Talking small spaces with Shannon Claire Smith
Designer and blogger Shannon Claire Smith, who downsized from a three-bedroom house to a one-bedroom apartment, joined The Washington Post staff writer Jura Koncius recently on the newspaper's Home Front online chat. Here is an edited excerpt.
Q. I love how you transformed an empty wall with a focal point made of shelves! Do you have any recommendations for low-cost built-ins in small but tall rooms?
A. That is a question I get asked a lot! I took several things into consideration for my bookshelves, because we rent. First, I wanted something that was mounted to the wall, so it didn't take up floor space in our small living room. So we purchased brackets from IKEA for $1 a piece, and five oak boards that I stained walnut. Overall, the project took a few hours and cost less than $150. It's a great option for tall rooms as well since it's completely customizable. If you're looking for a more “permanent” built-in look, I'd recommend the Billy bookcases from IKEA. They're inexpensive, customizable and can be made to look like real built-ins with molding and trim.
Q. Can you suggest some good design guidelines to keep in mind when buying new lamp shades? I have a 1930s-1940s, tallish, curvy, flowered, probably china table lamp that belonged to my grandmother. I replaced the shade many years ago, and it was a terrible choice — one of those cheap, white pleated funnel types. I can't tell whether I don't like it because of the lamp shade or because I'm ready to let the lamp go. Any suggestions?
A. I love vintage lamps, but the shades are never as beautiful or interesting as the base. Although there isn't a “one shade fits all” rule for lamps, I think drum shades are a great way to update a lamp, giving it modern, clean lines. My only rule for lamp shades is that the width of the shade must be wider than the base. Depending on the color of your lamp, I would suggest starting with a classic white drum shade and see how you like that. If you feel it's a bit bland, try adding a ribbon trim to the edges.
Q. I have two questions. First, how do you keep the more unsavory aspects of having indoor cats (i.e. litter boxes) under wraps? Two, I have a very small space and a very small budget. Right now, I'm shopping for an apartment-size sofa. I've read in the past that sofas are one of the things you should invest in, and I want one that lasts. What should I look for when purchasing?
A. I was worried about moving into a one-bedroom apartment with two cats and a dog, but it has been better than I thought. The litter box is tucked away in a corner of the sunroom behind a bookshelf, so it's not visible to guests but the cats know exactly where it is. But if there are no corners in which to hide it, you can get creative! My parents bought a vintage steamer trunk and cut a hole in the side. They open the lid to put the litter box inside, and then close it again to disguise it. The cats love it, and guests are none the wiser!
As for the sofa, be sure you need an “apartment-size” one. I always advise clients against buying smaller furniture because in most cases you don't actually need one that's smaller, you just need a better furniture arrangement. You should decide whether you want cushions or a tight back, legs or a skirt, and modern lines or rolled arms. Once you've decided what style you're looking for, consider fabrics. If you have pets, maybe a fabric that's durable (like Sunbrella) is a better choice for you. Make sure to sit on the sofa to test it out before buying!
Q. I love that your story is the opposite of most young couples who go from a small city apartment to a big suburban house — like, ahem, me. I always struggle with how easy it is to bring more stuff into the house because there is more space. What downsizing moves did you find most rewarding that you would try to apply should you ever upside again?
A. Yes! I was the exact same way. We had a three-bedroom house (for two people), and we barely even used the upstairs area. I just filled those spaces with junk, hoping that one day I'd get around to decorating. But you are so right — that clutter and furniture piles up very quickly and, before you know it, you can be drowning in stuff. If we were to upsize in the future, I would be more judicious about what I purchased for my home. No more buying something I think might work in the future. (It usually never does.) Only buy things you have an exact spot or need for, and only things that you love. If you stick to that, you'll have a space filled with meaningful and purposeful items.
Q. Many of the items in your home are from Craigslist. How much time per week/day do you spend looking through the site, and how do you find quality pieces among the junk?
A. I don't peruse Craigslist on a daily basis unless I am looking for something specific. Otherwise, I would fall in love with lots of things and want to bring them home to my tiny apartment! Instead, I wait until I'm looking for something specific, and then I search for it using keywords. Also, I only search listings that have a photo, and always click “for sale by owner.” I like to include words that are similar to what I'm searching for, as well. For example, if I'm looking for a brass coffee table, I'll use the terms “brass,” “regency,” etc., in my search. Happy hunting!
Q. What are the challenges of living with three pets in a one-bedroom? I can't imagine it!
A. It really isn't as much of a challenge as I thought it would be! It helps that our dog is tiny. The cats love sitting on the window ledges and love it when helicopters fly by. Our apartment layout has several different “rooms,” so it feels like it's larger than it is. The biggest thing we had to get used to was putting the leash on the dog and taking him downstairs in the elevator every time he has to go out. It's not as easy as opening the door to the backyard, but there are pros and cons to living in the city!
Q. Can you accommodate guests, or is there a handy hotel nearby for them? Seems like having a pullout sofa or an air mattress on hand would be OK for a single guest under age, say, 32, but after that, small-apartment living doesn't seem to lend itself to overnight hosting very well. What are your strategies?
A. This is a great question and something we've dealt with several times since we moved to (Washington,) D.C. We could not find a sleeper sofa that we loved. Our elevator is also very small, so our sofa had to be carried up six flights of stairs, so my husband nixed a sleeper because of the weight. We have two large air mattresses, and we usually give guests our bed. It's not ideal, but we make it work.
Q. Do you have a good source for affordable fabrics?
A. I have two. Minted makes gorgeous, modern fabric that is so fun. I used its spotted black-and-white fabric on my dining room chairs. I also love Lewis and Sheron. My palm print headboard fabric is of superb quality and cost less than $11 a yard!