessorizing create a chic and cozy home that proves her own motto: "Anyone can live in a beautiful environment on any budget, big or small space, and whether you own or rent."
Kitchen Honorable Mention, Huma and Afzal Sulaiman
Although updates were required for the Sulaiman's 70s Dallas home, it had great bones and the Moroccan theme appealed to their diverse background. With pressure to finish the kitchen in time for their son Zarek's arrival, the Sulaimans successfully designed a space that, beauty aside, serves the needs of a family with small children by incorporating excellent storage solutions, top-of-the-line appliances, and smart lighting choices.
Dining Room Honorable Mention, Jen Hendrickson
When Jen Hendrickson first gazed on her 1980s home, she looked past its flaws and called her friends. She enlisted them to build the winning dining area, and the rest of her home. "The dinner table over the holidays will not be short of stories of how we transformed this '80s eye sore into a classic, contemporary, country home," says the Pennsylvania homeowner.
Situated between her living room, home office, and kitchen, Hendrickson's dining area was better suited for a hallway-but she glorified a neglected space and created a dining room packed with drama.
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